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CENTENNIAL  HISTORY 


OF' 


BELTWOINT  County,  Ohio, 


AND 

RERRESEINX/AXIVE  CIXI^ENS. 


EDITED  f\INO  GO/WEILED  B'V' 

HON.  M.  X.  mcICEL\/EY 


“History  Is  Ehilosophy  Teaching  toy  Examples.” 

ISOl  - lOOl. 


- PUBLISHED  BY 

BIOGRAPHICAL  PUBLISHING  COMPANY. 

George  Richmond,  President,  C,  R,  Arnold,  Treasurer, 


CHICAGO,  ILLINOIS. 
1903. 


/ 


fHE  aim  of  the  publishers  of  this  volume  has  been  to  secure  for  the  historic  portion  thereof 
full  and  accurate  information  respecting  all  subjects  therein  treated,  and  to  present  the 
— data  thus  gathered  in  a clear  and  impartial  manner.  If,  as  is  their  hope,  they  have  suc- 
ceeded in  this  endeavor,  the  credit  is  mainly  due  to  the  diligent  and  exhaustive  researches  of  Hon. 
A.  T.  McKelvey,  of  St.  Clairsville,  Ohio,  whose  high  character  and  recognized  ability,  together 
with  his  public  services  to  his  State  and  County,  have  brought  him  prominently  before  the  people 
of  this  section.  Mr.  McKelvey  has  devoted  himself  to  this  important  task  as  a labor  of  love,  and 
his  patient  and  conscientious  efforts  are  conspicuously  manifest  in  every  page  of  the  historical 
narration.  Although  the  purpose  of  the  author  was  to  limit  the  narrative  to  the  close  of  1901, 
he  has  deemed  it  proper  to  touch  on  some  matters  over-lapping  into  the  succeeding  year.  The 
wide  range  and  circumstantial  thoroughness  of  this  history  are  readily  discernible  by  a perusal 
of  its  table  of  contents. 

In  its  preparation,  the  editor  desires  to  express  his  acknowledgments  to  the  many  friends 
in  every  township  in  the  county  for  valuable  assistance  rendered,  but  in  an  especial  sense  to  Drs. 
A.  H.  and  Elizabeth  Hewetson  for  the  history  of  the  Belmont  County  Medical  Society,  to  Edwin 
and  Sarah  D.  Sears  for  their  aid  in  preparing  the  account  of  the  Friends’  Settlement,  and  to  Ellis 
B.  Steele  for  his  instructive  sketch  of  the  operation  of  the  “Underground  Railroad.” 

The  reviews  of  resolute  and  strenuous  lives,  which  make  up  the  biographical  department  of 
the  volume,  and  whose  authorship  is  independent  of  the  history,  are  admirably  adapted  to  foster 
local  ties,  to  inculcate  civic  virtue,  and  to  emphasize  the  rewards  of  industry,  dominated  by  intelli- 
gent purpose.  They  constitrite  a most  appropriate  medium  of  perpetuating  personal  annals,  and 
will  be  of  incalculable  value  to  the  descendants  of  those  therein  commemorated.  These  sketches, 
replete  with  stirring  incidents  and  intense  experiences,  have  been  carefully  revised  by  friends  or 
relatives;  they  will  naturally  prove  to  many  of  the  readers  of  this  book  a most  attractive  feature, 
and  will  increase  in  value  as  the  years  pass  by. 

In  the  aggregate  of  personal  memoirs,  thus  collated,  will  be  found  a vivid  epitome  of  the  growth 
of  Belmont  County,  which  will  fitly  supplement  the  historic  statement;  for  the  development  of 
the  county  is  identified  with  that  of  the  men  and  women  to  whom  it  is  attributable.  The  publishers 
have  endeavored  in  the  preparation  of  the  work  to  pass  over  no  feature  of  it  slightingly,  but  to 
give  heed  to  the  minutest  details,  and  thus  to  invest  it  with  a substantial  accuracy  which  no  other 
treatment  would  afford.  They  have  given  especial  prominence  to  the  portraits  of  representative 
citizens,  which  appear  throughout  this  volume,  and  believe  they  will  prove  a most  interesting 
feature  of  the  work.  To  all  who  have  kindly  aided  in  the  successful  production  of  the  book,  by 
voluntarily  contributing  most  useful  information  and  data,  are  tendered  most  grateful  acknowl- 
edgments. The  Publishers. 

Chicago,  111.,  January,  1903. 


NOTE 

All  the  biographical  sketches  published  in  this  volume  were  sub- 
mitted to  their  respective  subjects,  or  to  the  subscribers,  from  whom 
the  facts  were  primarily  obtained,  for  their  approval  or  correction  before 
going  to  press;  and  a reasonable  time  was  allowed  in  each  case  for  the 
return  of  the  type-written  copies.  Most  of  them  were  returned  to  us  within 
the  time  allotted,  or  before  the  work  was  printed,  after  being  corrected 
or  revised;  and  these  may  therefore  be  regarded  as  reasonably  accurate. 

A few,  however,  were  not  returned  to  us;  and  as  we  have  no  means 
of  knowing  whether  they  contain  errors  or  not,  we  cannot  vouch  for  their 
accuracy.  In  justice  to  our  readers,  and  to  render  this  work  more  val- 
uable for  reference  purposes,  we  have  indicated  these  uncorrected  sketches 
by  a small  asterisk  (*),  placed  immediately  after  the  name  of  the  subject. 
They  will  all  be  found  on  the  last  pages  of  the  book. 

1 ^ Biographical  Publishing  Co. 


Cable  of  Contents. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Dawn  of  Civilization  in  the  County 

The  Northwest  Territory — Gen.  George  Rogers  Clark — A Revolutionarj^  Hero — Indian  Occupation  of  the  County 
— The  Tragedies  at  Yellow  Creek  and  Captina — The  Disastrous  Dunmore  War — The  Foremost  .American 
Heroine — Siege  of  Fort  Henrj^ — “Whistling  to  Start  the  Tunes” — lulling  of  Wilham  Cochran — The  Tragedy 
near  Kirkwood’s  Block-House. 

CHAPTER  II. 

Indi.an  Tk.\gedies,  and  Life  of  the  Early  Pioneers 

The  Indian  Summer — .Anecdotes  of  Lewis  Wetzel — “ Himting  the  Cows  ” — “ The  Gobbler  Indian  ” — The 
Early  Settlers — Gathering  the  Pioneer’s  Crops — Tlie  Pioneer’s  Dress — Diseases  and  Remedies  of  the  Pio- 
neers— Business  Methods — Law  and  Morality — .Amusements  and  Games — The  Alechanic  .Arts — Superstitions 
of  the  Pioneer  .Age — Changes  in  the  AVeather — The  Horrors  of  Sla^'ery. 

CHAPTER  III. 

Civil  Go-veenment 

Organization  of  the  County — Proclamation  of  Governor  St.  Clair — The  First  County  Seat — The  First  Court — 
The  First  Election  Precinct.s — The  Fir.st  Constables  and  Election  Superusors — .A  LTnique  AA’a^'of  Raising  Alon- 
ey — The  First  Meeting  of  the  Supreme  Court  in  Behnont  County — .A  Bit  of  Unwritten  History — .A  Tribute 
to  GoA'ernor  St.  Clair — County  Seat  RemoA'ed  to  St.  ClairsviUe — The  First  Alurder  Trial — Bounties — The 
First  Court.  House  and  Gaol — The  Evolution  of  the  Townships. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

Grow'th  of  Belmont  County 

Population  of  Belmont  County  for  a Centurj^ — The  “Old  Court  House” — TheSecond  Jail — The  Third  Jail — 
New  County  Projects — The  County  Seat  War — The  New  Court  House  and  Jail — List  of  County  OfRcials  for  a 
Centurj’ — Representatives  in  Congress — State  Senators — Representatives  to  General  .Assembly — Sheriffs — 
Treasurers — Clerks  of  the  Courts — County  Commissioners — .Auditors — Prosecuting  .Attorneys — Probate 
Judges — Recorders — Coroners — Infinnary  Directors — A^ote  for  Governor. 

CHAPTER  Ak 

The  Ro.\ds  of  Belmont  County 

Early  Thoroughfares — The  National  Road — Conestoga  AA^agons — The  Old  Taverns — The  Old  Stage  Coach — 
Passing  of  the  National  Road — Telegraph  and  Telephone  Lines — Other  Pikes. 

CHAPTER  AH. 

The  Resources  of  Belmont  County 

Agricultural  Resources — Grain,  Live  Stock  and  Farm  Products — Fruit  Culture — .A  Unique  Character — .A 
Remarkable  Apple  Tree — Fruit  Yield — Price  of  Farm  Products  in  1902 — A'alue  of  Farms  and  Live  Stock — 
Alining  Resources  — The  Depth  of  the  Several  Coal  A^eins — The  Pioneer  Coal  Shipper — The  Alines  in  Operation 
in  1902 — -The  Undeveloped  Coal  Lands — Alanufacturing  Industries. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

Some  AIemor.vble  Storms  and  Floods 

The  Cyclone  of  1887 — .A  Remarkable  Hail  Stomi — The  Hardesty  Flood — The  Floods  of  1866,  1881  and  1888 — 
Floods  along  the  Ohio — The  Great  Flood  of  1884. 

CHAPTER  YIII. 

Pen  Sketches  of  Some  Prominent  Belmont  County  AIen  .\nd  AA'omen 

The  First  Abolitionist,  Benjamin  Lundy — Isabella  Thobum — Senator  AATlliam  AA'indom — AA'illiam  Dean 
Howells — Gen.  Benjamin  Rush  Cowen — Gen.  Thomas  Thompson  Eckert — Gen.  David  .A.  Hollingsworth — 
Rev.  Dr.  James  Alo'ffat — Bishop  James  AI.  Thoburn 


6 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

The  IR’.nch  and  Rah  of  Belmont  County . 100 

Charles  Haininoiid — Go^■.  'Wil.son  Shannon — Senator  Benjamin  Ruggles — Judge  William  Kennon,  Sr. — Hon. 
Benjamin  S.  Cowen — Judge  D.  J).  T.  CoMcn — Hon.  Lorenzo  Danl'ord — Other  Lawj'ers  of  Distinction — The 
•histiees  and  .ludges  of  the  Courts  of  Belmonf  'County — The  Attornej'S  Admitted  to  Practice. 

CHAPTER  X. 

The  Soldiehy  of  Belmont  County 110 

'I'he  ll'ar  of  1S12 — The'  Mexican  AVar — A Remarkalde  Alilitary  Career — The  Civil  AVar — A Laughable  Incident 
— 'I'hc  l.Ath  (diio  at  Chiekon’.auga — The  Soldiers  of  Behnont  County  in  the  Civil  AA^ar — The  Duty  of  Belmont 


County  to  Her  Soldiers,  Li\ing  and  Dead. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

OuH  PuiiLic  Schools 138 

CHAPTER  XII. 

So.MK  Recoli.ections  op  the  Underground  R.vilroad • 141 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

History  of  the  Belmont  County  Medical  Society 143 


Organization  oft  ho  Soci(!tj' — The  Original  Members — Some  Eminent  Physicians  of  Pioneer  Days — Nature  of 
tlu' Organization  Changed — Present  Membership — Some  of  the  Physicians  of  Later  Days. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

Colerain  Tomnship 154 

'i'hc  Eirst  Settlements — Organization  of  the  Tmvnship — Toirasliip  Officers — Schools — The  Toivns;  Farmington, 
Colerain,  I’lea.sant  Gro^’e,  Maynard  and  Barton — The  Settlement  of  Friends — The  Mining  Industry — 
Pikes — Churches. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

PULTNEY  'POM-NSHIP 159 

Population  and  Townsluji  Officials — Organization  of  the  Township  and  the  First  Settlers — The  Mining  Industry 
■ — Rock  Hill  Presbyterian  Church — High  Ridge  United  Presbyterian  Church— The  Towns;  Steel,  AA^est  AVheel- 
iiig  and  Shady.-ide — 'I'he  City  of  Bellaire — Increase  in  Population — City  Officials — The  First  Settlers — A 
'rribulc  to  Coionel  Sullivan — Change  from  Bell  Air  to  Bellaire — The  City’s  Growth — The  Post  Office — The 
'Pown  Incorporated — 'Phe  First  Mayor  and  His  Successors — ^The  AVaterworks  and  Electric  Power — The  Banks 
and  Loan  Companies — 'Phe  Alanufacturing  Interests — 'Phe  Railroads  Entering  the  City — The  Schools — The 
Churches — Secret  and  P'raternal  Organizations — Spangler  Post,  G.  A.  R. — The  Newspapers  of  Bellaire — 'Phe 
Bellaire  Cemeterjr  Association. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

Pease  'Pownship 187 

'Pownship  Organization — Increase  in  Population  and  AA^ealth — The  First  Settlements — The  Old  Mills  and. 
Mc'cting  Houses — Coal  Mining — Fruit — 'Pownship  Officers — 'Phe  City  of  Martin’s  Ferry — Its  Population — A 
Sketch  of  Ebenezer  Alartin — 'Phe  Post  Office — Incorporation,  and  List  of  Mayors  and  Officials — The  Churches — • 

'I'hc  Schools — 'Phe  Banks — 'Phe  Manufactories — Secret  Societies — Thoburn  Post,  G.  A.  R. — The  Press — The 
Bridge  Over  the  Ohio — A Notable  Character — 'Phe  City  of  Bridgeport — 'Phe  First  IBridge — The  Incorporation — 

'Phe  Mayors  and  City  Officials — 'Phe  Postmasters — 'Phe  AetnaA'ille  Bridge — 'Phe  Manufacturing  Interests — 

'Phe  Banks — Dr.  Affleck  and  Dr.  'Podd — The  Churches — 'Phe  Schools — Secret  Societies — Branum  Post,  G.  A. 

R. 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

AAhvRREN  'POM'NSHir 216 

'Phe  P’irst  Settlers — The  First  Mills — The  First  Child — AVild  Game — The  Society  of  Friends — The  First  Churches 
and  Schools — Organization  of  the  'Pownship — Tobacco  and  Berry  Culture — The  Population  and  Township 
Officers — 'Phe  City  of  Barnesville — A Sketch  of  the  Founder — Municipal  Officers — 'Phe  Post  Office — The  Manu- 
factories— 'Phe  Bank.s — Dr.  Carolus  Judkins — Hon.  John  Davenport — 'Phe  Churches — The  Schools — Secret 
Societies — itobert  Hilles  Post,  G.  A.  R. — The  Press — 'Phe  Cemeteries — The  Behnont  County  Children’s  Home — 

'Phe  Board  of  Charities. 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Richl.\nd  'Pownship 238 

Some  of  the  First  Settlers — Undiscovered  Ore  Alines — 'Phe  Population — 'Phe  First  Election — Township  Offic- 
ials— 'Phe  'Powns;  Glencoe,  LoyclsGUe  and  StewartsviUe — St.  Clairsville,  the  County  Seat — The  Incorporation 
and  First  Officials — 'Plu'  First  'Pa^•ems  and  Market  House — The  P'irst  Business  Houses — 'Phe  I’irst  Court  House 
and  the  “Old  Court  House” — 'Phe  Population,  and  Alunicipal  Officers — 'Phe  Great  Fire — Some  Old  Citizens — 

'I'hc  Oldest  Building — St.  Ciairsville’s  Railroad  Facilities — The  Postmasters — 'Phe  Banks — 'Phe  St.  Clairsville 
Schools,  Pa.st  and  Present — 'Phe  Churches — 'Phe  St.  Clairsville  Cemetery  Association — Belmont  County  Agri- 
cultural Societ}- — Secret  Societies — Drummond  Post.  G.  A.  R. — The  County  Infirmary. 


I 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

Union  Township 

The  Soil — The  First  Settlers — The  First  Company  from  the  County  in  the  War  of  1812 — The  Population  and 
Tomiship  Officials — Morristown — The  Militia  Muster — The  Town  Officials — The  Postmasters — The  Churches 
— The  Schools — Secret  Societies. 

CHAPTER  XX. 

Kirkwood  Township 

The  First  Settler.s — The  StiUwater  Valley — Distinguished  Citizens — The  Only  Execution  in  a Century — The 
Population  and  Township  Officials — Kirkwood  Coal  Lands — Hendrysburg — The  First  Mills — The  Schools — 
The  Methodist  Episcopal  Church — Secret  Societies — Sewellsville — The  Kirkwood  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
— School  No.  11. 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

Flushing  Township 

Township  Organization — Township  Officials  and  the  Population — The  Eearly  Settlers — Reminiscences — The 
Churches — The  Village  of  Flushing — Village  Officers — The  Schools — The  Banks — The  Churches — Secret  So- 
cieties— The  Flushing  Hospital — The  Press. 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

Wheeling  Township 

Township  Organization — Population  and  Tax  Levy — Numerous  Mills  of  the  Pioneer  Days — Some  of  the  Early. 
Settlers — The  First  Elections — Township  Officials — Fairpoint — Coal  and  Oil  Development — Uniontown — 
The  First  Tavern  and  Foundry — The  Process  of  Threshing  Fifty  Years  Ago — The  Schools — The  Churches. 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

Smith  Township 

The  Highest  Point  in  the  County — The  Early  Settler.s — Township  Officials  and  Population — Jacobsliurg — ■ 
Reminiscences  of  Pioneer  Days — The  Schools— The  Methodist  Episcopal  Church — Centreidlle — The  Schools  and 
Churches — Free  Masons — Some  Distinguished  Sons — Warnock’s  Station — The  First  Settlements  and  Mills — 
Knights  of  Pythias — The  Churches  and  Schools  — An  Old  Time  Temperance  Resolution — Lamira  or  Lewis’ 
MiUs. 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

Goshen.  Township 

Capture  of  Lewis  Wetzel  and  His  Brother — The  First  Settlements — Spinning  in  the  Olden  Time — Early  Set- 
tlers— Township  Officials  and  Population — Goshen  Township  in  the'  Ciidl  War — Behnont  Village — The  School 
— The  Industries — Natural  Gas  Developments — Odd  Fellows — The  Banks — The  Churches — Bethesda — 
The  Epworth  Assembly — The  Chautauqua  Assembly^ — The  Groudh  of  the  Village — The  First  National  Bank — 
The  School — The  Bethesda  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

Mead  Township 

Col.  David  Lockwood — The  First  Settler.s — The  Mining  Industry — The  Milling  Industry — The  Population  and 
Tovmship  Officials — Bethel — Mount  Summit  Park — The  Bethel  Presbyterian  Church — Businessburg — Old 
Citizens — The  Great  Flood  of  1884 — The  Schools  and  Churches — Canning  Factory — Reminiscences — A 
Bloody  Tragedy — An  Incident  of  Pioneer  Days — An  Anecdote  of  Lewis  Wetzel. 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 

Washington  Township 

The  First  Settlements — Depri\-ations  of  the  Pioneers — The  First  Settlers — The  Population — The  Industries — 
The  Mineral  Resources — The  First  Mills — Township  Officials — Armstrong’s  MiUs — The  Churches  and  School — 
Eminent  Citizens,  Hon.  Isaac  Welsh  and  Leroy  Welsh. 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 

York  Township 

The  First  Election — The  Battle  of  Captina — The  First  Squatters — An  Indian  Village — Another  Indian  IMas- 
sacre — The  Early  Mills  and  Distilleries — Township  Officials  and  Population — Powhatan — Town  Officials — 
The  Flour  Mills — The  Schools — The  Churches — Free  Masons — The  Ferries. 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

Somerset  Township 

The  First  Families — The  Industries — The  First  Mills — Township  Officials  and  Population — Somerton — Some 
Old  Citizens — The  Schools — The  Belmont  Bank — Tlie  Churches — Secret  Societies — Taylor  Post,  G.  A.  R. — 
Boston  and  Temperanceville — The  Churches — The  Oil  Field — The  Warrick  Murder. 

CHAPTER  XXIX. 

Wayne  Township 

The  First  Settlers — Some  Old  Citizens — The  Soil — Coal  Lands — New  Castle  and  Hunter — The  G.  A.  R.  Hall — 
The  New  Castle  Methodist  Episcopal  Church — The  Hunter  Disciples’  Church — Noted  Hunters. 

Biographical ; . 


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272 

279 

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307 

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HON.  A.  T.  McKELVEY, 


Centennial  l>i$torv 

Of 

Belmont  County. 


CHAPTER  I. 


DAWN  OF  CIVILIZATION  IN  THE  COUNTY. 

The  Northwest  Territory — Getst.  George  Rogers  Clark — A Revolutionary 
Hero — Indian  Occupation  of  the  County — The  Tragedies  at  Yellow  Creek 
and  Captina — The  Disastrous  Dunmore  War — The  Foremost  American  Hero- 
ine— Siege  of  Fort  Henry — “Whistling  to  Start  the  Tunes” — Killing  of 
William  Cochran — The  Tragedy  near  Kirkwood’s  Block-House. 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 

History  inspires  patriotism.  It  gives  a 
classic  character,  a romantic  value  to  the 
scenes  of  sacrifice  and  bloodshed  enacted  by 
the  pioneers  in  opening  up  the  primeval 
forest  to  civilization. 

No  people  of  any  country  or  age  made 
greater  sacrifices  for  the  benefit  of  posterity 
than  the  first  settlers  of  the  great  North- 
west Territory.  Virginia’s  claim  to  the 
Northwest  Territory,  of  which  Ohio  was  a 
part,  was  based  on  charters  granted  by 
James  I of  England,  bearing  date  April  i, 
1606,  May  23,  1609,  and  March  12,  1611, 
but  for  158  years,  while  not  relinquishing 
her  claim,  Virginia  made  little  or  no  effort 
to  exercise  authority  over  it,  until  Gen. 
George  Rogers  Clark,  an  eminent  Virginia 


soldier  during  the  War  of  the  Revolution, 
while  floating  down  the  beautiful  waters  of 
the  Ohio,  remarked  the  fertility  and  wealth 
of  its  western  bank. 

Repairing  immediately  to  the  old  colonial 
capital  of  Virginia,  he  interviewed  Gov. 
Patrick  Henry  and  said  a country  that  is  not 
worth  defending  is  not  worth  claiming,  and 
thereupon  laid  before  the  Governor  a com- 
prehensive plan  for  capturing  the  whole 
Northwest  Territory  from  the  British  and 
their  savage  allies.  Patrick  Henry  approved 
the  scheme  and  the  Virginia  Legislature  ap- 
propriated £12,000  for  its  execution. 

GEN.  GEORGE  ROGERS  CLARK. 

Thus  25  years  before  Belmont  County  was 
organize*d  Gen.  George  Rogers  Clark  of 
Virginia  with  less  than  300  courageous  Vir- 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


I 2 


g'inians  liad  captured  every  British  fort  in 
tlie  Northwest  Territory,  and  hoated  the 
stars  and  stripes  over  their  battlements. 
W’heii  the  Northwest  Territory  \vas  thus 
thrown  open  to  immigration,  hundreds 
poured  across  the  Ohio  to  occupy  the  land. 
Permit  me  to  digress  for  a moment  to  speak 
of  the  sad  fate  of  this  gallant  young  Vir- 
ginia soldier,  who  achieved  so  much  for  the 
people  of  the  Northwest  Territory. 

Judge  l)urnett,  in  narrating  a visit  to  Gen. 
George  Rogers  Clark  before  his  death,  found 
him  poor  and  broken  in  spirit,  his  private 
pro])erty  sold  for  supplies  furnished  to  the 
needy  comrades  that  followed  him  to  vic- 
tory. 

He  was  a ])auper  and  a bankrupt  depend- 
ing upon  his  brother’s  bounty.  Then  it  was 
that  Virginia  sent  him  a sword  in  recogni- 
tion of  his  gallantry.  To  his  friend  Judge 
Iturnett  he  said:  "When  my  country  was  in 

dangei'  1 furnished  her  a sword;  wdien  she  is 
in  ]>eace  and  ])lenty  and  I am  in  need  of  bread, 
she  sends  me  a sword.”  And  this  Revolu- 
tionary hero,  the  cou(|ueror  of  the  North- 
west d'erritory,  died  in  poverty. 

Tn  1888  through  the  efforts  of  Senator 
John  Sherman,  a national  monument  was 
])laced  above  Gen.  George  Rogers  Clark’s 
humble  grave. 

It  was  not  until  the  treaty  of  peace  bet\veen 
the  United  States  and  Great  Britain  that 
Great  Britain  would  admit  the  claim  of  the 
Lhhted  States  to  the  Northwest  Territory 
However,  the  American  commissioners  in- 
sisted upon  their  claim  upon  the  grounds 
of  its  capture  by  General  Clark,  and  that 
claim  after  much  contention  was  admitted 
by  the  conference.  Previous  to  this,  how- 
ever, Virginia  had  organized  the  Northwest 
Territory  into  the  county  of  Illinois,  a county 
lieutenant  was  appointed  by  Gov.  Patrick 
Henry  to  regulate  the  unoccupied  lands  and. 
following  the  precedents  of  the  French  com- 
manders in  the  Northwest  Territory,  the 
court  granted  the  settlers  48.000  acres  of 
land  and  this  continued  until  the  cession  of 
the  territory  to  the  United  States  by  Vir 


ginia  in  March,  1784,  when  land  grants  were 
forbidden  by  Congress. 

Prior  to  the  recovery  of  the  Northwest 
Territory  by  General  Clark,  there  had  been 
a long  and  stubbornly  contested  war  between 
France  and  England  for  the  possession  of 
the  Ohio  lands  within  the  territory,  a conten- 
tion in  which  the  Indian  tribes  were  divided, 
part  being  on  the  side  of  each  contestant. 
England  finally  concjuered,  and  France  by 
the  treaty  of  1763  ceded  all  these  Ohio  lands 
to  England,  who  was  in  turn  obliged  to  cede 
them  to  the  United  States  in  the  treaty  of 
1783,  because  of  their  conciuest  by  General 
Clark  in  the  War  of  the  Revolution. 

After  the  cession  of  the  Northwest  Terri- 
tory by  Virginia  to  the  United  States,  Con- 
gress continued  to  pursue  the  policy  of  dis- 
couraging and  preventing  settlements  within 
its  limits  until  the  Indian  titles  had  been 
extinguished,  and  the  lands  were  regularly 
surveyed  and  ready  for  sale. 

As  early  as  1785  a number  of  settlements 
were  again  attempted  to  be  made  on  the 
west  side  of  the  jDhio,  especially  along  the 
river  front  of  Belmont  County.  The  gov- 
ernment at  once  took  action  in  the  matter 
to  prevent  them,  and  finally  resorted  to  force 
to  expel  the  scpiatters  and  destroy  their  im- 
provements. The  extent  and  location  of 
these  attempts  at  settlement  at  that  early 
period  within  the  present  limits  of  Belmont 
County  are  shorvn  by  the  report  of  Ensign 
Armstrong,  who  was  sent  down  the  river 
with  a detachment  of  soldiers  for  the  pur- 
pose of  enforcing  the  government’s  order. 

In  1785  Congress  passed  an  ordinance  for 
the  , survey  and  sale  of  certain  lands  in  the 
Northwest  Territory,  included  in  which  was 
the  territory  now  known  as  Belmont  County, 
Previous  to  this,  however,  many  scjuatters’ 
claims  rvere  effected,  cabins  built  and  lands 
occupied  from  the  Muskingum  River  east 
to  the  Ohio  and  much  trouble  Avas  antici- 
pated, not  only  with  the  Indians,  who  still 
laid  claims  to  the  territory,  but  because  of 
the  conflicting  claims  of  settlers. 

Doddridge  in  his  notes  says:  “Our  people 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


13 


had  become  so  accustomed  to  the  mode  of 
getting-  land  by  taking  it  up,  that  for  a long 
time  it  was  generally  believed  that  the  land 
on  the  west  side  of  the  Ohio  would 
ultimately  be  disposed  of  in  that  way.’' 
Hence,  almost  the  whole  tract  between 
the  Ohio  and  Muskingum  was  parceled  out 
in  “tomahawk”  improvements,  but  these 
latter  improvers  did  not  content  themselves 
with  a single  400-acre  tract.  Many  of  them 
laid  claim  to  a greater  number  of  tracts  of 
the  very  best  land,  and  thus  in  imagination 
were  as  wealthy  as  a “south  sea  dream.’' 
Many  of  the  land  jobbers  of  this  class  did  not 
content  themselves  with  marking  the  trees 
at  the  usual  height,  but  climbed  up  the  large 
beech  trees,  and  cut  their  initials  in  the  bark 
from  20  to  40  feet  from  the  ground.  In  con- 
sequence of  the  refusal  of  the  settlers  along 
the  west  banks  of  the  Ohio  to  remove  in 
obedience  to  the  orders  issued  by  Congress 
Colonel  Harmar  was  instructed  to  send  a 
detachment  of  troops  down  the  river  to  eject 
them  by  force,  and  destroy  their  improve 
ments.  But  many  of  the  cabins  were  re 
built,  and  many  of  the  claims  re-occupied 
when  the  troops  departed.  This  was  notablv 
true  at  Norristown,  now  Martin’s  Ferry,  in 
1785.  Indeed  at  Norristown  there  had  been 
formed  a little  colony  consisting  of  40  or  5c 
souls  in  opposition  to  Congressional  orders 
and  this  society  had  elected  Charles  Norris 
and  John  Carpenter,  justices  of  the  peace 
It  was  here  in  1788  that  Capt.  Absolem  Mar- 
tin was  granted  by  patent  the  land  upon 
which  Martin’s  Ferry  now  stands,  and  in 
1795  he  laid  out  a town  and  called  it  Jeffer- 
son, but,  disappointed  in  his  efforts  to  secure 
the  county  seat,  he  abandoned  the  town,  be- 
lieving it  could  not  succeed  as  a rival  of 
Wheeling.  Notwithstanding  there  were 
many  squatters’  claims  established  as  early  as 
1780-85  and  little  colonies  had  been  estab- 
lished at  many  points,  perhaps  the  first  legal 
claim  was  2,000  acres  of  land  granted  Cap- 
tain Kirkwood  by  the  government  of  Vir- 
ginia in  appreciation  of  his  gallant  services 
in  the  Revolutionary  War. 


Of  this  hero  Judge  G.  L.  Cranmer  in  a 
recent  contribution  to  the  West  Virginia 
Historical  Alagazine,  says; 

“a  revolutionary  hero.” 

“During  a recent  visit  made  by  the  writer 
to  the  rooms  of  the  Delaware  Historical  So- 
ciety at  Wilmington  in  that  State,  among 
many  other  interesting  curiosities  which 
claimed  his  attention  were  the  shouldei 
straps  and  military  sash  which  were  worn  bv 
Maj.  Robert  Kirkwood  on  that  fatal  field 
where  the  army  of  General  St.  Clair  was  de- 
feated by  the  Indians  in  the  month  of  No- 
vember, 1791. 

“The  sight  of  these  mementoes  suggested 
the  idea  of  collecting  such  data  as  bore  upon 
the  revolutionary  life  of  this  worthy  and 
distinguished  soldier  and  patriot  in  which 
we  have  not  been  altogether  unsuccessful, 
but  have  secured  enough  to  give  a general 
idea  of  the  deeds  and  character  of  the  man 
upon  which  as  upon  a firm  foundation  rests 
his  enduring  fame  and  reputation. 

“Robert  Kirkwood  was  born  in  Mill  Creek 
Hundred  on  a farm  near  to  AVhite  Clay 
Creek  Church  in  the  State  of  Delaware. 

“At  the  outbreak  of  the  Revolution  he  was 
living  with  a married  sister  in  Newark,  Dela- 
ware, and  was  engaged  in  mercantile  pur- 
suits. 

“He  abandoned  his  business  before  the 
formal  declaration  of  war  which  at  the  time 
was  threatened  and  enlisted  as  lieutenant 
in  Col.  John  Haslet's  regiment,  which  was 
mainly  composed  of  members  from  the  coun- 
ties of  Newcastle  and  Kent.  This  was  in 
the  month  of  January,  1771. 

“A  few  days  after  the  reception  of  the 
news  of  the  passage  by  Congress  of  the  Dec- 
laration of  Independence,  orders  were  re- 
ceived for  his  regiment,  then  at  Dover,  Dela- 
ware, to  march  and  report  at  the  headquar- 
ters of  the  army,  which  were  then  located  at 
New  York.  Upon  its  arrival  there,  it  was 
brigaded  with  four  Pennsylvania  regiments 
and  Smallwood’s  Maryland  regiment. 


M 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY., 


“On  the  27th  of  August,  1776,  young 
Kirkwood  received  his  first  baptism  of  fire 
in  the  disastrous  battle  of  Long  Island, 
where  he  showed  conspicuous  gallantry.  The 
loss  of  his  regiment  in  this  battle  amounted 
to  33  killed,  including  two  officers. 

“The  next  general  battle  in  which  he  was 
engaged  was  that  of  White  Plains,  followed 
by  that  of  Trenton,  which  latter  occurred 
on  Christmas  day,  1776,  where  the  British 
loss  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing  amounted 
to  900  men.  Nine  days  after  this  occurred 
the  battle  of  Princeton,  where  the  colonel 
of  his  regiment  was  killed. 

“Under  a resolution  of  Congress,  the 
quota  of  the  State  of  Delaware  was  fixed  at 
one  battalion  consisting  of  800  men.  The 
regiment  known  as  Plaslet’s  regiment  was 
never  re-organized  after  the  battle  of  Prince- 
ton. 

“Of  this  new  regiment,  Capt.  David  Plall, 
who  had  been  an  officer  in  the  disbanded 
regiment  commanded  by  Haslet,  became  the 
colonel,  and  Lieutenant  Kirkwood  became 
a captain,  and  his  company  was  mustered 
into  the  service  on  the  first  day  of  Decem- 
ber, 1776.  The  regiment  joined  Washing- 
ton’s army  in  the  Jerseys  in  the  spring  of 
1777,  and  in  September  of  the  same  year 
they  were  engaged  in  the  battle  of  Brandy- 
wine, and  in  October  following  in  the  battle 
of  Germantown,  also  in  that  of  Monmouth. 

“In  1778  and  1779  they  were  actively  en- 
gaged in  operations  in  the  Middle  States. 

“In  April,  1780,  his  regiment  together 
with  the  Maryland  troops  was  ordered  south, 
and  were  assigned  to  the  command  of  Baron 
De  Kalb.  The  following  description  of  the 
appearance  of  these  troops,  as  they  passed 
through  Philadelphia  on  this  march,  is  taken 
from  the  letter  of  a lady  who  was  a witness 
of  the  same,  and  rvas  written  at  the  time: 

“ ‘What  an  Army,  said  both  Whig  and 
Tory  as  they  saw  them.  The  shorter  men 
of  each  company  in  the  front  rank,  the  taller 
men  behind  them,  some  in  hunting  shirts, 
some  in  uniforms,  some  in  common  clothes, 
some  with  their  hats  cocked,  and  some  with- 


out, and  those  who  did  cock  them  not  all 
wearing  them  the  same  way,  but  each  man 
with  a green  sprig  emblem  of  hope  in  his 
hat,  and  each  bearing  his  firelock  with  what, 
even  to  uninstructed  eyes,  had  the  air  of 
skillful  training.’ 

“The  first  battle  in  the  South  in  which 
Kirkwood’s  regiment  was  engaged  was  that 
of  Camden  into  which  it  went  500  strong, 
and  came  out  with  only  148.  In  this  battle 
his  regiment  was  placed  in  the  front  division 
as  were  the  Marylanders.  They  maintained 
their  position  with  noble  intrepidity  until 
the  retreat  was  ordered,  undismayed  by  the 
conduct  of  the  panic-stricken  condition  of 
the  Virginia  and  North  Carolina  militia. 
Both  the  colonel  and  major  of  .his  regiment 
were  taken  prisoners  and  sent  to  Charleston, 
South  Carolina,  where  they  were  paroled, 
Init  never  exchanged. 

“After  this  battle  the  Delaware  regiment 
was  reduced  to  less  than  two  companies. 
This  shattered  remnant  was  placed  under 
command  of  Captain  Kirkwood  as  senior 
captain,  who  commanded  it  until  the  close 
of  the  war.  De  Kalb  with  his  dying  breath 
showered  benedictions  on  the  brave  men  for 
their  stern  courage  and  unflinching  gallantry 
in  the  fierce  tide  of  battle,  and  even  Corn- 
wallis, Rawdon  and  the  bitter  and  cruel  Tar- 
leton  praised  their  constancy  and  valor. 

“It  was  at  the  battle  of  Cowpens  with  the 
aid  of  cavalry  that  Kirkwood’s  command 
saved  the  day.  He  relied  much  upon  the 
use  of  the  bayonet  and  amid  the  roar  of  the 
l)attle  he  would  shout  in  stentorian  tones, 
‘Give  them  the  bayonet,  boys!’  An  eye  wit- 
ness of  this  last  mentioned  fight  wrote  as  fol- 
lows: ‘Capt.  Robert  Kirkwood’s  heroic 

valor  and  uncommon  and  undaunted  l^ravery 
must  needs  be  recorded  in  history  through 
the  coming  years!’ 

“At  the  second  action  at  Camden,  which 
terminated  unfavorably  to  the  Americans, 
Kirkwood  and  his  command  showed  the 
same  indomitable  spirit  which  characterized 
them  in  all  previous  encounters.  General 
Greene,  who  succeeded  to  the  command 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


15 


after  the  death  of  the  lamented  De  Kalb, 
said;  ‘The  extraordinary  exertions  of  the 
cavalry,  the  gallant  behavior  of  the  light  in- 
fantry commanded  by  Captain  Kirkwood, 
and  the  firmness  of  the  pickets,  rendering 
the  advantage  expensive  to  tlie  enemy,  highly 
merit  the  approbation  of  the  general  and  the 
imitation  of  the  rest  of  the  troops.’  Also 
in  his  report  to  the  President  of  Congress 
after  the  battle  of  Eutaw  Springs,  General 
Greene  speaks  in  highly  laudatory  terms  of 
Captain  Kirkwood  and  his  command.  The 
battle  of  Guilford  Court  House,  Waxhan 
and  Ninety-Six  were  all  scenes  of  his  heroic 
fortitude  and  matchless  bravery. 

“Wherever  danger  called  or  disaster  threat- 
ened, there  Kirkwood  and  his  little  band  of 
faithful  Delawareans  were  stationed.  The  bat- 
tle of  Eutaw  Springs  was  the  last  in  which 
Kirkwood  and  his  command  participated 
and  this  was  virtually  the  end  of  the  war, 
as  Cornwallis  had  surrendered  and  there  was 
but  little,  if  any,  fighting  afterwards.  On 
the  29th  of  October,  1781,  a resolution  of 
thanks  was  passed  by  Congress  in  which  the 
services  of  the  Delaware  battalion  were 
specially  recognized. 

“The  State  of  Virginia  recognized  and  ap- 
preciated his  services  by  making  a grant  to 
him  in  1787  of  2,000  acres  of  land  in  the 
Northwest  Territory,  the  grant  being  in  what 
is  now  the  State  of  Ohio. 

“He  manded  a Miss  England  of  White 
Clay  Creek  Hundred  in  New  Castle  County, 
Delaware,  by  whom  he  had  issue  two  chil- 
dren, a son  and  a daughter.  Joseph,  the  son, 
removed  to  Ohio,  and  Mary,  the  daughter, 
married  a gentleman  of  Dorchester  County, 
Maryland.  She  died  in  1850.  Joseph,  his 
son,  married  Margaret  Gillespie  in  1806,  and 
during  the  same  year  removed  to  Ohio.  They 
had  issue,  one  son  and  eight  daughters. 

“Major  Kirkwood’s  commission  as  ist 
lieutenant  of  Delaware  State  troops  is  dated 
January  13,  1776,  and  is  signed  by  John 
Hancock,  President  of  Congress,  and  by 
Charles  Thompson  as  Secretary.  His  brevet 
major’s  commission  is  also  signed  by  the 


same  persons  and  is  dated  September  30, 
1783.  Both  of  these  commissions  are  in  the 
possession  of  one  of  his  descendants  who  re- 
sides in  St.  Clairsville,  the  county  seat  of 
Belmont  County,  Ohio. 

“He  was  engaged  in  32  battles  during  the 
War  of  the  Revolution.  At  its  close  he  re- 
turned to  Delaware  and  established  himself 
in  the  mercantile  business  at  Cantwell’s 
Bridge,  and  occupied  a house  which  is  still 
standing,  or  was  not  long  since,  which  is 
situated  east  of  the  Old  Tavernhouse.  In 
1785  he  moved  to  St.  George’s,  Newcastle 
County,  which  is  situated  about  one  mile 
south  of  Kirkwood,  a station  on  the  Dela- 
ware branch  of  the  Philadelphia,  Wilmington 
& Baltimore  Railroad.  He  remained 
here  but  a short  time,  when  he  removed  with 
his  family  to  what  is  now  Belmont  County, 
Ohio,  and  located  on  the  Ohio  River  imme- 
diately opposite  the  present  city  of  Wheel- 
ing, where  he  built  his  cabin,  cleared  the  land 
and  commenced  farming.  Subsequently  he 
commenced  the  erection  of  a block-house, 
but  before  it  was  completed  in  the  early 
spring  of  1789  a large  body  of  Indians  at- 
tacked his  cabin  during  his  absence  in  the 
East  on  business.  It  happened  that  at  this 
time  Capt.  Joseph  Biggs  with  his  company 
of  scouts  and  others  were  in  the  cabin  shel- 
tering there.  The  savages  fired  the  cabin 
and  thus  sought  to  drive  the  inmates  out, 
expecting  that  they  might  fall  an  easy  prey 
to  their  murderous  ferocity.  Those  within, 
however,  kept  the  fire  in  check  with  milk, 
water  and  damp  earth.  Finding  themselves 
foiled,  the  Indians  then  attempted  to  burst 
in  the  door  which  had  been  firmly  barricaded, 
in  which  they  failed. 

“The  rapid  exchange  of  shots  between  the 
besiegers  and  besieged  was  heard  at  Fort 
Henry  (Wheeling).  The  swivel  gun  in  the 
fort  was  fired,  notifying  the  besieged  that 
succor  was  at  hand. 

“The  savages  accordingly  relaxed  their  ef- 
forts, and  made  preparations  to  depart, 
knowing  full  well  that  the  inmates  of  Fort 
Henry  would  soon  appear  and  that  they 


t6 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


would  suffer  from  an  attack  in  the  front  and 
rear.  Hence  they  promptly  gathered  their 
dead  and  wounded  and  hastily  retreated. 
Five  of  the  defenders  were  severely  w'ounded 
— one  of  them  mortally.  The  wounded  were 
Capt.  Joseph  Biggs,  John  Walker,  Elijah 
Hedges,  John  Barrett  and  Joseph  Van 
Meter.  Walker,  who  had  been  shot 
through  the  hip  during  the  siege,  died  the 
following  day  at  Colonel  Zane’s  cabin  in 
Wdieeling,  where  he  had  been  transferred. 
He  was  buried  in  the  old  cemetery  which 
then  occupied  the  site  of  the  present  resi- 
dence of  George  K.  Wheat,  Esq.,  on  Main 
street  in  the  city  of  Wheeling. 

“When  the  army  was  organized  under  the 
command  of  General  St.  Clair  to  march 
against  the  Indians  of  the  Northwest,  Kirk- 
wood volunteered  his  services,  and  was  com- 
missioned as  captain.  The  rendezvous  of  the 
army  was  at  Eort  Washington  (Cincinnati), 
from  which  place  it  took  up  its  line  of  march 
on  the  i/th  of  September,  1791.  It  camped 
at  Ludlow’s  station  for  two  weeks,  about  six 
miles  from  Cincinnati.  There  was  a tree 
standing  there  as  late  as  the  year  1837  with 
the  fact  and  date  of  the  encampment  carved 
in  the  bark.  They  were  delayed  in  their 
progress  by  the  construction  of  several  forts 
which  were  duly  garrisoned  and  provisioned. 

“On  the  night  of  November  and  the  army 
encamped  near  the  Great  IMiami  village,  and 
on  the  following  morning  were  attacked  by 
the  Indians  in  great  force,  which  resulted  in 
the  defeat  of  St.  Clair  and  the  scattering  of 
his  forces.  Of  the  distressing  scenes  wit- 
nessed by  him  on  this  occasion,  Lieut. 
Michael  McDonough  wrote  as  follows:  ‘We 
left  everything  behind,  eight  pieces  of  can- 
non, cattle,  horses,  flour,  officers’  and  sol- 
diers’ baggage,  officers’  private  property,  in 
cash  supposed  to  be  of  the  value  of  £10,000, 
besides  all  their  clothing.  We  retreated  day 
and  night  for  this  place  (Cincinnati),  which 
is  98  miles,  arriving  on  the  8th  inst.  The 
number  of  non-commissioned  officers,  mu- 
sicians and  privates  who  fell  on  the  field  were 
upwards  of  600.  iMore  than  60  women  were 


killed  and  I saw  some  of  them  cut  in  two, 
their  breasts  cut  off  and  burning,  with  a 
number  of  our  officers  on  our  own  fires  be- 
fore I left  the  field  of  action.  I saw  Captain 
Smith  just  after  he  was  scalped,  his  head 
smoking  like  a chimney.  Some  soldiers  have 
come  in  with  all  the  skin  and  hair  taken  close 
off  their  heads.’ 

“The  regiment  to  which  Kirkwood  be 
longed  consisted  of  258  commissioned,  non- 
commissioned officers,  and  privates,  1 1 1 of 
whom  were  left  after  the  battle  and  42  of 
these  were  wounded.  Captain  Kirkwood  him- 
self falling  in  a bayonet  charge  against  the 
enemy.  But  two  officers,  McDonough  and 
Bissell,  survived.  Out  of  1,200,  nearly  800 
officers,  men  and  women  were  killed  and 
wounded. 

“Thus  ended  the  days  of  a brave  and  gal- 
lant officer,  who  gave  his  life  for  his  country 
after  having  passed  unscathed  through  32 
battles  during  the  stormy  period  of  the  Revo- 
lution, leaving  as  a legacy  to  his  countrymen 
an  untarnished  name  and  a memory  fragrant 
with  noble  deeds  and  chivalrous  impulses.” 

INDIAN  OCCUPATION  OF  THE  COUNTY. 

Belmont  County,  indeed  the  country  im- 
mediately bordering  on  the  upper  Ohio 
River,  was  not  occupied  by  the  Indians  as 
homes  or  villages,  but  was  rather  a vast  hunt- 
ing ground,  a favorite  resort  where  game  of 
all  kinds  was  found  in  abundance.  And  it  is 
not  surprising  that  the  encroachments  of 
the  white  man  upon  the  western  shores  of 
the  Ohio  should  be  regarded  with  jealousy, 
or  that  the  Indians  should  seek  to  repel  it 
by  driving  the  aggressors  away. 

The  tribal  towns  were  located  as  follows: 
The  Shawnees  in  the  central  part  of  the 
State,  and  extending  westward  to  the  Indiana 
line,  the  Delawares  bordering  on  the  Mus- 
kingum and  Cuyahoga,  and  the  Ottawas 
bordering  the  Great  Lakes  in  the  North  and 
Northwest.  There  was  also  a number  of  less 
prominent  tribes,  such  as  the  Wyandottes, 
Chippewas,  Miamis  and  Pottowatomies,  sur- 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


17 


rounding  the  counties  of  Eastern  Ohio,  that 
contributed  much  to  the  annoyance  of  the 
hrst  settlers  of  Belmont  County. 

However,  for  a period  of  10  years  tran- 
quility prevailed  through  the  eastern  section 
of  Ohio,  because  of  the  treaty  entered  into 
by  the  Delawares  and  Shawnees,  and  Colonel 
Bouquet,  the  French  commander.  Prior  to 
the  year  1774,  many  emigrants  had  crossed 
the  Ohio,  and  acquired  claims  in  the  new 
territory,  but  as  previously  stated,  some  of 
these  claims  were  only  tomahawk  rights 
Encouraged  by  the  peace  and  quiet 
that  prevailed  between  1764  and  1774, 
numerous  land  jobbers  in  addition  to  the 
regular  settlers  appropriated  thousands  of 
acres.  This  of  course  aroused  the  jealousy 
of  the  neighboring  Indian  tribes.  This  jeal- 
ousy was  intensified  by  the  appropriation  of 
lands  below  the  mouth  of  the  Scioto  River, 
and  claimed  by  the  Shawnees  as  Indian  terri- 
tory. And  now  there  were  in  circulation  ex- 
aggerated stories  of  Indian  outrages,  re- 
taliatory measures,  such  as  thieving,  plun- 
dering and  robbing,  and  fears  were  expressed 
that  the  Indians  would  fall  upon  and  slaugh- 
ter the  white  intruders.  In  this  emergency 
Col.  Ebenezer  Zane,  who  was  in  command 
of  Fort  Henry,  just  opposite  Bridgeport, 
counseled  peace  and  moderation,  and  if  his 
advice  had  been  heeded,  the  bloody  Dun- 
more  war  would  have  been  averted. 

Doddridge  in  his  notes  says:  “Devoutly' 

might  humanity  wish  that  the  record  of  the 
causes  which  led  to  the  destructive  war  of 
1774  might  be  blotted  from  the  annals  of 
our  country,  but  it  is  now  too  late  to  efface 
it,  the  black  lettered  list  must  remain,  a dis- 
honorable blot  in  our  national  history;  good, 
how'ever,  may  spring  out  of  evil.  The  in- 
juries inflicted  upon  the  Indians  in  earl)' 
times  by  our  forefathers  may  induce  their 
descendants  to  show  justice  and  mercy  to 
the  diminished  posterity  of  those  children 
of  the  wilderness  whose  ancestors  perished  in 
cold  blood  and  by  the  scalping  knife  of  the 
white  savages.” 


THE  TRAGEDIES  AT  YELLOW  CREEK 
AND  CAPTINA. 

In  the  month  of  April,  1774,  a rumor  was 
circulated  that  the  Indians  had  stolen  sev- 
eral horses  from  some  land  jobbers  on  the 
Ohio  and  Kanawha  rivers.  No  evidences 
of  the  fact  having  been  adduced  leads  to  the 
conclusion  that  the  report  was  false.  This 
report,  however,  induced  a pretty  general 
belief  that  the  Indians  were  about  to  make 
war  upon  the  ffontier  settlements,  but  for 
this  apprehension  there  does  not  appear  to 
have  been  the  slightest  foundation. 

In  consecpence  of  this  misapprehension 
of  being  attacked  by  the  Indians  the  land 
jobbers  ascended  the  river  and  collected  at 
Wheeling.  On  the  27th  of  April  it  was  re- 
ported in  Wheeling  that  a canoe  containing 
two  Indians  and  some  traders  was  coming 
down  the  river,  and  was  then  not  far  from 
the  place.  On  hearing  this  Captain  Cresap 
proposed  taking  a party  and  go  up  the  river 
and  kill  the  Indians.  This  project  was  ve- 
hemently opposed  by  Colonel  Zane,  the  pro- 
prietor of  the  place.  He  stated  to  the  cap- 
tain that  the  killing  of  those  Indians  would 
inevitably  bring  on  a war,  in  which  much 
innocent  blood  would  be  shed,  and  that  the 
action  itself  would  be  an  atrocious  murder, 
and  a disgrace  to  his  name  forever.  His 
good  counsel  was  lost.  The  partv  went  up 
the  river.  On  beins:  asked  at  their  return 
what  become  of  the  Indians,  they  cooly  an- 
swered, “They  had  fallen  overboard  into  the 
river.”  Their  canoe  on  being  examined  was 
found  bloody  and  pierced  with  bullets.  This 
was  the  first  blood  which  was  shed  in  this 
war,  and  terrible  was  the  vengeance  which 
followed.  In  the  evening  of  the  same  day, 
the  party  hearing  that  there  was  an  en- 
campment of  Indians  at  the  mouth  of  the 
Captina,  went  down  the  river  to  the  place, 
attacked  the  Indians  and  killed  several  of 
them.  In  this  affair  one  of  Cresap’s  party 
was  severely  wounded.  The  massacre  at 
Captina  and  that  which  took  place  at  Baker’s, 


i8 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


about  40  miles  abov'e  Wheeling,  a few  days 
after  that  at  Captin^t,  were  unquestioiiably 
the  sole  cause  of  the  war  of  1774. 

'J'he  last  was  ])erpetrated  by  32  men  under 
the  command  of  Daniel  Greathouse.  The 
whole  number  killed  at  this  place  and  on  the 
ri\-er  oi)])osite  to  it  was  12,  besides  several 
wounded,  d'his  horrid  massacre  was  effected 
by  an  hyi)ocritical  strategem  which  reflects 
the  deepest  dishonor  on  the  memory  of  those 
who  were  agents  in  it.  The  report  of  the 
murders  of  the  Indians  near  Wheeling  in- 
duced a belief  that  they  would  immediately 
commence  hostilities,  and  this  apprehension 
furnished  the  pretext  for  the  murder  above 
related.  'I'he  ostensible  object  for  raising 
the  party  under  Greathouse  was  that  of  de- 
fending the  family  of  Baker,  whose  house 
was  opj)Osite  to  a large  encampment  of  In- 
dians at  the  mouth  of  Big  Yellow  Creek, 
fl'he  ])arty  were  concealed  in  ambuscade 
while  their  commander  went  over  the  river 
under  the  mask  of  friendship  to  the  Indian 
camp  to  ascertain  their  number;  while  there 
an  Indian  woman  advised  him  to  return  home 
speedily,  saying  that  the  Indians  were  drink- 
ing and  angry,  on  account  of  the  murder  of 
their  people  down  the  river,  and  might  do 
him  some  mischief.  On  his  return  to  his 
party  he  reported  that  the  Indians  were  too 
strong  for  an  open  attack.  He  returned  to 
Baker’s  and  recpiested  him  to  give  any  In- 
dians who  might  come  over  in  the  course 
of  the  day  as  much  rum  as  they  might  call 
for,  and  get  as  many  of  them  drunk  as  he 
possibly  could. 

The  plan  succeeded.  Several  Indian  men 
with  two  women  came  over  the  river  to 
Baker's,  who  had  previously  been  in  the 
habit  of  selling  rum  to  the  Indians.  The 
men  drank  freely  and  became  intoxicated. 
In  this  state  they  were  all  killed  by  Great- 
house  and  a few  of  his  party.  I say  a few 
of  his  party;  for  it  is  but  justice  to  state  that 
not  more  than  five  or  six  of  the  whole  num- 
ber had  any  participation  in  the  slaughter 
at  the  house. 

The  rest  protested  against  it  as  an  atro- 


cious murder.  From  their  number  being  by 
far  the  majority,  they  might  have  prevented 
the  deed;  but  alas!  they  did  not.  A little 
Indian  girl  alone  was  saved  from  the  slaugh- 
ter, by  the  humanity  of  some  one  of  the 
party  whose  name  is  not  now  known. 

The  Indians  in  the  camp  hearing  the 
firing  at  the  house  sent  a canoe  with  two 
men  in  it  to  inquire  what  had  happened. 
These  two  Indians  were  both  shot  down  as 
soon  as  they  landed  on  the  beach.  A second 
and  larger  canoe  was  then  manned  with  a 
number  of  Indians  in  arms;  but  in  attempt- 
ing to  reach  the  shore  some  distance  below 
the  house  were  received  by  a well  directed 
fire  from  the  party,  which  killed  the  greater 
number  of  them  and  compelled  the  survivors 
to  return.  A great  number  of  shots  were 
exchanged  across  the  river,  but  without 
damage  to  the  white  party,  not  one  of  whom 
were  even  wounded.  The  Indian  men  who 
were  murdered  were  all  scalped.  The  woman 
who  gave  the  friendly  advice  to  the  com- 
mander of  the  men  in  the  Indian  camp  was 
among  the  slain  at  Baker’s  house. 

The  massacres  of  the  Indians  at  Captina 
and  Yellow  Creek  comprehended  the  whole 
of  the  family  of  the  famous  but  unfortunate 
Logan,  who  before  these  events  had  been  a 
lover  of  the  whites,  and  a strenuous  advocate 
for  peace;  but  in  the  conflict  which  followed 
by  way  of  revenge  for  the  death  of  his  people, 
he  became  a brave  and  sanguinary  chief 
among  the  warriors.  The  settlers  along  the 
frontiers  knowing  that  the  Indians  would 
make  war  upon  them  for  the  murder  of  their 
people,  either  moved  off  to  the  interior  or 
took  up  their  residence  in  forts. 

THE  DISASTROUS  DUNMORE  WAR. 

The  apprehension  of  war  was  soon  real- 
ized. In  a short  time  the  Indians  com- 
menced hostilities  along  the  whole  extent  of 
our  frontier. 

Express  was  speedily  sent  to  Williamsburg, 
the  then  seat  of  government  of  the  colony, 
communicating  intelligence  of  the  certainty 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


of  the  commencement  of  an  Indian  war.  The 
Assembly  was  then  in  session. 

A plan  for  the  campaign  for  the  purpose 
of  putting  a speedy  conclusion  to  the  Indian 
hostilities  was  adopted  between  the  Earl  of 
Dunmore,  the  governor  of  the  colony,  and 
Gen.  Andrew  Lewis.  General  Lewis  was  ap- 
pointed to  the  command  of  the  southern  di- 
vision of  the  forces  to  be  employed  on  this 
occasion,  with  orders  to  raise  a large  body 
of  volunteers  from  the  southeastern  counties 
with  all  dispatch.  These  forces  were  to  ren- 
dezvous at  Camp  Union  in  the  Greenbriar 
country.  The  Earl  of  Dunmore  was  to  raise 
another  army  in  the  northern  counties  of  the 
colony,  and  in  the  settlement  west  of  the 
mountains,  and  assemble  them  at  Lort  Pitt, 
and  from  thence  descend  the  river  to  Point 
Pleasant,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Great 
Kanahwa. 

On  the  nth  of  September  the  forces  un- 
der General  Lewis,  amounting  to  i,ioo 
men,  commenced  their  march  from  Camp 
Union  to  Point  Pleasant. 

The  tract  of  country  between  these  two 
points  was  a trackless  desert.  After  a pain- 
ful march  of  19  days  the  army  arrived  on 
the  1st  of  October  at  Point  Pleasant.  Gen- 
eral Lewis  was  exceedingly  disappointed  at 
hearing  no  tidings  of  the  Earl  of  Dunmore, 
who  was  to  form  a junction  with  him  at  this 
place.  Very  early  on  the  morning  of  the 
loth,  two  young  men  set  out  from  the  camp 
to  hunt  up  the  river.  Having  gone  about 
three  miles  they  fell  upon  a camp  of  the  In- 
dians, who  were  then  in  the  act  of  preparing 
to  march  to  attack  the  camp  of  General 
Lewis.  The  Indians  fired  upon  them  and 
killed  one  of  them;  the  other  ran  back  to  the 
camp  with  intelligence  that  the  Indians  in 
great  force  would  immediately  give  battle. 
General  Lewis  instantly  ordered  out  a de- 
tachment of  troops  under  Colonel  Lleming 
and  another  under  Col.  Charles  Lewis,  re- 
maining himself  with  a reserve  for  the  de- 
fense of  the  camp.  The  detachment  met  the 
Indians  about  400  yards  from  the  camp.  The 
battle  commenced  a little  after  sunrise  by  a 


heavy  firing  from  the  Indians.  At  the  onset 
our  troops  gave  some  distance  until  met  b> 
reinforcements,  on  the  arrival  of  which  the 
Indians  retreated,  and  formed  a line  behind 
logs  and  trees.  By  this  maneuver  our  arm}' 
was  completely  invested,  being  enclosed  be- 
tween the  two  rivers,  with  the  Indian  line 
of  battle  in  front,  so  that  no  chance  of  re- 
treat was  left. 

An  incessant  fire  was  kept  up  on  both  sides 
until  sundown,  when  the  Indians  retreated 
in  the  night  across  the  Ohio,  and  the  next 
day  commenced  their  march  to  their  town 
on  the  Scioto.  Our  loss  in  this  destructive 
battle  was  75  killed  and  140  wounded. 

Among  the  killed  were  Col.  Charles  Lewis^ 
Colonel  Lields,  and  Captains  Buford,  Mur- 
ray, Ward,  Willson  and  McClenahan. 

Colonel  Lewis,  a distinguished  and  meri- 
torious officer,  was  mortally  wounded  by  the 
first  fire  of  the  Indians,  but  walked  into  the 
camp  and  expired  in  his  own  tent.  The  In- 
dians during  the  battle  were  commanded  b} 
the  Cornstalk  warrior,  the  king  of  the  Shaw- 
nees.  This  son  of  the  forest  in  his  plans  of 
attack  and  retreat,  and  in  all  his  maneuvers, 
displayed  the  skill  and  bravery  of  the  con- 
summate general.  During  the  whole  of  the 
day  he  was  heard  from  our  lines  shouting 
with  the  voice  of  stentor,  “Be  strong.  Be 
strong.”  It  is  even  said  that  he  killed  one 
of  his  own  men  with  his  own  hand  for  cow- 
ardice. On  the  day  following  General  Lewis 
commenced  his  march  for  the  Shawnee  town 
This  march  was  made  through  a trackless 
desert  and  attended  with  great  privations 
and  difficulties. 

In  the  meantime  the  Earl  of  Dunmore, 
having  collected  a force,  and  provided  boats 
at  Lort  Pitt,  descended  the  river  to  Wheel- 
ing, where  the  army  halted  at  Lort  Henry 
for  a few  days,  and  then  proceeded  down  the 
river  within  eight  miles  of  the  Shawnee 
town.  Before  the  army  had  reached  the 
place  the  Indian  chiefs  had  sent  several  mes- 
sengers asking  for  peace. 

With  this  request  he  soon  determined  to 
comply,  and  therefore  sent  a request  to  Gen- 


20 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


eral  Lewis  with  an  order  for  his  immediate 
retreat. 

It  was  with  the  greatest  reluctance  and 
chagrin  that  General  Lewis  returned  from 
the  enterprise  in  which  they  were  engaged. 
'I'he  order  of  Dunmore  was  obeyed  with 
every  expression  of  regret  and  disappoint- 
ment. 

The  Earl  and  his  officers  having  returned 
to  his  camp,  a treaty  with  the  Indians  was 


opened  the 

follow'ing  day.  In  this  treaty 

every  precaution  on  the  part 

of 

our 

peojjle  was 

taken  to  prevent 

the 

In- 

(bans  from 

ending  the  treaty 

in 

the 

tragedy  of 

a massacre.  Only 

18 

In- 

(bans  with  their  chiefs  were  permitted  to  pass 
the  outer  gate  of  their  fortihed  encampment, 
after  having  deposited  their  arms  with  the 
guard  at  the  gate.  The  treaty  was  opened 
by  Cornstalk,  the  chief  of  the  Shawnees,  in 
a lengthy  speech,  in  which  he  boldly  charged 
the  white  people  with  having  been  the 
authors  of  the  commencement  of  the  war,  in 
the  massacres  of  the  Indians  at  Captina  and 
\'ellow  Creek.  This  speech  he  delivered  in 
so  loud  a tone  of  voice,  that  he  was  heard  all 
over  the  camp.  The  terms  of  the  treaty 
were  soon  settled,  and  the  prisoners  deliv- 
ered up.  Logan,  the  Cayuga  chief,  assented 
to  the  treaty,  but,  still  indignant  at  the  mur- 
der of  his  family,  refused  to  attend  with  the 
other  chiefs  at  the  camp  of  Dunmore.  Ac- 
cording to  the  Indian  mode  in  such  cases, 
he  sent  his  speech  in  a belt  of  wampum,  by 
an  interpreter  to  be  read  at  the  treaty.  “I 
appeal  to  any  white  man  to  say  if  he  entered 
Logan’s  cabin  hungry,  and  he  gave  him  not 
meat;  if  he  ever  came  cold  and  naked  and 
he  clothed  him  not.  During  the  course  of 
the  last  long"  and  bloody  war,  Logan  re- 
mained idle  in  his  cabin,  an  advocate  of 
peace.  Such  was  my  love  for  the  whites, 
that  my  countrymen  pointed  as  they  passed 
and  said,  ‘Logan  is  the  friend  of  the  white 
man.’  I had  even  thought  to  have  lived 
with  you  but  for  the  injuries  of  one  man. 
Colonel  Cresap  the  last  spring,  in  cold  blood 
and  unprovoked,  murdered  all  the  relatives 


of  Logan,  not  even  sparing  my  women  and 
children.  There  runs  not  a drop  of  my 
blood  in  any  living  creature.  This  called 
on  me  for  revenge.  I have  sought  it.  1 
have  killed  many.  I full  glutted  my  ven- 
gence;  for  my  country  I rejoice  at  the  beams 
of  peace.  But  do  not  harbor  a thought  that 
mine  is  the  joy  of  fear.  Logan  never  felt 
fear.  He  will  not  turn  on  his  heel  to  save 
his  life.  Who  is  there  to  mourn  for  Logan? 
Not  one.”  Thus  ended  at  the  treaty  of 
Camp  Charlotte  in  the  month  of  November, 
1774,  the  disastrous  war  of  Dunmore.  It 
began  in  the  wanton  and  unprovoked  mur- 
ders of  the  Indians  at  Captina  and  Yellow 
Creek  and  ended  with  an  awful  sacrifice  of 
life  and  property  to  the  demon  of  revenge 
On  our  part  we  obtained  at  the  treaty  a ces- 
sation of  hostilities  and  a surrender  of  pris- 
oners, and  nothing  more.  The  plan  ol 
operations  adopted  by  the  Indians  in  the 
war  of  Dunmore  shows  very  clearly  that 
their  chiefs  were  by  no  means  deficient  in 
their  foresight  and  skill  necessary  for  mak- 
ing the  most  prudent  military  arrangement 
for  obtaining  success  and  victory  in  their 
mode  of  warfare.  At  an  early  period  they 
obtained  intelligence  of  the  plan  of  the  cam- 
paign against  them  concerted  by  the  Earl 
of  Dunmore  and  General  Lewis. 

With  a view,  therefore,  to  attack  the 
forces  of  these  commanders  separately,  they 
speedily  collected  their  warriors  and  by 
forced  marches  reached  the  Point,  before  the 
expected  arrival  of  the  troops  under  Dun- 
more. Such  was  the  privacy  with  which 
they  conducted  their  march,  that  General 
Lewis  knew  nothing  of  the  approach  of  the 
Indian  army,  until  a few  minutes  before  the 
commencement  of  the  battle,  and  it  is  proba- 
ble that  if  Cornstalk,  the  Indian  commander, 
had  had  a little  larger  force  at  the  battle  of 
Point  Pleasant,  the  whole  army  of  General 
Lewis  would  have  been  cut  off,  as  the  wary 
savages  had  left  them  no  chance  of  retreat. 
Had  the  army  of  Lewis  been  defeated,  the 
army  of  Dunmore,  consisting  of  but  little 
more  than  1,000  men,  would  have  shared 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


2 I 


the  fate  of  those  armies  which  at  dif¥erent 
periods  have  suffered  defeats  in  consequence 
of  venturing  too  far  into  the  Indian  coun- 
try. It  was  the  general  belief  among  the 
officers  of  our  army  at  this  time  that  the 
Earl  of  Dunmore,  while  at  Wheeling,  re- 
ceived advice  from  his  government  of  the 
probability  of  the  approaching  war  between 
England  and  the  colonies,  and  that  after- 
wards all  of  his  measures  with  regard  to  the 
Indians  had  for  their  ultimate  object  an  al- 
liance with  those  ferocious  warriors  for  their 
aid  of  the  mother  country  in  their  contest 
with  us.  This  supposition  accounts  for  his 
not  forming  a junction  with  the  army  of 
Lewis  at  Point  Pleasant.  This  deviation 
from  the  original  plan  of  the  campaign 
jeopardized  the  army  of  Lewis,  and  well 
nigh  occasioned  its  total  destruction.  The 
conduct  of  the  Earl  at  the  treaty  shows  a 
good  understanding  between  him  and  the 
Indian  chiefs. 

He  did  not  suffer  the  army  of  Lewis  to 
form  a junction  with  his  own,  but  sent  them 
back  before  the  treaty  was  concluded,  thus 
risking  the  safety  of  his  own  forces,  for  at 
the  time  of  the  treaty  the  Indian  warriors 
were  about  his  camp  in  force  sufficient  to 
have  intercepted  his  retreat  and  destroyed 
his  whole  army. 

THE  FOREMOST  AMERICAN  HEROINE. 

Perhaps  the  severest  battle  with  the  In- 
dians, fought  within  the  boundaries  of  Bel- 
mont County,  was  the  attack  on  Fort  Kirk- 
wood in  the  spring  of  i/Qi,  as  narrated  in 
the  story  of  “A  Revolutionary  Hero.”  But 
there  were  many  acts  of  heroism  and  deeds 
of  daring  and  danger  familiar  to  the  people 
of  that  generation  that  history  needs  to  pre- 
serve for  generations  to  come.  Perhaps  the 
foremost  is  the  thrilling  adventure  of  Eliza- 
beth Zane,  the  heroine  of  Fort  Henry,  and 
who  was  for  many  years  a resident  of  Mar- 
tin’s Ferry,  and  her  remains  are  interred 
there. 

She  was  twice  married,  first  to  a Mr.  Mc- 


Laughlin of  IMartin’s  Ferry,  and  second  to 
Mr.  Clark,  and  her  lineal  descendants  still 
reside  in  Belmont  County.  A few  years  ago 
President  Roosevelt,  in  a circle  of  eminent 
literary  characters  in  New  York  State  among 
whom  was  William  Dean  Howells,  pro- 
nounced Betty  Zane  the  foremost  American 
heroine.  He  said  her  daring  deed  in  replen- 
ishing the  powder  supply  at  Fort  Henry  had 
never  been  surpassed,  a sentiment  in  which 
Mr.  Howells  heartily  concurred. 

SIEGE  OF  FORT  HENRY. 

The  story  is  briefly  told  in  Judge  Cran- 
mer’s  report  of  the  siege  of  Fort  Henry.  In 
September,  1782,  a large  force  of  Indians 
headed  by  a company  of  British  soldiers 
laid  siege  to  Fort  Henry  at  Wheeling.  East 
of  and  but  a short  distance  from  the  fort 
stood  the  log  dwelling  of  -Col.  Ebenezer 
Zane,  attached  to  which  was  a small  maga- 
zine containing  the  military  supplies  which 
had  been  furnished  by  the  government  oi 
Virginia,  and  also  a kitchen  or  outbuilding 
occupied  by  “Daddy  Sam,”  so  called  (a 
negro  slave  owned  by  Colonel  Zane,  and  tc 
whom  he  was  much  attached),  and  his  wife, 
familiarly  known  by  the  name  of  “Katey.” 
On  the  occasion  of  the  attack  upon  the  fort 
by  the  Indians  in  the  year  1777,  Colonel 
Zane  and  his  family  had  abandoned  his  cabin 
and  sought  shelter  in  the  fort,  at  which  time 
it  was  reduced  to  ashes  by  the  besiegers.  He 
then  declared  that  if  the  Indians  again  made 
their  appearance  he  would  not  abandon  his 
dwelling,  but  would  defend  it  to  the  last  ex- 
tremity. As  an  outpost  for  the  protection 
for  the  fort,  and  as  an  annoyance  to  an  hos- 
tile force,  it  could  not  be  excelled. 

Hence  on  the  appearance  of  the  Indians 
.at  this  time  he  made  all  necessarv  prepara- 
tions possible  for  its  defense.  Had  he  re- 
tired from  it,  all  the  military  stores  and  am- 
munition stored  there  would  have  fallen  into 
the  hands  of  the  enemy,  and  have  been  de- 
stroyed or  appropriated  by  them. 

The  names  of  those  who  remained  with 


22 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


him  in  liis  cal)in  are:  Andrew  Scott,  George 
Green,  Elizabeth  Zane,  Wallace  Scott,  Miss 
McColloch,  a sister  of  Maj.  Sam  McColloch 
from  Short  Creek  (who  at  this  time  was  on 
a visit  to  her  sister,  Mrs.  Zane);  “Dadd)i 
Sam,”  and  “Katey,”  his  wife.  The  savages 
approached  under  cover  of  the  British  flag, 
which  was  unfurled  to  the  breeze  and  waved 
in  proud  deflance  by  the  color-bearer  in  the 
face  of  the  little  band  of  heroic  defenders, 
P)efore  commencing  their  attack  they  de- 
manded the  immediate  surrender  of  the  fort, 
in  the  name  of  Elis  Brittanic  Majesty,  to 
which  no  other  reply  was  given  than  by  the 
firing  of  a shot  by  some  one  in  the  fort  at 
the  offensive  colors  which  were  flaunted  be- 
fore them.  Thereupon  the  assault  com- 
menced in  dreadful  earnest,  the  frenzied  sav- 
ages rushing  forward  like  mad  men,  and  in 
their  wild  attempt  striving  to  destroy  the 
pickets  so  as  to  effect  an  entrance  to  the 
fort,  and  take  it  by  storm.  Colonel  Zane  had 
arranged  and  posted  his  limited  force  within 
his  house  to  the  best  advantage,  and  where 
it  could  do  the  most  execution. 

As  the  Indians  sounded  their  war  whoop 
and  made  their  desperate  rush,  he  opened 
uj)on  them  with  a well  directed  and  brisk  fire 
simultaneously  with  the  one  from  the  fort, 
so  as  to  cause  them  to  fall  back  in  great  dis- 
order, and  to  seek  cover  where  their  persons 
would  be  less  exposed. 

But  others,  again,  seeing  the  discomfiture 
of  their  comrades,  promptly  with  loud  and 
deafening  yells  rushed  forward  to  take  the 
places  of  those  who  had  retired,  only  to  be 
repulsed  again,  and  although  these  charges 
were  repeated  again  and  again,  they  suffered 
a recoil.  These  unsuccessful  efforts  upon 
their  part  were  continued  until  night  threw 
her  mantle  over  the  earth  and  a brief  cessa- 
tion of  conflict  and  a temporary  rest  was 
secured.  Yet  it  was  but  for  a brief  time  this 
respite  was  granted. 

Their  assailants  were  engaged  in  holding 
a consultation  and  deliberating  among  them- 
selves how  best  to  obtain  possession  of  or 
destroy  the  cabin  of  Colonel  Zane,  which  had 


proven  so  offensive  to  them  in  their  repeated 
assaults  on  the  fort  and  thus  balked  their 
efforts  at  its  reduction. 

The  conclusion  ai'rived  at  was  to  make  an 
attempt  under  the  cover  of  darkness  to  de- 
stroy it  by  firing  it  and  reducing  it  to  ashes. 
After  an  interval  of  an  hour  or  two,  when 
silence  had  settled  down  upon  the  scene  and 
the  campfires  of  the  savages  had  been  put 
out,  and  it  was  presumed  that  the  whites 
had  relaxed  in  some  degree  their  caution 
and  vigilance,  a savage  with  a half  burned 
brand  in  his  hand  crawled  in  the  direction 
of  the  kitchen  of  the  house,  upon  nearing 
which  he  slowly  rose  from  the  ground  and 
waving  the  brand  to  and  fro,  and  blowing 
upon  it  to  rekindle  it,  was  about  to  stealthily 
apply  it  to  the  building,  when  of  a sudden 
the  quiet  was  disturbed  by  the  sharp  crack 
of  a rifle  which  rang  out  in  the  stillness  of 
the  night,  which  a moment  later  was  accom- 
panied by  a sharp  yell  of  pain  and  rage,  ere 
the  echoes  of  the  shot  had  ceased  to  resound 
in  the  mazes  of  the  forest.  The  vigilant  and 
quick  eye  of  “Daddy  Sam”  had  detected  the 
savage  in  time  to  foil  him  in  his  design  and 
spoil  his  calculations,  thereby  saving  his 
master’s  property  from  destruction.  Other 
similar  attempts  were  made  on  the  same 
night,  but  in  every  instance  “Daddy  Sam” 
was  on  the  alert,  and  always  frustrated  them. 
And  here  we  will  be  pardoned  if  in  passing 
we  say  a word  or  two  concerning  this  indi- 
vidual. 

He  was  an  original  importation  from 
Guinea,  and  had  all  the  characteristics  of  a 
native  of  the  country,  believing  in  charms, 
incantations  and  signs,  and  was  a bundle  of 
strange  superstitions  and  beliefs,  and  these 
he  retained  until  the  day  of  his  death.  He 
and  his  wife  were  cared  and  provided  for  by 
Colonel  Zane  and  his  family  until  their 
decease. 

This  gentleman  erected  for  them  a cozy 
cabin  on  the  upper  portion  of  the  island,  im- 
mediately opposite  the  city  of  Wheeling 
“Daddy  Sam”  died  in  peace  and  content- 
ment,-honored  and  respected  by  the  whole 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


23 


community,  worn  out  with  age  and  its  at 
tendant  infirmities.  At  his  death  he  left 
strict  injunctions  to  have  his  rifie  and  his  ac 
coutrements — tomahawk,  knife  and  silver 
snuffbox — buried  with  him,  that  they  might 
bear  him  company  to  the  happy  hunting 
grounds  of  the  African.  So  greatly  was  he 
esteemed  that  he  was  buried  with  mflitar} 
honors,  and  he  was  followed  to  the  grave  b) 
an  immense  concourse  of  citizens,  composed 
of  the  most  prominent  as  well  as  the 
humblest  members  of  society.  In  stature  he 
\vas  small  and  of  light  frame,  with  arms  of 
unusual  length,  and  a complexion  as  black 
as  coal. 

But  to  resume  our  narrative.  At  daylight 
on  the  following  morning  the  lines  of  the 
enemy  showed  that  they  were  tightly  drawn 
and  in  compact  order,  but  they  were  laggard 
in  renewing  the  assault.  However,  they 
were  not  idle,  but  were  actively  employed  in 
making  preparations  evidently  for  some  im- 
portant event.  Shortly  after  dark  of  the  pre- 
ceding day  a canoe,  loaded  with  cannon  balls 
from  Fort  Pitt  and  destined  for  the  falls  of 
the  Ohio,  had  put  ashore  under  the  cover  of 
the  fort.  It  was  discovered  by  the  Indians^ 
but  its  occupants  succeeded  in  effecting  an 
entrance  for  themselves  into  the  fort,  in  theii 
efforts  to  do  which,  however,  one  of  them 
Daniel  Sullivan,  was  wounded  in  the  foot 
The  savages  secured  the  canoe  and  took  pos- 
session of  its  contents.  A new  idea  now 
dawned  upon  them — why  not  utilize  these 
missiles  and  make  them  play  a part  in  the 
reduction  of  the  forts.  The  idea  was  ap- 
proved and  the  suggestion  was  at  once  put 
into  execiition.  Securing  a hollow  log 
which  they  deemed  adapted  for  the  purpose, 
they  proceeded  to  bind  it  wfith  iron  chains 
which  they  found  in  the  blacksmith  shop  of 
the  village.  Filling  it  with  a heavy  charge 
of  powder,  they  rammed  home  as  many  of 
the  captured  balls  as  it  could  convenient!}' 
hold,  and  with  as  much  accuracy  as  possible 
under  the  circumstances  aimed  it  against 
one  of  the  bastions.  All  was  now  ready  as 


soon  as  it  was  primed,  for  which  purpose  a 
big  Indian  stepped  forward,  emptying  from 
his  powder  horn  a sufficient  quantity  around 
the  vent.  A crowd  of  Indians  collected 
around  to  witness  the  new  engine  of  destruc- 
tion, and  the  effect  jiroduced  upon  the  fort 
by  its  discharge,  not  doubtins:  in  the  least 
that  it  w^ould  prove  more  or  less  destructive 
in  its  effects.  In  this  supposition  they  were 
not  deceived,  but  w^ere  sorely  disappointed 
in  the  nature  of  the  result  wdiich  ensued.  All 
things  being  ready,  an  Indian  advanced  with 
a lighted  brand,  wdiich  he  applied  to  the  vent 
hole  and  thereby  stamped  “finis”  on  the  last 
page  of  his  own  and  the  life  history  of  his 
curious  companions  wdio  w'ere  near  by  him 
at  the  time.  Several  w^ere  killed,  many  were 
seriously  and  some  slip'htlv  w^ounded,  and  all 
were  terror  stricken  bv  ifie  unexoected  re- 
sult. The  unlooked  for  and  unexpected 
hav.oc  caused  among  their  number,  by  the 
explosion  of  their  w^ooden  artillery  which 
burst  into  fragments,  led  them  to  become 
wdld  and  furious  under  their  disappointment, 
and  the  loss  and  w^ounding  of  so  many  of 
their  number,  and  wdld  with  rage  in  their 
excitement  they  redoubled  their  exertions, 
renewdng  the  assault  with  heedless  despera- 
tion, and  exposing  themselves  in  the  most 
careless  manner  to  the  shots  from  the  house 
and  the  fort.  At  times  it  appeared  that  the 
Indians  w^ould  succeed,  but  then  the  fortunes 
of  the  day  wmuld  change,  and  the  fortunes 
of  the  inmates  of  the  fort  appeared  to  be  in 
the  ascendant.  Thus  the  conflict  wavered 
until  noon,  wdien  the  forces  of  the  Indians 
were  drawui  off  temporarily.  It  was  exceed- 
ingly fortunate  for  the  little  garrison  that 
the  savages  desisted  from  their  attack  when 
they  did,  as  the  ammunition  of  the  defenders 
of  the  fort  w'as  beginning  to  grow  short. 
'The  alarm  given  by  Linn  of  the  approach  of 
the  enemy  having,  as  w^e  have  stated,  been 
so  limited,  and  the  fact  that  the  fort  w^as  des- 
titute to  a great  extent  of  any  large  supply 
of  ammunition  to  enable  it  to  withstand  a 
protracted  siege,  it  w^as  discovered  that  the 


24 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


supply  on  hand  was  being  rapidly  exhausted, 
and  some  measures  must  be  adopted  to  sup- 
ply the  need. 

As  before  stated,  there  was  plenty  of  pow- 
der stored  in  the  magazine  at  Colonel  Zaire’s 
house,  but  for  all  practical  purposes  it  might 
as  well  have  been  a hundred  miles  away.  The 
contingency  which  now  happened  could  not 
have  been  foreseen,  and  the  emergency  now 
uiion  them  was  a grave  one. 

Rut  it  was  one  which  had  to  be  met,  and 
the  cpiestion  was  how  could  they  best  re- 
plenish their  almost  exhausted  stock.  An 
effort  at  least  to  obtain  powder  from  Colonel 
Zane’s  house  it  was  absolutely  necessary 
should  be  made,  for  should  the  enemy  return 
to  the  assault  in  their  then  condition  the 
danger  of  the  inmates  was  not  only  immi- 
nent, but  their  doom  was  almost  sealed. 
Among  the  many  propositions  which  were 
made  and  the  one  which  seemed  to  obtain 
favor,  was  that  one  of  the  fleetest  runners 
among  the  younger  men  should  be  selected 
for  the  perilous  undertaking  of  obtaining  a 
keg  of  powder  from  Colonel  Zane’s  house 
and  hasten  with  it  to  the  relief  of  the  be- 
sieged. It  was  an  undertaking  full  of  daring 
with  the  prospect  of  almost  certain  death  to 
the  person  who  should  essay  the  task.  But 
undeterred  by  the  magnitude  of  the  feat  and 
the  peril  which  attended  it,  at  the  call  of 
Captain  Zane  for  a volunteer,  several  brave 
men  stepped  forward,  each  one  of  whom  in- 
sisted on  being  permitted  to  make  the  at- 
tempt. The  loss  of  a single  man  at  this  junc- 
ture would  have  been  keenly  felt  by  the  en- 
tire company.  AVhile  Captain  Zane  was  hesi- 
tating in  arriving  at  a decision  and  making 
his  choice  from  among  those  chivalric  spirits 
who  had  so  promptly  offered  their  services, 
there  came  bounding  into  his  presence  his 
own  sister,  Elizabeth  Zane,  in  the  elasticity 
of  her  youthful  strength,  and  volunteered  to 
attempt  the  accomplishment  of  the  errand, 
regardless  of  what  might  befall  her  if  thereby 
she  could  be  instrumental  in  saving  the  lives 
of  others.  When  told  that  a man  would  en- 
counter less  danger  by  reason  of  his  superior 


fleetness,  she  nobly  replied  that  the  loss  of  a 
man  under  the  circumstances  would  be  more 
severely  felt  than  her  own.  “You  have  not 
one  man  to  spare,”  she  said.  “A  woman  will 
not  be  missed  in  the  defense  of  the  fort.”  All 
the  arguments  adduced  by  her  brother  and 
others  to  dissuade  her  from  making  the  at- 
tempt together  with  the  expostulations  of 
the  other  females  had  the  effect  of  only  con- 
firming her  in  her  resolution. 

Reluctantly  they  finally  acquiesced  in  her 
purpose  and  her  services  were  accepted.  Di- 
vesting herself  of  all  unnecessary  clothing 
which  might  impede  her  in  her  progress,  she 
appeared  ready  for  the  dangerous  ordeal. 

The  gate  was  swung  open  and  the  young 
heroine  sprang  out  in  the  swelling  buoyancy 
of  hope,  knowing  no  such  word  as  fail  in  the 
full  confidence  of  success,  and  swift  as  a deer 
she  sped  away  on  her  mission,  arriving  safely 
at  the  cabin  of  her  brother.  Col.  Ebenezer 
Zane,  who  saw  her  coming  and  promptly 
opened  the  door  to  receive  her.  When  the 
Indians  saw  her  bounding  along  at  the  top 
of  her  speed  they  were  amazed  at  her 
temerity  but  did  not  offer  to  fire  at  her,  but 
contented  themselves  with  simply  exclaim- 
ing with  contemptuous  sneers,  “A  squaw,  a 
squaw.”  Upon  reaching  her  destination  she 
lost  no  time  in  stating  her  business.  After 
a brief  breathing  spell  she  announced  her 
readiness  to  return,  whereupon  Colonel 
Zane,  taking  a tablecloth  and  fastening  it 
securely  around  her  waist  with  two  of  its 
ends,  while  the  other  ends  were  held  by  her 
in  her  hands,  emptied  into  it  a keg  of  pow- 
der when  she  again  ventured  forth  on  her 
return  to  the  fort.  ' Her  black  hair,  like  a 
banner,  streamed  out  upon  the  air  as  with 
swift  feet  she  lessened  the  intervening  dis- 
tance. 

But  she  had  not  covered  more  than  half 
the  space  between  the  cabin  and  the  fort 
when  the  savages,  apprehending  her  pur- 
pose, showered  a rain  of  bullets  around  her, 
none  of  which,  however,  did  any  execution, 
as  she  I'eached  the  fort  in  safety  and  deliv- 
ered the  powder  without  losing  any  percepti- 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


25 


ble  portion  of  it.  Subsequently  in  recount- 
ing her  experience  on  this  occasion,  she 
would  relate  how  the  bullets  whistled  around 
her  so  thick  and  fast  that  the  dust  thrown 
up  by  them  as  they  struck  the  ground 
blinded  and  confused  her  so  that  she  could 
scarcely  distinguish  her  way. 

As  she  neared  the  fort  the  gate  was  again 
thrown  open  for  her  entrance  when  the  In- 
dians made  an  unavailing  effort  to  reach  it, 
before  it  could  be  closed,  by  making  a sud- 
den rush.  Finding  themselves  foiled,  thej 
quickly  withdrew.  This  act  of  heroism  on 
the  part  of  Elizabeth  Zane  doubtless  saved 
the  lives  of  the  inmates  of  the  fort,  and  en- 
abled them  successfully  to  withstand  the 
siege.  As  night  closed  in,  the  enemy  re- 
newed their  efforts  to  reduce  the  fortress, 
and  continued  them  until  daylight.  Times 
almost  without  number,  during  that  trying 
and  eventful  night,  the  enemy  attempted  to 
accomplish  by  the  torch  what  they  could  not 
by  superior  numbers  and  advantage.  Bun- 
dles of  hemp  and  wood  and  rubbish  were 
heaped  by  them  against  the  pickets  and  set 
fire  to  at  different  places. 

The  hemp,  fortunately  being  wet,  would 
not  burn,  and  the  dry  wood  and  rubbish 
proved  also  vain  in  accomplishing  their  end 
When  the  day  dawned  after  that  terrible  and 
trying  nieht,  it  was  greeted  by  the  besieged 
with  a renewal  of  hope  which  had  been  well 
nigh  banished.  When  the  intelligence 
reached  Shepherd’s  Fort,  located  at  the  forks 
of  Wheeling  Creek,  of  the  investiture  of  Fort 
Ffenry  by  Indians  and  British  soldiers,  a 
party  left  the  former  fort  with  a view  of 
rendering  assistance  to  the  inmates  of  the 
latter,  but  on  arriving  in  the  vicinity  they 
found  that  it  would  be  impossible  to  gain  ad- 
mission and  therefore  reluctantly  determined 
to  return. 

This  conclusion  was  arrived  at  in  opposi- 
tion to  the  views  of  their  leader,  Francis 
Duke,  a relative  of  Colonel  Shepherd.  He 
insisted  that  if  no  one  else  would,  he  alone 
would  make  the  attempt  to  gain  ingress  at 
the  fort  at  the  risk  of  his  life.  To  all  per- 


suasions against  the  undertaking  he  turned 
a deaf  ear.  He  recognized  their  force  and 
complained  not  at  the  resolution  of  his  men 
to  return,  but  his  chivalric  character  and  de- 
termined spirit  could  not  be  curbed  by  argu- 
ment or  persuasion. 

He  did  not  regard  the  imminent  danger 
attaching  to  the  bold  undertaking,  but,  sub- 
ordinating this  to  the  higher  and  nobler 
promptings  of  his  nature  which  enabled  him 
only  to  see  the  peril  of  friends,  he  spurned  all 
restraint,  and  taking  his  life  in  his  hands  and 
putting  spurs  to  his  horse,  he  sped  swift  as 
his  horse  could  carry  him  toward  the  gate  of 
the  fort,  calling  aloud  as  he  rode,  “Open  the 
gate,  open  the  gate.” 

He  was  recognized  by  those  within  the 
fort  and  the  gate  was  swung  open  for  his  ad- 
mission, but  before  reaching  it  he  was 
pierced  with  bullets,  and  this  young  and  gal- 
lant chevalier  fell  a martyr  to  his  reckless 
daring  and  noble  disinterestedness. 

On  the  morning  of  the  third  day  the 
enemy,  despairing  of  success  and  abandon- 
ing all  hope  of  the  reduction  of  the  fort,  re- 
solved on  raisine  the  siege.  This  resolution 
was  announced  to  the  inmates  by  a series  of 
terrific  yells  and  deafening  whoops,  which 
was  the  means  adopted  by  them  to  give  ex- 
pression to  their  disgust  at  their  failure. 
Turning  their  backs  upon  the  scene,  they 
took  their  departure  and  recrossed  the  river 
into  Belmont  County. 

“WHISTIJNG  TO  START  THE  TUNES.” 

It  was  a trying  experience  for  a young 
and  refined  woman  like  Mrs.  Zane  to  be 
called  upon  to  pass  through — to  sever  the 
ties  of  home  and  kindred  and  forego  all  so- 
cial advantages  and  the  pleasures  of  civilized 
life,  and  be  deprived  of  much  of  its  con- 
veniences, and  plunge  into  the  depth  of  the 
wilderness,  the  abode  of  savages  and  wild 
beasts. 

Doddridge  says:  “This  lady  was  said  to 
have  been  the  first  convert  to  Methodism 
in  all  the  country  surrounding  Fort  Henry. 


26 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


'I'he  religious  services  were  conducted  by  a 
‘circuit  rider,’  l\ev.  Wilson  Lee,  in  1789. 

“ller  consistent  work  and  Godly  conver- 
sation was  ])roverl)ial,  and  her  zeal  kejk  pace 
with  her  i)iety.  It  was  esteemed  no  hard- 
ship those  days  to  travel  long  distances  to 
attend  di\-ine  worship,  and  the  meetings  were 
largely  attended  hy  young  and  old. 

"Not  the  least  enjoyable  feature  of  the  ser- 
vice was  the  singing  in  which  young  and  old 
participated. 

“.At  one  of  these  meetings  there  was  no 
one  to  start  the  tunes.  In  this  dilemma 
Hetty  Zane,  the  heroine  of  Fort  Henry,  vol- 
unteered to  ‘whistle’  the  tunes,  and  those 
who  could  not  sing  might  catch  up  the  tune 
and  ‘carry  it  along.’  The  proposition  was  ac- 
cepted and  the  forest  was  soon  ringing  with 
the  melody  of  their  voices.” 

KILLING  OF  WILLIAM  COCHRAN. 

Judge  Cochran  of  Martin’s  Ferry  has  often 
heard  his  grandfather  tell  the  tragic  story  of 
his  father’s  death.  Said  he:  “About  the  time 
of  father’s  death  there ‘were  great  disturb- 
ances on  the  frontier.  It  was  customary  for 
us  to  keej)  our  horses  hobbled  or  belled. 
One  morning,  failing  to  hear  the  sound  of 
the  bells  as  usual,  father  sent  me  to  the 
block-house  at  West  Liberty,  while  he  and 
my  older  brothers  started  out  in  search  of 
the  horses.  It  was  arranged  between  them 
after  starting  that  they  should  separate  and 
pursue  the  object  of  their  search  in  different 
directions,  my  father  taking  one  direction 
and  the  boys  in  company  another.  The  lat- 
ter soon  discovered  signs  which  led  them  to 
believe  that  the  horses  had  been  captured  or 
driven  off  by  the  Indians,  and  they  at  once 
started  on  the  nearest  way  leading  to  the 
block-house,  upon  reaching  which  they  gave 
the  alarm.  From  Billy  Boggs,  who  was  held 
by  the  Indians  as  a prisoner  at  the  time,  but 
who  shortly  afterwards  escaped,  we  learned 
the  particulars  of  father’s  death,  as  told  to 
him  by  the  Indians  wdiile  he  was  in  captivity. 

“Father  was  a very  active  and  resolute 


man,  and  the  savages  wanted  to  capture 
him.  It  appears  that  they  had  caught  the 
horses,  and  wrapping  moss  around  the  bell- 
clappers  had  led  them  away  to  a distance, 
placing  six  of  their  number  in  ambush,  to 
capture  father,  or  anyone  who  might  venture 
to  search  for  them.  Not  finding  the  horses, 
he  started  on  his  return  toward  the  block- 
house, on  the  way  passing  in  sight  of  his 
own  house,  in  expectation,  as  he  hoped,  of 
seeing  the  boys.  The  ‘ Indians  meanwhile 
had  gone  into  his  cabin.  Intending  to  enter, 
he  was  prevented  by  having  his  suspicions 
aroused  from  certain  appearances  around 
and  in  the  vicinity,  which  only  the  keen  eye 
of  a disci])lined  woodsman  would  detect,  and 
which  caused  him  to  change  his  purpose,  and 
start  for  the  block-house  at  the  top  of  his 
speed.  The  Indians  at  once  started  in  pur- 
suit of  him,  but  when  they  found  that  the 
gap  between  the  pursued  and  the  pursuers 
was  widening,  and  they  could  not  overtake 
him,  a half-breed,  wearing  the  cognomen  of 
‘Dolway  Jim,’  suddenly  dropped  on  his 
knees  and,  taking  fatal  aim,  fired  and  killed 
him  just  as  he  was  crossing  a piece  of  rising 
ground.  His  remains  were  afterwards  found 
and  buried  by  a party  from  the  fort  on  the 
spot  where  he  fell.  Flis  scalp  had  been  taken 
by  the  Indians  to  their  camp,  where  it  was 
flaunted  in  the  face  of  Boggs,  the  prisoner, 
who  recognized  it. 

“Boggs  subsequently  escaped,  having  run 
the  gauntlet,  and  these  details  of  my  father’s 
death  he  repeated  to  me  and  my  brothers, 
as  related  to  him  by  his  captor.” 

THE  TRAGEDY  NEAR  KIRKWOOD’S 
BLOCK-HOUSE. 

About  1795  Lieut.  Duncan  McArthur 
and  a posse  of  men,  numbering  in  all  a dozen, 
were  stationed  at  the  block-house  on  the 
lands  of  Robert  Kirkwood.  One  morning 
they  noticed  a young  Indian  dodging  along 
not  far  from  the  fort  among  the  trees.  He 
had  been  sent  by  a body  of  Indians,  who  had 
ambushed  about  three  miles  below,  on  the 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


27 


banks  of  the  Ohio  River,  to  decoy  the  sol- 
diers from  their  fort. 

As  soon  as  he  was  discovered,  Lieutenant 
McArthur  and  his  men  started  out  to  catch 
him.  They  followed  him  as  he  ran  down  the 
river  about  three  miles  to  where  the  In- 
dians had  secreted  themselves,  when  15 
of  the  redskins  fired  into  their  number,  kill- 
ing six  of  them  instantly. 

So  unexpected  was  the  attack  that  the  re- 
maining six,  completely  bewildered  and 
frightened,  turned  and  retreated,  McArthur 
behind.  As  he  turned  his  head  to  take  in 


the  situation  his  foot  caught  in  a grape  vine 
and  he  was  sent  sprawling  on  his  face  just  as 
the  Indians  fired  a volley  of  bullets  after  him 
and  the  limbs  and  leaves  dropned  all  around 
him. 

He  regained  his  feet  and  started  at  full 
speed,  following  the  course  of  his  men.  He 
was  closely  pursued  bv  the  savages,  but  be- 
ing very  swift  of  foot,  the  latter  soon  gave  up 
the  chase,  and  the  remnant  of  the  party 
gained  the  block-house  in  safety.  Lieutenant 
McArthur  was  afterwards  made  governor  of 
Ohio. 


CHAPTER  II. 


INDIAN  TRAGEDIES  AND  LIFE  OF  THE  EARLY  PIONEERS. 

The  Indian  Summer-  Anecdotes  of  .Lewis  Wetzel— “ Hunting  the  Cows” — “The 
Gohhler  Indian”  —The  Early  Settlers — Gathering  the  Pioneer’s  Crops — The 
Pioneer’s  Dress  —Diseases  and  Remedies  of  the  Pioneers — Business  Methods 
Law  and  Morality — Amusements  and  Games — The  Mechanic  Arts — Super- 
stitions OF  the  Pioneer  Age — Changes  in  the  Weather  — Tfie  Horrors  of 
Slavery. 


THE  INDIAN  SUMMER. 

A.s  connected  with  the  history  of  the  In- 
dian wars  of  the  \Vestern  Country,  it  may 
not  he  amiss  to  give  an  explanation  of  the 
term  “Indian  Summer.”  This  expression, 
like  many  others,  notwithstanding  its 
original  imjiort,  has  continued  in  general 
use,  while  its  meaning  has  been  forgotten 

A backwoodsman  seldom  hears  this  ex- • 
pression  without  feeling  a chill  of  horror,  be- 
cause it  brings  to  his  mind  with  painful  recol- 
lection its  original  application.  The  reader 
must  here  be  reminded  that  during  the  long 
continued  Indian  wars  sustained  by  the  first 
settlers  of  the  Western  Country,  they  en- 
joyed no  peace  excepting  in  the  winter  sea- 
son, when,  owing  to  the  severity  of  the 
weather,  the  Indians  were  unable  to  make 
their  excursions  into  the  settlements.  The 
onset  of  winter  was  therefore  hailed  as  a 
jubilee  by  the  early  inhabitants  of  the  coun- 
try, who  throughout  the  spring  and  the  early 
part  of  the  fall  had  been  cooped  up  in  their 
little  uncomfortable  forts  and  subjected  to 
all  the  distresses  of  the  Indian  war. 

-A.t  the  approach  of  winter,  therefore,  all 
the  farmers,  excepting  the  owner  of  the  fort, 
removed  to  their  cabins  on  their  farms  with 


the  joyful  feelings  of  a tenant  of  a prison  on 
recovering  his  release  from  confinement.  All 
was  bustle  and  hilarity  in  preparing  for  win- 
ter by  gathering  in  the  corn,  digging  pota- 
toes, fattening  hogs  and  repairing  the  cab- 
ins. 

To  our  forefathers  the  gloomy  months  of 
winter  were  more  pleasant  than  the  zephyrs 
of  s])ring  and  the  flowers  of  May.  It,  how- 
ever, sometimes  happened  that  after  the  ap- 
parent onset  of  winter  the  weather  became 
warm;  the  smoky  time  commenced  and 
lasted  for  a considerable  number  of  days. 

This  was  the  Indian  summer,  because  it 
afforded  the  Indians  another  opportunity  of 
visiting  the  settlements  with  their  destruc- 
tive warfare. 

The  melting  of  the  snow  saddened  every 
countenance  and  the  genial  warmth  of  the 
sun  chilled  every  heart  with  horror.  The 
apprehension  of  another  visit  from  the  In- 
dians and  of  being  driven  back  to  the  de- 
tested fort  was  painful  in  the  highest  degree, 
and  the  distressing  apprehension  was  fre- 
quently realized.  Toward  the  latter  part  of 
February  rve  commonly  had  a fine  spell  of 
open  warm  weather,  during  which  the  snow 
melted  away. 

This  was  denominated  “Powwowing 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


29 


Days,”  from  the  supposition  that  the  In- 
dians were  then  holding  their  war  councils, 
for  planning  off  their  spring  campaiens  into 
the  settlements.  Sad  experience  taught  us 
that  in  this  conjecture  we  were  not  often 
mistaken.  A man  of  the  name  of  John  Car- 
penter was  taken  early  in  the  month  of 
March  in  the  neighborhood  of  Wheeling. 
There  had  been  several  warm  days,  but  the 
night  preceding  there  was  a heavy  fall  of 
snow.  His  two  horses  which  he  took  with 
him  nearly  perished  in  swimming  the  river 
into  what  is  now  Belmont  County.  The  In- 
dians as  well  as  himself  suffered  greatly  be- 
fore they  reached  the  Moravian  towns.  In 
the  morning  after  the  first  day’s  journey  the 
Indians  sent  out  Carpenter  to  bring  in  the 
horses,  which  had  been  turned  out  in  the 
evening  after  being  hobbled.  The  horses 
had  fallen  into  the  trail  by  which  they  came 
and  were  making  their  way  homeward. 
When  he  overtook  the  horses  and  had  taken 
off  their  fetters,  he  had  to  make  a most  awful 
decision.  He  had  a chance,  and  barely  a 
chance,  to  make  his  escape,  with  a certainty 
of  death  should  he  fail.  On  the  other  hand, 
a horrible  prospect  of  being  tortured  to 
death  by  fire  presented  itself,  as  he  was  the 
first  prisoner  taken  that  spring,  and  the  gen- 
eral custom  of  the  Indians  was  to  burn  the 
first  prisoner  every  spring.  After  spending 
a few  minutes  in  making  his  decision,  he  re- 
solved on  attempting  an  escape,  and  effected 
it,  bringing  both  his  horses  with  him.  The 
capture  of  Mr.  Carpenter  and  the  murder  of 
two  families  contributed  materially  to  the 
Moravian  campaign  and  the  murder  of  that 
unfortunate  people. 

ANECDOTES  OF  LEWIS  WETZEL. 

On  the  farm  of  J.  B.  McMechen,  two 
miles  east  of  St.  Clairsville,  on  the  National 
Road,  better  known  in  the  early  days  as  the, 
“Zane  Trail,”  there  is  a celebrated  spring 
known  as  the  “Indian  Spring,”  where  in 
1782,  a short  time  before  the  siege  of  Fort 
Henry,  occurred  one  of  the  most  stirring 


events  in  our  history.  In  the  interval  aftei 
Crawford’s  defeat  and  before  the  attack  on 
Fort  Henry  in  September  of  this  year,  oc- 
curred an  incident  of  local  interest,  which 
shows  the  dexterity  and  skill  of  the  famous 
Indian  scout,  Louis  W etzel.  Thomas  Mills 
who  lived  on  Wheeling  Creek,  had  accom- 
panied Crawford  on  his  campaign,  and  on  his' 
return  had  left  his  horse  on  the  west  side  of 
the  Ohio  River  near  the  spot  where  St 
Clairsville  now  stands,  and  distant  12  miles 
from  Wheeling.  One  day,  securing  the  ser- 
vices of  Wetzel,  Mills  and  his  companion  left 
Fort  Henry  to  get  his  horse  and  bring  the 
animal  home.  When  within  a mile  or  two  of 
St.  Clairsville  they  were  met  by  a band  num 
bering  40  or  50  Indians,  who  were  roaming 
around  in  search  of  stragglers  on  the  return 
from  the  army  of  Crawford.  The  Indians  and 
white  men  discovered  each  other  about  the 
same  time.  Wetzel  fired  first  and  killed  one  of 
the  savages,  which  shot  was  promptly  re 
turned  by  one  of  the  Indians.  The  Indian’s 
fire  had  wounded  Alills  in  the  foot,  which 
prevented  him  from  eluding  the  savages, 
who  soon  succeeded  in  overtaking  and  kill- 
ing him.  Four  of  the  Indians  then  dropped 
their  guns  and  pursued  after  Wetzel,  who  at 
first  succeeded  in  keeping  a respectable  dis- 
tance between  him  and  his  pursuers,  and 
loaded  his  rifle  as  he  ran. 

But  after  running  some  distance  one  of 
the  Indians  rapidly  gained  upon  him  until 
he  approached  within  a few  steps  of 
Wetzel,  who  wheeled  around,  shot  him 
down  and  ran  on  loading  as  he  ran.  *\fter 
running  some  distance  farther  a second  In- 
dian came  so  close  to  him  that,  as  he  turned 
to  fire,  the  Indian  clinched  the  muzzle  of  the 
gun  and  he  and  the  Indian  had  quite  a tus- 
sle for  the  possession  of  it.  He,  however, 
succeeded  in  killing  the  savage.  The  pursuit 
was  continued  by  the  two  remaining  In- 
dians, who  now  exhibited  signs  of  caution, 
for  when  AVetzel  would  wheel  to  fire  on 
them  they  would  seek  cover  behind  trees. 
After  running  some  distance  Wetzel  thought 
he  would  practice  a little  piece  of  strategy. 


30 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


and  so  made  for  a small  piece  of  compara- 
tively open  ground.  The  Indians  were  not 
far  behind  him,  and  as  he  was  passing  over 
this  he  suddenly  wheeled  and  stopped  with 
a view  of  shooting  the  foremost  one,  who  as 
promi)tly  jumped  behind  a small  tree,  which 
failed  to  cover  his  body.  Wetzel  shot  and 
wounded  him  in  the  thigh,  which  put  a stop 
to  further  pursuit  on  his  part. 

The  last  of  the  Indians  then  gave  a little 
yell  and  exclaimed,  "No  catch  dat  man — 
gun  always  loaded!”  and  gave  up  the  chase, 

()f  this  noted  hunter  it  may  be  said  that 
while  his  home  was  on  Big  Wheeling  Creek 
cast  of  Wheeling,  the  most  of  his  exploits 
took  place  on  the  Ohio  side  of  the  river  and 
in  what  is  now  Belmont  County.  Lewis 
Wetzel  was  a son  of  John  Wetzel,  a German 
emigrant,  and  his  education,  like  that  of  all 
the  frontiersmen,  was  that  of  the  hunter  and 
Indian  lighter.  Attaining  manhood,  he  was 
courageous,  manly,  yet  cunning  as  an  In- 
dian in  warfare. 

In  stature  he  was  tall,  with  jet  black  hair, 
broad  shoulders  and  deep  chest;  though  his 
face  was  slightly  pock-marked,  his  counten- 
ance was  pleasing. 

Of  this  noted  hunter  a writer  in  the  his- 
tory of  Belmont  and  Jefferson  Counties  says; 
“In  early  youth  Lewis  Wetzel  acquired  the 
habit  of  loading  his  gun  while  at  full  run. 
which  gave  him  a great  advantage  as  an  In- 
dian lighter,  and  was  of  immense  conse- 
quence in  the  next  important  event  of  his 
life.  This  incident  in  his  career  occurred 
when  he  was  but  i6  years  old,  and  was  a 
most  remakable  event,  an  exploit  rarely 
equaled  for  courage  and  daring  in  any  age 
Some  time  during  the  summer  of  1780  a 
party  of  Indians  had  crossed  the  Ohio  and 
stolen  several  horses  from  settlers  on  Wheel- 
ing Creek  and  were  making  their  way  back 
through  Belmont  County. 

“A  party  of  the  whites  were  soon  gathered 
and  en  route  to  recapture  the  horses  and 
punish  the  savages.  In  the  pursuit,  the  party 
passed  the  farm  of  the  elder  Wetzel,  who 
was  then  absent.  Lewis  was  engaged  in  cul- 


tivating a crop  of  corn.  They  urged  him  to 
join  their  party,  but  he  had  been  forbidden 
by  his  father  to  leave  home,  but  the  adven- 
ture was  too  great  a temptation  for  the  spirit 
of  young  Wetzel  and  he  was  easily  persuaded 
to  join  them.  He  accordingly  took  from 
the  plow  a favorite  horse  of  his  father  and 
started  along  in  pursuit.  They  had  not  pro- 
ceeded far  until  they  came  upon  the  enemy, 
who  were  carelessly  loitering  about  their 
camp,  apparently  off  their  guard.  The  stolen 
horses  were  spanieled  and  grazing  at  a short 
distance.  The  Indians  were  easily  surprised 
and  bed,  leaving  the  horses,  which  were  re- 
covered. The  party  of  settlers,  having  ac- 
complished their  purpose,  prepared  to  return, 
but  their  horses  were  jaded  and  hungry  and 
they  agreed  that  they  should  be  turned  out 
to  grass,  and  three  of  their  number  left  to 
bring  them,  after  they  had  refreshed  for  a 
short  time. 

“They  had  not  proceeded  many  miles  un- 
til they  were  overtaken  by  three  of  their 
number  they  had  left  behind  to  bring  their 
horses,  who  informed  them  that  soon  after 
their  departure  they  were  surprised  by  the 
savages,  leaving  them  no  alternative  in  sav- 
ing their  lives  but  to  abandon  everything 
and  escape  by  flight. 

“A  parley  was  called  and  the  hasty  de- 
termination was  soon  formed  to  continue 
their  way  homeward  and  leave  their  horses 
with  the  Indians. 

“To  this  determination  Wetzel  earnestly 
remonstrated.  He  protested  he  would  never 
return  alive  to  his  father  without  the  favorite 
horse — swore  he  preferred  the  mare  without 
his  scalp  to  his  scalp  without  the  mare,  and 
urged  the  company  to  return  and  retake  the 
horses.  In  this  he  was  overruled.  He  then 
swore  he  would  go  alone;  that  the  mare  he 
must  and  would  have,  when  two  others  who 
had  been  active  in  persuading  him  to  go 
agreed  to  accompany  him.  The  three  left 
their  companions  and  soon  reached  the  camp 
and  found  the  Indians  engaged  at  their 
meals,  with  the  horses  safely  secured  at  a 
safe  distance.  The  plan  of  attack  was  soon 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


31 


agreed  upon.  They  were  to  advance  in 
single  file,  Wetzel  in  front  until  they  passed 
two  trees,  behind  which  his  companions  were 
to  ambush.  When  he  reached  the  third  it 
was  a signal  for  attack.  Wetzel  reached  his 
tree  and  discovered  that  the  Indians  had 
also  treed;  but  in  looking  around  for  his 
companions  he  found  they  had  retreated  at 
the  top  of  their  speed. 

“His  condition  was  really  critical;  to  come 
out  in  an  open  field  was  almost  certain 
death.  His  only  hope  was  in  strategy.  He 
therefore  placed  his  hat  on  the  end  of  his 
ramrod  and  gently  pushed  it  partly  from  be- 
hind the  tree.  This  was  no  sooner  done  than 
all  the  Indians  fired  at  it. 

“The  hat  was  literally  riddled,  and  Wetzel 
still  secure  behind  the  tree,  quick,  but  cau- 
tiously, dropped  the  hat  to  the  ground.  At 
this  the  Indians,  believing  they  had  killed 
their  adversary,  all  sprung  from  their  am- 
bush and  rushed  towards  him.  Wetzel,  tak- 
ing advantage  of  the  enemy,  whose  guns 
were  empty,  left  his  tree  and  firing  on  the 
foremost,  brought  him  to  the  ground,  and 
then  with  the  fieetness  of  the  wind  ran  from 
the  scene,  followed  by  the  survivors.  Wetzel 
loaded  as  he  ran  and,  wheeling  quickly,  fired 
into  the  breast  of  the  foremost  savage,  again 
ran,  loaded  and  fired  on  the  last  of  the  In- 
dians just  as  he  was  in  the  act  of  hurling  his 
tomahawk  at  the  head  of  Wetzel.  His 
fire  was  successful,  and  all  three  were  dead 
on  the  plain.  Wetzel  secured  the  evidence 
of  his  victory,  obtained  the  horses  and  over- 
took his  companions  before  they  had  stopped 
for  the  night.  The  news  of  this  daring  ad- 
venture soon  made  him  the  man  of  the  fron- 
tier.” 

“hunting  the  cows.” 

It  was  during  the  summer  of  1782  that 
two  boys  belonging  to  Wheeling  were  sent 
out  for  the  purpose  of  driving  back  some 
stray  cows  which  had  wandered  away.  They 
concluded  that  they  had  swam  the  river  and 
crossed  to  the  Ohio  side,  so  jumping  into  a 


canoe  they  paddled  across,  and  commenced 
their  search  for  them.  While  so  engaged, 
they  were  surprised  by  three  Indians,  who 
were  watching  them,  and  by  them  taken 
prisoners.  Cranmer  says;  “At  once  the  In- 
dians set  out  on  their  journey,  compelling- 
each  of  the  boys  to  carry  a large  bag,  of 
which  they  had  several  in  their  possession 

“From  the  weight  of  the  bags  the  boys 
concluded  that  they  must  be  filled  with  gold. 
Urged  as  they  were  to  their  utmost  speed, 
one  of  them  when  he  could  do  so  unper- 
ceived would  break  off  twigs  from  the 
branches  of  trees,  to  mark  the  direction  in 
which  they  had  traveled.  When  night  came 
on,  the  Indians  selected  a camping  place,  and 
prepared  to  retire,  before  doing  which,  how- 
ever, they  tied  the  hands  of  the  boys,  as  well 
as  their  feet,  with  strips  of  bark.  They  were 
then  compelled  to  lie  down  between  two  of 
the  Indians,  while  the  third  Indian  seated 
himself  upon  a fallen  log  in  front  to  keep 
watch.  Deering,  the  elder  of  the  two  boys, 
who  was  about  15  years  of  age,  managed  to 
disengage  his  hands  from  the  thongs  which 
bound  them,  and  slyly  drew  a knife  from  the 
belt  of  one  of  the  sleeping  Indians,  with 
which  he  succeeded  in  loosing  his  feet. 
Overcome  with  fatigue,  the  third  Indian  had 
braced  his  back  against  the  trunk  of  a friend- 
ly tree,  with  his  legs  astraddle  of  the  log 
upon  which  he  sat.  Whispering  to  his  com- 
panion to  lie  perfectly  quiet,  Deering  sun- 
dered the  thongs  which  bound  him.  With 
great  caution  so  as  not  to  disturb  the  sleep- 
ing Indians,  they  quietly  arose,  and  the  elder 
of  the  two  took  the  loaded  rifle  of  one  of  their 
captors,  placing  it  upon  a log  for  a rest  in 
a line  with  the  head  of  one  of  the  sleeping 
savages,  and  gave  it  in  charge  of  the  younger 
brother,  and  instructed  him  not  to  fire,  until 
he  gave  the  signal. 

“He  himself  took  a tomahawk,  and  steal- 
ing on  the  sleeping  Indian  who  had  been 
placed  on  watch  instantly  buried  his  toma- 
hawk in  his  brains,  and  then  rushed  to  the 
Indians  lying  on  the  ground,  at  the  same  time 
giving  the  signal  to  his  companion  to  fire 


32 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


and  struck  deep  into  the  skull  of  his  sleeping 
victim.  The  Indian  at  which  the  younger 
of  the  two  boys  had  fired,  sprang  to  his  feet 
howling  with  rage  and  pain.  The  boys  not 
stop[)ing  to  ascertain  the  result  at  once  took 
to  their  heels  and,  following  the  trail  over 
which  they  had  passed  the  preceding  day, 
late  in  the  afternoon  of  the  day  following 
reached  the  fort  in  safety,  to  the  surprise  of 
their  friends  who  had  given  them  up  as  lost 
A hunter  who  was  present,  and  heard  the 
recital  given  by  the  boys,  who  stated  in  the 
course  of  their  narration  that  they  believed 
the  bags  contained  gold,  was  shortly  after- 
ward missing. 

"This  individual,  whose  conduct  in  the  past 
justified  the  belief  (which  was  general  among 
the  settlers),  was  looked  upon  as  dishonest. 
The  scouting  party  set  out,  and  found  the 
bodies  of  two  Indians  who  had  been  toma- 
hawked, just  as  the  boys  had  stated,  but  no 
signs  of  the  bags  were  visible.  On  their  re- 
turn to  the  fort  they  found  the  suspected 
hunter  still  absent,  which  confirmed  the  com- 
mon belief  that  he  had  anticipated  the  visits 
of  the  scouts,  and  secured  the  bags  of  gold; 
for  afterwards  he  became  one  of  the  wealth- 
iest settlers  in  all  the  section  of  country  in 
which  he  resided.” 

THE  GOBBLER  INDIAN. 

The  gobbler  Indian  incident  is  so  familiar 
to  the  youth  of  the  past  generation  that  its 
repetition  scarcely  seems  necessary  today 
But  for  the  benefit  of  future  generations  we 
give  Joshua  Davis’  account  of  it,  as  related 
to  R.  H.  Tannyhill  50  years  ago:  “Well  in 

January,  1783,  on  the  twelfth  day,  or  old 
Christmas  which  was  always  punctually  kept 
at  the  fort,  we  had  two  large  turkeys  roasted 
and  a lot  of  twelfth-day  cake  baked.  Twelfth- 
day  cake  is  made  of  unleavened  dough 
slightly  sweetened  with  spice,  cloves  and 
cinnamon  bark  worked  in  it  and  then  baked 
in  a Dutch  oven.  It  was  baked  a day  or 
two  before  and  eaten  cold.  When  we  were 
killing  the  turkeys,  Wetzel  had  the  feet  of 


one  cut  off  up  where  the  feathers  *come  on 
and  the  wings  at  the  first  joint,  before  it 
was  scalded. 

“These  he  put  away  in  his  hunting  bag 
very  carefully.  Now  for  several  winters  in 
turkey  time,  we  had  been  plagued  by  an  In- 
dian, who  could  call  so  much  like  a turkey 
that  no  one  could  tell  the  difference.  He 
would  secrete  himself,  and  when  our  men 
would  be  creeping  along  expecting  every 
minute  to  shoot  a turkey  he  would  shoot 
them.  His  operations  were  carried  on  usual- 
ly on  the  ridges  north  or  south  of  Wheeling 
Creek  in  Belmont  County.  The  next  morn- 
ing, an  hour  or  two  before  day,  Wetzel  got 
up,  took  his  riflle  down,  flung  his  hunting  bag 
over  his  shoulder,  and  took  with  him  the 
turkey’s  feet.  The  rest  I will  tell  you  as  he 
told  me. 

“ T crossed  over  the  river,  went  up  the 
north  side  of  Wheeling  Creek  about  a mile, 
then  made  to  the  top  of  the  ridge. 

“ Tt  was  now  good  daylight.  I went  as 
carefully  as  I could  down  to  where  the  snow 
was  still  on  and  made  some  tracks  along  its 
edge  with  my  turkey  feet.  I then  came  on 
down  the  ridge  within  a hundred  yards  of 
the  place  where  I intended  to  hide  myself. 
And  wherever  there  was  snow  on  that  line 
I made  turkey  tracks,  but  kept  clear  of  the 
snow  with  my  own  feet.  When  I got  within 
about  20  steps  of  my  place  to  hide,  I made 
tracks  as  near  as  I could  like  a turkey  does 
when  it  is  about  to  fly  to  roost.  I then  fixed 
the  wings  and  flapped  them  in  the  snow.  I 
then  went  up  the  point  of  the  ridge  to  my 
hiding  place  and  took  my  drumsticks  and 
began  to  call  like  a turkey.  In  a little  while 
my  call  was  answered,  and  presently  a large 
Indian  came  in  sight,  leaning  down,  and  go- 
ing to  and  fro,  as  if  hunting  a trail.  I kept 
on  calling;  he  answered.  After  a little,  he 
came  to  my  line  of  turkey  tracks,  and  ex- 
amined them  closely  looked  up  into  the 
trees  and  began  making  long,  cautious  steps. 
I still  called;  he  answered,  and  came  on  to- 
wards me.  I now  examined  my  priming  and 
rubbed  the  flinty  with  a piece  of  punk  to  be 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


33 


sure  of  my  shot.  By  this  time  he  had  got  to 
the  little  raise,  then  looked  about  in  the 
trees,  then  down  at  the  tracks  again.  He 
kept  moving,  so  I was  afraid  to  shoot.  He 
now  lifted  his  gun  in  his  left  hand  and  turned 
it  sideways,  and  struck  it  with  his  right. 

‘‘  ‘He  then  stood  still  and  looked  right  to- 
wards me.  I pulled  on  him.  He  threw  up  his 
hands,  trembled,  and  fell  backwards.  He 
didn’t  get  his  turkey  this  time.  We  were  no 
longer  plagued  with  the  gobbler  Indian.’  ” 

THE  EARLY  SETTLERS. 

The  deprivations  of  early  settlers  of  Bel- 
mont County  were  inconceivably  great.  The 
farmers  and  citizens  of  today  with  their 
well  hlled  larders,  and  overflowing  granaries, 
have  little  conception  of  the  wants  and  de- 
privations of  their  forefathers. 

The  first  settlers  in  this  mountainous, 
densely  wooded,  though  rich  soiled  county, 
did  not  And  it  a paradise.  The  giant  oak, 
walnut,  beech,  maple,  poplar  and  ash  trees 
of  more  than  a century’s  growth,  locked  and 
intertwined  with  grape  vines,  could  only  be 
subdued  and  removed,  so  that  the  rich  soil 
might  be  utilized,  by  earnest,  persistent 
labor.  There  were  some  favoring  circum- 
stances; the  land  was  covered  with  the  wild 
pea  vine,  and  other  forage  plants,  which 
proved  beneficial  to  the  pioneer,  in  furnish- 
ing forage  for  his  stock.  The  soil  also  yielded 
liberal  crops,  while  the  large  number  of  deer, 
wild  turkeys  and  smaller  game,  furnished 
abundant  meat  for  the  family.  The  first  ef- 
fort of  the  settler  was  to  build  a house.  At 
most  it  was  but  a rude  log  cabin.  The  logs 
were  unhewed,  the  cracks  were  stopped  with 
stones,  and  plastered  with  mud.  The  floors 
were  of  puncheon,  and  sometimes  of  mother 
earth.  The  doors  were  of  heavy  timloers, 
and  the  rvindows  were  of  greased  paper, 
stretched  over  an  opening  in  the  logs.  The 
pine  knots  and  blowing  logs,  that  burned 
in  the  great  open  fire-place,  answered  for 
both  light  and  fuel  at  night.  Upon  a few 
pegs  in  the  wall  hung  the  scanty  wardrobe 


of  the  entire  family,  and  some  clapboard 
shelves,  supported  by  pins  in  the  logs,  served 
the  double  purpose  of  cupboard  and  closet. 
The  scanty  furniture  consisted  of  a split  slab 
table,  and  some  three-legged  stools,  a forked 
pole  with  one  end  fastened  to  a joist  over- 
head, and  the  other  sunk  in  the  floor,  and 
cross  poles  extending  to  cracks  between  the 
logs  afforded  the  rude  bed.  Bunches  of 
seeds  and  herbs,  which  the  good  wife  had  col- 
lected, as  simple  remedies  for  the  ailments  of 
the  family,  hung  in  festoons  over  the  high 
mantel,  and  the  trusty  flintlock  and  powder 
horn  were  suspended  from  a pair  of  polished 
buck’s  horns.  The  tableware  consisted  of  a 
few  pewter  dishes,  with  wooden  bowls  and 
trenchers,  and  if  these  were  scarce,  gourds 
and  hard  shelled  squashes  supplied  the  de- 
ficiency. The  rude  articles  of  furniture  cor- 
responded with  the  plain  but  wholesome  diet 
that  made  up  the  pioneer  farmer’s  bill  of  fare; 
hog  and  hominy  for  breakfast  was  followed  by 
mush  and  milk  for  supper;  roasting  ears, 
pumpkins,  potatoes  and  beans  from  the  little 
truck  patch  varied  the  diet  in  summer,  and 
wild  turkey,  venison  and  bear’s  meat  were 
the  variations  in  winter.  For  years,  corn 
bread,  corn  pone,  and  johnnycake,  were  the 
only  form  in  which  bread  was  made,  and 
sometimes,  when  the  supply  of  cornmeal  was 
exhausted,  pumpkin  meal  was  used  instead, 
or  the  children  grated  the  new  corn  upon 
coarse  tin  graters  to  minister  to  their  neces- 
sities. As  water  was  a primary  object,  the 
location  of  the  home  was  always  near  a spring 
of  water  or  a flowing  stream.  Their  imple- 
ments of  labor  were  no  less  simple  and  rude. 
Before  the  days  of  the  water  mill,  the  hominy 
block  and  hand  mill  for  crushing  and  grind- 
ing corn  were  rude  attachments  to  every 
farmer’s  home — deerskin  sieves  took  the  place 
'of  bolting  cloth  in  these  primitive  machines, 
and  the  whole  were  operated  by  the  good 
wife  and  the  children,  who.  in  addition,  wove 
and  spun  the  flax  and  the  wool  that  composed 
the  warp  woof  of  the  substantial  linseys  with 
which  the  entire  family  were  clothed.  While 
the  needs  of  the  pioneer  family  were  many. 


34 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


they  were  more  than  counter-balanced  by  a 
natural  ingenuity  that  developed  in  many 
of  them  a fertility  of  resources  of  which  the 
modern  farmer  has  little  knowledge.  He 
was  a tanner,  a shoemaker,  a tailor,  a car- 
penter, and  a Ijlacksmith,  and  to  his  neigh- 
bors who  could  not  exercise  the  mechanic’s 
art,  he  was  willing  to  exchange  his  hand  craft 
for  their  labor.  The  implements  of  labor  em- 
ployed by  the  farmers  of  the  upper  Ohio  Val- 
ley a century  ago  were  very  simple  and  rude. 
Trimitive  plows  with  wooden  mold-boards, 
and  harrows  wdth  wooden  teeth  were  em- 
ployed: and  scythes  (with  straight  handles) 
reaped  the  wheat  and  cut  the  grass,  and  the 
grain  was  threshed  with  a flail,  or  trodden 
by  horses  or  cattle.  With  these  crude  in- 
struments of  labor,  and  amid  dangers,  de- 
privations and  discouragements,  the  charac- 
ter of  which  i have  only  hinted  at,  our  fore- 
fathers began  the  herculean  task  of  felling 
the  ])rimeval  forests  and  opening  up  its  fruit- 
ful valleys  and  fertile  plains. 

GATHERING  THE  PIONEER’s  CROPS. 

The  crops  cultivated  by  these  early  set 
tiers  were  gathered  wdth  infinite  toil  and  dan- 
ger; from  the  opening  of  spring  until  the  ad- 
vent of  winter,  the  pioneer  farmer  was  forced 
to  abandon  his  cabin  home  and  seek  protec- 
tion for  his  family  in  the  shelter  of  the  block 
house  or  the  fort. 

When  the  rigors  of  winter  locked  field  and 
forest  in  its  icy  embrace,  he  \vas  exempt  from 
the  depredations  of  his  savage  foes,  but  just 
at  the  time  w'hen  his  constant  presence  upon 
the  farm  was  of  the  utmost  need,  when  the 
spring  was  opening  and  the  time  of  seeding 
was  at  hand,  the  implacable  savages  started 
on  the  war  path  and  began  their  work  of  pil- 
lage and  destruction,  hence  it  was  necessary 
for  the  farmers  to  go  out  upon  their  farms 
to  work  in  companies,  one  party  doing  guard 
duty^  with  their  muskets  in  hand,  while  the 
other  party^  cultivated  the  growing  crops; 
thus  they  alternately  w'orked  and  stood  guard 
until  the  shades  of  night  forced  them*  to 


again  seek  the  shelter  of  the  block-house  or 
the  fort.  Not  unfrequently,  while  thus  in- 
voluntarily absent  from  their  cabins,  the  sav- 
ages would  make  a raid  during  the  night, 
pillaging  the  home,  driving  off  the  stock,  and 
burning  their  scanty  store  of  grain.  Amid 
dangers  and  discouragements  like  these  the 
intrepid  farmers  of  a century  ago,  aided  by 
their  heroic  wives  and  children,  “made  the 
wilderness  to  blossom,”  and  pushed  the  fron- 
tier a little  nearer  the  setting  sun  each  pass- 
ing year.  The  necessary  labors  of  these  pio- 
neer farmei’s  were  perfonned  amid  dangers 
and  difficulties  little  understood  or  appre- 
ciated by  their  descendants  of  the  present 
generation.  The  disheartening  losses  they 
sustained  by  the  wolves  and  bears,  destroy- 
ing their  flocks  and  herds,  were  oftentimes 
aggravated  and  augmented  by  the  total  de- 
struction of  their  crops  of  corn  by  the  multi- 
tudinous squirrels  and  raccoons,  and  thus  it 
was  that  many  families,  after  a hazardous  and 
laborious  spring  and  summer,  would  enter 
upon  the  long  and  dreary  winter  but  illy  pro- 
vided with  the  necessaries  of  life. 

THE  pioneer’s  DRESS. 

Referring  to  the  pioneer’s  dress,  Doddridge 
says;  “On  the  frontiers,  and  particularly 
among  those  who  were  in  the  habit  of  hunt- 
ing, and  going  on  scouts  and  campaigns, 
the  dress  of  the  men  was  partly  Indian  and 
partly  that  of  civilization.  The  hunting  shirt 
was  universally  worn.  This  was  a kind  of 
loose  frock,  reaching  half-way  down  the 
thighs,  with  large  sleeves,  open  before,  and 
so  wide  as  to  lap  over  a foot  or  more  when 
belted. 

“The  cape  was  large  and  sometimes  hand- 
somely fringed  with  a raveled  piece  of  cloth 
of  a different  color  from  that  of  the  hunting 
shirt  itself. 

“The  bosom  of  this  dress  served  as  a wallet 
to  hold  a chunk  of  bread,  cake,  jerk,  tow  for 
wiping  the  barrel  of  the  rifle,  or  any  other 
necessary  for  the  hunter  or  warrior.  The 
belt,  which  was  always  tied  behind,  answered 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


35 


several  purposes  besides  that  of  holding  the 
dress  together.  In  cold  weather  the  mittens 
and  sometimes  the  bullet  bag  occupied  the 
front  pocket.  To  the  right  side  was  sus- 
pended the  tomahawk;  to  the  left  the  scalp- 
ing knife  in  its  leathern  sheath.  The  hunting 
shirt  was  generally  made  of  linsey,  sometimes 
of  coarse  linen,  and  a few  of  dressed  deer 
skins. 

“These  last  were  very  cold  and  uncomfort- 
able in  wet  weather.  The  shirt  and  jacket 
were  of  the  common  fashion.  A pair  of  draw- 
ers, or  breeches  and  leggins,  were  the  dress 
of  the  thighs  and  legs;  a pair  of  moccasins 
answered  for  the  feet  much  better  than  shoes. 
These  were  made  of  dressed  deerskin.  They 
were  mostly  made  of  a single  piece,  with  a 
gathering  seam  along  the  top  of  the  foot,  and 
another  from  the  bottom  of  the  heel  without 
gathers  as  high  as  the  ankle  joint  or  a little 
higher. 

“Flaps  were  left  on  each  side  to  reach 
some  distance  up  the  legs.  These  were  nicely 
adapted  to  the  ankles  and  lower  part  of  the 
leg,  by  thongs  of  deerskin,  so  that  no  dust, 
gravel  or  snow  could  get  within  the  mocca- 
sin. The  moccasins  in  ordinary  use  cost  but 
a few  hours’  labor  to  make.  This  was  done 
by  an  instrument  denominated  a moccasin 
awl,  which  was  made  of  the  back  spring  of 
an  old  clasp  knife.  This  awl  with  its  buck- 
horn  handle  was  an  appendage  of  every  shot 
pouch,  strapped  together  with  a roll  of  buck- 
skin, for  mending  the  moccasin.  This  was 
the  labor  of  almost  every  evening.  They 
were  sewed  together,  and  patched  with  deer- 
skin, thongs,  or  whangs  as  they  were  com- 
monly called.  In  cold  weather  the  mocca- 
sins were  well  stuffed  with  deer’s  hair,  or  dry 
leaves,  so  as  to  keep  the  feet  comfortably 
warm,  but  in  wet  weather  it  was  usually  said 
that  wearing  them  was  ‘a  decent  way  of  go- 
ing barefooted,’  and  such  was  the  fact,  owing 
to  the  spongy  texture  of  the  leather  of  which 
they  were  made. 

“Owing  to  this  defective  covering  for  the 
feet,  more  than  to  any  other  circumstance, 
the  greater  number  of  our  hunters  and  war- 


riors were  afflicted  with  rheumatism  in  their 
limbs.  Of  this  disease  they  were  all  appre- 
hensive in  cold  or  wet  weather,  and  therefore 
always  slept  with  their  feet  to  the  fire,  to 
prevent  or  cure  it  as  well  as  they  could. 

“This  practice  unquestionably  prevented 
many  of  them  from  becoming  confirmed  crip- 
ples in  early  life.  In  the  latter  years  of  the 
Indian  war,  our  young  men  became  more  en- 
amored of  the  Indian  dress  throughout,  with 
the  exception  of  the  match  coat.  The  young 
warrior  instead  of  being  abashed  by  his 
nudity  was  proud  of  his  Indian-like  dress.  In 
some  few  instances  I have  seen  them  go  into 
places  of  public  worship  in  this  dress. 

“Their  appearance,  however,  did  not  add 
much  to-  the  devotion  of  the  occasion.  The 
linsey  petticoat  and  bed  gown,  which  were 
the  universal  dress  of  our  women  in  early 
times,  would  make  a strange  figure  in  our 
day. 

“A  small  homemade  handkerchief  in  point 
of  elegance  would  illy  supply  the  place  of  the 
profusion  of  ruffles  with  which  the  necks  of 
our  ladies  are  now  ornamented.  They  went 
barefooted  in  warm  weather,  and  in  cold, 
their  feet  were  covered  with  moccasins, 
coarse  shoes,  or  shoepacks,  which  would 
make  but  a sorry  figure  beside  the  elegant 
morocco  slippers,  which  at  present  ornament 
the  feet  of  their  daughters  and  granddaugh- 
ters. 

“The  coats  and  bed  gowns  of  the  Avomen, 
as  well  as  the  hunting  skirts  of  the  men,  were 
hung  in  full  display,  on  wooden  pegs  round 
the  walls  of  their  cabins.  They  announced 
to  the  stranger,  as  well  as  neighbor,  the 
wealth  or  poverty  of  the  family  in  the  ar- 
ticles of  clothing.” 

DISEASES  AND  REMEDIES  OF  THE  PIONEERS. 

In  writing  of  the  diseases  that  afflicted 
the  early  settlers  the  same  author  says:  “For 
many  years  there  was  no  person  who  bore 
even  the  name  of  a doctor.  The  diseases  of 
children  were  mostly  ascribed  to  worms  for 
the  expulsion  of  which  a solution  of  common 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


36 


salt  was  given.  The  dose  was  always  large. 
1 well  remember  having  been  compelled  to 
take  half  a tablespoonful  when  quite  small. 
'J'o  the  best  of  my  recollection  it  answered 
the  purpose.  Scrapings  of  pewter  spoons 
was  another  remedy.  This  dose  was  also 
large  and  commonly  given  in  sugar.  Green 
copperas  was  a third  remedy  for  this  disease. 
'I'he  dose  of  this  was  larger  than  we  would 
venture  to  give  at  this  time.  For  burns  a 
poultice  of  Indian  meal  was  a common  rem- 
edy. A poultice  of  scraped  potatoes  was  also 
a favorite  remedy  with  some  people.  Roasted 
turnips  made  into  a poultice  was  often  used 
by  others. 

‘‘The  croup,  or  what  was  then  called  the 
‘bold  hives,’  was  a common  disease  among 
the  children,  many  of  whom  died  of  it.  For 
the  cure  of  this,  the  juice  of  roasted  onions 
or  garlic  was  given  in  large  doses.  Wall  ink 
was  also  a favorite  remedy  with  many  of  the 
old  ladies.  For  fevers,  sweating  was  the 
general  remedy.  This  was  generally  per- 
formed by  means  of  a strong  decoction  of 
Virginia  snakeroot.  The  dose  was  also 
large.  If  a purge  was  used,  it  was  about  half 
a pint  of  a strong  decoction  of  white  walnut 
bark.  This  when  intended  for  a purge  was 
pealed  downwards;  if  for  a vomit,  it  was 
pealed  upwards.  For  the  bite  of  a rattle  or 
copperhead  snake  a great  variety  of  specifics 
were  used.”  Doddridge  says  when  a small 
boy  he  saw  a man,  bitten  by  a rattlesnake, 
brought  into  the  fort  on  a man’s  back. 

‘‘One  of  the  company  dragged  the  snake 
after  him  by  a forked  stick  fastened  in  its 
head.  The  body  of  the  snake  was  cut  into 
pieces,  which  were  split  open  in  succession 
and  laid  on  the  wound  to  draw  out  the 
poison.  When  this  was  over,  a fire  was 
kindled  in  the  fort  yard  and  the  whole  of  the 
serpent  burned  to  ashes.  After  this  process 
was  over,  a large  quantity  of  chestnut  leaves 
was  collected  and  boiled  in  a pot.  The  whole 
of  the  wounded  man’s  leg  and  part  of  his 
thigh  were  placed  in  a piece  of  chestnut  bark 
fresh  from  the  tree  and  the  decoction 
poured  on  the  leg  so  as  to  run  down  into  the 


pot  again.  After  continuing  this  process 
for  some  time  a quantity  of  boiled  leaves 
were  bound  to  the  leg.  This  was  repeated 
several  times  a day.  Whether  owing  to  the 
treatment  or  not,  the  man  got  well. 

‘‘Cupping,  sucking  the  wound  and  making 
deep  incisions  which  were  filled  with  salt 
and  gunpowder  were  among  the  remedies 
for  snake  bites.  The  cure  of  the  fever  occa- 
sioned by  this  animal  poison  must  be  effected 
with  reference  to  those  general  indications 
which  are  regarded  in  the  cure  of  other  fevers 
of  ec|ual  force.  The  truth  is  that  the  bite  of  a 
rattle  or  copperhead  snake  in  a fleshy  or  ten- 
derous  part,  where  the  blood  vessels  are 
neither  numerous  or  large,  soon  healed  un- 
der any  kind  of  treatment.  But  when  the 
fangs  of  a serpent,  which  are  hollow,  eject  the 
poison  into  a blood  vessel  of  any  considerable 
size,  a malignant  and  incurable  fever  was  the 
immediate  consequence,  and  the  patient 
often  expired  in  the  first  paroxysm.  Horses 
were  frequently  killed  by  them,  as  they  were 
commonly  bitten  somewhere  about  the  nose, 
in  which  the  blood  vessels  are  numerous  and 
large.  Cattle  were  less  frequently  killed  be- 
cause their  noses  are  of  a gristly  texture. 
Hogs  when  in  tolerable  order  were  never 
hurt  by  them,  owing  to  the  thick  layer  of  fat 
between  the  skin  and  blood  vessels. 

“The  hog  took  immediate  revenge  by  in- 
stantly tearing  to  pieces  and  devouring  the 
serpent  which  bit  it.  The  itch,  which  was  a 
very  common  disease  in  early  times,  was 
commonly  cured  by  an  ointment  made  of 
brimstone  and  hog’s  lard.  Gunshot  and 
other  wounds  were  treated  with  slippery  elm 
bark,  flaxseed  and  other  such  poultices. 
Many  lost  their  lives  from  wounds  which 
would  now  be  considered  trifling  and  easily 
cured.  For  the  relief  of  rheumatism,  the  oil 
of  rattlesnakes,  geese,  wolves,  bears,  ground- 
hogs and  pole  cats  was  applied  to  swelled 
joints  and  bathed  in  before  the  fire.  Coughs 
and  pulmonary  consumption  were  treated 
with  a variety  of  syrups;  the  principal  in- 
gredient was  commonly  spikenard.  These 
certainly  gave  but  little  relief.  Charms  and 


BELMONT  COUNTY  INFIRMi\RY 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


39 


incantations  were  in  use  for  the  cure  of  many 
diseases.  The  erysipelas  or  St.  Anthony’s 
fire  was  circumscribed  by  the  blood  of  a black 
cat.  Hence  there  was  scarcely  a black  cat 
to  be  seen  whose  ears  and  tail  had  not  been 
frequently  cropped  for  a contribution  of 
blood.  The  pleurisy  was  the  only  disease 
which  was  in  any  considerable  degree  under- 
stood by  our  people.  A pain  in  the  side 
called  for  the  use  of  the  lancet  if  there  was 
any  to  be  had,  but  owing  to  its  sparing  use 
the  patient  was  apt  to  be  left  with  a spitting 
of  blood,  which  sometimes  ended  in  consump- 
tion. Remittent  and  intermittent  fevers 
were  treated  with  warm  drinks  for  the  pur- 
pose of  sweating. 

“The  patients  were  denied  the  use  of  cold 
water  and  fresh  air.  By  reason  of  which 
many  of  them  died. 

BUSINESS  METHODS. 

“They  had  no  stores  of  any  kind,”  says 
Doddridge,  “no  salt,  iron  nor  iron  works, 
nor  had  they  money  to  make  purchases  where 
those  articles  could  be  obtained.  Peltry  and 
furs  were  their  only  resources  before  they 
began  to  raise  cattle  and  horses  for  sale  in 
the  Atlantic  States. 

“Every  family  collected  what  peltry  and 
fur  they  could  obtain  through  the  year  for 
the  purpose  of  sending  them  over  the  moun- 
tains for  barter. 

“In  the  fall  of  the  year,  after  seeding  time, 
every  family  formed  an  association  with  their 
neighbors  for  starting  a little  caravan.  A 
master  driver  was  selected  from  among  them, 
who  was  to  be  assisted  by  one  or  more  young 
men  and  sometimes  a boy  or  two.  The 
horses  were  fitted  out  with  pack  saddles  to 
the  hinder  part  of  which  was  fastened  a pair 
of  hobbles  made  of  hickory  withes:  a bell 
and  collar  ornamented  his  neck.  The  bags 
provided  for  the  conveyance  of  the  salt  were 
filled  with  feed  for  the  horses;  on  the  jour- 
ney a part  of  this  feed  was  left  at  convenient 
stages  on  the  way  down  to  support  the  re- 
turn of  the  caravan;  large  wallets  well  filled 


with  bread,  jerk,  boiled  ham,  and  cheese, 
furnished  provisions  for  the  driver. 

“At  night  after  feeding,  the  horses  were 
put  in  pasture  or  turned  into  the  woods, 
were  hobbled  and  the  bells  were  opened. 

“The  barter  for  salt  and  iron  was  made 
first  at  Baltimore,  Frederick,  Hagerstown, 
Oldtown  and  Fort  Cumberland  in  succes- 
sion became  the  place  of  exchange.  Each 
horse  carried  two  bushels  of  alum  salt,  weigh- 
ing 84  pounds  to  the  bushel.  The  common 
price  of  a bushel  of  alum  salt  was  a good  cow 
and  calf;  and  until  weights  were  introduced 
the  salt  was  measured  into  the  half  bushel 
by  hand  as  lightly  as  possible.  No  one  was 
permitted  to  walk  heavily  over  the  floor  while 
the  operation  of  measuring  was  going  on. 
The  following  anecdote  will  serve  to  show 
how  little  the  sons  of  the  forest  knew  of  the 
etiquette  of  the  Atlantic  cities.  Among  the 
hands  employed  to  drive  a caravan  from  here 
was  one  who  never  had  seen  any  society  but 
that  of  a woodsman.  At  one  of  their  lodg- 
ing places  in  the  mountain  the  landlord  and 
his  hired  man  in  the  course  of  the  night  stole 
two  of  the  bells  belonging  to  the  drove.  The 
drove  had  not  gone  far  in  the  morning  be- 
fore the  bells  were  missed  and  a detachment 
went  back  to  recover  the  stolen  bells.  The 
men  were  accused  of  the  theft,  but  denied 
the  charge. 

“The  torture  of  sweating,  according  to 
the  custom  of  that  time,  that  of  suspension 
by  the  arms  pinioned  behind  their  backs, 
brought  a confession. 

“The  bells  were  procured  and  hung  around 
the  necks  of  the  thieves.  In  this  condition 
they  were  driven  on  foot,  before  the  detach- 
ment, until  they  overtook  the  drove,  which 
by  this  time  had  gone  nine  miles.  .A  halt 
was  called  and  a jury  selected  to  ti*y  the  cul- 
prits. They  were  condemned  to  receive  a 
certain  number  of  lashes  on  the  bare  back, 
from  the  hand  of  each  drover.  The  man  who 
was  the  owner  of  the  bells,  when  it  came  his 
turn  to  use  the  hickory,  .said  to  the  thief, 
‘You  infernal  scoundrel.  I’ll  work  your  jacket 
nineteen  to  the  dozen.  Only  think  what  a 


40 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


rascally  figure  I should  make  in  the  streets 
of  Baltimore  without  a bell  on  my  horse.’ 

“The  man  was  in  earnest,  having  seen  no 
horses  used  without  bells,  he  thought  they 
were  requisite  in  every  situation.” 

LAW  AND  MORALITY. 

Before  the  establishment  of  a civil  govern- 
ment, disorderly  characters  by  common  con- 
sent were  punished  by  the  whipping  post  and 
stocks. 

Although  there  was  no  legal  compulsion 
to  the  performance  of  military  duty,  every 
man  on  attaining  majority  was  expected  to 
do  his  full  share  of  public  service.  Such  was 
the  situation  of  our  people  along  the  frontier 
of  our  settlements.  Docldridge  says  that  they 
had  no  civil,  military  or  ecclesiastical  laws, 
at  least  none  that  were  enforced,  and  yet  they 
were  a law  unto  themselves.  The  turpitude 
of  vice  and  the  majesty  of  moral  virtue  were 
then  as  apparent  as  they  are  now,  and  they 
were  then  regarded  with  the  same  sentiments 
of  aversion  or  respect  which  they  inspire  at 
the  present  time.  Industry  in  working  and 
hunting,  liravery  in  war,  candor,  honesty, 
hospitality,  and  steadiness  of  deportment, 
received  their  full  reward  of  public  confi- 
dence. The  punishments  which  they  in- 
flicted upon  offenders  by  the  imperial  court 
of  public  opinion  were  well  adapted  for  the 
reformation  of  the  cidprit  or  his  expulsion 
from  the  community. 

The  punishment  for  idleness,  lying,  dis- 
honesty, and  ill  fame  was  generally  that  of 
“hating  the  offender  out.”  This  mode  of 
chastisement  was  a public  expression  in  vari- 
ous ways,  of  indignation  against  such  as 
transgressed  the  moral  maxims  of  the  com- 
munity to  which  they  belonged. 

This  commonly  resulted  either  in  the 
reformation  or  banishment  of  the  person 
against  whom  it  was  directed.  At  house 
raisings,  log  rollings,  harvest  parties,  every- 
one was  expected  to  do  his  duty  faithfidly. 

A person  who  did  not  perform  his  share 
of  labor  on  these  occasions  was  designated 


by  the  opprobrious  epithet  of  “Lawrence.” 
A man  who  without  a reasonable  cause  did 
not  perform  military  duty  was  hated  as  a 
coward.  A man  failing  to  go  on  a scout  or 
campaign  when  it  came  his  turn  met  with  an 
expression  of  indignation,  and  epithets  of 
dishonor  were  heaped  upon  him  without 
mercy.  Debts  which  make  such  an  uproar 
in  civilized  life  were  but  little  known  by  our 
forefathers  at  the  settlement  of  this  country. 
They  had  no  money  of  any  kind;  everything 
purchased  was  paid  for  in  produce  or  labor. 
If  a contract  was  not  punctually  fulfilled,  the 
credit  of  the  delinquent  was  at  an  end.  Any 
petty  theft  was  punished  with  all  the  infamy 
that  could  be  heaped  on  the  offender.  If 
a theft  was  detected  in  any  of  the  frontier 
settlements,  a summary  code  of  punishment 
was  always  resorted  to;  their  maxim  was  a 
thief  must  be  whipped. 

If  the  theft  was  of  some  value,  a kind  of 
jury  of  the  neighborhood  after  hearing  the 
testimony  would  condemn  the  culprit  to 
Moses’  law,  that  is,  “forty  stripes  save  one.” 
If  the  theft  was  of  some  small  article,  the 
offender  was  doomed  to  carry  on  his  back  the 
stripes  of  the  flag  of  the  Union,  which  then 
consisted  of  13,  and  the  stripes  were  sure  to 
be  well  laid  on.  This  punishment  was  fol- 
lowed by  a sentence  of  exile;  if  he  did  not  de- 
camp in  so  many  days  the  stripes  were 
doubled.  If  a woman  was  given  to  tattling 
or  slandering  she  was  by  common  consent 
given  the  right  to  say  whatever  she  pleased 
without  being  believed. 

Her  tongue  was  then  said  to  be  harmless. 
If  one  man  called  another  a liar  he  was  con- 
sidered as  having  given  a challenge  to  fight, 
which  the  person  who  received  it  must  ac- 
cept or  be  deemed  a coward,  and  the  charge 
was  generally  answered  on  the  spot  with  a 
blow.  If  the  injured  person  was  unable  to 
fight  he  might  get  a friend  to  do  it  for  him. 
The  same  thing  took  place  on  a charge  of 
cowardice  or  any  other  dishonorable  action. 

The  mode  of  single  combats  in  those  days 
was  dangerous  in  the  extreme;  although  no 
weapons  were  used,  fists,  teeth  and  feet  were 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


41 


employed  at  will;  but  above  all  the  detestable 
practice  of  gouging,  by  which  eyes  were 
sometimes  put  out,  rendered  this  mode  of 
fighting  frightful  indeed. 

AMUSEMENTS  AND  GAMES. 

The  pioneers  were  not  without  diversions, 
though  they  were  such  as  might  be  expected 
among  a people  who  owing  to  their  circum- 
stances, as  well  as  education,  set  a higher 
value  on  physical  than  on  mental  endow- 
ments, and  on  skill  in  hunting,  and  bravery 
in  war,  than  on  any  polite  accomplishments 
or  fine  arts.  Doddridge  says:  “Amusements 
are  in  many  instances  either  imitations  of  the 
business  of  life,  or  some  of  its  particular  ob- 
jects of  pursuit.  Many  of  the  sports  of  the 
early  settlers  of  this  country  were  imitative 
of  the  exercises  and  strategems  of  hunting 
and  war.  Boys  were  taught  the  use  of  the 
bow  and  arrow  at  an  early  age,  so  they  ac- 
quired considerable  adroitness  in  the  use  of 
them  so  as  to  kill  birds  or  squirrels.  Dancing 
and  horse-racing  were  regarded  as  a prepara- 
tion for  the  personal  deportment,  in  public 
and  military  life.  One  important  pastime  of 
our  boys  was  that  of  imitating  the  noise  of 
every  bird  and  beast  in  the  woods.  This 
faculty  was  not  merely  a pastime,  but  a ver>' 
necessary  part  of  education,  on  account  of  its 
utility  in  hunting.  The  imitations  of  the 
gobbling  and  other  sounds  of  wild  turkeys 
often  brought  those  keen-eyed,  and  ever 
watchful,  tenants  of  the  forest  within  the 
reach  of  the  rifle.  The  bleating  of  the  fawn 
brought  its  dam  to  her  death  in  the  same 
way.  Throwing  the  tomahawk  was  another 
boyish  sport,  in  which  many  acquired  great 
skill.  A little  experience  enabled  the  boy 
to  measure  the  distance  with  his  eye,  when 
walking  through  the  woods,  and  strike  a 
tree  with  his  tomahawk  in  any  way  he  chose. 
The  athletic  sports  of  running,  jumping  and 
wrestling  were  the  pastimes  of  boys  in  com- 
mon with  the  men. 

“A  well  grown  boy,  at  the  age  of  12  or  13, 
was  furnished  with  a small  rifle  and  shot 


pouch.  Shooting  at  marks  was  a common 
diversion  among  the  men  when  their  stock 
of  ammunition  would  allow  it. 

“Singing  and  dancing  was  another,  but 
not  very  common,  amusement  among  our 
first  settlers.  Their  dances,  to  be  sure,  were 
of  the  simplest  form. 

“Three  and  four-handed  reels  and  jigs. 
Cotillions  and  minuets  were  unknown.  In 
singing,  their  tunes  were  rude  enough,  to  be 
sure.  Robin  Hood  furnished  a number  of 
our  songs,  the  balance  were  mostly  tragical. 
The  last  were  denominated  ‘love  songs  about 
murder.’  Cards,  dice,  and  other  games  of 
chance  were  unknown.  These  are  among 
the  gifts  of  civilization.” 


. THE  MECHANIC  ARTS. 

The  same  author  says:  “Our  readers  will 

ask  where  were  the  mills  for  grinding  grain, 
j the  tanners  for  making  leather,  where  were 
the  smith  shops  for  making  and  repairing 
farming  utensils?  Who  were  the  carpenters 
' tailors,  cabinet  workmen,  shoemakers  and 
weavers?  The  answer  is  those  manufactur- 
I ers  did  not  exist,  nor  had  they  any  profes- 
sional tradesmen. 

“Every  family  were  under  the  necessity  of 
doing  everything  for  themselves.  The 
hominy  block  and  hand  mill  were  in  use  in 
most  of  our  houses. 

“The  first  was  made  of  a large  block  of 
wood  about  three  feet  long,  with  an  excava 
tion  burned  in  one  end,  wide  at  the  top  and 
I narrow  at  the  bottom,  so  that  the  action  of 
the  pestle  on  the  bottom  threw  the  corn  up 
to  the  sides  toward  the  top,  from  whence  it 
continually  fell  down  into  the  center.  In 
consequence  of  this  movement,  the  whole 
• mass  of  the  grain  was  subjected  to  the 
strokes  of  the  pestle.  In  the  fall  of  the  year 
when  the  Indian  corn  was  soft  the  block  and 
pestle  did  verv  well  for  making  meal,  but 
were  rather  slow  when  the  corn  became  hard 
The  sweep  was  sometimes  used  to  lessen  the 
toil  of  pounding  grain  into  meal.  This  wa? 
a pole  of  some  springy  Avood  30  feet  long  or 


42 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


more,  the  butt  end  was  placed  under  the  side 
of  a house  or  a large  stump;  this  pole  was 
supported  by  two  forks  placed  about  one 
third  of  its  length  from  the  butt  end  so  as 
to  elevate  the  smaller  end  about  15  feet  from 
the  ground. 

“To  this  was  attached  by  a large  mortice 
a piece  of  sapling  about  five  or  six  inches 
in  diameter  and  eight  or  ten  feet  long.  The 
lower  end  of  this  was  shaped  so  as  to  answer 
for  a pestle.  A pin  of  wood  was  put  through 
it  at  a proper  height  so  that  two  persons 
could  work  at  the  sweep  at  once.  This 
simple  machine  very  much  lessened  the  labor 
and  it  was  kept  going  almost  constantly  from 
morning  to  night  by  our  neighbors  for  sev- 
eral weeks.  Our  first  water  mills  were  of 
the  description  denominated  tub  mills.  It 
consists  of  a perpendicular  shaft  to  the  lower 
end  of  which  an  horizontal  wheel  of  about 
five  feet  in  diameter  was  attached.  These 
mills  were  built  with  but  very  little  expense. 
Instead  of  bolting  cloths,  sifters  were  in  gen- 
eral use.  These  were  made  of  deerskins  in 
a state  of  parchment,  stretched  over  a hoop 
and  perforated  with  a hot  wire.  Our  clothing 
was  all  of  domestic  manufacture.  We  had 
no  other  resource  for  clothing  and  this  in- 
deed was  a poor  one.  The  crops  of  flax  often 
failed  and  the  sheep  were  destroyed  by 
wolves.  Linseyy  which  is  made  of  flax  and 
wool,  the  former  the  chain  and  the  latter  the 
filling,  was  the  warmest  and  most  substan- 
tial cloth  we  could  make. 

“Almost  every  house  contained  a loom 
and  almost  every  Avoman  was  a weaver 
Every  family  tanned  their  own  leather.  The 
tan  vat  was  a large  trough  sunk  to  the  upper 
edge  in  the  ground.  A quantity  of  bark  was 
easily  obtained  every  spring  in  clearing  and 
fencing  the  land.  This,  after  drying,  was 
brought  in,  and  on  Avet  day^s  Avas  shaved  and 
pounded  on  a block  of  Avood.  Ashes  were 
used  in  place  of  lime  for  taking  off  the  hair 
Bear’s  oil,  hog’s  lard  and  talloAV  answered 
the  place  of  fish  oil.  The  leather  to  be  sure 
Avas  coarse  but  good.  The  blacking  for  the 
leather  Avas  made  of  soot  and  hog’s  lard. 


Almost  every  family  contained  its  OAvn  tailors 
and  shoemakers.  Those  Avho  could  not 
make  shoes  could  make  shoe  packs.  These 
like  moccasins  Avere  made  of  a single  piece 
of  leather,  Avith  the  exception  of  a tongue 
piece  on  top  of  the  foot.  To  the  shoe  pack  a 
sole  Avas  sometimes  added.  The  Avomen  did 
the  tailor  Avork.  They  could  all  cut  out  and 
make  hunting  shirts,  leggins  and  drawers. 
There  Avas  almost  in  every  neighborhood 
someone  Avhose  natural  ingenuity  enabled 
him  to  do  many  things  for  himself  and  his 
neighbors,  far  above  Avhat  could  have  been 
reasonably  expected  Avith  the  few  tools  which 
they  brought  Avith  them  into  the  country. 

SUPERSTITIONS  OF  THE  PIONEER  AGE. 

“The  belief  in  Avitchcraft  Avas  prevalent 
among  the  early  settlers  of  the  Western 
Country.  To  the  Avitch  was  ascribed  the 
poAver  of  inflicting  strange  and  incurable  dis- 
eases, particularly  of  children;  of  destroying 
cattle  by  shooting  them  Avith  hair  balls,  and 
a great  variety  of  other  means  of  destruction; 
of  inflicting  spells  and  curses  on  guns,  and 
other  things;  and  lastly,  of  changing  men 
into  horses,  and  after  driving  and  saddling 
them,  riding  them  in  full  speed  over  hill  and 
dale  to  their  frolics,  and  other  places  of  ren- 
dezvous. Wizards  were  men  supposed  to 
possess  the  same  mischievous  powers  as 
Avitches;  but  these  Avere  seldom  exercised  for 
bad  purposes.  The  poAvers  of  the  Avizard 
Avere  exercised  almost  exclusively  for  the  pur- 
pose of  counteracting  the  malevolent  influ- 
ences of  the  Avitches  of  the  other  sex.  The 
means  by  Avhich  the  Avitch  Avas  supposed  to 
inflict  diseases,  curses  and  spells  could  not 
be  learned:  they  Avere  sciences  Avhich  no  one 
Avas  supposed  to  understand  except  the  Avitch 
herself.  Diseases  AAdiich  could  neither  be  ac- 
counted for  nor  cured  Avere  usually  ascribed 
to  some  supernatural  agency  of  a malignant 
kind.  For  the  cure  of  the  diseases  inflicted 
by  Avitchcraft,  the  picture  of  the  supposed 
Avitch  Avas  draAvn  on  a stump  or  piece  of  board 
and  shot  at  Avith  a bullet  containing  a little 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


43 


bit  of  silver.  This  silver  bullet  transferred  a 
painful  and  sometimes  a mortal  spell  on  that 
part  of  the  witch  corresponding  with  the 
part  of  the  portrait  struck  by  the  bullet- 
The  witch  had  but  one  way  of  relieving  her- 
self from  any  spell  inflicted  on  her  in  any 
way,  which  was  that  of  borrowing  something 
of  a family  to  which  the  subject  of  the  exer- 
cise of  her  witchcraft  belonged.  When  cat- 
tle or  dogs  were  supposed  to  be  under  the 
influence  of  witchcraft  they  were  burned  in 
the  forehead  by  a branding  iron,  or  when 
dead  burned  wholly  to  ashes.  This  inflicted 
a spell  upon  the  witch  which  could  only  be 
removed  by  borrowing  as  above  stated. 

“Witches  were  often  said  to  milk  the  cows 
of  their  neighbors.  This  they  did  by  fixing 
a new  pin  in  a new  towel  for  each  cow  in- 
tended to  be  milked.  This  towel  was  hung 
over  her  own  door  and  by  the  means  of  cer- 
tain incantations  the  milk  was  extracted 
from  the  fringes  of  the  towel  after  the  man- 
ner of  milking  a cow.” 

CHANGES  IN  THE  WEATHER. 

Since  the  settlement  of  our  country  great 
changes  have  taken  place  in  our  weather  sys- 
tem. Doddridge  says:  “These  changes  have 
been  so  gradual  that  it  is  no  easy  task  to  de- 
scribe them.  For  many  years  we  scarcely 
ever  had  a single  warm  night  during  the 
whole  summer.  At  the  first  settlement  of 
the  country,  the  evenings  were  cool  and  the 
mornings  frequently  uncomfortably  cold. 
The  coldness  of  the  nights  was  owing  to  the 
deep  shade  of  the  forest  trees  which  every- 
where covered  the  ground.. 

“At  sundown  the  air  began  to  become 
damp  and  cool,  and  continued  to  increase  in 
coldness  until  warmed  by  the  sunshine  of  the 
succeeding  day. 

“Our  summers  in  early  times  were  mostly 
very  dry.  The  beds  of  our  large  creeks,  ex- 
cepting in  the  deep  holes,  presented  nothing 
but  deep  rocks. 

“The  mills  Avere  not  expected  to  do  any 
grinding  after  the  end  of  May.  It  Avas  a fre- 


quent saying  among  our  farmers  that  three 
good  rains  Avere  sufficient  to  make  a crop  of 
corn  if  they  happened  at  the  proper  time. 

“Hunting  snoAvs  usually  commenced  about 
the  middle  of  October.  November  Avas**  re- 
garded as  a Avinter  month.  The  Avinter  fre- 
c^uently  set  in  Avith  severity  that  month  and 
sometimes  at  an  earlier  period.  For  a long 
time  after  the  settlement  of  the  country  Ave 
had  an  abundance  of  snoAv  in  comparison  to 
the  amount  Ave  usually  have  now.  It  Avas 
no  unusual  thing  to  haA^e  siioavs  from  one  to 
three  feet  in  depth  and  of  long  continuance. 
Our  people  often  became  tired  of  seeing  the 
monotonous  aspect  of  the  country  so  long 
covered  Avith  a deep  snoAAq  and  longed  to  see 
the  ground  bare  once  more. 

“The  labor  of  getting  Avood  after  a deep 
fall  of  snoAV  and  opening  of  the  roads  Avas 
in  the  highest  degree  disagreeable.  A tree 
AAdien  fallen  Avas  literally  buried  in  the  snoAV, 
so  that  the  driver  of  the  horses  had  to  plunge 
the  Avhole  length  of  his  arm  into  it  to  get  the 
log  chain  around  the  butt  end  of  the  trees  in 
order  to  haul  it  home.  The  depth  of  the 
snoAvs,  the  extreme  cold  and  length  of  our 
AATuters,  Avere  indeed  distressing  to  the  first 
settlers,  Avho  Avere  but  poorly  provided  Avith 
clothing,  and  AAdiose  cabins  Avere  mostly  A^ery 
open  and  uncomfortable.  Getting  Avood, 
making  fires,  feeding  the  stock,  going  to  the 
mill,  Avere  considered  sufficient  employment 
for  any  family,  and  truly  those  labors  left 
them  but  little  time  for  anything  else.  As 
our  roads  in  early  times  did  not  admit  of  the 
use  of  sleighs,  the  only  sport  Ave  had  in  the 
time  of  a deep  snoAV  Avas  that  of  racing  about 
on  the  crust  on  its  surface.  This  AA’-as  formed 
by  a slight  thaAV,  succedeed  by  a seA^ere  frost. 
On  this  crust  Ave  could  haul  our  logs  and 
brush,  and  OAving  to  great  drifts  of  snoAV  in 
manv  places,  OA'er  the  highest  fences.  These 
crusts  Avere  often  fatal  to  the  deer.  Woh^es, 
dogs  and  men  could  pursue  them  Avithout 
breaking  through  the  crust.  The  deer  on 
the  contrary,  Avhen  pursued,  OAving  to  the 
smallness  of  their  hoofs,  ahA^ays  broke 
through  it,  tmless  Avhen  it  Avas  uncommonly 


44 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


hard.  The  hunters  never  killed  the  deer  in 
the  dead  of  winter,  as  their  skins  and  llesh 
was  then  of  but  little  value.  On  the  whole, 
althoug'h  the  same  variable  system  of  weather 
conlinued,  our  springs  were  formerly  some- 
what collier,  and  accompanied  with  more 
snow  than  they  are  now.  But  the  change  in 
these  resjw'cts  is  not  favorable  to  vegetation, 
as  our  late  springs  are  uniformly  followed 
by  the  most  fruitful  seasons.  It  is  the  law 
of  the  vegetable  world  that  the  longer  the 
vegetative  princii)le  is  delayed,  the  more  rapid 
when  put  in  motion.  From  this  it  appears 
that  our  seasons  have  already  undergone 
great  and  important  changes.  Our  summers 
are  much  warmer,  our  falls  much  milder  and 
longer,  and  our  winters  shorter  by  at  least 
one  month  and  accompanied  with  much  less 
snow  and  cold  than  formerly.  What  causes 
have  affected  these  changes  in  our  system  of 
weather,  and  what  we  may  reasonably  sup- 
pose will  be  the  extent  of  this  revolution  we 
can  only  conjecture.” 

THE  HORRORS  OF  SLAVERY. 

The  horrors  of  slavery  as  practiced  in  pio- 
neer days  and  in  the  slave  State  adjoining 
Belmont  County,  is  but  little  understood  by 
the  peojrle  of  this  generation  and  in  this  free 
State.  When  Thr.  Doddridge  lost  his  mother 
he  was  placed  under  the  care  of  relations  in 
Maryland  for  the  purpose  of  being  sent  to 
school.  The  Doctor  says:  “When  T arrived 

there  T was  in  a new  world.  I had  left  the 
backwoods  behind  me.  T had  exchanged  its 
rough  manners  and  poor  living  for  the  build- 
ings, plenty,  and  polish  of  civilized  life.  My 
residence  was  in  a neighborhood  were  slaves 
and  convicts  were  numerous  and  where  tor- 
tures inflicted  upon  them  had  become  the 
occurrences  of  almost  every  day,  so  that  they 
were  shewed  with  indifference  by  the  popu- 
lation of  the  neighborhood  as  matters  of 
course. 

“Thus  it  is  that  custom  reconciles  human 
nature  with  all  its  native  sympathies  to  the 
grossest  barbarities  and  hardens  the  heart 


against  the  most  intense  suffering  of  a fel- 
low creature.  Not  so  with  me  who  never 
had  witnessed  such  tortures.  I had  not  been 
long  in  my  new  habitation  before  I witnessed 
a scene  which  I shall  never  forget.  A serv- 
ant accused  of  some  trivial  offense  was 
doomed  to  the  whip,  tied  with  his  arms  ex- 
tended upwards  to  the  limb  of  a tree,  a 
bundle  of  hickories  were  thrown  down  before 
him,  and  he  was  ordered  to  look  at  them  and 
told  that  they  should  all  be  worn  out  on  him, 
and  a great  many  more,  if  he  did  not  make 
a confession  of  the  crime  charged  against 
him.  The  operation  began  by  tucking  up 
the  shirt  over  his  head  so  as  to  leave  the 
back  and  shoulders  naked.  The  master  then 
took  two  of  the  hickories  in  his  hand  and  by 
forward  and  backhanded  strokes,  each  of 
which  sounded  like  a wagon  whip,  and  ap- 
plied with  the  utmost  rapidity  and  with  his 
whole  muscular  strength.  In  a few  seconds 
the  lacerated  shoulders  of  the  poor  miserable 
sufferer  were  covered  with  not  less  than  50 
scourges,  so  that  in  a little  time  the  whole 
of  his  shoulders  had  the  appearance  of  a 
mass  of  blood,  streams  of  which  soon  began 
to  flow  down  his  back  and  sides;  he  then 
made  a confession  of  his  fault.  A fault  not 
worth  naming,  but  this  did  not  save  him 
from  further  torture.  He  had  put  his  mas- 
ter to  the  trouble  of  whipping  him  and  he 
must  have  a little  more.  His  trousers  were 
then  unbuttoned  and  suffered  to  fall  about 
his  feet;  two  hickories  were  selected  from 
the  bundle  and  were  so  applied  that  in  a 
short  time  his  posteriors  like  his  shoulders 
exhibited  nothing  but  laceration  and  blood. 
A consultation  was  then  held  between  the 
master  and  the  bystanders,  who  had  been 
cooly  looking  on,  in  which  it  was  humanely 
concluded  that  ‘he  had  got  enough.’ 

“A  basin  of  brine  and  a cloth  were  ordered 
to  be  brought,  and  with  this  his  stripes  were 
washed,  or  salted,  as  they  called  it.  During 
this  operation  the  suffering  wretch  writhed 
and  groaned  as  if  in  the  agonies  of  death. 
He  was  then  untied  and  told  to  go  home, 
and  mistress  wmuld  tell  him  what  to  do. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


45 


From  this  scene  of  torture  I went  home  with 
a heavy  heart  and  wished  myself  in  the  back- 
woods  again.  It  frequently  happened  that 
torture  was  inflicted  upon  slaves  and  con- 
victs in  a more  protracted  manner  than  in 
that  above  described.  When  the  victim  of 
cruelty  was  doomed  by  his  master  to  receive 
the  lash  several  of  his  neighbors  were  called 
on  for  their  assistance.  They  attended  at 
the  time  and  place  appointed. 

“A  jug  of  rum  and  water  was  provided  for 
the  occasion.  After  the  trembling  wretch 
was  brought  forward  and  tied  up,  the  num- 
ber of  lashes  which  he  was  to  receive  was  de- 
termined on  by  lot  or  otherwise,  and  it  was 
decided  who  should  begin  the  operation; 
this  done,  the  torture  commenced;  at  the 
conclusion  of  the  first  course,  the  operator 
pretending  great  weariness,  called  for  a drink 
of  rum  and  water,  in  which  he  was  joined  by 
the  company. 

“A  certain  time  was  allowed  for  the  sub- 
ject of  their  cruelty  to  cool,  as  they  called 
it.  When  the  allotted  time  had  expired,  the 
next  one  took  his  turn,  and  in  like  manner 
ended  with  a drink  and  so  on  until  the  ap- 
pointed number  of  lashes  were  all  imposed. 
This  operation  lasted  several  hours,  some- 
times half  a day,  at  the  conclusion  of  which 
the  sufferer,  with  his  hands  swollen  with  the 
cords,  was  unbound  and  suffered  to  put  on 
his  shirt.  His  executioners,  to  whom  the 
operation  was  rather  a frolic  than  otherwise, 
returned  home  from  the  scene  of  their  labors, 
half  drunk. 

“Another  method  of  punishment  still  more 
protracted  than  this,  was  that  of  dooming  a 


slave  to  receive  so  many  lashes,  during  sev- 
eral days  in  succession;  each  of  those  whip- 
pings excepting  the  first  was  called  ‘tickling 
up  the  old  scabs.’  Female  servants,  both 
white  and  black,  were  subjected  to  the  whip 
in  common  with  the  males.  Having  to  pass 
through  the  yard  of  a neighbor  on  the  way 
to  school  it  happened  that  on  going  my 
usual  route  on  a cold  snowy  morning,  when 
I came  within  view  of  the  house,  I was  much 
surprised  at  seeing  a naked  woman  standing 
at  the  whipping  post,  and  her  master  with 
a hickoiu'  in  his  hand.  When  I got  to  the 
place  I stopped  to  see  what  was  going  on; 
after  the  woman  had  received  a certain  num- 
ber of  lashes,  a female  black  slave  was  or- 
dered from  the  kitchen,  stripped,  and  fast- 
ened by  the  irons  of  the  whipping  post,  her 
scars  exhibiting  the  stripes  and  corrugations 
of  former  years.  Both  these  women  had 
handkerchiefs  tied  around  their  eyes  to  pre- 
vent them  from  seeing  when  the  blow  was 
coming.  The  hickory  used  by  this  man  was 
a forked  one  twisted  together  and  tied.  A 
hickory  of  this  kind,  owing  to  the  inequlity 
of  its  surface,  gives  the  greater  pain.  With 
this  he  scourged  the  backs  of  these  two 
women  alternately,  but  for  what  length  of 
time  I do  not  know;  being  shocked  at  the 
sight,  I hurried  on  to  school  and  left  the 
master  at  his  work.  I might  here  relate 
many  other  methods  of  torture,  of  which  I 
have  been  an  eye  witness,  among  these 
people,  such  as  the  thumb  screw,  sweating, 
the  birch,  and  etc.,  but  it  is  enough;  the  heart 
sickens  at  such  cruelties.” 


CHAPTER  III 


CIVIL  GOVERNMENT. 

Organization  of  the  County — Proclamation  of  Governor  St.  Clair — The  First 
County  Seat — The  First  Court — The  First  Election  Precincts — The  First 
C'onstables  and  Election  Supervisors — A Unique  Way  of  Raising  Money — 
The  First  Meeting  of  the  Supreme  Court  in  Belmont  County — A Bit  of 
Unwritten  History — A Tribute  to  Governor  St.  Clair — County  Seat  Re- 
moved TO  St.  Clairsville — The  First  Murder  Trial — Bounties — The  First 
Court  House  and  Gaol — The  Evolution  of  the  Townships. 


organization  of  the  county. 

At  the  time  of  the  adoption  of  the  ordinance 
of  1787,  P.ehnont  County  was  only  a part  of 
the  great  undivided  territory  of  the  Northwest. 
(Df  this  ordinance  a distinguished  attorney  has 
said  it  was  the  most  remarkable  political  docu- 
ment, witli  the  possilile  excejition  of  theDelcara- 
tion  f)f  Independence,  ever  produced  by  unin- 
spired men.  Tlie  declared  ])urpose  of  the  ordi- 
nance was  to  hx  and  establish  the  principles  of 
civil  and  religious  government  as  the  basis  of  all 
law.  Knowledge,  morality  and  religion  were 
declared  to  be  necessary  for  good  government 
and  the  happiness  of  all  the  people  and  it  was 
accordingly  ordained  that  schools  and  all  other 
means  of  education  should  be  encouraged. 
Thus  was  laid  early  and  deep  the  foundation 
of  our  common  school  system  and  higher  edu- 
cational institutions  throughout  the  great 
Northwest.  Among  the  other  beneficent  pro- 
visions of  that  great  ordinance  were  justice 
and  taxation,  the  integrity  of  private  contracts 
and  good  faith  towards  the  native  Indians. 
Human  slavery  was  also  forever  forbidden  in 
all  that  great  territory  87  years  before  the  curse 
was  stricken  from  our  national  Constitution. 


The  Continental  Congress  that  enacted  the  or- 
dinance of  1787,  providing  for  the  govern- 
ment of  the  Northwest  Territory,  was  presided 
over  by  General  St.  Clair,  who  was  snbsecjuent- 
ly  made  governor  of  the  new  territory  and  ar- 
rived at  Marietta  in  July  1788,  to  assume  the 
duties  of  his  office.  One  of  his  first  official 
acts  was  to  establish  the  county  of  Washing- 
ton that  emliraced  nearly  all  the  territory  now 
within  the  boundary  of  the  State  of  Ohio,  In 
the  division  and  subdivision  of  this  gigantic 
county,  there  arose  much  conflict  and  strife  be- 
tween Governor  St.  Clair  and  the  Legislature, 
by  reason  of  which  1 1 of  the  30  bills  passed  by 
the  first  General  Assembly  were  rejected  by 
the  Governor  because  many  of  these  bills  pro- 
\’ided  for  the  erection  of  new  counties  and  the 
Governor  held  that  that  prerogative  rested  sole- 
ly with  him.  Fie  cliarged,  furthermore,  that 
land  speculators  sought  the  erection  of  new 
counties  for  corrupt  purposes,  and  the  Gover- 
nor maintained  this  contention  until  it  led  to 
his  removal  Iiy  President  Thomas  Jefferson  in 
1802.  Prior  to  this.  Governor  St.  Clair  estab- 
lished Jefferson  County,  which  included  all  of 
the  territory  now  embraced  in  Belmont  County, 
except  Kirkwood  and  Somerset  townships,  and 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


47 


a portion  of  Flushing  township;  subsequently 
Jefferson  County  was  again  subdivided  and 
with  the  addition  of  lands  from  Washington 
County,  the  county  of  Belmont  (the  beauti- 
ful mountains)  was  organized  November  7, 
1801.  This  was  the  loth  county  of  Ohio  in 
the  order  of  establishment  and  the  last  county 
created  before  the  admission  of  Ohio  into  the 
Union. 

PROCLAMATION  OF  GOVERNOR  ST.  CLAIR. 

The  proclamation  of  Governor  St.  Clair 
creating  Belmont  County  reads  as  follows ; 
Territory  of  the  United  States,  ) 

North  West  of  the  Ohio,  ) 

By  Arthur  St.  Clair,  governor  of  the  territory  of 
the  United  States  northwest  of  the  Ohio.  Whereas, 
in  my  proclamation  erecting  the  county  of  Belmont 
bearing  date  7th  day  of  September  last  a mistake,  to- 
wit : the  word  north  instead  of  west  in  the  description 
of  one  of  the  boundaries  crept  into  the  press  copy.  To 
rectify  the  same  and  remove  all  doubts  about  the  boun- 
daries of  said  county  of  Belmont,  I have  issued  this  my 
present  proclamation,  hereby  declaring  that  the  lines 
of  boundary  shall  begin  as  in  the  aforesaid  proclama- 
tion on  the  Ohio  River  at  the  middle  of  the  fourth 
township  of  the  second  range  of  townships  in  the  seven 
ranges  and  running  with  the  line  between  the  third  and 
fourth  sections  of  the  said  township,  counting  from  the 
township  line,  but  which  are  numbered  16  and  17  upon 
the  map  produced  west  to  the  western  boundary  of 
the  said  seven  ranges ; thence  south  with  the  said  west- 
ern boundary  to  the  middle  of  the  fifth  township  in  the 
seventh  range ; thence  east  to  the  Ohio  River  where  the 
line  between  the  ninth  and  tenth  section  of  the  third 
township  in  the  third  range  intersects  the  same,  and 
thence  with  the  Ohio  River  to  the  place  of  beginning, 
and  the  said  lines  as  above  described  are  hereby  de- 
clared to  be  the  lines  and  limits  of  boundary  of  the 
county  of  Belmont  and  are  the  same  which  were  in- 
tended to  be  established  by  the  aforesaid  proclamation. 

Given  under  my  hand,  and  seal  of  the  territory,  at 
Cincinnati,  the  13th  day  of  November,  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  one,  and 
of  the  independence  of  the  United  States,  the  twenty- 
sixth. 

AR.  ST.  CLAIR. 

THE  FIRST  COUNTY  SEAT. 

After  the  issuance  of  the  above,  the  county 
seat  was  established  at  a little  village  called 
Pultney,  that  was  laid  out  by  Daniel  McElher- 
ren,  August  22,  1799,  after  a sharp  contest  with 
the  village  of  Jefferson,  now  Martin’s  Ferr}q 


laid  out  by  Absolem  Martin,  in  1795.  Pultney 
was  located  about  one  mile  below  Bellaire,  and 
Jefferson  is  now  the  prosperous  city  of  Mar- 
tin’s Ferry. 

THE  FIRST_COURT. 

Held  in  Belmont  County  convened  in  the  home 
of  Jacob  Repshire,  one  of  the  judges  in  Pult- 
ney, Tuesday,  November  24,  1801.  It  was  a 
Court  of  Quarter  Sessions,  with  Judges  Daniel 
McElherren,  Jacob  Repshire  and  David  Lock- 
wood  on  the  bench.  At  this  session  the  first 
division  of  the  county  into  townships  was 
enacted.  Up  to  this  time  the  county  embraced 
all  the  present  area  of  the  county,  and  all  the 
east  tier  of  townships  in  Guernsey  and  Noble 
counties,  and  nearly  all  of  IMonroe  County. 
But  this  court  divided  the  county  into  four 
parallel  townships,  namely,  Kirkwood,  Pult- 
ney, York,  and  Salem. 

The  first  grand  jury  consisted  of  Notley 
Hayes,  Patrick  White,  John  King,  Anthony 
Rizer,  Joshua  M.  Sherry,  Thomas  Duffield, 
William  Bush,  George  Barnett,  Peter  Buzzard, 
John  Wall,  Abraham  Emerine,  Richard  Hard- 
esty, John  Lamb,  Robert  Gilfin,  Henry  Leep, 
Samuel  Barnes,  Andrew  Miller,  and  Archi- 
bald Smith.  The  distinguished  Charles  Ham- 
mond w'as  chosen  by  this  court  to  act  as  prose- 
cutor, until  his  appointment  could  be  confirmed 
by  the  Attorney  General.  Two  roads  were 
ordered  by  this  court,  namely  the  construction 
of  a road,  under  the  supervision  of  Jacob  Cole- 
man, surveyor,  between  Pultney  (Bellaire) 
and  Newellstown  (St.  Clairsville)  ; and  a 
license  for  the  construction  of  a road  over  the 
Zane  Trail,  from  the  -river  at  or  near  Kirk- 
wood west  through  the  county,  practically 
along  the  line  of  the  present  National  Road. 
At  this  term  of  the  court,  we  also  find  an  entry 
upon  the  court  journals  as  follows  : “That  there 
be  built  on  the  public  grounds  in  the  town  of 
Pultney  a brick  house  35  feet  square,  two 
stories  high.  The  first  story  to  be  12  feet  in 
the  clear,  and  the  second  eight  feet  in  the  clear. 
The  same  to  be  occupied  as  a Court  House  for 
this  county.” 


48 


CENTENNIALIHISTORY  OF  BELMONTICOUNTY , 


jacol)  Repshire,  David  Lockwood  (two  of 
the  judg'cs)  and  Samuel  Dille  were  appointed 
to  purchase  material  to  the  amount  of  $500 
for  the  Court  House.  And  they  were  subse- 
quently empowered  to  make  additional  pur- 
chases and  em])loy  additional  workmen  for  the 
s])eedy  completion  of  the  same.  Until  the  new 
Court  1 louse  was  completed,  the  court  rented 
a house  from  judge  Repshire,  in  which  court 
was  held  until  the  new  Court  House  was  com- 
pleted. 

THE  FIRST  ELECTION  PRECINCTS. 

In  1803,  the  court  appointed  an  election  pre- 
cinct in  each  town.ship.  Prior  to  this  action 
of  the  court,  there  were  but  two  election  pre- 
cincts in  tbe  whole  county.  One  of  these  was 
the  home  of  Bassil  Israel  in  Newellstown,  now 
St.  Clairsville,  and  the  other  in  the  home  of 
Jacob  Repshire  in  the  town  of  Pultney,  near 
the  i)resent  city  of  Bellaire,  and  to  these  two 
distant  ])recincts  all  the  electors  of  the  county 
assembled.  Two  years  later  two  more  pre- 
cincts were  added.  One  at  the  home  of  Will- 
iam Congleton  in  York  township,  and  the 
other  in  the  home  of  Robert  Latte,  in  Salem 
township.  And  thus  the  precincts  increased  in 
number  with  the  added  townships  and  the 
increasing  population  until  at  the  lapse  of  our 
first  century  there  were  52  precincts  in  the 
county.  At  the  second  term  of  the  court  held 
in  Fel)ruary,  1802,  the  following  judges  were 
present : David  Vance,  David  Lockwood,  Dan- 
iel McElherren.  In  response  to  a call  the 
following  grand  jury  was  chosen : Ezra  Hall, 
Peter  Wirich,  Eben  Phillip,  John  Caldwell, 
John  Ni.xon,  Louis  Sherer,  John  Kidd,  John 
Williams,  David  Wordly,  Matt  Hungerford, 
Alex  Duke,  Henry  Lingo,  Robert  Russell,  Ebe- 
nezer  Smith,  Archibald  Smith,  Ezekiel  Boggs, 
and  James  Eagleson.  At  this  term  of  court 
three  indictments  were  found  against  Judge 
Jacob  Repshire  for  assault  and  battery,  but  the 
charges  were  not  sustained  and  the  Judge  was 
acquitted.  Judge  Repshire  was  one  of  the 
magistrates  holding  court  the  previous  year  and 
was  twice  indicted  at  this  term  for  the  same 


offense,  “salt  and  battery,”  which  was  a fre- 
quent cause  of  trouble  about  this  time. 

THE  FIRST  CONSTABLES  AND  ELECTION  SU- 
PERVISORS. 

At  the  same  term  the  following  constables 
and  election  supervisors  were  appointed ; Kirk- 
wood township — constables,  William  Congle- 
ton and  Thomas  Richards ; supervisors, 
Thomas  Richards,  William  Boggs,  Joshua 
Hatcher,  and  James  Knowles.  Pultney — con- 
stables, Philip  Dover  and  Joseph  Lashley;  su- 
pervisors, Jacob  Repshire  and  David  Wherry. 
York — constable,  Samuel  Dille;  supervisors, 
John  Dille,  Ephraim  Bates,  and  Michael 
Moore. 

Much  of  the  county  revenue  in  those  days 
was  obtained  from  licenses ; all  business  firms 
and  places  of  entertainment  were  licensed  and 
the  fees  for  license  ranged  from  $2  to  $12  per 
year.  At  this  session  of  the  court,  a license 
was  granted  Ananias  Randall  for  keeping  a 
house  of  public  entertainment,  and  Jacob  Holtz 
was  licensed  to  keep  a tavern  in  St.  Clairsville. 

A UNIQUE  WAY  OF  RAISING  MONEY. 

The  revenues  thus  derived  were  not  suffi- 
cient to  meet  the  needs  of  the  people  in  the 
construction  and  maintenance  of  schools  and 
academies. 

The  people  of  St.  Clairsville  were  anxious 
to  build  an  academy  at  the  county  seat  that 
would  be  an  honor  to  the  county,  but  were 
unable  to  raise  the  money  by  subscription,  or 
other  private  enterprises.  Whereupon  they 
decided  upon  the  following  unique  method  of 
raising  the  funds. 

A petition  numerously  signed  by  many  in- 
fluential citizens  of  the  county,  including 
ministers  of  the  Gospel,  was  presented  to  the 
Legislature  as  follows : “To  the  Honorable 

tbe  Legislature  of  the  State  of  Ohio. 

“The  petition  of  a number  of  the  citizens 
of  the  town  of  St.  Clairsville  and  the  county 
of  Belmont  humbly  showeth  that  they  labor 
under  many  disadvantages  for  the  want  of  a 
seminary  of  learning  in  that  part  of  the  State 
in  which  they  reside.  They  further  state  to 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


49 


your  honorable  body,  that  they  are  unal)le  by 
private  enterprise  to  raise  funds  for  the  erec- 
tion of  an  academy.  From  petitions  deeming 
an  institution  of  this  kind  in  that  section  of 
the  State  of  immense  advantage  not  only  to 
the  citizens  of  the  county  aforesaid  but  to  the 
State  in  general,  we  pray  your  honorable  body 
to  pass  a law  at  your  present  session  authoriz- 
ing a public  lottery  in  the  town  of  St.  Clairs- 
ville  in  Belmont  County  to  raise  the  sum  of 
$7,000  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  a public 
academy  in  the  town  or  vicinity  of  St.  Clairs- 
ville  in  said  county,  and  your  petitioners  are 
in  duty  bound,  etc.” 

At  the  same  term  of  the  court,  it  was  or- 
dered that  a house  on  public  ground  be  erected 
in  the  town  of  Pultney  24  by  15  feet,  of  com- 
plete hewn  logs  and  shingle  roof,  strongly 
built  with  a log  partition  across  the  center  to 
be  used  as  a gaol.  This,  the  first  jail  of  Bel- 
mont County,  was  built  by  Richard  Butler  at 
a cost  of  $165,  and  was  completed  on  May  26, 
1802.  Upon  August  25th  following  the  court 
ordered  the  construction  of  a “pound”  for  the 
imprisonment  of  the  estrays,  and  this  build- 
ing when  completed  was  66  feet  square  and 
built  of  posts  and  rails  of  good  oak  timber,  a 
gate  hune  on  iron  hinges  and  secured  by  a 
strong  lock  and  key. 

THE  FIRST  MEETING  OF  THE  SUPREME  COURT 
IN  BELMONT  COUNTY. 

We  find  the  first  records  of  the  meeting  of 
the  Supreme  Court  on  June  28,  1803,  at  Pult- 
ney. The  presiding  judges  were  Samuel 
Huntington  and  William  Spriggs,  and  Elijah 
Woods  was  appointed  clerk.  At  this  court, 
Charles  Hammond  was  appointed  United 
States  prosecutor,  and  Daniel  Barney  was  ad- 
mitted to  practice.  The  work  upon  the  new 
Court  House  was  not  pushed  with  vigor,  and 
much  discontent  was  expressed  because  the 
completion  of  the  jail  and  pound  outstripped 
it.  For  this  and  other  reasons,  a movement 
was  inaugurated  to  remove  the  seat  of  jus- 
tice to  Newellstown  in  Richland  township. 
The  name  of  Newellstown  in  the  meantime 


was  changed  to  St.  Clairsville,  in  honor  of 
Governor  St.  Clair,  and  it  is  charged  with 
the  expectation  of  winning  his  support  in  the 
movement. 

A BIT  OF  UNWRITTEN  HISTORY. 

\\fith  regard  to  the  removal  of  the  county 
seat  from  Pultney  to  St.  Clairsville,  C.  C.  Kelly 
of  Bellaire  says : “A  few  years  before  the 
death  of  ‘old  ’Squire  Kellsey,’  one  of  the  pio- 
neers of  Pultney  township,  he  told  me  that  a 
great  barbecue  was  held  at  Newellstown,  to 
which  General  St.  Clair,  the  Governor  of  the 
Northwest  Territory,  was  invited.  The  word 
of  General  St.  Clair  was  considered  authority 
on  about  all  matters  regarding  public  affairs 
at  that  time.  The  General  responded  to  the 
invitation,  was  wined  and  dined  by  the  good 
people  of  Newellstown,  although  wine  was 
probably  a scarce  article  at  that  time  and  the 
probabilities  are  that  something  more  in  keep- 
ing with  the  times  was  used  as  a substitute 
for  wine.  At  any  rate  it  seemed  to  produce 
the  desired  effect.  In  the  midst  of  the  feast  of 
good  things,  and  while  every  one,  especially 
the  General,  was  feeling  real  good  and  of  a 
disposing  mind,  a motion  was  made  and  unani- 
mously carried  changing  the  name  of  the  town 
from  Newellstown  to  St.  Clairsville  in  honor 
of  General  St.  Clair.  The  Chauncey  Depew 
of  the  occasion  then  suggested  to  the  General 
that  St.  Clairsville  would  be  a good  place  for 
the  county  seat,  that  it  could  not  do  anybody 
any  good  away  down  there  at  Pultney  in  the 
woods,  while  its  location  at  St.  Clairsville 
would  be  nearer  the  center  of  the  county  and 
at  the  same  time  helj)  to  build  up  the  town  just 
named  for  him.  The  General  at  once  fell  in 
with  the  idea  and  ordered  the  removal.  A 
yoke  of  cattle  with  a cart  was  sent  down  to 
Pultney  and  the  records  of  the  county  were 
taken  to  St.  Clairsville,  and  this  was  the  be- 
ginning and  end  of  the  first  county  seat  re- 
moval question  in  Belmont  County,” 

A TRIBUTE  TO  GOVERNOR  ST.  CLAIR. 

This  distinguished,  but  unfortunate  officer. 


5° 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


the  first  Governor  of  the  Northwest  Territory, 
deserves  more  than  a passing  notice.  General 
St.  Glair  was  horn  in  Thurso,  Scotland,  in 
1734,  and  died  in  Greensburg,  Pennsylvania, 
in  i8i8.  Pie  was  a grandson  of  the  Earl 
of  Roslyn,  was  educated  at  the  University  of 
Pidinhurgh,  and  studied  medicine  under  John 
1 lunter,  but,  entering  the  English  army  as 
an  ensign,  he  came  to  America  with  the  British 
lleet,  and  served  under  Amhurst  at  Lewisburg, 
and  under  Wolfe  at  the'  storming  of  Quebec. 
In  1762  he  resigned  his  commission,  and  settled 
in  the  Ligonier  Valley,  Pennsylvania,  where  he 
erected  mills,  and  held  many  important  civil 
offices.  At  the  outl)reak  of  the  Revolution- 
ary \Var,  he  was  created  a colonel  in  the  Con- 
tinental Army,  and  in  August,  a brigadier 
general,  and  fougbt  in  tbe  battles  of  Trenton 
and  Princeton.  In  1777,  he  was  made  a 
brigadier  general,  and  placed  in  command  at 
Ticonderoga,  but  was  obliged  to  evacuate 
before  the  superior  army  of  Burgoyne.  Eor 
this  he  was  tried  l)efore  a court  martial, 
hut  was  acquitted.  In  1781,  he  remained 
in  Philadelphia  to  protect  Congress,  while 
AVashington  marched  to  Yorktown,  but  was 
asfain  in  the  field  l^efore  the  surrender  of 
Cornwallis.  In  1786  he  was  sent  to  Congress, 
of  which  he  became  president,  in  1787.  When 
the  government  of  the  Northwest  Territory 
was  organized,  he  was  made  Governor,  and 
held  that  position  until  1802. 

In  1791  he  became  commander-in-chief  of 
the  army  operating  against  the  Miami  Indians. 
Pie  was  surprised  on  November  qtb,  near  the 
Miami  villages,  and  his  forces  cut  to  pieces. 
AAMshington  refused  a court  of  inquiry,  and 
St.  Clair  resigned.'  However,  Congress  ap- 
pointed a committee  of  investigation  that  fully 
exonerated  him. 

The  late  Judge  Burnett  of  Cincinnati,  who 
was  personally  acquainted  with  St.  Clair,  says 
he  was  a man  of  superior  talents  and  great 
uprightness  of  purpose,  as  well  as  suavity  of 
manners.  As  Governor  of  the  Northwest  Ter- 
ritory, he  believed  that  the  power  he  claimed 
legitimately  belonged  to  the  chief  executive, 
and  the  manner  in  which  he  exercised  it  was 


for  the  best  interests  of  the  territory.  Soon 
after  his  removal  by  President  Jefferson,  he 
returned  to  his  home  in  Pennsylvania,  poor 
and  destitute  of  the  means  of  sustenance.  In 
this  extremity  he  presented  a claim  against  the 
government  of  $200  or  $300  he  had  assumed 
in  fitting  up  an  expedition  against  the  Indians, 
when  to  his  mortification  it  was  refused.  The 
pride  of  the  old  veteran  was  touched  and,  after 
spending  several  winters  in  seeking  remunera- 
tion from  Congress  he  returned  to  the  Ligonier 
Valley,  where  he  lived  in  the  most  abject  pov- 
erty. At  length  Pennsylvania,  from  consider- 
ations of  respect  and  gratitude  for  his  past 
services,  settled  upon  him  an  annuity  of  $650, 
which  gave  to  the  gallant  old  soldier  a com- 
fortable subsistence  for  his  remaining  days. 

COUNTY  SEAT  REMOVED  TO  ST.  CLAIRSVILLE. 

On  April  i,  1803,  the  first  General  Assem- 
bly of  Ohio,  held  in  Chillicothe,  passed  an  act 
appointing  John  Mathews,  James  Brown  and 
Robert  Speer  as  commissioners  to  examine  and 
report  whether  a removal  of  the  seat  of  jus- 
tice in  said  county  of  Belmont  be  necessary  for 
the  convenience  and  accommodation  of  the 
citizens  thereof,  and  certify  their  opinion 
thereon.  And  when  this  committee  visited 
St.  Clairsville  it  was  said  that  Governor  St. 
Clair  accompanied  them.  The  report  of  the 
commissioners,  as  recorded  in  Vol.  II  of  the 
Ohio  laws,  is  as  follows : 

An  act  to  establish  the  seat  of  justice  in  the  county 
of  Belmont. 

JVhercas,  John  Mathews,  James  Brown  and  Robert 
Speer,  commissioners  for  Belmont  County,  in  pursu- 
ance of  the  powers  delegated  to  them  by  an  act  entitled 
an  act  to  provide  for  the  permanent  seat  of  justice  in 
the  county  of  Belmont,  passed  at  Chillicothe,  the  first 
day  of  April,  1803,  have  reported  to  this  General  As- 
sembly that  on  examination  they  do  find  that  St. 
Clairsville  is  the  most  proper  place  for  the  seat  of 
justice  in  the  county  of  Belmont;  therefore, 

Section  i.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  General  Assembly 
of  the  State  of  Ohio  that  St.  Clairsville  in  the  county 
of  Belmont  be  and  the  same  is  hereby  declared  the  seat 
of  justice  for  the  said  county  of  Belmont,  and  that  all 
courts  hereafter  to  be  holden  in  and  for  said  county 
shall  be  held  in  the  town  of  St.  Clairsville,  and  all 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


51 


officers  are  required  to  conduct  themselves  accord- 
ingly. 

Passed  19th  January,  1804. 

ELIAS  LANGHAM, 

Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 

NATHANIEL  MASSIE, 
Speaker  of  the  Senate. 

So,  in  z\pril,  1804,  the  seat  of  justice  was 
removed  to  St.  Clairsville,  and  soon  thereafter 
the  county  property  at  Pultney  was  sold  for 
$219  to  Daniel  McElherren.  The  first  Court 
of  Quarter  Sessions,  with  Judge  Pease  presid- 
ing, was  held  in  the  house  of  William  Congle- 
ton,  of  St.  Clairsville,  on  the  i6th  of  April, 
1804,  for  which  Mr.  Congleton  received  a 
small  consideration.  Two  months  thereafter, 
the  Supreme  Court  met  at  the  new  seat  of 
justice,  and  at  this  session  Jacob  Nagle  and 
Daniel  Church  were  admitted  to  the  bar. 

THE  FIRST  MURDER  TRIAL. 

The  first  record  of  a murder  tried  in  Bel- 
mont County  appears  in  the  proceedings  of 
this  court  with  Jonathan  Meigs,  Samuel  Hunt- 
ington, and  William  Spriggs  on  the  bench.  A 
grand  jury,  composed  of  Elias  Ellis,  foreman, 
Francis  Bowen,  Valentine  Ault,  George  De- 
Long,  Edward  Milliner,  Samuel  Brown,  John 
Bradshaw,  Risson  Masters,  John  Boyd,  Joshua 
Hatcher,  Arthur  Morrison,  Michael  Carroll 
and  Edward  Biu^son,  brought  a true  bill 
against  Peter  Sunderland,  for  the  murder  of 
John  Holtz,  who,  being  arraigned  before  the 
court,  pleaded  not  guilty.  The  day  following 
the  prisoner  was  brought  into  court  for  trial, 
and  the  following  jury  was  impaneled:  Levi 
Obey,  Andrew  Marshall,  John  Dungan, 
Moses  Given,  John  Nichol,  James  E.  Newell, 
Arch  McElroy,  William  Hulse,  Robert  Giffin, 
Benjamin  Masters,  William  Woods,  and  Isaac 
Hogue.  Jacob  Nagle  was  appointed  to  prose- 
cute, and  the  jury  brought  in  the  unique  ver- 
dict, “Not  guilty  of  murder,  only  guilty  of 
feloniously  killing  the  said  John  Holtz.”  Sun- 
derland was  sentenced  to  pay  all  the  costs  and 
be  burned  upon  his  left  hand.  Whereupon  the 
prisoner  was  placed  in  charge  of  Sheriff  Jacob 
Coleman,  and  the  burning  was  inflicted  upon 


the  scene  of  the  murder,  on  Main  street,  St. 
Clairsville,  just  west  of  the  present  Court 
House,  and  just  opposite  the  residence  and 
store  of  Ellis  Wilson. 

In  1809  this  court  sentenced  an  old  offender, 
a negro,  “Cuff',”  who  was  arrested  for  petty 
theft,  to  a sound  whip  lashing,  which  was  vig- 
orously administered,  the  negro  meanwhile 
bawling  lustily.  Among  the  civil  cases,  we 
note  the  first  slander  suit  in  the  annals  of  the 
court  was  held  at  the  summer  term  of  the 
court  in  1815,  in  which  John  Wherry  obtained 
$80  damage  from  John  Winter  for  damaging 
his  character. 

BOUNTIES. 

At  this  period  in  our  history  the  records 
show  that  the  injury  done  by  woh'es  and  pan- 
thers must  have  been  very  great,  for  in  1802 
the  commissioners  ordered  that  the  highest 
bounty  be  paid  for  wolf  scalps  and  in  1804 
amount  paid  out  for  wolves  was  very  much 
greater  than  panthers,  indicating  that  the 
wolves  greatly  outnumbered  the  panthers.  The 
bounty  paid  was  from  $i  to  $3  per  head,  and 
all  claims  were  required  to  be  attested  by  oath. 
Parties  killing  such  animals  were  reepured  to 
take  the  scalp  before  a justice  of  the  peace, 
who  must  certify  that  they  were  genuine,  when 
the  hunters  could  secure  their  bounty  from  the 
treasurer.  There  is  a record  of  $125  having 
lieen  paid  out  for  such  bounties  between 
1803-08.  While  the  panthers  were  not  as 
numerous  as  bears,  they  were  regarded  as  in- 
finitely more  ferocious  and  dangerous.  It  is 
related  of  a citizen  of  St.  Clairsville  named 
Roliert  Thompson  that  while  attending  divine 
worship  in  the  old  Presliyterian  Church  of  a 
century  ago,  his  little  daughter  entered  the 
church  very  much  alarmed  and  disturbed  the 
congregation  by  crying  to  her  father,  “Come 
home,  oh.  come  home  quick.”  The  father  hur- 
ried home,  and  to  his  astonishment  saw  a fierce 
panther  on  a tree  a few  feet  from  the  door 
and  the  children  greatly  alarmed.  Hurrying 
I for  his  rifle,  the  ferocious  beast  was  soon 
1 brought  to  the  ground.  At  the  report  of  the 


52 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


gun,  the  already  excited  congregation  broke 
up  and  liastened  to  the  scene  of  danger. 

THE  FIRST  COURT  HOUSE  AND  GAOL. 

.\fter  the  removal  of  the  seat  of  justice  to 
St.  Clairsville,  the  county  commissioners  met 
in  the  September  following.  Present:  Levi 
()key,  John  Williams  and  Robert  Giffin.  In 
the  proceedings  we  find  the  following  entry 
with  reference  to  the  construction  of  a Court 
House  and  gaol. 

'File  i)ublic  buildings  were  “let  up”  to  the 
lowest  bidder,  who  was  Alexander  Young,  with 
Sterling  Johnson  as  surety,  and  the  amount 
was  fixed  at  $i,ooo  for  tlie  jail  and  jailer’s 
rooms  and  $70  for  raising  an  upper  story  upon 
the  same  for  a Court  blouse.  The  expense  of 
furnishing  which  was  to  be  paid  for  by  dona- 
tions, for  which  Sterling  Johnson  and  Robert 
Ciffin  and  William  Congleton  entered  into 
bond.  These  buildings  were  used  for  jail  and 
jailer’s  residence  and  court  rooms  until  1814, 
and  stood  about  where  the  present  jail  stands. 
After  the  completion  of  the  second  Court 
House  in  1803  the  building  was  sold  and  the 
logs  were  removed  and  used  in  the  construc- 
tion of  a one-story  building  on  the  lot  now 
occupied  by  Mrs.  A.  Cochran. 

The  commissioners  at  the  same  session  al- 
lowed the  sheriff  $20  for  salary  for  the  year 
1803  and  $8  fees  for  service  in  the  case  of 
Peter  Sunderland,  the  murderer,  and  Samuel 
Courtland  was  also  allowed  $122.75  guard- 
ing the  prisoner.  Some  of  the  early  justices 
of  the  peace  who  served  as  early  as  1802-03 
were:  Thomas  Mitchell,  John  Ferris,  Jacob 
Davis,  Andrew  Marshall,  Moses  Merritt,  James 
Starr,  John  Greer,  Jacob  Repshire,  Thomas 
Wilson,  Levi  Okey,  James  Henthorn,  David 
Ruble,  James  Smith,  Sterling  Johnson  and 
Thomas  Thompson.  And  some  of  the  first 
marriages  performed  by  these  justices  were: 
William  Patterson  and  Kitty  Clark  in  1803; 
John  Grant  and  Elizabeth  Masters  in  1803 ; 
Peter  Alexander  and  Jane  Mitchell  in  1804; 
John  Plummer  and  Nancy  Sidwell  in  1804; 
Jacob  Long  and  Martha  Lashley;  Timothy 


Bates  and  Ruth  Moore  in  1804;  Myers  Thom- 
son and  Sarah  Cole  in  1805 ; Joseph  Wilson 
and  Ruth  Hardesty  in  1805 ; John  Gray  and 
Hannah  Okey  in  1805;  Cornelius  Okey  and 
Hannah  Weir  in  1805;  James  Taylor  and 
Elizabeth  Barton  in  1805;  John  Dille  and 
Nancy  Gallagher,  and  Conrad  Neff  and  Eliza- 
beth Feely.  The  first  couple  married  by  a min- 
ister of  the  Gospel  of  which  there  is  any  rec- 
ord is  Alexander  McWilliams  and  Margaret 
Nixon,  who  were  married  by  Rev.  Alexander 
Calderhead,  August  7,  1804. 

The  county  seat  being  thus  established,  we 
present  as  next  in  order  our  first  county  offi- 
cials. These  were  as  follows : Congressmen 
for  the  district  in  which  Belmont  County  was 
embraced,- — -Jeremiah  Morrow,  of  Warren 
County,  froni  1803  to  1813.  State  Senators, — 
William  Vance  and  Thomas  Kirker,  1803. 
Representatives  in  General  Assembly, — Joseph 
Sharp  and  Elijah  Woods,  1803.  Sheriff, — 
Jacob  Coleman,  appointed  1801  to  1803. 
Treasurer,  — Daniel  McElherren,  appointed 
180  [ to  1803.  Clerk  of  the  court,- — Elijah 
Woods,  appointed  1801  to  1806.  County  com- 
missioners,— Levan  Okey,  John  McWilliams 
and  Robert  Giffin,  1804.  Prosecuting  attor- 
ney,— Charles  Hammond,  appointed  1801  to 
1804.  Recorder,  — Sterling  Johnson,  1804. 
Coroner, — John  Dungan,  1801  to  1806.  The 
offices  of  county  auditor  and  Probate  judge 
were  not  created  until  1823  and  1851,  respect- 
ively. 

Having  quoted  from  the  records  of  the  first 
court  in  Belmont  County,  and  some  proceed- 
ings of  its  first  board  of  county  commissioners, 
we  will  now  present  some  of  the  first  deeds 
entered  upon  the  book  of  the  county  recorder. 
The  first  deed  was  given  by  Henry  Lingo  and 
Rebecca,  his  wife,  to  Robert  Bell,  dated  Octo- 
ber 13,  1800,  and  it  conveyed  100  acres  of 
land,  being  part  of  lot  number  24  in  the  sixth 
township  of  third  range,  consideration  $500. 
This  lot  was  probably  near  Stewartsville,  and 
an  abstract  of  its  title  shows  that  the  tract  of 
land  was  granted  to  Robert  Johnson  in  April, 
1780,  and  by  Johnson  to  Obadiah  Hardesty, 
date  uncertain,  and  by  Hardesty  to  Lingo  on 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


53 


March  7,  1796.  The  second  deed  given  was 
recorded  October  29,  1800,  by  Benjamin  New- 
ell and  Jane,  his  wife,  to  James  Caldwell,  of 
Ohio  County,  Va.,  and  consisted  of  two  lots  in 
the  town  of  St.  Clairsville,  one  numbered  28, 
fronting  on  Main  street,  the  other,  lot  53,  cor- 
nering on  the  first  mentioned  lot,  each  contain- 
ing a quarter  of  an  acre,  consideration  $32. 
These  lots  are  supposed  to  be  a short  distance 
west  of  the  Court  House.  Another  is  dated 
November  4,  1801,  from  David  Newell  and 
wife,  of  the  county  of  Belmont,  Northwest 
Territory,  to  Emsby  Rush,  of  Brooke  County, 
Virginia,  in  consideration  of  $12  for  lot  num- 
ber 157,  in  St.  Clairsville,  and  containing  about 
one-fourth  of  an  acre. 

THE  EVOLUTION  OF  THE  TOWNSHIPS. 

About  this  time  began  the  evolution  of  the 
townships  whereby  the  four  original  and  par- 
allel townships  were  increased  to  16  and  we 
cull  freely  from  an  article  in  the  Belmont 
Chronicle  describing  this  evolution. 

By  an  act  of  the  General  Assembly  in  1810, 
creating  Guernsey  County,  a portion  of  Kirk- 
wood, Pultney  and  York  townships  were  ceded 
to  Guernsey  County,  and  in  January,  1813,  by 
a similar  act  of  the  Legislature,  the  whole  of 
the  township  of  Salem  was  ceded  to  Monroe 
County,  ■ thus  materially  reducing  the  bounda- 
ries of  Belmont  County.  By  subsequent  divi- 
sions and  subdivisions  tbe  following  changes 
occurred : The  erection  of  Richland  township, 
so  named  because  of  its  productive  limestone 
soil,  was  the  first  following  the  original  divi- 
sion as  enacted  by  tbe  court  sitting  at  Pult- 
ney Bottom,  February  24,  1802.  The  original 
Kirkwood  township  was  cut  in  twain,  and  all 
that  portion  of  it  lying  east  of  the  present  west 
boundary  line  of  Ricbland  township,  north  to 
the  county  line  and  east  to  the  river,  was  em- 
braced in  Richland  township  as  originally 
formed.  On  May  26,  1802,  the  boundaries 
of  Richland  were  again  extended  two  miles 
south,  so  as  to  include  a part  of  the  original 
Pultney  township.  Again  on  March  7,  1809, 
the  boundaries  were  again  extended  to  include 
two-thirds  of  what  is  now  Smith  township. 


and  the  remaining  12  sections  of  what  is  now 
Smith  were  added  to  York  township.  Rich- 
land has  thus  embraced  in  its  boundaries 
Pease,  Colerain,  and  the  greater  part  of  Wheel- 
ing and  Smith  townships  as  now  existing, 
though  not  all  this  area  at  one  time. 

The  next  townships  to  be  set  off  were 
Pease  and  Union  on  August  15,  1804.  Pease 
was  named  after  Judge  Pease,  one  of  tbe  pre- 
siding judges,  and  at  tbe  time  of  its  formation 
embraced  the  territory  within  its  present  boun- 
daries and  also  12  sections  that  noAV  belong  to 
Colerain.  Union  township,  formed  at  the 
same  time,  embraced  all  in  its  present  territory 
and  those  parts  of  Flusbing  and  Wheeling 
townships  included  within  the  east  and  west 
boundaries  of  the  township  and  extending 
north  to  the  county  line.  On  March  ii,  1805, 
two  rows  of  sections  of  what  is  now  Goshen 
were  added  to  it. 

Warren  was  erected  June  10,  1807,  from 
Kirkwood  as  extended  in  1802.  In  the  latter 
year  a part  of  what  had  been  Pultney  was 
added  to  Kirkwood.  Warren  at  first  embraced 
all  within  its  present  boundary  and  all  of  what 
is  now  Goshen,  except  two  rows  of  sections  on 
the  north  side. 

On  January  14,  1808,  Colerain  and  Wheeling 
were  erected.  The  description  given  of  Colerain 
does  not  agree  with  its  present  boundaries.  It 
is  probable  that  its  present  boundaries  were 
formed  from  Richland  and  Pease,  though  one 
row  of  sections  on  the  east  side  may  have  been 
added  later,  though  no  record  to  that  effect  is 
in  evidence  after  diligent  search. 

Wheeling  was  cut  off  from  Richland  and 
embraced  its  present  territory  except  tbe  six 
sections  on  the  west,  which  were  taken  from 
Union  in  1817  and  added  to  Wheeling. 

Goshen  was  erected  September  6,  1809,  from 
Warren  and  Union  townships,  all  but  the  north 
two  rows  of  sections  being  taken  from  War- 
ren. 

Wayne  was  formed  March  5,  1811,  from 
York  and  embraced  all  of  what  is  now  VMyne 
and  Somerset  and  a part  of  Washington  town- 
ship. It  also  included  some  territory  now  in 
Monroe  County. 


54 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Mead  townsliip  was  formed  January  3, 
1S15,  from  i)arls  of  Fultney  and  York  town- 
ships.  and  seems  to  have  assumed  at  tliat  time 
ils  ]>resent  boundaries,  in  which  no  change 
was  ever  made. 

h'lushing'  was  erected  cni  March  14,  1817, 
l)eing'  formed  from  ])arts  of  Kirkwood  and 
Union,  id  sections  lieing  taken  from  Kirk- 
wood and  IJ  from  Union.  On  that  date 
Kirkwood,  one  of  the  original  townships,  hav- 
ing l>een  dix  ided  and  sulxlivided  and  extended, 
assumed  its  ])resent  boundaries. 


Smith  township  was  erected  January  2, 
1819,  from  parts  of  Richland  and  York,  and 
then  assumed  its  present  boundaries. 

Somerset  followed  Smith  in  close  order,  it 
being  erected  March  16,  1819.  Somerset  was 
cut  off  from  the  west  end  of  Wayne. 

A-Vashington  was  the  last  township  to  be 
erected,  this  being  ordered  in  1831,  12  sec- 
tions being  taken  off  Wayne,  and  30  from 
York.  Then  the  township  lines  assumed  their 
present  location. 


CHAPTER.  IV 


GROWTH  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY. 


Population  of  Belmont  County  for  a Century — The  “Old  Court  House” — The 
Second  Jail — The  Third  Jail — New  County  Projects — The  County  Seat 
War — The  New  Court  House  and  Jail — List  of  County  Officials  for  a 
Century — Representatives  in  Congress — State  Senators — Representatives 
TO  General  Assembly — Sheriffs  — Treasurers  — Clerks  of  the  Courts  — 
County  Commissioners — Auditors — Prosecuting  Attorneys — Probate  Judges 
— Recorders — Coroners — Infirmary  Directors — Vote  for  Governor. 


Belmont  as  at  present  constituted  is  divided 
into  three  parallel  ridges  that  are  separated 
by  Wheeling,  McMechen's  and  Captina  creeks, 
that  empty  into  the  Ohio  at  Bridgeport,  Bel- 
laire  and  Powhatan  respectively. 

On  the  west  side  of  the  county,  Stillwater 
Creeek  flows  north  and  empties  into  the  Tus- 
carawas River.  The  present  area  of  the  county 
is  461  square  miles,  with  a population  of 
60,875  the  last  census.  The  marvelous 
growth  of  the  county  in  the  century  just 
closed  is  evidenced  in  the  following  census 
table,  which  reveals  the  increase  in  population 
liy  decades : 

population  of  belmon  i county  for  a cen- 
tury. 


1800 

600 

1810 

11,18s 

1820 

20,556 

1830 

29,224 

1840 

31.623 

1850 

35.378 

i860 

37.396 

1870 

41,021 

1880 

49.638 

1890 

57.413 

1900 

60,87s 

The  growth  by  townships  can  only  be  com- 


puted from  1840,  the  decade  in  which  the  last 
township  was  formed,  and  is  as  follows : 


Township. 

1840. 

1900. 

Colerain  

1.389 

2,987 

Flushing  

1,683 

2,142 

Goshen  

1,823 

2,471 

Kirkwood  

2,280 

1,680 

Mead  

1.496 

1,726 

Pease  

2,449 

15.158 

Pultney  

1.745 

13.833 

Richland  

3.735 

4.367 

Smith  

1.956 

1,710 

Somerset  

1.932 

1,862 

Union  

2,127 

1,482 

Warren  

2,410 

5.881 

Washington  

1.388 

1.540 

Wayne  

1.734 

1.415 

Wheeling  

1,381 

1 ,222 

York  

1.290 

1.400 

A study  of  this  table  reveals  the  fact  that 
the  great  increase  has  been  in  the  manufactur- 
ing townships  of  Pultney  and  Pease  along 
'our  river  front,  and  this  gain  is  the  result  of 
the  industrial  development  in  Bellaire,  Bridge- 
port and  Martin’s  Ferry.  At  present  many 
new  mining  and  manufacturing  industries  are 
in  ])i'ocess  of  organization  and  the  next  decade 
will  witness  largely  increased  numbers  in 
wealth  and  population. 

The  vital  statistics  for  1901  show  1,126 


56 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


l)irths,  and  535  deaths  in  the  county:  viz.,  588 
males  and  538  females;  deaths,  313  males  and 
222  females. 

THE  “old  court  house.” 

The  rapid  growth  of  the  county  in  wealth 
and  population  necessitated  an  enlarged  and 
more  suhstantial  Court  House  and  jail. 
\\'herefore,  in  February,  1813,  the  commis- 
sioners called  for  bids  for  the  construction  of 
a building  in  design  similar  to  the  court  houses 
])reviously  constructed  at  Steubenville  and  Ca- 
diz. Namely,  a square,  two-story  brick  build- 
ing with  a cupola  and  high  spires  in  the  center 
of  the  roof  facing  north,  south,  east  and  west. 
1'he  contract  was  given  to  William  Brown  for 
$56,040,  the  work  to  be  completed  by  April  i, 
1815.  .\t  the  same  time.  Sterling  Johnson  ob- 
tained the  contract  for  grading  the  ground 
for  the  sum  of  $270. 

'The  work  was  rapidly  pushed  to  completion, 
and  before  tbe  specified  time  the  contractors 
turned  the  new  Court  House  over  to  the  com- 
missioners, namely, — Peter  Tallman,  Alexan- 
der P)Oggs  and  Joseph  Morrison.  Not,  how- 
ever, until  a committee  of  inspection  from 
Steubenville  reported  the  building  as  complete 
in  all  respects.  y\fter  a lapse  of  five  years,  it 
was  necessary  to  add  three  county  offices  to 
the  Court  House,  and  a contract  was  awarded 
Stacy  Boven  to  build  two  substantial  offices 
east  of  the  Court  House  and  in  addition 
thereto,  and  one  upon  the  west  side  of  the 
building  at  a cost  of  $10,050.  And  upon  the 
recommendation  of  Charles  Collins  and  Robert 
Thompson,  mechanics,  the  commissioners, 
Messrs.  Tallman,  Boggs  and  Morrison,  ac- 
cejhed  these  buildings  when  completed.  This 
new  building  was  regarded  as  a palace  in  its 
day,  and  served  the  county  as  its  temple  of 
justice  for  upward  of  70  years.  The  picture 
of  the  “Old  Court  House,”  as  it  was  familiarly 
called,  appears  in  this  volume,  and  will  call 
vividly  to  the  minds  of  the  people  of  this  and 
of  past  generations  the  many  interesting  and 
stirring  scenes  that  have  occurred  within  and 
without  its  walls.  iNIany  great  legal  battles 


have  been  fought  in  the  old  court  room  whose 
walls  have  echoed  to  the  masterly  arguments 
and  eloquent  appeals  of  some  of  the  greatest 
lawyers  and  jurists,  not  only  of  Belmont 
County,  but  of  the  State  of  Ohio.  Such  dis- 
tinguished statesmen  as  Judge  McBvane, 
Judge  Taft,  Peter  Hitchcock  and  Judge 
Thurman,  have  measured  legal  swords  with 
Belmont  County’s  no  less  honored  and  able 
Charles  Hammond,  Governor  Shannon,  Ben- 
jamin S.  Cowen,  Judge  Ruggles,  William  Ken- 
non,  Sr.,  and  William  Kennon,  Jr.  On  great 
public  and  political  occasions,  the  leaders  of 
all  political  parties,  preceding  and  following 
the  war,  have  appealed  to  their  followers  with 
warmth  and  eloquence  from  its  platform  with- 
in or  from  the  high  stone  balcony  that  sur- 
rounded it  without.  And  old  citizens  yet  re- 
call the  enthusiasm  aroused  by  the  presence  of 
such  eminent  leaders  as  Salmon  P.  Chase  and  . 
“Bluff”  Ben  Wade  and  Allan  G.  Thurman. 

THE  SECOND  JAIL. 

Six  years  later  it  was  found  necessary  to 
construct  a new  brick  jail  to  succeed  the  old 
log  gaol,  erected  in  1805.  The  contract  was 
awarded  William  Brown,  March  19,  1819,  for 
$3,040,  and  Sterling  Johnson,  who  had 
figured  in  the  construction  of  all  former  pub- 
lic buildings,  was  awarded  the  contract  of 
grading  for  $95.  The  specifications  read  as 
follows : 

“The  building  is  to  be  two  stories  high, 
with  an  entry  way  six  feet  wide,  and  to  con- 
tain two  rooms  for  dungeons  and  two  jailer’s 
rooms  on  the  first  story. 

“The  second  story  to  be  divided  as  the  first, 
with  two  rooms  for  debtors  and  two  for  jail- 
ers.” 

The  whole  was  completed  within  two  years 
according  to  contract.  And  the  work  was 
promptly  done  and  accepted  by  the  commission- 
ers. In  the  meantime  the  county  officials  oc- 
cupied such  cramped  quarters  that  it  was 
■thought  necessary  for  both  comfort  and  public 
safety  to  construct  a fireproof  building  for  the 
preservation  of  public  documents.  So  upon 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


57 


April  15,  1836,  William  Askew  was  awarded 
a contract  for  constructing  an  absolutely  fire- 
proof building,  north  of  the  Court  House,  to 
be  32  by  46  feet  and  two  stories  high,  at  a cost 
of  $3,300.  This  building  was  constructed  by 
Charles  H.  Bailey,  and  the  building  occupied 
the  ground  upon  which  the  present  jailer’s  resi- 
dence stands. 

THE  THIRD  JAIL. 

The  second  jail  was  soon  found  wholly  in- 
adecjuate  to  confine  the  ever-increasing  number 
of  prisoners,  and  in  1842  it  was  again  found 
necessary  to  build  the  third  or  stone  jail,  which 
was  erected  by  Charles  H.  Bailey  and  Charles 
Collins  at  a cost  of  $38,002. 

NEW  COUNTY  PROJECTS. 

After  the  transfer  of  a portion  of  Kirkwood, 
Pultney  and  York  townships  to  Guernsey 
County,  and  the  whole  of  Salem  township  to 
Monroe  County,  as  heretofore  mentioned,  the 
area  of  Belmont  County  was  still  greater  than 
required  by  the  Constitution.  Whereupon  in 
1818  citizens  in  the  townships  of  Somerset, 
Warren,  Kirkwood  and  a part  of  Flushing 
township,  remote  from  the  county  seat,  united 
with  citizens  residing  in  the  township  of  Guern- 
sey and  Alonroe  counties  to  form  a new  county 
with  Barnesville  as  the  county  seat.  The  citi- 
zens of  Barnesville  were  very  active  in  this 
project  and  presented  the  following  petition  to 
the  Legislature  setting  forth  the  arguments 
favoring  the  proposed  county  : 

“To  the  Honorable,  the  General  Assembly 
of  the  State  of  Ohio,  the  petition  of  the  sub- 
scribers, inhabitants  of  parts  of  the  counties  of 
Belmont,  Guernsey  and  Monroe,  respectfully 
showeth 

“That  your  petitioners  are  situated  at  a con- 
siderable distance  from  their  respective  seats 
of  justice.  That  they  labor  under  many  in- 
conveniences in  attending  courts  as  jurors,  wit- 
nesses, etc.  And  that  it  would  be  a great  con- 
venience to  them  to  have  a new  county  created 
out  of  the  parts  of  the  aforesaid,  so  as  to  es- 
tablish the  seat  of  justice  at  Barnesvflle, 


‘‘Your  petitioners  presume  not  to  dictate  to 
Your  Honorable  Body,  but  are  well  convinced 
that  the  said  counties  of  Belmont.  Guernsey 
and  Monroe  contain  a sufficiency  of  territory 
for  four  counties,  without  making  either  less 
than  the  Constitution  requires.  Your  petition- 
ers are  well  con^’inced  that  such  a measure 
would  much  increase  the  population,  greatly 
enhance  the  value  of  lands,  and  render  general 
satisfaction  to  this  part  of  the  State.  Compre- 
hended in  said  territory  there  are  400  square 
miles,  with  a very  considerable  population,  and 
leaving'  at  the  same  time  in  each  of  the  afore- 
said counties  of  Belmont,  Guernsey  and  Mon- 
roe a sufficient  number  of  square  miles  to  form 
a county.  Your  petitioners  are  well  aware  that 
there  is  considerable  opposition  to  the  erection 
of  the  new  county  by  a part  of  the  inhabitants 
thereof,  who  reside  on  that  part  of  the  State 
road  and  its  vicinity  which  passes  through  the 
county  hereby  petitioned  for.  But  your  peti- 
tioners, reposing  full  confidence  in  Your  Hon- 
orable Body,  have  little  doubt  that  in  your  de- 
liberations on  the  subject  you  will  be  led  to 
think  that  the  benefit  arising  to  this  part  of 
the  countv  will  more  than  counterbalance  the 
advantages  which  our  opponents  have  and  do 
derive  from  the  benefits  resulting  from  the  said 
State  road,  and  we  further  beg  leave  to  inform 
Your  Honors  that  we  have  in  the  town  of 
Barnesville  a considerable  woolen  factory,  mer- 
chant mill  and  sawmill  just  ready  to  go  into 
operation,  all  of  which  will  be  operated  by 
steam  power,  which  in  some  degree,  no  doubt, 
claim  the  fostering  care  of  Your  Honorable 
Body.”  This  measure  failed,  however.  Twen- 
ty-nine years  later  Fairview  in  Guernsey  Coun- 
ty instituted  another  movement  for  the  estab- 
lishment of  a new  county,  that  in  addiiton  to 
the  territory  from  Harrison  and  Tuscarawas 
counties  would  embrace  all  the  townships  of 
Belmont  County  included  in  the  previous  plan. 
This  movement  was  vigorously  opposed  by 
Barnesville  and  indeed  by  citizens  of  Belmont 
County  in  general.  And  through  the  efforts 
of  Belmont  County’s  representative  in  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly,  Hon.  Miller  Pennington,  the 
measure  was  indefinitely  postponed. 


58 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


THE  COUNTY  SEAT  WAR. 

When  the  “Old  Court  House”  had  served  the 
seat  of  justice  for  upwards  of  half  of  a century 
it  was  seen  that  a change  must  soon  be  made. 
.Many  additional  rooms  had  been  built  as  at- 
tachments to  the  Court  House  building  proper, 
to  accommodate  the  increased  number  of  coun- 
ty ol'licials  whose  quarters  were  very  cramped 
aud  uncomfortable.  The  court  building  proper 
was  under  constant  repair  in  order  to  make  it 
habitable,  and  the  whole  structure  was  un- 
worthy a wealthy  and  po])ulous  county  like  Bel- 
mont. But  every  suggestion  to  construct  a 
neu'  Court  Ilouse  was  met  by  a demand  upon 
the  part  of  the  citizens  of  Pultney  township  to 
have  the  county  seat  restored  to  the  site  from 
which  it  was  originally  removed  in  1804.  And 
this  agitation  culminated  in  a county  seat  war 
beginning  about  1857  and  continuing  with 
great  bitterness  for  a period  of  25  years. 

d'he  contest  divided  the  people  of  the  county 
socially,  commercially  and  politically.  In  polit- 
ical com-entions.  candidates  seeking  prefer- 
ment in  either  of  the  great  political  parties  for 
the  sake  of  harmony  were  chosen  from  the 
ranks  of  those  who  in  the  matter  of  county  seat 
removal  had  no  pronounced  views  for  or 
against.  .Vnd  these  candidates  were  usually 
found  beyond  the  limits  of  Richland  and  Pult- 
nc}'  townships.  Those  who  favored  removal 
for  the  most  part  resided  in  Pultney  township 
or  in  the  townships  bordering  thereon  in  the 
eastern  and  southeastern  portion  of  the  county, 
while  the  advocates  of  maintaining  the  county 
seat  at  St.  Clairsville  dwelt  largely  in  the  rural 
townships  rvest.  south,  and  northeast  of  St. 
Clairsville.  Tlie  arguments  used  by  those 
favoring  removal  were  that  the  completion  of 
the  Central  Ohio  and  the  Cleveland  & Pitts- 
burg railroads  had  attracted  a j)reponderance 
of  ])opulation  along  the  lines  of  these  roads 
both  east  and  south,  and  a removal  of  the 
county  seat  to  Bellaire  would  afford  easier 
facilities  for  the  majority  of  the  people  of  the 
county  to  reach  the  seat  of  justice.  On  the 
other  hand,  the  advocates  of  the  retention  of 
the  county  seat  at  St.  Clairsville  insisted  that 


the  public  buildings  w^ere  located  near  the 
geographical  center  of  the  county  and  there- 
fore were  more  accessible  to  all  the  people,  and. 
especially  the  rural  population,  as  all  roads 
constructed  for  a half  century  were  built  to 
St.  Clairsville  and  the  National  Pike  that  was 
built  through  the  county  from  east  to  west 
passed  through  St.  Clairsville. 

And  in  order  to  further  emphasize  their 
claim  to  the  county  seat,  the  citizens  of  St. 
Clairsville  and  Richland  township  under  the 
two-mile  law  built  two  macadamized  roads,  one 
extending  from  the  countv  seat  to  Warnock’s 
station  on  the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad  at 
a cost  upwards  of  $62,500,  and  the  other  known 
as  the  Cadiz  Pike,  extending  north  to  the 
county  line.  These  were  for  the  accommoda- 
tion of  the  citizens  living  in  the  north,  south, 
and  southw-est  portions  of  the  county,  in  reach- 
ing the  county  seat. 

A corporation  of  the  citizens  of  St.  Clairs- 
ville, with  a view  of  making  the  county  seat 
more  accessible,  built  a narrow  gauge  railroad 
from  St.  Clairsville  to  St.  Clairsville  Junction 
on  the  Baltimore  & Ohio,  at  a cost  of  $35,000. 
d'his  road  was  so  liadly  damaged  by  floods  that 
it  became  inoperative,  but  was  rebuilt  at  great 
cost  and  converted  to  a broad  guage  road  that 
was  subsequently  turned  over  to  the  B.  &.  O. 
Railroad,  under  whose  management  it  has  been 
in  successful  operation  for  many  years.  At  a 
later  period,  a Cleveland  & Lorain  Railroad 
was  in  course  of  construction ; a corporation  of 
St.  Clairsville,  with  a view  of  affording  citizens 
of  Bridgeport,  Martin's  Ferry  and  Bellaire 
speedy  communication  with  St.  Clairsville,  con- 
structed a railroad  from  the  county  seat  to  a 
point  on  the  Cleveland,  Lorain  & Wheeling 
road,  near  Barton,  at  a cost  of  nearly  $30,000. 
Notwdthstanding  all  these  improvements,  the 
fight  continued  without  abatement  and  the  agi- 
tation 'was  especially  hitter  through  the  “seven- 
ties.” Every  winter  the  advocates  of  removal 
would  send  petitions  to  the  Legislature  praying 
for  the  removal  of  the  seat  of  justice.  And 
every  winter  the  opponents  of  the  measure 
would  send  up  lengthy  remonstrances. 

Delegations  composed  of  the  leading  citizens 


BELMONT  COUNTY  COURT  HOUSE. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


6i 


of  Bellaire  and  St.  Clairsville  spent  most  of 
the  winter  in  Columbus  lobbying  for  and 
ag'ainst  the  bills  for  removal.  In  one  or  two 
instances  legislative  committees  came  down  and 
looked  over  the  ground  and  returning  to  the 
General  Assembly  reported  against  the  bill  for 
removal.  In  1881  Bellaire  determined  to  bring 
the  matter  directly  to  a vote  of  the  people  by 
making  it  ah  issue  in  the  campaign,  and  a re- 
moval ticket  was  placed  in  nomination.  But 
the  regular  ticket  was  elected.  In  1883  St. 
Clairsville,  through  Representative  Locke  of 
Medina  County,  introduced  a bill  providing  for 
a new  Court  House  at  St.  Clairsville,  and  a 
hard  and  b'tter  fight  was  made  for  its  passage, 
but  it  also  failed. 

Finally  in  1883  Hon.  Samuel  Hilles  was 
nominated  for  the  House  of  Representatives 
upon  the  Republican  ticket,  pledged  that  the 
county  seat  matter  should  not  be  agitated  dur- 
ing his  term  of  office.  The  Democratic  con- 
vention that  was  held  soon  thereafter  refused 
to  bind  its  candidate  by  any  such  pledge.  Mr. 
Hilles  was  elected.  But  when  the  Legislature 
met,  a strong  delegation  of  leading  Democrats 
from  the  county  seat  reopened  the  question 
without  the  knowledge  of  Representative 
Hilles. 

Senator  Williams  of  Cleveland  introduced  a 
bill  providing  for  the  construction  of  a new 
and  modern  Court  House  at  the  county  seat, 
and  the  Legislature,  weary  of  the  endless  agita- 
tion and  unprofitable  discussion  that  occupied 
so  much  of  its  time  every  winter,  determined 
to  bring  the  C[uestion  to  an  end,  and  the  bill 
was  carried  under  the  suspension  of  the  rules 
by  an  overwhelming  majority.  Thus  this  long 
protracted  contest  was  brought  to  an  end. 
Some  bitter  animosities  were  engendered  by 
this  continued  strife  which  the  fingers  of  time 
have  long  since  removed. 

THE  NEW  COURT  HOUSE  AND  JAIL. 

When  the  bill  for  the  construction  of  the 
new  Court  House  was  enacted  into  a law,  the 
county  commissioners,  whose  duty  it  was  to 
carry  out  its  provisions,  were  Messrs.  Owen 
Mehan,  Nathaniel  Taylor  and  Morris  Cope. 


Plans  and  bids  were  advertised  for,  and 
many  were  received,  but  after  careful  consid- 
eration the  commissioners  adopted  the  plans 
submitted  by  Architect  J.  Mb  Yost  of  Colum- 
bus. Air.  McClain  of  Bellaire  was  aw'arded 
the  contract  for  the  stone  work  ; John  B.  Fisher 
of  Columbus,  for  painting  and  glazing:  Simon 
Cain  of  Cleveland,  for  brick  work;  Doarzbach 
& Decker,  for  plastering:  and  Lane  Brothers 
of  Newark,  for  iron  work;  the  total  aesfreeat- 
mg  $97,000.  These  bids  before  being  accepted 
were  submitted  to  a committee  consistina:  of 
Probate  Judge  Thomas  Cochran,  Sheriff  Leroy 
Sedgwick,  Clerk  of  the  Courts  AV.  B.  Cash 
and  William  Alexander.  Esq.,  and  were  by 
them  approved.  In  order  to  obtain  a suitable 
site  upon  which  to  erect  such  a pretentious' 
structure,  the  street  known  as  Alarket  street, 
and  extending  north  ber'ond  the  town  limits, 
was  vacated,  and  the  property  known  as  the 
Frasier  House,  one  of  the  old  National  Road 
hostelries,  was  purchased.  AAlien  e\-erything 
was  in  readiness,  the  work  began  under  the 
superintendence  of  Thomas  E.  Clark,  a skilled 
architect  and  builder,  who  maintained  an  over- 
sight over  all  the  building  until  the  work  of 
construction  was  completed.  As  the  work 
progressed,  man}'  changes  in  the  original  plan 
were  found  necessary.  In  the  main  building 
it  was  determined  to  use  stone  rather  than 
brick,  and  in  order  to  secure  a solid  founda- 
tion for  such  an  enormous  building  an  addi- 
tional expense  of  $20,000  was  incurred.  To 
meet  the  additional  expenses  incurred  in  the 
completion  of  all  the  buildings,  special  legisla- 
tion was  obtained  from  time  to  time. 

The  picture  of  the  new  Court  House  pre- 
sented in  this  chapter  exhibits  a public  builcling 
which  for  beauty  and  architectural  design  is 
perhaps  not  surpassed  by  any  building  of  a like 
•character  in  the  State.  Erected  upon  the  high- 
est summit  of  this  beautiful  hill  countrv,  its 
great  steeple  cleaves  the  sk}-.  serving  the  trav- 
eler as  a guiding  tower  by  day  and  a beacon 
light  by  night.  From  the  upper  windows  of 
this  stately  structure  the  eyes  sweep  the  hori- 
zon revealing  a pastoral  scene  of  surpassing 
beauty.  Hilltop  and  valley  are  clothed  in  liv- 


62 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


ing  green,  with  chimps  of  forest  here  and  there 
helted  hy  green  meadows  and  fields  of  golden 
grain,  while  every  roadway  is  bordered  hy 
homes  of  comfort  and  content. 

Adjoining  the  Court  House,  with  a broad 
stone  promenade  intervening,  was  built  the 
sheriff’s  residence  and  jail.  The  former,  an 
attractiie  modern  residence,  and  the  latter,  a 
strong,  substantial  structure  of  stone  and  iron, 
])rovided  with  all  the  improvements  in  prison 
eipiipment.  ddie  cost  of  these  imposing  public 
buildings  is  best  told  hy  the  commissioners’  re- 
port  in  their  summary  of  all  expenditures 
which  we  jiuhlish  herewith : 


Net  cost  of  site $ 3,952.00 

Surveyor  S8-00 

Advertising  462.23 

Arliitrators  ; 124.00 

Building  coniniiltee  263.00 

Grading,  clirhing,  paving,  etc 4,976.75 

E.xtra  depth  stone  foundation 14,500.00 

Stone  woi  k superstructure 57,135.41 

Boiler  liouse  and  stack,  Ijrick  in  tunnel 12,391.21 

Iron  work  53,686.69 

Furniture  13,270.33 

Gas  machine  and  fixtures 5,327-59 

Roofing  and  galvanized  work 14,103.59 

ShcrilFs  residence  11,090.27 

Carpenter  work  18,112.73 

Steam  heating  17,443.98 

Tiling  3.998.05 

Brick  work  17,730.02 

Painting  and  frescoing 5,212.20 

Amount  paid  other  contractors,  cisterns,  etc.  . 3,278.54 

Clock,  $1,436.10:  carpets,  $707.26 2,143.36 

Architect’s  percentage  7,310.47 

Architect’s  fee,  extra  ' trips 325.00 

Superintendent’s  wages  4,400.00 

Attorney’s  fee,  McClain  vs.  Commissioners.  . 300.00 

Treasurer’s  fees  888.19 


Total  $272,484.52 

Deduct  from  total  cost  bonded  indebtedness..  155,000.00 


Amount  paid  by  annual  levy $117,484.52 


We  have  deducted  amounts  received  from  sale  of 
public  property  and  premiums  on  bonds,  viz.,  $7,448.00 
from  the  amount  paid  for  new  site,  viz.,  $11,400,  which 
leaves  the  above  net  amount  as  cost  of  site  to  county. 

The  cost  of  sheriff’s  residence,  as  stated  above,  in- 
cludes a considerable  amount  which  properly  belongs 
to  cost  of  jail,  but  cannot  be  separated,  as  it  was  con- 
tracted for  with  the  residence. 

MORRIS  COPE, 

W.  C.  BERRY, 

J.  C.  ISRAEL, 

Commissioners  of  Belmont  County. 


LIST  OF  COUNTY  OFFICIALS  FOR  A CENTURY, 

Before  concluding  the  chapter  upon  the 
growth  of  Belmont  County,  it  might  be  proper 
to  give  a list  of  the  men  who  filled  the  various 
positions  of  public  trust  since  the  formation  of 
our  county,  and  among  this  long  list  of  able 
and  lionored  men  will  lie  found  the  names  of 
some  of  Ohio’s  most  distinguished  statesmen. 

The  officials  of  Belmont  County  in  1902  are: 

Common  Pleas  Judge — J.  W.  Hollingsworth. 

Probate  Judge — William  F.  Smith. 

Clerk  of  Courts — Louis  L.  Scheele. 

Sheriff — S.  S.  Foreman. 

Auditor — Madison  Aldredge. 

Treasurer — W.  O.  Burgundthal. 

Prosecuting  Attorney — H.  S.  Armstrong. 

Recorder — J.  K.  McFarland. 

Stenographer — A.  L.  Bumgarner. 

Surveyor — John  A.  Bond. 

Coroner — Dr.  C.  C.  Cole. 

Commissioners — George  M.  Wise,  President ; John  W. 
Wilkinson,  T.  B.  Smith. 

Infirmary  Directors — Otto  Rottmeier,  President;  J.  A. 
Brown,  Auditor ; J.  H.  Heed. 

Superintendent  Infirmary — Orlando  Cope,  East  Rich- 
land. 

Superintendent  Children’s  Home — T.  W.  Branson, 
Barnesvile. 

School  Examiners — James  Duncan,  Bridgeport;  E.  F. 
Barnes,  Bethesda;  J.  O.  Porterfield,  Demos. 

It  is  hut  proper  to  add  that  since  July  i,  1902, 
the  auditor-elect,  A.  W.  Beatty,  the  treasurer- 
elect,  John  D.  Hayes,  and  the  clerk  of  courts, 
Louis  L.  Scheehle,  have  been  inducted  into 
office, 

REPRESENTATIVES  IN  CONGRESS. 

The  following  have  been  Representatives  in 
Congress  from  the  district  in  which  Belmont 
County  was  situated  from  the  time  of  its  or- 
ganization as  a county:  Jeremiah  Morrow,  of 
Warren  County,  1803-1813;  James  Caldwell, 
Belmont  County,  1813-1817;  Samuel  Herrick, 
Muskingum  County,  1817-21  ; John  Chright 
and  David  Chambers,  Muskingum  County, 
1821-23;  John  Patterson,  Belmont  County, 
3823-25;  David  Jennings  and  Thomas  Sher- 
man, Belmont  County,  1825-27;  John  Daven- 
port, Belmont  County,  1827-29  ; Judge  William 
Kennon,  Belmont  County,  1829-33;  Judge  M. 
Ball,  Guernsey  County,  1833-35;  J’-iclge  Will- 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


63 


iam  Kennon,  Belmont  County,  1835-37 ; James 
Alexander,  Jr.,  Belmont  County,  1837-39; 
Isaac  Parrish,  Guernsey  County,  1838-41 ; Ben- 
jamin S.  Cowen,  Belmont  County,  1841-43 ; 
Joseph  Morris,  Monroe  County,  1843-47; 
William  Kennon,  Jr.,  Belmont  County,  1847- 
49;  W.  F.  Hunter,  Monroe  County,  1849-53; 
Mhlliam  Shannon,  Belmont  County,  1853-55 ; 
Charles  J.  Albright,  Guernsey  County,  1855- 
57;  William  T.  Lawrence,  Guernsey  County, 
1857-59;  Thomas  C.  Theaker,  Belmont  Coun- 
ty, 1859-61 ; James  R.  Morris,  Monroe  County, 
1861-63  ; J.  W.  White,  Guernsey  Gounty,  1863- 
65  ; John  A.  Bingham,  Harrison  County,  1865- 
73 ; Lorenzo  Danford,  Belmont  County, 
1873-79;  J.  T.  Llpdegraff,  Jefferson  County, 
1879-84;  Joseph  D.  Taylor,  Guernsey  County, 
1884-91 ; Lorenzo  Danford,  Belmont  County, 
1891-97;  J.  J.  Gill,  present  incumbent. 

STATE  SENATORS. 

Linder  the  Constitution  of  1802,  Senators 
and  Representatives  were  elected  every  year, 
and  under  the  Constitution  of  1851  once  in  two 
years. 

The  Senators  in  1803  were  William  Vance 
and  Thomas  Kirker;  1804,  William  Vance; 
1805-06,  Joseph  Sharp;  1807-08,  Joseph  Dil- 
lon; 1808-11,  James  Caldwell;  1813-14, 
Charles  Hammond;  1815-18,  James  Caldwell; 
1819-24,  David  Jennings;  1825-26,  John  Dav- 
enport; 1827-28,  William  Hubbard;  1829-30, 
Thomas  Shannon;  1831-32,  William  Dunn; 
1833-34,  James  Alexander,  Jr.;  1835-36, 
George  Sharp;  1837-40,  Thomas  Shannon; 
1841,  Chauncey  Dewey;  1842-44,  Robert  H. 
Miller;  1845-46,  Benjamin  McCall;  1847-48, 
Edward  Archibald  ; 1849-52,  AVilliam  P.  Simp- 
son ; 1854,  David  Allen;  1856,  Charles  War- 
field;  1858,  Isaac  Holloway;  i860,  Marshall 
McCall;  1862,  Isaac  Welsh;  1864,  John  C. 
Jamison;  1866,  Henry  West;  1868-70,  James 
B.  Jamison;  1872-74,  Samuel  Knox;  1876-78, 
David  Wagoner;  1880-82,  D.  A.  Hollings- 
worth; 1884-86, Solomon  Hogue;  1888, George 
W.  Glover;  1890,  J.  W.  Nichols;  1894,  Senator 
Burke  of  Columbiana;  1898,  F.  B.  Archer, 
present  incumbent. 


REPRESENTATIVES  TO. GENERAL  ASSEMBLY. 

The  Representatives  elected  to  the  General 
Assembly  from  Belmont  Gounty  were:  1803, 

Joseph  Sharp  and  Elijah  Woods  to  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly,  at  Chillicothe,  March  i,  1803, 
and  Josiah  Dillon  and  James  Smith  to  the  one 
convened  in  December,  1803;  1804,  Thomas 
AVilson  and  John  Stewart ; 1805,  John  Stew- 
art and  James  Smith;  1806,  Josiah  Dillon  and 
John  Stewart;  1807,  AVilliam  Vance  and  John 
Patterson;  1808,  Joseph  Sharp,  Edward  Biw- 
son  and  Isaac  A'^ore ; 1809,  Joseph  Sharp,  Isaac 
A^ore  and  Josiah  Dillon;  1810,  Elijah  AAMods, 
Joseph  IMoorehead  and  AAhlliam  Smith;  1811, 
James  Smith,  Thomas  Mitchell  and  Joseph 
Sharp;  1812,  Josiah  Dillon,  Jacob  Myers  and 
Peter  Yarnell;  1813,  Moses  Moorehead,  Am- 
brose Danford  and  AAhlliam  Sinclair;  1814, 
Joseph  Sharp,  Edward  Bryson  and  Thomas 
Majors;  1815,  David  AVallace,  James  Smith 
and  Thomas  Majors;  1816,  Charles  Hammond, 
Thomas  Townsend  and  Edward  Bryson;  1817, 
Charles  Hammond,  George  Pauli  and  AAhlliam 
Dunn;  1818,  Charles  Hammond,  George  Pauli 
and  AAhlliam  Dunn;  1819,  AAhlliam  Dunn, 
Thomas  Shannon  and  John  Smith;  1820,  AAhll- 
iam  Dunn,  Thomas  Shannon  and  Charles 
Hammond;  1821-22,  AAhlliam  Dunn,  Thomas 
Shannon  and  Alexander  Armstrong;  1823, 
AA^illiam  Perrine,  Isaac  Atkinson  and  John 
Scatterday;  1824,  John  Davenport,  Thomas 
Shannon ; 1825-26,  AAhlliam  Perrine,  AVilliam 
Dunn  and  Eli  Nichols;  1827-28,  James  AAher, 
Crawford  AAVlsh  and  AAhlliam  Dunn ; 1829, 
Crawford  AA'elsh,  James  AAVir  and  Andrew 
Patterson:  1830,  John  Davenport  and  James 
Alexander;  1831-32,  John  Patton,  AAhlliam 
AAVrkman  and  AAhlliam  B.  Hubbard ; 1833-34, 
Joseph  A.  Ramage,  John  Thompson  and  Sol- 
omon Bentley:  1835-36,  Solomon  Bentley, 

AAhlliam  Chambers  and  James  AAVir : 1837, 
Ephraim  Gaston  ancrisaac  H.  Green;  1838-39, 
Henry  AAVst  and  Thomas  A.  AAHy;  1840, 
Crawford  AAVlsh  and  John  Koontz;  1841, 
AAhlliam  AAVrkm'an  and  Samuel  Dunn;  1842, 
Thomas  Pilcher:  1843,  Samuel  Dunn  and 
AAhlliam  R.  Carle;  1844-45,  Benjamin  S. 


64 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


C'owcn  and  Peter  Tallman;  i<S46,  John  C.  Kerr 
and  William  Hoo'ne;  1S47,  Miller  Pennington; 
1848,  Samnel  Bigger;  1849.  John  A.  Waver 
and  llngh  McNeely;  J850.  A.  C.  Ramage  and 
James  J.  (Irimes;  1851.  A.  C.  Ramage  and 
Price  Cornwell;  1853,  K V.  Cleaver  and 
Samnel  l'indla\';  1855,  James  *\.  Tnrner  and 
Robert  Ilamilton;  1857-59.  Lsaac  WAlsh ; 1861, 
Wilson  S.  Kennon:  1863,  Robert  E.  Chambers; 
1865-67,  Conlson  Davenport  and  John  Patter- 
son; i8(')9,  John  W.  Kennon  and  Thomas  M. 
Xichol;  1871,  John  A.  Wayer ; 1873,  Thomas 
IP  Armstrong;  1875,  E.  V.  Cleaver  and  Wdll- 
iam  Bnndy ; 1877,  Ross  J.  Alexander  and  Har- 
\-e_\-  Danford;  1879,  David  Wagner;  1883, 
Samnel  I lilies;  1885,  Samnel  Hilles  and  C.  L. 
Poorman ; 1887.  C.  L.  Poorman  and  A.  T. 
McKehey;  1889,  A.  T.  iMcKelvey;  i89r,  C.  J. 
lleinlein;  1895,  C.  J.  Howard  and  E.  B.  Arm- 
strong; 1897,  E.  B.  Armstrong;  1899,  P.  B. 
Worthington,  present  incumbent. 

SHERIFFS. 

1801-03.  Jacob  Coleman  (appointed)  ; 
1803-09,  Josiah  Hedges;  1809-12,  James 
Hedges;  1812-13.  Anthony  Weir;  1813-19, 
Da\dd  Moore;  1819-24,  William  Perrine;  1824- 
26,  Solomon  Bentley,  Sr.;  1826-30,  Ezer  Ellis; 
1830-32,  Solomon  Bentley,  Sr.;  1832-36,  Will- 
iam 11.  Johnson;  1836-38,  John  Lippincott; 
1838-44.,  Wdlliam  P.  Sim])Son ; 1844-48,  Plugh 
McXeely  ; 1 848-50,  JamesMcConnaughy;  1850- 
56,  J.  C.  Xichols;  1856-60,  John  S.  Anderson; 
1860-64  . Patrick  Locharv ; 1864-66,  George  PP 
Umstead;  1866-68,  Samnel  B.  Piper;  1868-70, 
Whlliam  Pi.  liases;  1870-76,  William  C.  Coch- 
ran; 1876-78,  William  G.  Kinney;  1878-82, 
Samnel  Hilles;  1882-86,  Leroy  C.  Sedgwick; 
1886-90,  E.  O.  P'onlke;  1890-94,  M.  M.  Scott; 
1894-98,  Mb  N.  Darby;  1898-02,  S.  S.  Fore- 
man. present  incumbent. 

Since  writing  the  above.  A.  M.  Majors,  of 
Union  township,  has  been  elected  sheriff  for 
the  ensiling  term. 

TRE.\SURERS. 

1801-04,  Daniel  McElherren  (appointed); 


1804-07,  Andrew  Marshall  (appointed)  ; 1807- 
12,  Josiah  Hedges  (appointed)  ; 1812-14, 

Jeremiah  Fairhnrst  (appointed);  1814-25, 
Solomon  Bentley;  1825-27,  James  Kelsey; 
1827-33,  J'^^6n  McElroy;  1833-39,  Jacob  Neis- 
wanger;  1839-43,  John  Eaton,  Jr.;  1843-45, 
J.  M.  Mitchell;  1845-4.9,  Lycnrgns  Jennings; 
1849-53,  John  Kelley;  1853-57,  Thomas  John- 
son; 1857-59,  Jo6'i  Twinan;  1859-61,  Isaac 
Patterson;  1861-63,  Amos  Glover;  1863-67, 
Barkley  Cooper;  1867-71,  James  Irwin;  1871- 
73,  Andrew  Porterheld;  1873-77,  William  J. 
Kelley;  1877-81,  Hamilton  Eaton;  1881-85,  A. 
L.  Feeley;  1885-89,  George  Robinson;  1889, 
P'rank  Archer;  1893,  Howard  Kirk;  1897,  W. 
C.  Bnrgundthal ; 1902,  John  D.  Hayes,  present 
incumbent. 

CLERKS  OF  THE  COURTS. 

1801-06,  Elijah  Woods  (appointed);  1806- 
10,  James  Caldwell  (appointed)  ; 1810-13, 

Josiah  Hedges  (appointed)  ; 1813-26,  Ezer 
Ellis  (apjxjinted)  ; 1826-34,  Peter  Tallman, 
Sr.  (appointed);  1834-46,  John  C.  Tallman 
(appointed);  1846-50,  R.  H.  Miller  (appoint- 
ed) ; 1850-51,  John  Heaton  (appointed)  ; 1851- 
52,  St.  Clair  Kelley  (appointed)  ; 1852-55,  John 
ideaton;  1855-56,  William  R.  Carroll;  1856- 
57,  David  S.  Adams  (appointed)  ; 1857-60,  S. 
W.  Gaston;  1860-63,  Lavid  S.  Adams;  1863- 
66,  J.  E.  Charlesworth ; 1866-69,  Joseph  R. 
Mitchell;  1869-72,  James  B.  Campliell ; 1872- 
78,  Josejih  R.  Mitchell;  1878-84,  Alexander  C. 
Darrah ; 1884-90,  William  B.  Cash;  1890-96, 
H.  M.  Davis;  1896-02,  Lawson  Emerson; 
1902,  Louis  L.  Scheehle,  present  incumbent. 

COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS. 

1804,  Levan  (dkey,  John  McAVilliams,  Rob- 
ert Griffin;  1806,  Levan  Okey,  John  McWill- 
iams and  Alexander  Boggs ; 1808,  Levan 
Okey,  John  McWilliams  and  Sterling  John- 
son ; 1810,  John  McWilliams,  Sterling  John- 
son and  Peter  Tallman;  1811,  John  McWill- 
iams, Peter  Tallman  and  Alexander  Boggs; 
1818,  Peter  Tallman,  Alexander  Boggs  and 
Joseph  Morrison;  1821,  Joseph  Morrison, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


65 


David  Neiswanger  and  John  Nichols;  1824, 
Joseph  Morrison,  David  Neiswanger  and  John 
Nichols;  1829-30,  David  Smith,  Isaac  Barton 
and  David  Neiswanger;  1833-36,  Thomas 
Armstrong,  Isaac  Barton  and  Thomas  Heaney ; 
1837,  Thomas  Armstrong,  Isaac  Barton  and 
Isaac  Patton;  1838-39,  William  Workman, 
John  Cook  and  Isaac  Patton;  1840,  Peter  A. 
Dallas.  John  Cook  and  Thomas  Pilcher;  1842, 
Thomas  Pilcher,  Peter  A.  Dallas  and  Robert 
B.  Green;  1843,  Lisle  and  William  Work- 
man; 1844,  John  Lisle,  Robert  B.  Green  and 
David  Harris;  1845,  John  Lisle,  Robert  B. 
Green  and  Stephen  C.  Gregg ; 1846,  David 
Harris,  Jacob  Coleman  and  Stephen  C.  Gregg; 
same  in  1847  1848;  1849,  David  Harris, 

James  Norman  and  Stephen  C.  Gregg;  1850, 
S.  C.  Vance,  James  Newman  and  Stephen  C. 
Gregg;  1851-52,  S.  C.  Vance,  Janies  Newman 
and  Ira  Lewis;  1853,  Thomas  Majors,  James 
Newman  and  Ira  Lewis;  1854,  Thomas  Ma- 
jors,   Hatcher  and  Alichael  Danford; 

same  in  1854  and  1855 ; 1856,  John  Majors, 
John  Johnson  and  iMichael  Danford;  1858, 
John  Majors,  John  Johnson  and  Harrison  Mas- 
sey; 1859,  J.  T.  Scofield,  George  C.  Bethel  and 
Harrison  Massey;  i860,  J.  T.  Scofield,  James 
Alexander  and  William  Whlkinson ; 1862-65, 
Jesse  Barton,  James  Alexander  and  William 
Wilkinson;  1865,  Dennis  Kemp.  James  Alex- 
ander and  William  Wilkinson;  1866,  Dennis 
Kemp,  James  Alexander  and  W.  M.  Campbell; 
1867,  Dennis  Kemp,  James  Alexander  and 
James  Campbell;  1868.  H.  Frasier,  James 
Alexander  and  James  Campbell;  1869-70,  H. 
Frasier,  James  Alexander  and  William  Arm- 
strong; 1871,  H.  Frasier,  William  Armstrong 
and  James  Kinney:  1872,  B.  E.  Dnngan,  Will- 
iam Armstrong  and  James  Kinney;  1873,  D.  E. 
Dnngan,  James  Alexander  and  Solomon 
Hogue;  1874,  William  Barber,  James  Alexan- 
der and  Solomon  Hogue;  1875,  William  Bar- 
ber, I.  J.  Potts  and  Solomon  Hogue;  1876,  I. 
J.  Potts,  William  Barber  and  A.  W.  Ander- 
son: 1877-78,  H.  Frasier,  I.  J.  Potts  and  A. 
W.  Anderson:  1879,  H.  Frasier,  I.  J.  Potts  and 
Owen  Mehan;  1880,  Owen  Mehan,  I.  J.  Potts 
and  William  Alexander;  1881-82,  Owen 


IMehan,  V'illiam  Alexander  and  IMorris  Cope; 
1883-84,  Owen  IMehan.  Nathaniel  Taylor  and 
MorrisCope;  1885.  W'.J. Berry,  Nathaniel  Tay- 
lor and Monfis Cope;  1886, VkJ. Berry,  John  C. 
Israel  and  Morris  Cope;  1887-90,  Vk  J.  Berry, 
John  C.  Israel  and  Miles  Hart;  1895.  AV.  S. 
Mechem,  Silas  Bailey  and  George  AT  AAdse; 
1899,  J.  AA'k  AAdlkinson,  George  AI.  AAfise  and 
T.  B.  Smith, — present  incumbents.  Since  the 
above  was  written  J.  AAA  Alartin  was  elected 
for  the  ensuing  term. 

x\UDITORS. 

1823-25,  Peter  Tallman;  1825-36,  AAulliam 
AIcNeely:  1836-38,  G.  S.  Nagle;  1838-40, 

AA'^illiam  Anderson:  1840-42.  T.  Hogue;  1842- 
.j-4.  AAulliamDunn  : 1844-48,  AA’illiam  Pancoast; 
1848-52,  David  Allen;  1852-54,  David  True- 
man; 1854-56,  J.  F.  Charlesworth ; 1856-58, 
Stephen  Gressinger;  1858-62,  C.  L.  Poorman ; 
1862-66.  R.  S.  Clark;  ^866-71,  R.  AT  Clark; 
1871-73.  John  B.  Longley;  1873-77,  AA^.  E. 
Stamp:  1877-81,  AAk  N.  Coffland;  1881-84,  R. 
R.  Barrett;  1885,  D.  H.  Darrah  (appointed)  ; 
1886-89,  R.  R.  Barrett:  1889-92.  Joseph  Hen- 
derson: 1898-1902,  Aladison  Aldredge;  1902, 
A.  AAA  Beatty,  present  incumbent. 

prosecuting  attorneys. 

1801-04,  Charles  Hammond  (appointed)  ; 
1804-08,  Jacob  Nagle  (appointed)  ; 1808-15, 
George  Pauli  (appointed)  ; 1815-25.  David 

Jennings  (appointed)  ; 1825-33,  AAA  B.  Hub- 
bard (appointed)  1833-37,  AAAlson  Shannon: 
1837-41,  AAAlliam  Kennon;  1841-45.  R.  J. 
Alexander;  1845-49.  Carlo  C.  Carroll:  1849- 
51.  Joseph  A.  Ramage;  1851-55.  Isaac  E. 
Eaton;  1855-59,  D.  D.  T.  Cowen;  1859-61, 
Lorenzo  Danford;  1861-65,  John  A.  AAMrk; 
1865-67,  Robert  H.  Cochran  ; 1867-71,  John  AAA 
'Shannon;  1871-75,  AAAlson  S.  Kennon:  1875- 
1880,  Robert  AI.  Eaton:  1880-85.  -‘"'A-  H. 
Alitchell ; 1885-90.  X.  AAA  Kennon:  1890-96, 
Jesse  SI.  Hollingsworth:  1896-1900,  Capell  L. 
AAleems : 1900-02.  Hunter  S.  Armstrong,  pres- 
ent incumbent.  H.  T.  Shepherd  was  recently 
elected  for  tlie  ensuing  term. 


66 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


J’ROfiATE  JUDGES. 

1851-57,  David  Harris;  1857-63,  Robert 
Clamly ; 1863-66,  C.  W.  Carroll;  1866-69, 
Anderson;  1869-78,  C.  W.  Carroll;  1878- 
84,  Thomas  Cochran ; 1884-90,  Isaac  H.  Gas- 
ton; 1890-96,  J.  F.  Tallnian;  1896-1902,  W. 
hb  Smith,  present  incumbent.  Judge  John  S. 
Cochran  was  elected  November  4,  1902,  for  the 
ensuing  term. 

RECORDERS. 

(Served  in  the  order  named.) 

1804,  .Sterling  Johnson,  William  Paris,  G.  S. 
Nagle,  Peter  Tallman,  William  Paris,  Robert 
Giffin,  M.  J.  Ward,  George  Anderson,  S.  M. 
Plowey,  Felix  Martin,  John  Bickham,  John  C. 
Bolon,  William  Barnes,  James  Barnes,  W.  S. 
Hobbs,  John  M.  Becket,  D.  S.  Creamer,  A.  S. 
Taylor,  John  K.  McFarland,  present  incum- 
bent. 

, CORONERS. 

(Served  in  the  order  named.) 

1801,  John  Dungan,  Joseph  Morrison,  Will- 
iam Stephenson,  Wilmeth  Jones,  John  S.  Na- 
gle, John  Scatterday,  Robert  McMasters,  Will- 
iam Kinney,  Moses  Rhodes,  Joseph  Moore,  Jo- 
seph Hargrave,  James  Smith,  H.  Ferguson, 
Oliver  Cunningham,  James  Nichol,  Patrick 
Lochary,  George  Creswell,  E.  B.  Kennedy, 
Thomas  Garrett,  E.  B.  Kennedy,  Thomas  Gar- 
rett, J.  Creswell,  Samuel  Martin,  A.  M.  F. 
Boyd,  Dr.  A.  C.  Beetham,  Dr.  M.  E.  Cole. 

INFIRMARY  DIRECTORS. 

(Served  in  the  order  named.) 

1842,  William  Lemon,  Alexander  Hannah, 
J.  C.  Henderson,  Henry  West,  Stephen  Pan- 
coast, Reuben  Miller,  George  Van  Law,  Stephen 
Pancoast,  A.  Lodge,  F.  R.  Phillips,  George 
Van  Law,  Jacob  Gosset,  Abner  Lodge,  Balaam 
Nichols,  Hugh  Ferguson,  F.  R.  Phillips,  Hugh 
Ferguson,  Agner  Lodge,  Oliver  Taylor,  Will- 
iam Caldwell,  John  Taggart,  R.  J.  Pollock, 
Wdlliam  Caldwell,  Balaam  Nichols,  Nathaniel 
Taylor,  Jacob  Gosset,  Wiliam  Parkenson,  Will- 


iam Ramage,  Thomas  Lodge,  John  Alexander, 
N.  Taylor,  William  Parkenson,  Laban  Lodge, 
Nathaniel  Taylor,  William  Parkenson,  J.  B. 
Ritchie,  Joseph  Bailey,  Levi  W.  Jones,  J,  B. 
Ritchie,  Joseph  Bailey,  John  Sidebottom,  Will- 
iam Lodge,  B.  McConnaughy,  J.  A.  Clark,  B. 
McConnaughy,  William  Lodge,  J.  A.  Clark, 
Benjamin  Laper,  Otto  Rottmeir,  J.  A.  Brown, 
J.  H.  Heed,  and  Infirmary  Director-elect  W. 
A.  Merritt. 

VOTE  FOR  GOVERNOR. 

Perhaps  nothing  will  reveal  the  growth  of 
the  county  more  than  the  publication  of  the 
vote  for  Governor  since  1807; 

1807 —  Return  J.  Meigs,  705;  Nathaniel 
Massie,  174. 

1808 —  Samuel  Huntington,  451;  Thomas 
Worthington,  816;  Thomas  Kirker,  i. 

1810 — Return  J.  Meigs,  448;  Return  J. 
Meigs,  Jr.,  39;  Thomas  Worthington,  495. 

1812 — Return  J.  Meigs,  1,393;  Thomas 
Scott,  73. 

1814 — Thomas  Worthington,  000;  Othniel 
Looker,  00. 

1816 — Thomas  Worthington,  000;  James 
Dunlap,  oc;  Ethan  A.  Brown,  00. 

1818 — Ethan  A.  Brown,  1,592;  James  Dun- 
lap, 21. 

1820 — Ethan  A.  Brown,  1,842;  Jeremiah 
Morrow,  15. 

1822 — Jeremiah  Morrow,  000;  Allen  Trim- 
ble, 00;  W.  W.  Irwin,  00. 

1824 — Jeremiah  Morrow,  1,268;  Allen 
Trimble,  1,191. 

1826 — Allen  Trimble,  1,937;  John  Bigger, 
1 13;  Alexander  Campbell,  395;  Benjamin 
Tappan,  574. 

1828 — Allen  Trimble,  i,975;  John  W. 
Campbell,  1,892. 

1830 — Duncan  McArthur  (Republican), 
1,822;  Robert  Lucas  (Democrat),  1,468. 

1832 — Robert  Lucas  (D.),  2,370;  Darius 
Lyman  (Whig  and  Anti-Mason),  2,191. 

1834 — Robert  Lucas  (D.),  2,107;  James 
Findlay  (W.),  2,230. 

1836 — Joseph  Vance  (W.),  2,666;  Eli  Bald- 
win (D.),  2,358. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


67 


1838 — Wilson  Shannon  (D.),  2,670;  Jo- 
seph Vance  (W.),  2,220. 

1840 — Thomas  Corwin  (W.),  3,195;  Wil- 
son Shannon  (D.),  2,806. 

1842 — Thomas  Corwin  (W.),  2,770;  Wil- 
son Shannon  (D.),  2,865;  Leicester  King 
(Abolition),  171. 

1844 — Mordecai  Bartley  (W.),  3,081; 

David  Todd  (D.),  2,867. 

1846 — William  Bel3b  (W.),  2,475;  David 
Todd  (D.),  1,857;  Samuel  Lewis  (A.),  194. 

1848 — John  B.  Weller  (D.),  2,797;  Seabury 
Ford  (W.),  3,169. 

1850 —  Reuben  Wood  (D.),  2,456;  William 
Johnston  (W.),  2,834;  Edward  Smith  (A.), 
69. 

1851 —  Reuben  Wood  (D.),  2,562;  Samuel 
F.  Vinton  (W.),  2,747;  Samuel  Lewis  (A.), 
196. 

1853 — William  Medill  (D.),  1,964;  Nelson 
Barrere  (W.),  1,478;  Samuel  Lewis  (A.), 
1,288. 

1855 — William  Medill  (D.),  1,853;  Allen 
Trimble  (Know-Nothing),  1,003;  Salmon  P. 
Chase  (Rep.),  1,750. 

1857 — Salmon  P.  Chase  (R.),  1,572; 

Henry  B.  Payne  (D.),  2,417;  Phil.  Van 
Trump  (Am.),  950. 

1859 — William  Dennison  (R.),  2,280;  Ru- 
fus P.  Ranney  (D.),  2,591. 

1861 — David  Todd  (R.),  3,025 ; Hugh  J. 
Jewett  (D.),  3,138. 

1863 — John  Brough  (R.),  3.979;  Clement 
L.  Vallandigham  (D.),  3.257. 

1865 — Jacob  D.  Cox  (R.),  3.363;  George 
W.  Morgan  (D.),  3.289. 

1867 — Rutherford  B.  Hayes  (R.),  3,412; 
Allen  G.  Thurman  (D.),  3,971. 

1869 — Rutherford  B.  Hayes  (R.),  3,248; 
George  H.  Pendleton  (D.),  3,764. 

1871 — Edward  F.  Noyes  (R.).  3,899; 
George  W.  McCook  (D.),  3,681;  Gideon  T. 
Stewart  (Pro.),  38. 

1873 — Edward  F.  Noyes  (R-),  3,614; 
William  Allen  (D.),  3.394;  Gideon  T.  Stew- 
art (Pro.),  230;  Isaac  Collins  (Lib.),  16. 

1875 — William  Allen  (D.),  4,588;  Ruther- 
ford B.  Hayes  (R.),  4,514. 


1877 — William  H.  West  (R.),  4,055;  Rich- 
ard M.  Bishop  (D.),  4,632;  Stephen  Johnson, 
13  ; Henry  A.  Thompson,  19. 

1879 — Charles  Foster  (R.),  5,253;  Thomas 
Ewing  (D.),  5.356;  Gideon  T.  Stewart  (Pro.), 
A.  Saunder  Pratt,  John  Hood  (G.  L. ) ;'  scat- 
tering, 87. 

1881 — Charles  Foster  (R.),  4,671 ; John  W. 
Bookwalter  (D.),  4,527;  A.  B.  Ludlow  (Pro.), 
102;  John  Seitz  (G.  L. ),  68. 

1883— Joseph  B.  Foraker  (R.),  5,532; 

George  Hoadly  (R.),  5,426;  Charles  Jenkins 
(Pro.),  41 ; E.  Schumaker  (G.  L.),  26. 

1885 — Joseph  B.  Foraker  (R.),  5.765; 

George  Hoadly  (D.),  5,131;  A.  B.  Leonard 
(Pro.),  335;  J.  W.  Winthrop  (G.  L.),  7. 

1887 — Joseph  B.  Foraker  (R.),  5,991; 

Thomas  E.  Powell  (D.),  5.507;  Morris  Sharp 
(Pro.),  441  ; John  Seitz  (G.  L.),  15. 

1889 — Joseph  B.  Foraker  (R.),  5,820; 

James  E.  Campbell  (D.),  5,601 ; John  P.  Hel- 
wig  (Pro.),  598;  John  H.  Rhodes  (G.  L. ). 

1891 — William  (McKinley  (R.),  6,294;  Jo- 
seph E.  Campbell  (D.),  5,642;  Ashenhurst 
(Pro.),  456;  Seitz  (Peoples),  24. 

1893 — (McKinley  (R.),  6,628;  Neill  (D.), 
5,267;  (Meeklin  (P.),  509;  Brockin  (Peoples), 
69. 

1895 — Bushnell  (R.),  6,496;  Campbell 

(D.),  4,981 ; Coxey  (Pop.),  271 ; Ellis  (Pro.), 
493;  \\hlkins  (S.),  12. 

1897 — Bushnell  (R.),  6,520;  Chapman 

(D.),  5.521;  Holliday  (Pro.),  162;  Coxey 
(P.),  36;  Dexter  (Natl.  Dem.),  27;  Richarcf- 
son  (Liberty),  105;  Lewis  (Negro  Prot.),  32; 
Watkins  (Socialist).  27. 

1889— Nash  (R.),  6,567;  McClain  (D.), 
5,277;  Ellis  (N.  R.),  1 18;  Hammell  (Pro.), 
153;  Barlow  (S.),  20;  Jones  (N.  P.),  171. 

1901 — Nash  (R.),  5,498;  Kilbourne  (D.), 
3,764;  Penny  (Pro.),  321;  Richardson  (N. 
R.),  38;  Juergens  (S.  L.),  34;  Thompson 
(S.),  43. 

It  is  greatly  to  be  regretted  that  in  1814- 
1816-1822,  the  records  have  been  lost.  We 
may  succeed  in  obtaining  the  omitted  vote  be- 
fore this  goes  to  press. 


CHAPTER  V. 


THE  ROADS  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY. 

Early  Thoroughfares — The  National  Road — Conestoga  Wagons — The  Old  Taverns- 
The  Old  Stage  Coach — Passing  of_  the  National  Road — Telegraph  and 
Telephone  Lines — Other  Pikes. 


EAR1>Y  thoroughfares. 

The  roads  of  Belmont  County  at  the  open- 
ing of  the  19th  century  could  scarcely  be  dig- 
nified by  that  name.  One  of  the  first  acts  of 
the  first  court  held  in  the  county  authorized  the 
construction  of  two  roads  viz.,  one  from  Pult- 
nev  (Bellaire)  to  Newellstown  (St.  Clairs- 
ville),  under  the  supervision  of  Jacob  Cole- 
man. surveyor,  and  the  other  a license  for  the 
construction  of  a road  over  the  Zane  Trail, 
extending  through  the  county  from  east  to 
west,  over  territory  that  is  practically  the  same 
as  that  occupied  by  the  National  Road.  All 
other  thoroughfares  were  simply  trails  and 
bridle  paths  that  were  blazed  through  the  for- 
est from  one  settlement  to  another.  And  many 
of  these  bloody  trails  were  the  scenes  of  hair- 
breadth escapes  and  thrilling  adventures,  the 
memory  of  which  will  linger  in  rural  communi- 
ties, to  be  told  with  ever  increasing  interest  for 
generations  to  come. 

Before  the  organization  of  the  county,  the 
go\'ernment  contracted  with  Col.  Ebenezer 
Zane  at  Fort  Henry  in  Wbeeling  for  the  con- 
struction of  a wagon  road  over  the  famous 
Zane  Trail  from  Wheeling  to  Zanesville,  in 
consideration  of  which  he  was  to  receive  three 
sections  of  government  land.  The  road  was 
completed  in  two  years,  viz.,  1797-98;  but  the 
work  was  very  indifferently  done.  Colonel 
Zane  was  better  at  constructing  forts  than 


roadways,  and  while  he  actually  did  drive  a 
wagon  over  the  road,  it  is  said  it  was  done  at 
the  peril  of  his  life. 

the  national  road. 

The  first  good  road  constructed  in  Belmont 
County  was  that  section  of  the  great  national 
thoroughfare  known  as  the  National  Road, 
which  through  the  untiring  efforts  of  Henry 
Clay  was  built  by  the  government.  This  great 
macadamized  road,  begun  in  1806-07,  not 
completed  through  Belmont  County  until  1825, 
when  it  became  the  great  thoroughfare  for 
the  transportation  of  travel  and  traffic  from 
east  to  west,  and  gave  a powerful  impetus  to 
western  migration. 

Of  this  national  thoroughfare  a distin- 
guTshed  statesman  has  said : “It  is  a monu- 

ment of  a past  age,  but  like  all  other  monu- 
ments it  is  interesting  as  well  as  venerable.” 
In  opening  up  the  West  and  Northwest,  it  car- 
ried tens  of  thousands  of  ]iopulation  and  mill- 
ions of  wealth,  and,  more  than  any  other  ma- 
terial structure  in  the  land,  it  served  to  har- 
monize, strengthen,  if  not  save,  the  Union. 

The  cost  of  the  road  through  Belmont 
County  was  estimated  at  $34,000  per  mile,  or 
$100,000  from  Bridgeport  to  Fairview,  a dis- 
tance of  28^2  miles;  this  covered  the  expense 
of  grading,  masonry  and  three  inches  of  broken 
stone. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


69 


The  road  traverses  the  most  picturesque  and 
beautiful  section  of  Belmont  County,  and  60 
years  ago  a ride  over  its  broad  smooth  surface 
would  charm  the  stage  coach  passengers  of  the 
olden  time  by  its  ever-changing  panorama  of 
beautiful  scenery;  a panorama  of  hilltop  and 
valley,  that  relieved  the  longest  journey  of  its 
weariness  and  monotony. 

The  road  as  originally  constructed  far  sur- 
passed the  renowned  Appian  Way  of  the  Ro- 
man Empire,  in  that  it  was  80  feet  in  width 
through  Belmont  County,  while  the  latter  was 
but  20  feet  in  width.  Upon  the  National  Road 
six  carriages  could  pass  abreast,  while  upon 
the  Appian  Way  but  two  could  pass  each  other. 
The  National  Road  was  renowned  for  the  num- 
ber and  excellence  of  the  taverns  that  were 
built  upon  its  borders.  Some  of  these  old  tav- 
erns were  only  a mile  apart,  and  were  called 
wagon  stands,  because  attached  to  each  tavern 
was  a great  shed,  beneath  which  the  wagons 
found  shelter  for  the  night,  while  the  wagoners 
found  cheer  and  comfort  by  the  glow  of  the 
large  open  grate  of  the  barroom,  where  whiskey 
was  freely  dispensed  at  two  drinks  for  a “fip- 
penny  bit”  (6j4  cents). 

CONESTOGA  WAGONS. 

The  wagons  that  carried  all  the  merchandise 
from  east  to  west  were  great,  broad-tired,  can- 
vas-covered wagons,  that  were  drawn  by  six 
to  12  Conestoga  horses.  Over  the  hames  of 
these  horses  were  attached  a semi-circle  of 
bells  that  made  the  air  merry  with  their  joyous 
jingle.  The  capacity  of  some  of  these  great 
wagons  is  almost  incredible;  some  carried  as 
much  as  10  tons,  and  the  average  wagon  car- 
ried from  two  to  three  tons. 

An  idea  of  the  extent  of  the  traffic  may  be 
had  from  the  statement  that  a single  commis- 
sion house  in  Wheeling  unloaded  i,o8i  wagons 
in  a single  year,  and  the  freightage  upon  the 
goods  carried  amounted  to  $90,000.  When 
these  immense  wagons  were  ready  for  a start 
the  driver  would  mount  the  hind  near  horse  and 
gathering  the  lines  in  one  hand  would  sweep 
the  old  blacksnake  whip  over  his  head  with  a 


crack  like  the  explosion  of  a torpedo  and  the 
ark-shaped  vehicle  moved  off. 

These  great  caravans  lined  the  road  from 
sunrise  to  sunset,  besides  innumerable  droves 
of  horses,  cattle,  hogs  and  sheep. 

There  were  rival  lines  of  stage  coaches  in 
which  the  passengers  were  carried  from  east 
to  west  and  much  competition  prevailed. 

One  line  operated  by  N.  P.  Talmadge  was 
known  as  the  “Good  Intent  Line”  and  another 
known  as  the  “Neill  Line”  was  conducted  by 
William  Neill,  afterward  the  proprietor  of  the 
well-known  Neill  House  at  Columbus. 

The  speed  attained  by  these  old  stage 
coaches  was  remarkable.  With  favorable 
weather  and  good  roads,  the  trip  from  St. 
Clairsville  to  Wheeling,  a distance  of  12  miles, 
was  accomplished  in  an  hour,  and  as  many  as 
20  of  these  great,  four-horse  coaches  could  be 
counted  in  line  at  one  time. 

THE  OLD  TAVERNS. 

The  taverns  whereat  the  stage  coaches 
stopped  were  known  as  stage  houses,  and  dif- 
fered from  the  wagon  stands  in  that  they  were 
about  12  miles  apart,  and  given  over  to  the 
entertainment  of  passengers,  while  the  hard- 
driven  horses  were  being  exchanged  for  fresh 
steeds.  At  these  well-kept  hostelries,  hungry 
passengers  could  obtain  an  excellent  meal  for 
a “levy”  (i2}4  cents).  The  first  of  these  tav- 
erns after  entering  Belmont  County  was  con- 
ducted by  Moses  Rhodes  of  Bridgeport.  A 
few  miles  farther  west  was  the  well  known 
Stone  Tavern,  now  occupied  today  by  John 
Patterson.  At  this  point  on  the  National  Road 
there  is  a wonderful  tree  that  has  become  a 
noted  landmark.  This  immense  tree  is  prob- 
ably upward  of  a century  in  age,  and  still 
strong  and  vigorous. 

Bordering  upon  the  National  Road,  its  wide- 
spreading  branches  cover  an  area  a hundred 
feet  in  diameter  and  extend  over  the  pike  about 
30  feet,  thus  affording  protection  for  a dozen 
or  more  conveyances  beneath  its  sheltering 
shade.  The  trunk  of  this  great  tree  is  15  feet 
in  circumference.  Then  followed  Chambers’, 


70 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


not  far  distant  from  the  great  stone  bridge, 
with  its  arched  stone  pillars  and  massive  but- 
tresses, that  sjjans  Wheeling  Creek.  Midway 
of  the  “big  hill”  is  \Yoodmansie’s,  formerly  the 
home  of  the  distinguished  Charles  Hammond; 
then  follow  in  succession  McMechen’s  and  Mc- 
Caffrey’s, better  known  as  the  “Good  Intent,” 
and  beyond  is  St.  Clairsville,  with  Joseph 
Smith  as  proprietor.  After  leaving  the  county 
seat,  is  mentioned  the  fine  brick  tavern  kept 
in  good  style  l)y  a man  named  Neiswanger, 
and  this  old  tavern,  erected  91  years  ago,  is 
occuified  l>y  his  grandchildren.  A few  miles 
farther  on  are  Hoover’s  and  Chamberlain’s. 
1 lere  our  research  ends;  hut  the  names  of  these 
old  hostclries  are  still  familiar  to  the  people  of 
this  generation,  and  the  descendants  of  the  pro- 
j)rietors  are  among  our  honored  and  prosper- 
ous citizens  today. 

THE  OLD  STAGE  COACH. 

The  old-time  stage  coach  was  a long  cov- 
ered conveyance  comfortably  upholstered,  with 
two  doors  in  the  middle,  each  with  glass  win- 
dows that  served  for  both  light  and  ventilation. 
I'he  coach  contained  two  broad  seats  facing 
each  other  with  a capacity  for  seating  six  pas- 
sengers. On  the  rear  of  each  coach  was  a 
leather  covered  attachment  for  carrying  bag- 
gage in  the  shape  of  an  inverted  V,  and  called 
a “hoot,”  and  in  front  was  an  elevated  seat  for 
the  driver.  This  conveyance  was  swung  upon 
two  broad  heavy  leather  straps  in  place  of 
springs,  causing  a rocking  motion  to  the  coach 
while  moving. 

The  entrance  of  the  first  stage  into  Belmont 
County  in  1818  created  a great  sensation.  The 
announcement  had  been  made  days  in  advance 
and  great  crowds  had  collected  at  every  stop- 
l>ing  place  between  Bridgeport  and  Morristown 
and  at  every  crossroads  to  see  the  four-horse 
coach  dash  by. 

The  driver  would  wind  his  horn,  and  crack 
his  w'hip,  and  the  foaming  steeds  would  gallop 
])ast  at  the  rate  of  12  miles  an  hour,  while  the 
merry  party  within  and  without  the  stage  made 
the  welkin  ring  with  their  laughter  and  cheers. 


The  coach  was  of  the  line  owned  by  Thomas 
Dryden  of  Lancaster,  and  the  entrance  of  the 
first  railroad  train  in  the  county  did  not  cause 
more  jov  and  exultation. 

PASSING  OF  THE  NATIONAL  ROAD. 

Since  the  advent  of  railroads,  this  great 
thoroughfare  has  ceased  to  be  a National  Road. 
1'he  government  turned  it  over  to  the  various 
States  through  which  it  passed  in  1852,  and 
Ohio  at  a later  date  rec|uired  the  various  coun- 
ties through  which  it  extends  to  provide  for  its 
maintenance. 

So  that  today  it  is  but  a local  road  in  Bel- 
mont County,  maintained  in  part  by  the  rev- 
enues obtained  from  tolls,  and  when  the  tolls 
are  insufficient  the  county  commissioners  ap- 
jiropriate  yearly  a sum  sufficient  for  its  main- 
tenance. 

The  first  year  of  our  second  century,  a mo- 
tor line  that  will  traverse  the  line  of  the  Na- 
tional Road  through  the  entire  length  of  the 
county  and  beyond,  is  in  course  of  construc- 
tion from  Bridgeport  westward,  and  the  line 
is  at  present  in  operation  to  the  foot  of  the  “big 
hill,”  five  miles  from  Bridgeport,  where  a 
halt  has  been  called  to  determine  the  course 
to  pursue  in  reaching  St.  Clairsville. 

Those  who  live  on  the  line  of  the  National 
Road  demand  that  the  motor  line  pursue  the 
National  Road  route  as  proposed  in  the  appli- 
cation for  a charter.  But  the  company  is  in- 
clined to  take  the  easier  grade,  via  Barton. 

The  completion  of  this  electric  line  will  unite 
the  city  and  country  so  closely  that  it  is  ex- 
pected hundreds  from  the  overcrowded  streets 
along  our  river  fronts  will  establish  healthful 
homes  on  the  beautiful  hills  over  which  the'" 
road  will  pass. 

It  is  a curious  fact  that  when  the  Baltimore 
& Ohio  Railroad,  which  in  places  runs  parallel 
to  the  National  Road,  was  in  course  of  con- 
struction, its  completion  was  stoutly  opposed 
by  many  prominent  statesmen,  because  of  the 
injury  the  public  would  sustain  in  the  abandon- 
ment of  the  National  Road. 

Gen.  Henry  W.  Beeson  of  Pennsylvania  was 


OLD  TAVKHN  ON  THE  Nv^TIONAL  ROAD  AT  GREAT  WESTERN. 


■ ■ '■•  ;-.  ; 


••■. : :'j\ ..  :%■■■  : ■.■:li 


:■  „■',  -:y;5Sw'^ 

‘SSKSI 


:JS 


• • 'rjSj  '•  ■ :■■•. . rWf«.  •■  ';- .'ik^ 


'•'S.  ',, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


73 


conspicuous  because  of  his  opposition  to  the 
extension  of  the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad 
through  Pennsylvania,  and  was  sustained  by 
his  constituents  in  his  opposition.  He  insisted 
that  the  National  Road  would  better  subserve 
the  weal  than  a steam  railroad,  and  in  support 
of  his  argument  furnished  a carefully  prepared 
statement  of  the  incidental  revenues  derived 
by  the  people  from  the  travel  and  traffic  of  the 
road. 

He  estimated  the  number  of  horseshoes  made 
by  the  blacksmiths  along  the  road ; the  num- 
ber of  nails  required  to  drive  them ; the  num- 
ber of  bushels  of  grain  and  tons  of  hay  fur- 
nished by  the  farmers  to  the  tavern  keepers, 
and  the  vast  quantities  of  chickens,  turkeys, 
eggs,  butter,  vegetables  and  fruit  required  to 
supply  the  traveling  public.  But  such  argu- 
ments could  not  stay  the  wheels  of  progress. 

TEUEGRAPH  AND  TELEPHONE  LINES. 

Following  the  course  of  the  National  Road 
through  the  county  are  myriads  of  wires 
mounted  upon  three  lines  of  immense  cedar 
poles.  These  lines  represent  the  wires  of  the 
WesternUnionTelegraph Company,  the  Ameri- 
can Bell  Telephone  Company,  and  the  numer- 
ous independent  telephone  companies  whose 
wires  extend  through  the  county.  The  inde- 
Iiendent  companies  have  increased  so  rapidly 
that  they  have  practically  superseded  the  old 
estaldished  companies  in  rural  districts,  and 
in  the  transaction  of  local  business. 

The  independent  telephone  companies  that 
are  connected  for  operations  in  Belmont  Coun- 


ty today  are:  The  National  Telephone  Com- 

pany, Belmont  Telephone  Company,  Flushing 
Telephone  Company,  Union  Telephone  Com- 
pany, Cambridge  Telephone  Company,  and  the 
Harrison  Telephone  Company.  The  majority 
of  these  local  companies  follow  the  lines  of 
the  macadamized  roads,  while  hundreds  of 
wires  follow  the  lines  of  the  various  railroads 
throughout  the  county. 

OTHER  PIKES. 

In  addition  to  the  28  miles  of  the  National 
Road  extending  through  the  county,  there  are 
about  70  miles  of  macadamized  roads  con- 
structed in  various  sections  of  Belmont  County, 
some  built  by  the  county  and  maintained  by 
tolls,  but  the  greater  number  were  built  under 
special  legislative  enactment  for  Pultney  and 
Warren  townships,  and  are  free  pikes. 

These  roads  are  as  follows : The  Bellaire 

& Jacobsburg  Pike,  nearly  seven  miles ; Bridge- 
port & Colerain  Pike,  about  10  miles;  Mar- 
tin's Ferry  & Colerain  Pike,  five  miles;  Cadiz 
Pike,  two  and  one-third  miles ; St.  Clairsville 
& New  Athens  Pike,  14  miles;  Flushing  Pike, 
12  miles;  Bellaire  & Wegee  Pike,  nearly  two 
miles;  Bellaire  & St.  Clairsville  Pike,  nearly 
five  miles;  Bellaire  & McMechen’s  Creek  Pike, 
six  and  one-half  miles;  Bellaire  & West  Wheel- 
ing Pike,  two  and  one-fourth  miles ; Pipe  Creek 
Pike,  four  miles. 

Perhaps  no  material  improvements  have 
contributed  more  to  the  development,  especially 
of  the  agricultural  resources,  of  Belmont  Coun- 
ty, than  the  hundred  miles  of  pike  completed 
in  its  first  century. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


THE  RESOURCES  OF  BEEMONT  COUNTY. 

Agricultural  Resources — Grain,  Live  Stock  and  Farm  Products — Fruit  Culture 
— A Unique  Character — A Remarkable  Apple  Tree — ^Fruit  Yield — Price  op 
Farm  Products  in  1902 — Value  of  Farms  and  Live  Stock — Mining  Resources 
— The  Depth  of  the  Several  Coal  Veins — The  Pioneer  Coal  Shipper — The 
Mines  in  Operation  in  1902 — The  Undeveloped  Coal  Lands — Manufacturing 
Industries. 


agricultural  resources. 

The  number  of  acres  devoted  to  agriculture 
in  Belmont  County  in  1900  were  334,863,  with 
a valuation  of  $8,176,809. 

Agriculture  was  the  leading  industry  during 
the  first  60  years  of  the  century  just  closed. 

The  o]iening  up  of  the  primeval  forests  was 
marked  by  the  most  reckless  waste  of  valuable 
timber.  Thousands  of  acres  covered  by  for- 
ests of  oak,  walnut,  poplar,  lieech,  sugar  maple 
and  cbestnut  were  utterly  destroyed  in  order  to 
furnish  cultivable  land.  Of  the  334,863  acres 
in  the  county  today,  less  than  33,000  are  in 
timber,  a decrease  of  more  than  100,000  acres 
in  50  years. 

The  surface  configuration  of  the  county  is 
greatly  diversified.  The  land  for  the  most 
part  is  high  and  rolling,  with  abrupt  bluffs 
rising  to  great  altitudes  along  the  shores  of 
the  Ohio.  The  rugged  hillsides  are  rich  in 
mineral  wealth  and  enclose  beautiful  and  fer- 
tile valleys  that  are  swept  by  the  waters  of  the 
Captina,  McA4echen’s  Creek  and  Wheeling 
Creek. 

The  beautiful  undulating  uplands  are  wa- 
tered by  innumerable  springs  that  afford  the 
countless  flocks  and  herds  an  abundance  of 


pure  water  through  the  most  prolonged  drouth. 
A rich  vein  of  bituminous  coal  underlies  the 
entire  surface,  which  furnishes  the  farmers  a 
cheap  and  abundant  fuel. 

The  soil  along  the  water  courses  is  very  rich 
and  fertile;  upon  the  uplands  it  is  mainly  a 
strong  limestone  or  clay  loam,  very  productive 
and  capable  of  great  endurance.  The  staple 
crops  grown  by  the  early  settlers  were  wheat 
and  corn,  and  until  the  overtaxed  soil  began 
to  rebel  against  the  unceasing  demands  made 
upon  it,  Belmont  County  was  recognized  as  one 
of  the  great  granaries  for  the  South  and  South- 
west. From  1820  to  1845  the  incomparable 
Wheeling  Creek  valley  was  without  a rival 
in  wheat  growing;  at  harvest  time  it  presented 
the  appearance  of  a great  golden  sea  waving 
in  its  wealth  of  ripening  grain.  Individual 
farmers  raised  from  100  to  500  bushels  of 
wheat  annually,  and  the  10  grist  mills  that 
were  built  in  Wheeling  township  were  kept 
running  night  and  day  to  satisfy  the  demands 
made  upon  them. 

Another  staple  source  of  revenue  to  the 
pioneer  farmer  was  hog  raising.  The  im- 
mense crops  of  corn  grown  upon  the  virgin  soil 
was  mainly  fed  to  hogs  and  pork  packing  be- 
came a leading  industry  as  early  as  1820. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


75 


Large  slaughter  pens  were  established  at 
IJniontown,  and  other  points  in  Belmont  Coun- 
ty, and  the  bacon  thus  manufactured  was  trans- 
ported in  wagons  across  the  mountains  to  Bal- 
timore, whence  it  was  distributed  all  over  the 
South.  The  cultivation  of  tobacco  began  in 
1819  near  Barnesville. 

Up  to  the  year  1825,  corn,  wheat  and  flax, 
had  been  the  staple  crops  in  the  southern  part 
of  Belmont  County,  but  when  it  was  discovered 
that  the  rich  hillsides  of  the  border  tier  of 
townships  were  adapted  to  tobacco  culture,  and 
that  the  crop  was  far  more  remunerative  than 
grasses  or  grain,  it  became  the  staple  industry, 
and  soon  the  log  dryhouses  became  a marked 
feature  of  the  tobacco  farmer’s  home.  The  con- 
tinued cultivation  of  this  exhausting  crop  has 
greatly  impoverished  much  of  the  land  in  that 
section  and  the  farmers  are  turning  their  atten- 
tion to  sheep  husbandry  as  a means  of  restor- 
ing the  loss  of  fertility.  Within  the  last 
decade,  however,  the  industry  became  de- 
pressed by  reason  of  prevailing  low  prices,  and 
there  was  a marked  falling  ofi  in  the  number 
of  flocks  and  the  yield  of  wool. 

In  1870  the  acreage  of  wheat  in  Belmont 
County  was  19,122.  And  the  yield  per  acre 
was  12.25  bushels  per  acre.  In  1899  the  acre- 
age in  wheat  was  25,855,  with  a yield  of  274,- 
604  bushels  or  a fraction  over  10  bushels  per 
acre.  The  average  yield  of  corn  per  acre  in 
1870  was  40.10  bushels;  in  1899,  it  was  30.07 
bushels  per  acre.  The  census  reported  124,070 
sheep  in  Belmont  County  in  1890,  while  in 
1900  there  were  but  84,760, — a decrease  of 
39,310.  This  decrease  arises  from  causes 
above  stated.  In  1890  the  wool  clip  of  Bel- 
mont County  amounted  to  666,002  pounds, 
and  in  1900  to  426,580,  a decrease  of  133,422 
pounds. 

GRAIN,  LIVE  STOCK  AND  FARM  PRODUCTS. 

The  accompanying  official  reports  of  the  live 
stock  and  crops  grown  upon  the  farms  of  Bel- 
mont County  in  1900  will  be  of  value  as  show- 
ing the  marvelous  growth  of  agriculture  in  the 
century  just  closed : 


CEREALS. 

Corn  895,204  bushels 

Wheat  274,604  bushels 

Oats  133,704  bushels 

Rye  854  bushels 

Barley  572  bushels 

Buckwheat  1,047  bushels 

The  growth  of  barley  and  rye  as  these  flg- 
ures  indicate  is  practically  abandoned  in  Bel- 
mont County,  and  the  little  produced  is  fed  to 
live  stock. 


LIVE  STOCK. 


Cattle 
Mules 
Sheep 
Hogs  . 
Horses 


21.850 

374 

84,760 

10,805 

7,557 


MISCELLANEOUS  FARM  PRODUCTS. 


Pounds  of  wool  produced 426,580 

Pounds  of  tobacco  704,452 

Bushels  of  Irish  potatoes 90,658 

Bushels  of  clover  seed 2,047 

Tons  of  clover  hay 6,372 

Tons  of  timothy  hay 3.050 

Pounds  of  honey 3-957 

Dozens  of  eggs 752,790 


DAIRY  PRODUCTS. 

Milk  produced  595-105  gallons 

Butter  803,157  pounds 

In  the  cultivation  of  the  crops  above  men- 
tioned there  were  1,913,426  pounds  of  com- 
mercial fertilizers  used  at  a cost  of  $19,016. 


FRUIT  CULTURE. 

Perhaps  no  part  of  the  country  has  acquired 
a higher  reputation  for  fruit  culture  than  the 
hills  of  Belmont  County.  This  is  perhaps  due 
in  part  to  the  cultivation  of  such  fruits  as  are 
indigenous  to  our  soil  and  climate.  Doddridge 
in  his  notes  says ; “In  early  days  blackberries 
'grew  in  abundance  in  those  places  where  short- 
ly before  the  settlement  of  the  country  the  tim- 
ber had  been  blown  down  by  hurricanes.  When 
ripe,  which  was  in  the  time  of  harv^est,  the  chil- 
dren and  young  people  resorted  to  the  fallen 
timber  in  large  companies  under  a guard  for 
the  purpose  of  gathering  the  berries.  Wild 


76 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


raspberries  of  an  agreeable  flavor  were  found 
in  many  places.  Gooseberries  of  a small  size 
and  very  full  of  thorns,  but  of  an  agreeable 
taste,  grew  in  some  places  in  the  woods. 
Whortleberries  were  never  abundant  in  this 
section  but  grew  in  favorable  localities. 

“\\bld  i)lums  were  abundant  in  rich  land. 
'I'liey  were  of  various  colors  and  sizes  and 
many  of  them  of  excellent  flavor.  The  wild 
plums  of  late  years  like  our  Damson  plums 
fall  off  prematurely.  An  indifferent  kind  of 
fruit  called  buckberries  used  to  grow  on  small 
shrubs  on  poor  ridges. 

“Our  fall  fruits  were  winter  and  fall  grapes. 
Of  these  gra])es  we  had  several  varieties  and 
some  of  tliem  large  and  of  excellent  flavor. 
Black  haws  grew  on  large  bushes  along  the  bot- 
toms of  small  water  courses.  The  berries  when 
ripe  are  large  and  make  a fine  appearance. 
Wild  cherries  were  abundant  in  many  places 
and  are  a very  agreeable  fruit.  The  crabapple 
was  very  abundant  along  the  small  water 
courses.  The  fruit  of  some  of  these  trees  were 
regarded  as  delicious.” 

As  early  as  i8oi  the  eccentric  “Johnny  Ap- 
pleseed”  established  bis  first  nursery  upon  the 
head-waters  of  the  Big  Stillwater;  thence  he 
traversed  the  entire  county  planting  seed 
wherever  there  was  a settlement,  furnishing 
stock  to  the  poor  and  needy  without  money  and 
without  price. 

A UNIQUE  CHARACTER.* 

We  may  be  permitted  to  say  in  passing  that 
many  of  the  choicest  apples  in  existence  today 
originated  in  the  nurseries  of  “Johnny  Apple- 
seed.”  And  the  fruit  growers  of  Ohio  owe  a 
debt  of  gratitude  to  this  philanthropist  for  his 
untiring  efforts,  and  unflagging  zeal  in  the 
cause  of  pomology.  John  Chapman,  better 
known  as  “Jobnny  Appleseed,”  was  born  in  the 
vicinity  of  Boston,  Massachusetts,  in  1773,  and 
early  became  widely  known  throughout  the 
counties  of  Western  Pennsylvania,  West  Vir- 
ginia, and  Eastern  Ohio,  on  account  of  his  pas- 

*From an  article  in  Upper  Ohio  Valley,  written  by  the 
author  in  igoo. 


sion  of  pi'oducing  apples  from  seed.  How  he 
obtained  the  idea  of  growing  choice  apples 
from  seed  and  finding  a sale  for  his  trees  is 
not  known,  but  it  is  enough  to  know  that  before 
the  close  of  the  i8th  century  he  was  frequently 
seen  with  ax  in  hand  and  a bag  of  apple  seeds 
on  his  back,  wending  his  way  through  the  set- 
tlements to  the  wilderness,  there  to  practice 
his  cherished  theory. 

His  method  of  operation  after  securing  a 
suitable  situation  was  to  clear  away  the  under- 
brush, deaden  the  trees  and  then  sow  his  apple- 
seed. 

This  done  he  enclosed  it  with  a brush  fence, 
and  during  the  summer  cultivated  the  young 
trees  and  looked  up  suitable  places  for  other 
nurseries.  In  the  fall  he  returned  to  the  set- 
tlement, procured  another  stock  of  seeds  and 
at  the  proper  season  again  wended  his  way  to 
the  wilderness  and  repeated  the  previous  year’s 
operations. 

The  Western  Country  was  rapidly  settled 
and  as  soon  as  the  pioneers  made  their  clear- 
ings Johnny  was  ready  with  his  apple  trees. 
The  price  of  the  trees  was  of  little  consequence. 
He  seemed  to  derive  intense  satisfaction  in  see- 
ingthem  transplanted  in  orchards.  The  benevo- 
lence of  this  ecentric  man  was  unbounded.  He 
generally  went  barefooted,  but  if  he  had  a 
pair  of  shoes  and  saw  any  one  whom  he 
thought  needed  them  he  would  take  them  off 
and  give  them  to  the  person.  Among  his  many 
eccentricities  was  one  of  bearing  pain  with  the 
fortitude  of  an  Indian  warrior.  He  gloried 
in  suffering  and  would  often  thrust  needles 
and  pins  into  his  flesh  without  a tremor.  He 
hardly  ever  wore  shoes  except  in  winter,  but 
if  traveling  in  summer  time  and  the  roads  hurt 
his  feet,  he  would  wear  sandals  and  a big  hat 
with  one  side  very  large  and  wide  and  bent 
down  to  keep  the  heat  from  his  face.  He  was 
religiously  inclined  and  at  an  early  day  em- 
braced the  doctrines  of  Swedenborg.  Almost 
tbe  first  thing  he  would  do  when  he  entered 
a house  and  was  weary  was  to  lie  down  on  the 
floor  with  his  knapsack  for  a pillow  and  his 
head  toward  the  light  of  the  door  or  window 
and  he  would  say,  “Will  you  have  some  fresh 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


77 


news  right  from  Heaven?”  and  carefully  take 
out  his  old  worn  books,  a Testament  or  two, 
and  several  hooks,  exponents  of  the  faith  that 
Johnny  so  zealously  lived. 

A prominent  nurseryman  and  pomologist  of 
Ohio  in  an  article  published  in  1846  thus 
speaks  of  “Johnny  Appleseed  “Obscure  and 
illiterate  though  he  was,  he  was  in  some  re- 
spects another  Dr.  Van  Mons,  and  must  have 
been  endued  with  the  instinct  of  his  theory. 
His  usual  practice  was  to  gather  his  seeds  from 
seedling  trees,  and  take  them  from  as  many 
different  trees  as  were  to.  be  found  within  the 
range  of  his  rambles  and  from  those  particu- 
lar trees  affording  the  highest  evidence  in  their 
fruit  that  the  process  of  amelioration  was  be- 
gun. and  was  going  on  in  them. 

“At  first  his  visits  were  necessarily  extended 
to  the  seedling  orchards  upon  the  Ohio  and 
Monongahela  rivers,  but,  when  orchards  of  his 
own  planting  began  to  bear,  his  wanderings 
westward  ceased.  It  is  known  that  he  planted 
a nursery  in  Belmont  County,  but  what  became 
of  it  is  now  a matter  of  conjecture.” 

A REMARKABLE  APPLE  TREE. 

The  soil  of  Belmont  County  seems  peculiarly 
adapted  to  the  growth  and  development  of  the 
apple,  and  the  trees  of  a past  generation  have 
attained  a great  age  and  marvelous  dimensions. 

The  following  account  of  an  “old  time”  ap- 
ple tree  will  attest  the  truth  of  this  statement ; 

Thomas  and  Prudence  Williams  were  pio- 
neer settlers  near  the  present  site  of  Barnes- 
ville,  Ohio,  on  the  farm  since  owned  by  the  late 
Peter  Sears.  In  the  spring  of  1807,  Prudence 
went  on  horseback,  alone,  to  Redstone,  Penn- 
s}dvania,  a distance  of  near  too  miles,  a large 
part  of  which  was  a -wilderness  road.  Her 
purpose  was  to  obtain  fruit  trees ; these  she 
carried  home  behind  her,  and  planted  them  her- 
self. The  last  one  was  blown  down  in  a storm 
Seventh  Month  loth,  1896.  It  was  a beautiful 
tree  and  had  grown  to  a great  size. 

By  measurements  taken  a few  years  before  it 
was  blown  down,  it  was  nine  feet  four  inches 
in  circumference  at  the  smallest  point  between 


the  roots  and  forks,  and  10  feet  at  18  inches 
above  the  ground.  It  had  four  large  branches, 
one  of  which  measured  four  feet  in  circumfer- 
ence, another  five  feet,  another  five  feet  two 
inches,  and  the  other  five  feet  1 1 inches ; these 
measurements  were  taken  at  18  inches  from  the 
junction  of  the  forks.  It  was  believed  to  be 
the  largest  apple  tree  in  Belmont  County. 
There  were  other  trees  brought  and  planted  but 
the  exact  number  is  not  known ; but  within  the 
knowledge  of  persons  now  living  on  the  farm, 
there  were  one  pear  tree  and  a dozen  or  more 
apple  trees,  most  of  which,  so  far  as  known, 
were  seedlings. 

All  bore  abundant  crops  of  good  fruit.  This 
one  outlived  the  others  many  years.  It  was  a 
very  beautiful,  dome-shaped  tree  and  the  own- 
ers so  highly  prized  this  “ancient  landmark.” 
though  set  by  hands  unknown  to  them,  that 
the  two  main  parts  of  the  tree,  which  were 
showing  signs  of  separating  from  decay,  had 
been  held  together  for  several  years  by  a strong 
iron  rod  and  chain,  obtained  for  the  purpose 
by  the  late  Peter  Sears,  who  was  a great  ad- 
mirer of  fruit  trees  and  lover  of  fruit. 

FRUIT  YIELD. 

The  census  reports  of  the  yield  of  fruit  in 
Belmont  County  in  1899  follows : 


Cherries,  35  acres  yielding 341  bushels 

Plums,  53  acres  yielding 115  ” 

Apples,  5,384  acres  yielding 119.321  ” 

Peaches,  514  acres  yielding 51  ” 

Pears,  70  acres  yielding 719  ” 

Grapes,  84  acres  yielding 101,500  pounds 


This  table  indicates  the  lowest  yield  of  fruit 
in  many  years.  Tender  varieties  such  as 
peaches,  cherries  and  plums  were  almost  en- 
tirely destroyed  by  frost.  The  yield  of  fruit  in 
some  tozvnships  in  the  county  in  1902  is  greater 
-than  the  abor'e  for  the  entire  county. 

The  destruction  wrought  by  the  ravages  of 
codling  moth,  curculio,  and  pear  blight  and  rot, 
has  compelled  the  fruit  growers  to  resort  to 
spraying  with  insecticides  and  fungicides  as  a 
preventive,  and  three  and  often  four  sprayings 
a season  are  necessary  to  secure  a perfect  crop 


78 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


of  fruit ; and  this  work  is  performed  with 
much  labor  and  expense. 

In  addition  to  the  above  reports  there  are 
373  acres  devoted  to  small  fruits  such  as  straw- 
berries. raspberries,  currants  and  blackberries 
that  yielded  a total  of  13,626  bushels,  the  larger 
])art  of  which  are  strawberries  which  have  be- 
come a leading  industry  in  many  sections  of 
Pease,  Pultney,  Colerain,  and  Richland  town- 
ships. In  1889,  Barnesville  in  Warren  town- 
ship was  the  center  of  the  berry  industry  of 
P>elmont  County,  producing  alone  upwards  of 
30,000  bushels  annuall}^  But  the  business  in 
that  section  has  l^een  practically  abandoned  be- 
cause of  limited  shipping  facilities  and  remote- 
ness from  good  markets.  The  fruit  growers  in 
the  townships  above  named  for  the  most  part 
find  good  local  markets  in  the  cities  of  Wheel- 
ing, Bellaire  and  Martin’s  Ferry,  where  the 
berries  are  transported  in  wagons  the  same  day 
they  are  gathered. 

In  the  horticultural  field  several  varieties  of 
fruit  of  exceptionally  good  ciuality  have  origi- 
nated in  Belmont  County.  Among  these  I men- 
tion the  Belmont  or  Gate  apple,  one  of  the 
most  luscious  and  beautiful  fall  or  early  winter 
apples,  and  very  hardy  and  productive.  This 
originated  in  the  orchard  of  Judge  Ruggles 
from  a seedlingplanted  by  “Johnny  Appleseed.” 
Another  profitable  apple  because  of  its  great 
productiveness  and  good  keeping  qualities  is 
the  Bentley  Sweet,  named  after  Major  Bentley. 
'Phis  apple  of  late  years  has  been  affected  with 
a hitter  rot  which  may  be  controlled  in  a great 
measure  by  spraying.  Young  trees  of  this 
variety  not  over  10  or  12  years  of  age  have 
borne  as  much  as  three  barrels  of  marketable 
apples  per  tree,  that  will  keep  readily  in  good 
storage  from  October  until  May. 

The  Colerain  grape,  a choice  white  grape 
that  originated  in  Colerain  township,  is  highly 
esteemed  because  of  its  great  productiveness 
and  delicious  flavor. 

PRICE  OF  FARM  PRODUCTS  IN  IQ02. 

The  prices  of  farm  products  with  the  possible 
exception  of  wheat  are  higher  at  the  close  of 


the  first  century  than  at  any  period  in  the  his- 
tory of  the  county.  The  published  quotations 
on  the  8th  day  of  May,  1902,  were  as  follows : 


Wheat,  per  bushel 75 

Corn,  per  bushel 75 

Oats,  per  bushel 60 

Potatoes,  per  bushel $i  15 

Apples,  per  bushel i 50 

Timothy  hay,  per  ton IS  00 

Clover  seed,  per  bushel 8 00 

Butter,  per  pound 25 

Eggs,  per  dozen 17 


LIVE  STOCK. 


Prime  cattle,  per  cwt $6  50 

Prime  hogs,  per  cwt 7 15 

Prime  sheep,  per  cwt 5 00 

Prime  lambs,  per  head 8 00 


While  the  prices  of  farm  products  are  high, 
the  cost  of  production  is  correspondingly  high. 
Because  of  the  great  demand  for  men  to  op- 
erate the  mines,  and  build  the  railroads  and 
motor  lines  in  course  of  construction,  farm  la- 
borers are  scarce,  and  good  hands  receive  from 
$1.25  to  $1.50  per  day  or  from  $20  to  $25  per 
month  with  the  privilege  of  homestead,  garden 
and  cow  pasture  free.  Whereas  at  the  opening 
of  the  century,  the  best  farm  labor  was  em- 
ployed at  50  cents  per  day,  and  regular  hands 
at  from  $10  to  $12  per  month. 

The  progress  in  the  field  of  agriculture  in 
the  century  just  closed  has  been  marvelous. 
The  sickle,  the  scythe,  the  rake  and  the  flail 
are  abandoned  for  gathering  crops,  and  today 
on  every  farm  are  model  binders,  mowers  and 
rakes,  operated  by  horse  or  steam  power. 
Steam  threshers  are  in  every  neighborhood, 
and  double  cultivators,  smoothing  harrows  and 
drags  are  in  common  usage  for  the  cultivation 
of  the  soil. 

VALUE  OF  FARMS  AND  LIVE  STOCK. 

The  value  of  the  farms  and  live  stock  of  Bel- 
mont County  is  placed  at  $15,789,420.  In  the 
last  decade  the  representatives  of  large  capital- 
ists and  coal  organizations  have  been  travers- 
ing Belmont  County  and  purchasing  the  six- 
foot  vein  of  coal  underlying  the  farming  lands. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


79 


Since  1900  the  competition  among  buyers  has 
been  very  active ; as  a result  fully  two-thirds 
of  this  coal  vein  has  been  sold,  at  prices  rang- 
ing from  $10  to  $30  per  acre. 

By  reason  of  these  sales  an  enormous  sum 
of  money,  estimated  by  conservative  men  at 
two  million  dollars,  has  been  paid  to  the 
farmers  of  the  county  for  this  single  vein  of 
coal,  thus  relieving  the  financial  embarrass- 
ment of  those  in  debt  and  adding  millions  to 
the  wealth  of  the  farming  community. 

MINING  RESOURCES. 

The  coal  measures  of  Ohio,  and  particularly 
the  upper  coal  measure,  can  be  seen  and  stud- 
ied better  in  Belmont  County,  perhaps,  than 
any  other  locality  west  of  the  Ohio  River. 
Thomas  Emerson,  late  of  Belmont  County,  and 
the  well  known  geologist,  says : “The  Pitts- 

burg seam  of  coal  underlies  tbe  entire  area  of 
Belmont  County.  It  is  the  great  seam  so  ex- 
tensively mined  at  Pittsburg,  so  well  known  in 
the  iron  factories,  and  which  has  for  years  sup- 
plied so  large  a part  of  the  coal  commerce  of 
the  Ohio  River.  This  seam  is  mined  at  out- 
crops in  10  of  the  16  townships  of  Belmont 
County. 

THE  DEPTH  OF  THE  SEVERAL  COAL  VEINS. 

“The  rise  of  the  stratum  towards  the  North- 
west brings  it  to  the  surface  along  the  creek 
valleys  in  Flushing,  Kirkwood  and  Union 
townships.  The  same  causes  together  with  the 
great  depth  to  which  the  stream  has  eroded 
makes  this  seam  accessible  along  Wheeling 
Creek  and  its  larger  tributaries,  for  the  distance 
of  19  miles  from  the  river;  that  is,  in  Wheel- 
ing, Colerain,  Richland  and  Pease  townships. 
It  is  accessible  all  along  the  eastern  border  of 
the  last  named  townships,  of  course,  by  virtue 
of  the  depth  of  the  river  valley,  and  down  the 
river  to  Bellaire  where  the  dip  carries  it  below 
the  river  level.  It  disappears  below  the  level  of 
the  creek  at  Franklin  station,  at  which  point 
it  is  largely  mined.  In  Mead  township,  near 
the  mouth  of  Pipe  Creek,  it  again  outcrops  as 


it  does  also  in  York  township  for  the  distance 
of  five  miles  along  Captina,  where  the  stream 
crosses  the  anticlinal.  In  Washington  and 
W ayne  townships,  it  could  easily  be  readied  by 
shafts  at  almost  any  point  along  the  valley  of 
Captina.  On  the  old  Danford  homestead  near 
the  Wayne  township  line,  an  oil  well  sunk  by 
A.  C.  Danford,  reached  the  Pittsburg  seam 
at  the  depth  of  39  feet,  and  the  seam  is  reported 
to  be  ijYz  feet  at  this  point. 

“This  is  the  greatest  thickness  this  seam  is 
known  to  have.  The  next  greatest,  perhaps, 
is  an  outcrop  in  Union  township  on  the  land  of 
Isaiah  Lee  in  section  31.  Here  it  reaches  a 
thickness  of  10  feet.  Its  usual  thickness  is 
about  six  or  seven  feet. 

“In  Warren  township,  the  Pittsburg  coal,  if 
indeed  it  does  not  outcrop,  would  be  easily  ac- 
cessible by  shaft  along  Stillwater.  Down  the 
Leatherwood,  west  of  Barnesville,  a seam  the 
same  as  mined  in  the  Barnesville  shaft,  and 
believed  to  be  the  Pittsburg,  is  mined  in  hill- 
sides. In  Goshen  and  Smith,  the  Pittsburg 
coal  is  not  seen,  but  it  might,  if  it  were  needed, 
be  reached  by  shaft  in  either  of  these  town- 
ships. 

“Over  the  Pittsburg  coal,  and  separated  from 
it  usually  by  four  or  five  feet  of  slate  or  soap- 
stone shales,  there  is  a seam  of  limestone  about 
25  feet  thick.  Between  this  and  the  next  coal 
seam  above,  there  is  an  interval  of  30  to  40  feet. 
This  interval  is  filled  mostly  with  limestone, 
one  bed  of  whicb.  about  six  feet  in  thickness, 
possesses  good  hydraulic  properties  and  is 
known  as  the  Bellaire  cement.  About  seven 
feet  deep,  sometimes  less,  lies  coal  number 
eight,  a seam  usually  a foot  or  eighteen  inches 
in  thickness,  but  sometimes  reaching  four  feet. 

“Coal  number  eight  C is  the  third  seam 
in  importance  of  the  coals  of  Belmont 
County.  Lying  from  80  to  90  feet  above  the 
Pittsburg  coal,  it  is  scarcely  noted  where  that 
seam  is  accessible,  but  it  outcrops  along  the 
creeks,  sometimes  for  many  miles  after  its 
great  neighbor  has  disappeared,  in  which  cases 
its  true  value  is  recognized.  Along  Captina  it 
is  visible  as  far  as  Armstrong’s  Mills.  In 
W ayne  township  it  is  again  brought  to  the  sur- 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


8 o 


face  perhaps  l)v  an  anticlinal  arch,  where  it  is 
well  known  as  the  lloreh  coal.  On  Mc- 
Alechen’s  Creek  it  is  known  as  the  Clencoe  coal. 
It  is  mined  along'  Wheeling  Creek  above  where 
the  I’ittshnrg  seam  disappears,  as  far  as  the 
crossing  of  the  Uniontown  & Flushing  Turn- 
pike. .\t  Flushing  it  is  now  known  as  the 
Tunnel  seam. 

“Iletween  coal  number  eight  C,  and  the  next 
seam  above  number  nine,  there  is  an  interval 
of  about  70  feet,  though  it  seems  to  he  as  little 
as  40  feet  at  some  places,  and  as  much  as  85 
feet  at  others.  This  interval  is  filled  with  a 
greater  variety  of  strata  than  any  other  series 
of  e(|ual  extent  iii  the  county.  It  contains  the 
famous  Parker  cement,  with  a great  variety 
of  limestones,  sandstones  and  slates.  Coal 
number  nine  is  a comparatively  thin  and  un- 
important seam,  hut  it  is  reported  by  Professor 
Stephen.son  of  the  .State  Survey  to  be  very  per- 
sistent and  seldom  less  than  30  inches  thick. 
Til  the  ITarnesville  shaft,  it  is  found  in  its 
proper  place  immediately  over  the  limestone 
series  and  is  two  feet  thick.  After  the  forma- 
tion of  coal  numlier  nine,  it  appears  to  change 
to  some  point  west  of  the  Ohio  and  southwest 
of  ITelmont  County. 

"Coal  number  to,  known  generally  in  Bel- 
mont County  as  the  Badgersburg  coal,  and  in 
Guernsey  and  Noble  counties,  as  the  Cumber- 
land coal,  is  second  in  importance  only  to  the 
l’itt.shurg  seam,  of  all  the  coals  of  the  upper 
measure.  It  is  accessible  in  those  townships 
where  the  I^itt.shurg  seam  is  not. 

"Within  this  body,  about  75  feet  above  coal 
number  10  in  Goshen  township,  lies  a fine  flag- 
stone formation.  Coal  number  ii,  the  next  in 
order,  is  an  unimportant  seam  either  thin  or  so 
.split  up  with  slate  as  to  be  of  little  value.  In 
Gosben  township,  where  it  seems  to  be  best  de- 
veloped, it  is  usually  found  to  be  nearly  four 
feet  thick.  Thirty-five  or  40  feet  above  coal 
number  1 1 in  tbe  western  part  of  tbe  county 
is  coal  number  12.  Coal  number  12  is  a much 
thicker  and  better  vein  than  coal  number  ii. 
It  is  mined  extensively  and  is  valued  higher 
by  the  fanners  of  the  ridge  sections. 

"Above  this  and  separated  from  it  by  an  in- 


terval of  sandstone  is  coal  number  13.  This 
seam  is  seen  in  the  hilltop  (generally  double) 
as  far  north  as  Morristown  and  St.  Clairsville. 
It  thickens  toward  the  south,  till  in  Washing- 
ton township  it  reaches  a thickness  of  six  feet. 
Above  coal  number  13  at  an  interval  of  about 
10  feet  there  is  a six-inch  seam  of  splint  coal 
which  has  been  supposed  to  be  the  highest  seam 
of  the  county,  but  there  is  an  i8-incb  seam  of 
the  Upper  Ilarren  measures  at  least  25  feet 
higher  than  this  but  it  is  of  little  importance. 

"A  deep  well  recently  drilled,  one  and  one- 
balf  miles  northwest  of  Flushing,  gives  the  fol- 
lowing recoi'fl : The  Pittsburg  seam  of  co'al  was 
struck  at  97  feet,  60  feet  of  limestone  being 
passed  through  in  the  interval.  At  595  feet  a 
coal  seam  seven  feet  thick  was  re])orted  and 
another  seam  five  to  six  feet  thick  was  found 
at  a depth  of  700  feet,  and  still  a third  seam, 
three  to  four  feet  thick  at  815  feet.  From  the 
above  discoveries  we  can  scarcely  estimate  the 
wealth  of  the  mineral  resources  underlying  our 
lands.” 

THE  PIONEER  COAL  SHIPPER. 

Up  to  1830  the  mining  of  coal  was  for  do- 
mestic purposes  only,  and  little  or  no  value  was 
attached  to  it  for  shipping  purposes.  In  1832 
Capt.  John  Fink,  an  old  steamboat  man  who 
was  familiar  with  the  demands  of  the  trade 
for  coal  in  Southern  cities,  began  to  build  coal 
boats  for  the  purpose  of  shipping  coal  to  the 
New  Orleans  market.  Mines  were  opened  near 
the  mouth  of  McMechen’s  Creek,  and  Captain 
Fink  became  the  pioneer  in  the  coal  shipping 
industry  of  Belmont  County.  As  illustrating 
the  primitive  and  laborious  methods  employed 
in  the  mining  of  this  coal,’  we  need  only -men- 
tion that  the  bulk  of  it  was  shoveled  into  carts 
and  reshoveled  into  flathoats,  which  upon  the 
rise  of  the  river  were  floated  to  New  Orleans 
to  be  used  in  furnisbing  heat  for  sugar  re- 
fineries. These  boats  were  unloaded  by  deck- 
hands who  carried  the  coal  off  in  a barrel  at- 
tached to  a rope  bail,  which  swung  over  a pole 
on  the  shoulders  of  two  men. 

The  Heatheringtons  followed  in  1837.  Jacob 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


8i 


Heatherington  and  his  family  of  four  sturdy 
boys  rented  a coal  bank  from  Captain  Fink 
and  bought  eight  acres  of  land  upon  which  to 
carry  on  operations.  These  men  were  skilled 
English  miners  of  experience  and  they  operated 
the  mine  with  great  profit,  supplying  passing 
steamers  with  thousands  of  bushels  of  coal 
daily,  in  addition  to  what  was  furnished  the 
homes  and  factories  of  the  growing  city  of  Bel- 
laire.  From  this  humble  beginning  Mr.  Fleath- 
erington  in  1870  had  accumulated  a large  for- 
tune, and  had  built  himself  an  imposing  resi- 
dence at  a cost  of  $35,000.  Until  the  opening 
of  the  Cleveland  & Pittsburg,  Baltimore  & Ohio 
and  Cleveland,  Lorain  & Wheeling  railroads, 
the  mining  of  coal  for  shipment  was  confined 
to  the  operations  along  our  river  front. 

Today  there  are  upwards  of  50  square  miles 
of  the  six-foot  vein  of  coal  along  the  line  of 
the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad  that  is  being 
mined  and  loaded  into  cars  by  gravitation, 
while  along  the  line  of  the  Cleveland,  Lorain  & 
Wheeling  road  there  are  over  100  miles  of  this 
s^me  Pittsburg  coal  vein  in  operation,  that  is 
likewise  loaded  by  gravitation. 

These  mines  yield  tens  of  thousands  of 
bushels  of  coal  daily,  and  employ  an  aggregate 
of  nearly  3,000  miners,  that  receive  for  their 
labor  a total  of  $170,000  per  month. 

These  figures  do  not  include  the  coal  on  Cap- 
tina,  which  is  a comparatively  undeveloped 
field,  nor  the  many  thousands  of  bushels  of  coal 
mined  and  consumed  daily  in  the  operation  of 
the  numerous  mills  and  factories  along  our 
river  front. 

THE  MINES  IN  OPERATION  IN  IQ02. 

The  commercial  mines  in  operation  in  Bel- 
mont County  at  the  opening  of  the  20th  century 
are  the  Crescent  mines,  the  Boggs’  mines,  the 
Maple  Flill  mine,  the  Taggart  mines,  the  Flush- 
ing mines,  the  Wheeling  Creek  mines,  the 
Echo,  Black  Diamond  and  Ohio  and  West  Vir- 
ginia mines,  operated  by  the  Troll  Brothers 
on  a branch  of  the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad; 
the  Standard  and  Glen  mines,  along  the  same 
road ; the  Captina  mine  near  Armstrong’s 


Mills  on  the  Bellaire,  Zanesville  & Cincinnati 
Railway;  the  Gaylord  mines  near  Don  on  the 
Cleveland  & Pittsburg  Railroad;  and  the  We- 
gee  mines  near  Ambler.  There  is  in  addition 
to  the  above  the  Scheck  mines,  the  Pittsburg  & 
Ohio  Coal  Company  and  the  Belmont  mine  No. 
2 in  Bellaire. 

The  coal  of  Belmont  County  is  regarded  as 
lieing  without  a superior  for  the  operation  of 
locomotives,  and  is  in  great  demand  for  that 
purpose  throughout  the  country.  The  fast  en- 
gines of  the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad  each 
consume  from  10  to  15  carloads  per  day,  while 
the  road  as  a whole  consumes  for  locomotives 
850  tons  daily,  while  the  Cleveland,  Lorain  & 
Wheeling  road  consumes  975  tons  daily  and 
the  Wheeling  & Lake  Erie  consumes  1,200  tons 
daily.  Hundreds  of  cars  of  this  coal  are 
shipped  to  Canada  by  the  Troll  mines  weekly 
for  locomotive  purposes,  and  more  is  de- 
manded but  lack  of  sufficient  cars  forbids  such 
long  shipments.  An  analysis  of  the  Belmont 
County  coal  reveals 


Fixed  carbon 55  % 

Volatile  38  ” 

Ash  6 ” 

Sulphur  2 ” 

Moisture  3 


THE  UNDEVELOPED  COAL  LANDS. 

In  addition  to  the  mines  already  in  operation, 
large  purchases  of  undeveloped  coal  land  have 
been  made  since  the  opening  of  the  new  century 
as  already  referred  to,  for  which  an  aggregate 
of  over  two  million  dollars  was  paid.  These 
purchases  are  as  follows  : 


International  Coal  Company 24,500  acres 

Youghiogheny  & Ohio  Coal  Company 11,000  ” 

Lorain  Coal  & Dock  Company 6.500  ” 

C.  Troll’s  Sons 13.600  ” 

Pursegloves  600  ” 

Weaver  Coal  Company 6,000 

Empire  Coal  Companj' 32,000 

McComas  5-200  ” 

Sun  Oil  & Coal  Company 24,000 

Morgan  & Company 1.500  ” 

Alexander  Neff 1,000 

J.  H.  Patterson 2,000  ” 


MANUFACTURING  INDUSTRIES. 

A review  of  the  census  by  townships  will  re- 


82 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


\'eal  the  fact  that  in  1840  the  l)ulk  of  the  popu- 
lation resided  in  the  rural  districts  and  agri- 
culture was  the  leading  industry.  The  few 
primitive  manufacturing  enterprises  Avere  lo- 
cated at  the  county  seat,  and  consisted  of  two 
cut  nail  factories,  a furniture  factory,  a brush 
factory,  a coffin  factory  and  a shoe  factory.  In 
Tniontown  there  were  millwrights  and  in  Mar- 
tin’s Ferry  there  were  also  foundries  and  ma- 
chine works.  In  1880  a marked  change  was 
noted. 

In  the  interval  between  1840  and  1880,  the 
manufacturing  interest  developed  with  great 
ra])idity,  es])ecially  in  Pease,  Pultney  and  War- 
ren townshi])s.  Before  the  completion  of  the 
Central  Ohio  Railroad  to  P)ellaire  and  the 
Cleveland  & Pittsburg  Railroad  to  Bridgeport 
and  Bellaire,  the  seven  townships  on  the  north 
side  of  the  county  had  50  per  cent,  more  prop- 
erty on  the  tax  certificate  than  the  nine  town- 
shi])s  on  the  south  side,  yet  in  10  years  after 
the  railroads  were  completed  and  in  operation 
the  tax  payers  in  the  nine  townships  on  the 
south  side  of  the  county  had  returned  50  per 
cent,  more  ])roperty  to  the  assessor  than  the 
townships  on  the  north  side. 

Invited  by  the  accessibility  and  cheapness  of 
raw  material  as  well  as  good  transportation  fa- 
cilities I)oth  by  rail  and  water,  manufacturing 
estaldishments  were  built  all  along  our  river 
front.  Money  was  plenty,  labor  was  in  de- 
mand and  w'ell  remunerated,  and  glass  houses, 
iron  mills,  blast  furnaces  and  machine  works 
sprang  up  as  if  by  magic.  The  first  glass 
works  were  organized  in  1861  at  Bellaire,  and 
the  first  rolling  mill  in  1866  at  the  same  place. 
These  continued  to  increase  in  number  until  in 
1890  there  were  18  glass  houses  and  six  rolling 
mills  and  blast  furnaces  in  Pease  and  Pultney 
townships  alone;  in  addition  to  which  there 
were  numerous  agricultural  machinery  facto- 
ries, stove  foundries  and  barrel  factories, 
with  an  aggregate  capital  of  nearly  two  mil- 


lions of  dollars,  and  furnishing  employment  to 
upwards  of  3,000  workmen. 

At  the  opening  of  the  20th  century,  Belmont 
County  had  become  a great  industrial  center, 
with  immense  steel  plants,  glass  houses,  nail 
mills  and  foundries,  that  blacken  the  sky  with 
the  smoke  of  their  factories  and  illuminate  the 
heavens  with  the  light  of  their  furnaces  by 
night. 

These  factories  and  mills  give  employment 
to  92,075  operatives  with  a monthly  pay  roll  of 
$367,700.  William  Alexander  of  Bridgeport 
says  that  the  promotion  and  progress  of  these 
great  industrial  enterprises  was  due  largely  to 
the  untiring  zeal  and  sacrifices  of  such  public- 
spirited  citizens  as  W.  W.  Holloway,  Ebenezer 
Rhodes  and  John  C.  Tallman  of  Bridgeport; 
William  Clark  of  Martin's  Ferry;  A.  L.  Weth- 
erald  and  W.  G.  Barnard  of  Bellaire. 

To  this  list  of  worthy  men  we  might  add 
Col.  C.  L.  Poorman,  Gen.  B.  R.  Cowen  and 
Col.  J.  H.  Sullivan  of  Bellaire;  William  T. 
Graham  of  Bridgeport ; Cyrus  Mendenhall  and 
L.  Spence  of  Martin’s  Ferry;  and  J.  M.  Lewis 
and  J.  FI.  Watt  of  Barnesville. 

John  C.  Tallman  proved  an  able  financier 
and  wise  counselor  in  tbe  promotion  of  all  these 
great  industries.  W.  W.  Holloway  stood  by 
the  helm  and  piloted  the  Aetna  Standard  Mill 
through  the  financial  storm  of  1873,  when  its 
stock  sold  as  low  as  40  and  50  cents  on  the 
dollar. 

Ebenezer  Rhodes  was  mainly  instrumental 
in  establishing  the  La  Belle  Glass  Works. 

The  great  steel  plants  in  Bellaire,  Martin’s 
Ferry  and  Aetnaville  have  been  absorbed  by 
and  are  today  operated  by  the  national  steel 
trust  which  is  now  preparing  to  add  valuable 
improvements  to  the  plant  in  Bellaire.  A his- 
tory of  the  various  mills  and  factories  will  be 
found  in  the  history  of  the  township  in  which 
each  is  located. 


CHAPTER.  VII. 


SOME  MEMORABLE  STORMS  AND  FLOODS. 

« 

The  Cyclone  of  1887 — A Remarkable  Hail  Storm — The  Hardesty  Flood — The 
Floods  of  1866,  1881  and  1888 — Floods  Along  the  Ohio— The  Great  Flood 

OF  1884. 


THE  CYCLONE  OF  1887. 

The  morning  of  the  17th  of  April,  1887,  was 
an  eventful  day  in  the  history  of  Belmont 
County  in  that,  on  that  day,  there  swept  over 
a portion  of  the  county  the  fiercest  tornado  ever 
witnessed  by  our  people. 

It  was  an  ideal  spring  morning,  the  fields 
were  green,  the  forests  were  crowned  with 
foliage,  and  the  whole  face  of  nature  was 
brightened  with  the  blossoms  on  the  fruit  trees. 
Soon  the  air  became  very  sultry  and  hot  and 
large  clouds  banked  up  in  the  western  sky. 
Presently  great  drops  of  rain  of  unnatural  size 
began  to  fall  in  torrents,  and  in  localities  hail; 
when  the  rain  slackened,  a peculiar  stillness 
pervaded  the  air  as  the  cyclone  burst. 

The  cyclone  started  in  an  open  field,  just 
beyond  the  Infirmary,  and  looked  like  a great 
revolving  funnel.  The  cloud  reached  from  the 
heavens  to  the  earth,  dipping  downwards  and 
lifting  upwards  as  it  whirled  over  its  path  of 
destruction. 

The  route  of  the  cyclone  was  eastward  and 
moved  with  such  swiftness  and  force  that  noth- 
ing could  stay  its  fury.  Crossing  the  Flushing 
Pike,  it  left  a pathway  of  destruction  50  feet  in 
width  at  the  beginning,  and  widening  to  quar- 
ter of  a mile.  The  large  Infirmary  barn  and 
weigh  scales  were  blown  away  like  feathers. 
One  tract  of  timber  after  another  was  com- 
pletely swept  away.  Telegraph  and  telephone 


posts  were  snapped  off  like  pipe-stems.  Whole 
orchards  were  uprooted  and  broken.  The  air 
was  full  of  bridges,  gates,  outbuildings  and 
fences ; approaching  St.  Clairsville,  a new  and 
modern  house  of  Calvin  Patton  was  completely 
destroyed  but  the  family  miraculously  escaped 
death  by  fleeing  to  the  fields, — the  loss  upon 
this  farm  alone  was  upwards  of  $1,000.  Near- 
by was  a beautiful  suburban  home  of  Mrs. 
Mary  Riley.  This  house  and  all  the  household 
furniture  were  practically  destroyed, — the  loss 
here'was  upwards  of  $10,000. 

Reaching  St.  Clairville,  the  destruction  was 
frightful ; scarcely  a building  in  the  town  es- 
caped injury,  some  were  completely  destroyed, 
many  were  unroofed ; the  Presbyterian  and 
United  Presbyterian  churches  were  over- 
thrown, and  the  streets  were  literally  block- 
aded with  timbers,  bricks,  roofs,  telegraph 
poles,  wagons  and  vehicles  of  every  description. 
All  the  merchants  had  their  stores  unroofed 
and  the  rain  that  followed  wrought  great  dam- 
age. The  following  day  was  the  Sabbath ; not- 
withstanding all  the  preachers  in  the  town 
joined  with  their  flock  in  working  to  repair  the 
homes  and  the  business  blocks  to  shelter  them 
from  the  storm. 

Scores  of  citizens  were  more  or  less  injured 
by  falling  roofs  and  tumbling  walls,  but  mirac- 
ulously no  lives  were  lost. 

Reaching  the  Fair  Ground,  all  the  new  build- 
ing serected  at  a heavy  expense  were  carried 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


84 


away,  and  tlie  stately  old  oaks  that  were  the 
]M‘ide  of  the  peoi)le  were  utterly  ruined.  Pass- 
ing over  St.  Clairsville,  the  tornado  reached 
the  "hig  woods”  on  the  farm  of  Judge  Thomp- 
son,— this  was  perhaps  the  finest  piece  of  tim- 
ber left  in  Pastern  Belmont  County,  but  when 
the  funnel-sha])ed  cloud  raised  above  it  and 
swept  eastward,  the  beautiful  grove  was  de- 
molished. Nothing  was  left  to  mark  the  place 
where  the  ‘‘big  woods”  stood  but  a twisted, 
broken  mass  of  timber. 

From  St.  Clairsville  it  swept  eastward  over 
a pathway  of  destruction  for  1 1 miles,  leveling 
homes  and  barns.  Within  the  cloud-encircling 
sweep  were  sheep  and  poultry  and  pigs,  fences, 
gates  and  outbuildings. 

d'he  hilltops  were  brushed  and  the  valleys 
were  swept  until  it  reached  Martin’s  Ferry 
when  the  cloud  burst  over  the  river  and  disap- 
peared. 

In  Martin’s  Ferry  the  destruction  was  fear- 
ful ; as  in  St.  Clairsville,  many  homes  were 
ruined,  mills  and  factories  were  unroofed  and 
40  buildings  of  all  kinds  were  destroyed.  The 
streets  were  covered  with  debris  of  every  de- 
scription; scores  of  citizens  were  injured,  but 
ha]i])ily  no  lives  were  lost. 

The  loss  inflicted  upon  the  sufferers  by  this 
great  tornado  was  estimated  at  upwards  of  a 
million  dollars.  Liberal  contributions  were 
made  for  the  relief  of  the  sufferers  by  many 
generous  hearted  citizens,  not  only  of  Belmont 
County,  hut  of  Wheeling,  West  Virginia. 

A REMARKABLE  HAIL  STORM. 

There  are  hut  few  living  today  that  have  any 
recollection  of  the  great  hail  storm  of  1816. 
The  storm  occurred  on  Saturday,  and  three 
days  thereafter  hail  stones  of  considerable  size 
were  gathered  hy  the  wayside.  The  grain  and 
fruit  growing  in  the  belt  of  the  storm  were 
utterly  destroyed,  and  many  of  the  pioneer 
farmers,  thereby  unable  to  meet  their  obliga- 
tions, were  compelled  to  move  out.  These  pio- 
neers had  purchased  land  from  the  government, 
but  were  obliged  to  sacrifice  it  because  of  the 
disaster. 


THE  HARDESTY  FLOOD. 

Early  in  the  history  of  our  county,  probably 
in  1818,  a flood  occurred  along  the  line  of 
McMechen’s  Creek  known  as  the  “Hardesty 
Flood.”  The  sudden  rise  of  the  water  was 
doubtless  due  to  a cloudburst,  for  in  a few  mo- 
ments a raging  torrent  swept  down  the  valley 
entering  many  homes  and  working  great  de- 
struction. The  house  of  John  Hardesty  could 
not  resist  the  force  of  the  torrent,  and  was 
swept  away  and  Mr.  Hardesty  and  his  wife  and 
five  children  were  drowned. 

THE  FLOODS  OF  1 866,  1 88 1 AND  1 888. 

From  a copy  of  the  St.  Clairsville  Gazette 
on  file  in  the  auditor’s  office,  we  read  the  de- 
tails of  one  of  the  most  terriffic  storms  in  the 
history  of  the  county.  On  Sabbath  evening, 
August  12,  1 866,  the  storm  swept  over  Wheel- 
ing Creek  Valley  from  Flushing  on  the  west 
to  the  Ohio  River  and  beyond.  For  hours 
the  sky  was  illuminated  by  continuous  streams 
of  lightning.  The  thunder  pealed  continuously 
and  the  rain  fell  in  torrents.  In  a few  hours. 
Wheeling  Creek  had  overflown  its  banks  and, 
at  a point  between  Barton  and  the  foot  of 
the  “ big  hill,”  the  log  house  of  Kellis  Robin- 
son was  washed  away,  and  father,  mother  and 
five  children  were  drowned.  At  Oglebay’s 
Mill,  the  creek  broke  over  the  narrow  channel 
that  carried  the  water  into  the  dam,  and,  wash- 
ing nearly  an  acre  of  land  away,  the  course  of 
the  stream  was  completely  changed. 

A dwelling  house  near  Flushing  was  struck 
by  lightning  and  burned,  while  the  large  barn 
and  stable  of  Bushrod  W.  Hogue  was  also 
destroyed  by  lightning. 

The  loss  of  personal  property  was  terrible — 
some  farmers  lost  their  entire  crop,  fields  of 
corn  ranging  from  lO  to  30  acres  were  com- 
pletely washed  away  and  several  small  bridges 
between  the  foot  of  the  “ big  hill  ” and  Bridge- 
port, including  the  bridge  at  Kirkwood,  were 
destroyed.  In  addition  to  the  seven  drowned, 
two  were  killed  by  lightning. 

In  the  month  of  May,  1881,  a rain  storm 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


8S 


of  a character  similar  to  that  above  narrated 
broke  over  St.  Clairsville  and  the  country 
northward.  The  little  stream  running  north 
of  the  town  and  known  as  “Jug  Run”  became 
a raging  canal  of  water  that  swept  its  narrow 
channel  from  hank  to  bank,  carrying  off  every- 
thing that  was  movable.  Along  the  line  of 
“Jug  Run”  fences  and  bridges  were  washed 
away,  and  the  road  was  literally  destroyed. 

The  St.  Clairsville  & Northern  Railroad  had 
just  been  completed  at  an  expense  of  about 
$30,000,  and  in  a brief  hour  was  undone,  and 
it  became  necessary  to  build  the  road  anew. 
Many  families  were  driven  out  of  their  homes 
by  the  water  and  numbers  barely  escaped  with 
their  lives. 

The  year  following  the  great  cyclone  of 
1887,  previously  mentioned,  the  St.  Clairsville 
branch  of  the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad, 
with  the  exception  of  a mile  or  more  near 
St.  Clairsville,  was  literally  washed  away  by 
an  unprecedented  flood  on  Little  McMechen’s 
Creek.  The  rain  storm  was  a veritable  cloud- 
burst, washing  away  houses,  bridges  and 
fences.  A great  wall  of  water  surrounded  an 
approaching  train  with  a passenger  coach  well 
filled  with  passengers.  The  train  was  com- 
pelled to  stop,  and  although  the  water  nearly 
engulfed  it,  the  engine  and  car  withstood  the 
shock  and  the  passengers  were  saved.  Nearly 
everyone  living  on  the  borders  of  the  creek 
suffered  and  the  railroad  was  so  badly  dam- 
aged it  was  necessary  to  rebuild  it.  The  loss 
was  estimated  at  $200,000. 

FLOODS  .A.LONG  THE  OHIO. 

Four  notable  floods  have  occurred  along  our 
river  front  at  different  periods,  caused  by  a 
sudden  rise  in  the  waters  of  the  Ohio.  The 
first  of  these  memorable  floods  is  known  as 
the  “ Pumpkin  Flood,”  and  occurred  in  the 
fall  of  1816  when  the  corn  was  in  shock 
and  the  rich  bottom  lands  were  yellow  with 
pumpkins.  The  water  not  only  swept  the  river 
front,  bearing  upon  its  bosom  countless  pump- 
kins, but  the  backwater,  follo\ying  the  chan- 
nels of  Wheeling  and  McMechen’s  creeks, 


extended  back  for  miles,  practically  destroying 
the  farmer’s  crops. 

THE  GREAT  FLOOD  OF  1 884. 

In  1832  and  1852  occurred  similar  floods 
to  that  narrated  above  which  wrought  great 
destruction.  But  perhaps  the  severest  flood  in 
the  century  just  closed  was  the  great  flood  of 
1884. 

When  this  occurred,  the  cities  of  Bellaire, 
Bridgeport  and  Martin's  Ferry  had  become 
industrial  centers  with  an  aggregate  popula- 
tion of  upwards  of  20,000.  The  river  attained 
a height  beyond  that  of  any  previous  floods, 
completely  inundating  a portion  of  these  towns 
and  compelling  the  citizens  to  move  to  their 
upper  stories  or  take  to  the  hills. 

The  mills  and  factories  were  closed  and 
many  of  them  were  under  water.  The  streets 
were  full  of  debris  and  the  fields  for  miles  back 
were  covered  with  logs,  and  the  destruction  to 
fences,  homes  and  barns  by  backwater  was 
estimated  at  enormous  figures. 

At  Bellaire  the  situation  was  appalling. 
Nearly  the  whole  of  the  lower  town  from 
where  Union  street  crosses  the  Baltimore  & 
Ohio  Railroad  track  was  completely  sub- 
merged. 

The  Bellaire  Nail  Works  were  flooded,  and 
greatly  damaged  by  drift.  The  Cleveland  & 
Pittsburg  Railroad  track  from  Gravel  Hill  to 
a point  below  Indian  Run  was  badly  torn  up, 
washed  out  and  twisted.  The  roundhouse  and 
depot  were  submerged  as  were  also  the  cars 
for  freight  and  passengers.  The  Bellaire, 
Zanesville  & Cincinnati  and  Ohio  Valley  roads 
were  badly  damaged,  and  the  Aetna  Manufac- 
turing Works  flooded  to  the  second  story. 
Many  destitute  and  homeless  women  and 
children  were  quartered  in  the  school  houses 
and  in  the  City  Hall. 

At  West  Wheeling  and  Bridgeport  the 
scene  was  one  that  defies  description.  The 
towns  were  completely  inundated.  The  only 
communication  betu'een  Bridgejiort  and  Kirk- 
wood was  by  boats ; all  the  bridges  were  under 
water  and  the  river  rose  to  the  floors  of  the 


86 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


wooden  bridge  that  spans  the  Ohio  River  at 
Bridgeport,  against  which  logs,  buildings  and 
drift  of  every  character  collected  to  such  an 
extent  that  it  was  fedred  the  bridge  would 
gi\'e  way. 

To  add  to  the  horrors  of  the  scene,  an  ex- 
plosion at  Bridgeport  caused  a conflagration 
that  destroyed  $35,000  worth  of  property. 


In  Martin’s  Ferry  the  dwellings  and  mill 
on  the  low  land  were  all  under  water.  Great 
destruction  was  wrought  and  hundreds  of  peo- 
ple were  left  homeless.  The  government  ap- 
propriated a relief  fund  of  $300,000  to  the 
flood  sufferers  along  the  Ohio  River,  of  which 
Martin’s  Ferry,  Bridgeport  and  Bellaire  re- 
ceived $1,000  each. 


CHAPTER  VIII 


PEN  SKETCHES  OF  SOME  PROMINENT  BELMONT  COUNTY 

MEN  AND  WOMEN. 

The  First  Abolitionist,  Benjamin  Lundy — Isabella  Thoburn — Senator  William 
WiNDOM — William  Dean  Howells — Gen.  Benjamin  Rush  Cowen — Gen.  Thomas 
Thompson  Eckhart — Gen.  David  A.  Hollingsworth — Rev.  Dr.  James  Moffatt 
— Bishop  James  M.  Thoburn. 


the  first  abolitionist,  benjamin  LUNDY. 

What  Martin  Luther  was  to  the  cause  of  re- 
ligious reformation  in  the  i6th  century,  Ben- 
jamin Lundy  was  to  the  cause  of  human  free- 
dom in  the  19th  century,  viz : self-sacrificing, 
bold  and  courageous. 

The  controlling  element  in  Lundy’s  char- 
acter, the  motive  power  of  all  his  actions  and 
writings,  was  his  faith  in  God  and  his  un- 
bounded enthusiasm  in  the  cause  of  human 
freedom. 

Sitting  at  his  workbench  in  one  of  the  old 
saddlery  shops  of  Wheeling,  he  saw  gangs  of 
slaves  driven  down  Main  street  like  droves  of 
cattle  : he  heard  their  agonized  cries  under  the 
cruel  strokes  of  the  blacksnake  whip  and  his 
heart  was  filled  with  an  indomitable  purpose  to 
devote  his  life  to  the  liberty  of  the  slaves. 

Surrounded  by  the  influences  and  associa- 
tions of  slavery,  he  removed  to  St.  Clairsville, 
and  there  inaugurated  the  great  philanthropic 
movement,  that  resulted  in  the  freedom  of  the 
slaves  at  the  hands  of  the  immortal  Lincoln. 

Mr.  Lundy  was  born  at  Hardwick,  New  Jer- 
sey, on  the  4th  of  January,  1789,  of  Quaker 
parentage,  but  began  his  great  work  in  St. 
Clairsville  in  1815  when  only  25  years  of  age. 


There  he  called  a few  sympathizing  friends  and 
neighbors  together  and  organized  the  first  anti- 
slavery society  in  the  United  States. 

The  names  of  those  pioneers  in  this  great 
movement  are  unhappily  unknown  but  the  num- 
bers increased  so  rapidly  that  within  six  months 
this  “Union  Humane  Society,”  for  such  it  was 
called,  consisted  of  600  members. 

Mr.  Lundy  was  a forceful  and  earnest  writer 
and  upon  his  26th  birthday  issued  the  cele- 
brated “Appeal  to  Philanthropists,”  a docu- 
ment so  clear,  comprehensive  and  convincing, 
that  it  proved  the  basis  upon  which  every  subse- 
quent appeal  or  argument  issued  against 
slavery,  in  the  long  and  fierce  agitation  that 
followed,  was  founded. 

Soon  thereafter  he  became  a regular  con- 
tributor to  The  Philanthropist,  published  by 
Charles  Osborn  of  Mount  Pleasant  and,  subse- 
quently, assistant  editor ; under  his  editorship, 
the  paper  became  decidedly  anti-slavery  in  its 
tone. 

Such  was  his  zeal  and  devotion  to  the  cause 
of  abolitionism  that  he  took  his  entire  stock  of 
saddlery  and  harness  by  flatboat  to  St.  Louis, 
with  a view  of  obtaining  sufficient  money  to 
enlarge  the  paper’s  publication. 

Reaching  St.  Louis,  he  entered  with  en- 


88 


CENTENNIAL  HISTVRY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


thusiastic  zeal  into  the  fiery  controversy  over 
the  ^Missouri  Compromise,  which  was  then  pro- 
gressing and  so  won  the  hostility  of  the  slavery 
advocates  that  he  was  obliged  to  sell  his  entire 
stock  at  ruinous  prices,  and,  in  order  to  save  a 
little  out  of  the  disaster,  returned  home  on  foot 
in  the  dead  of  winter.  To  add  to  his  discom- 
fiture, he  found  Mr.  Osborn  had  removed  his 
type  and  printing  press  to  Jonesborough,  Ten- 
nessee, where  Mr.  Lundy  substc[uently  joined 
him,  and  for  three  years  published  an  abolition 
paper  in  a Slave  State  where  he  incurred  the 
hostility,  and  was  subject  to  the  ridicule  of  the 
“hot  bl(jods“  all  about  him. 

Previous  to  his  trip  south,  he  had  published 
the  Ccniiis  of  Universal  Emancipation,  or 
rather  had  it  published  in  Steubenville,  while 
he  resided  at  Mount  Pleasant  20  miles  distant, 
and  made  it  a success  by  traveling  on  foot  each 
way,  carrying  his  manuscripts  in  his  pockets 
going,  and  bearing  with  him  the  published 
[)ai)er  on  his  return. 

Mr.  Lundy  made  a journey  of  600  miles  on 
foot  to  attend  the  first  anti-slavery  convention 
ever  held  in  the  United  States  in  Philadelphia 
in  1823-24.  He  subsecjuently  removed  to  Bal- 
timore, traveling  from  Jonesborough,  Tennes- 
see, on  foot  and  wherever  he  entered  a village 
or  settlement  of  Quakers  he  found  friends  and 
met  with  encouragement.  On  this  trip  he  made 
abolition  speeches  and  organized  abolition  so- 
cieties. Although  often  insulted  and  threatened 
with  personal  violence,  he  sustained  no  bodily 
injuries  on  the  journey.  On  reaching  Balti- 
more, however,  he  was  attacked  by  a villainous 
slave  trader  named  Wollfolk,  and  nearly  beaten 
to  death,  and  the  pro-slavery  judge,  Nicholas 
Brice,  condoned  the  offense  and  set  the  prisoner 
free  with  a remark  that  “Lundy  only  got  what 
he  deserved.” 

In  the  year  1828,  Mr.  Lundy  began  a lectur- 
ing tour  through  New  England,  arousing  pub- 
lic sentiment  against  human  slavery,  and  while 
upon  this  tour  he  met  and  made  a convert  of 
William  Lloyd  Garrison,  who  subsequently  be- 
came the  most  illustrious  anti-slavery  writer 
and  speaker  in  the  nation.  For  years  Mr. 


Lundy  was  associated  with  Mr.  Garrison  in  the 
publication  of  the  celebrated  Liberator. 
i Mr.  Lundy’s  later  life  was  given  over  to  or- 
^ ganizing  anti-slavery  societies  and  finding 
homes  for  escaped  or  liberated  slaves.  He 
died  in  Lowell,  Illinois,  August  29,  1839. 

William  Lloyd  Garrison  his  co-laborer  wrote 
of  him,  “Instead  of  being  able  to  stem  the  tide 
of  public  opinion  it  would  at  a glance  seem 
doubtful  whether  he  could  sustain  a temporary 
conflict  with  the  winds  of  heaven.  And  yet  he 
has  explored  19  of  the  24  States  from  the 
Green  Mountains  of  Vermont  to  the  banks  of 
tbe  Mississippi,  multiplied  anti-slavery  socie- 
ties in  every  c|uarter,  put  every  petition  in  mo- 
tion relative  to  the  extinction  of  slavery  in  the 
District  of  Columbia,  everywhere  awakened 
the  slumbering  sympathies  of  the  people  and 
began  a work,  the  completion  of  which  will  be 
the  salvation  of  his  country. 

“His  heart  is  of  gigantic  size,  every  inch  of 
him  is  alive  with  power. 

“He  combines  the  meekness  of  Howard  with 
the  boldness  of  Lutlier. 

“Within  a few  months  he  has  traveled  2,400 
miles,  of  vdiich  upwards  of  1,600  was  traveled 
on  foot,  during  which  time  he  has  held  50 
public  meetings.  Rivers  and  mountains  vanish 
in  his  path.  Midnight  finds  him  winding  his 
solitai'}^  way  over  an  unfrequented  road.  The 
sun  is  anticipated  in  his  rising.  Never  was 
moral  sublimity  of  character  better  illustrated.” 

ISABELLA  TIIOBURN. 

Among  the  cultured  and  devoted  women 
whose  memory  the  world  delights  to  honor, 
there  has  been  none  whose  name  is  more  re- 
vered and  honored,  none  whose  life  work  was 
more  exalted  among  Christian  people  of  all 
lands  than  that  of  Isabella  Thoburn. 

Miss  Thoburn  as  the  first  representative  of 
the  Woman’s  Foreign  Missionary  Society  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  in  America, 
endured  many  hardships  and  sufferings  and 
overcame  countless  barriers  of  caste  in  opening 
the  doors  of  the  homes  in  India  for  the  admis- 
sion of  Christian  women. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


89 


Isabella  Thoburn  was  born  March  29,  1840. 
She  received  her  early  education  in  the  Beech 
Hill  school  house,  two  miles  east  of  St.  Clairs- 
ville  and  later  attended  Wheeling  Female  Col- 
lege, from  which  she  graduated  in  June,  1861. 
She  spent  some  time  in  Cincinnati  in  art  study, 
in  the  School  of  Designs.  She  taught  in  sev- 
eral schools  near  St.  Clairsville,  also  a year 
in  the  young  ladies’  seminary  in  New  Castle, 
Pennsylvania,  and  two  years  in  the  collegiate 
institute  in  West  Farmington,  Ohio. 

In  1869  the  Woman’s  Foreign  Missionary 
Society  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  was 
organized,  and  she  was  chosen  as  the  first  rep- 
resentative of  the  new  movement.  Previous  to 
this,  she  had  offered  herself  to  the  General 
Missionary  Society,  but  was  told  there  was  no 
place  for  single  women  in  that  organization. 
The  new  organization  gladly  gave  her  a place, 
and  she  became  the  first  in  the  long  list  of 
workers  numbering  several  hundred,  who  are 
now  laboring  in  12  different  countries. 

Miss  Thoburn  sailed  from  New  York  in 
November,  1869,  reaching  Lucknow,  India,  j 
five  weeks  later.  She  began  her  work  with 
seven  poor  girls  gathered  in  from  the  bazaar, 
one  of  them  a tiny  child  bearing  the  now  well 
known  name  of  Lilivarti  Singh.  Her  school 
grew  rapidly ; larger  rooms  were  needed,  and 
a great  awakening  among  the  Eurasians  in 
Cawnpore  resulted  in  an  appeal  to  her  to  super- 
intend an  English  school  there,  while  still  hold- 
ing her  place  in  Lucknow.  She  accepted  the 
double  duty,  and  traveled  the  45  miles  back- 
wards and  forth  each  week  in  open  third-class 
cars,  until  a helper  was  sent  from  America. 
Her  first  furlough  came  after  10  years  of  hard 
service,  and  within  the  year  she  had  returned 
to  India. 

In  1886  her  health  became  seriously  im- 
paired and  she  had  to  return  home,  but  in  the 
four  years  when  on  the  invalid  list,  some  of  her 
best  work  was  done.  In  passing  through  Eng- 
land she  had  visited  the  Mildmay  missions  and  ' 
deaconess  work,  and  became  interested  in 
adapting  it  to  her  work  in  India,  so  she  became 
a deaconess,  giving  up  half  her  salary  and  open- 


ing up  the  work  in  Cincinnati  that  has  grown 
into  such  proportions  since. 

She  stipulated  that  she  must  have  one  hand 
free  to  work  for  India,  and  while  this  was 
true,  no  other  interest  was  allowed  to  suffer. 

In  1890  she  returned  to  India.  The  school 
at  Lucknow  now  occupied  three  buildings  but 
for  the  college  another  was  needed.  She  lived 
to  see  this  built,  and  its  cost  provided  for.  To 
provide  for  it,  she  made  another  visit  to 
America,  with  Miss  Lilivarti  Singh,  and  both 
were  honored  with  much  attention  wherever 
they  went.  They  made  a notable  impression  at 
the  great  Ecumenical  Conference  in  New  York. 
Sailing  for  India  immediately  after,  she  took 
up  her  work  as  principal  of  the  Lucknow 
Woman’s  College. 

She  died  September  2,  1901,  of  cholera,  and 
was  buried  in  Lucknow  Cemetery,  leaving  a 
name  that  will  not  be  forgotten,  and  a work 
that  will  not  die. 

SENATOR  WILLIAM  WINDOM. 

The  population  of  Ohio  probably  represents 
more  nearly  than  that  of  any  other  State  the 
people  of  all  the  older  sections  of  the  Union, 
and  no  fair  estimate  of  the  magnitude  of  Ohio’s 
contribution  to  the  Union  can  be  made  without 
considering  the  names  of  the  many  illustrious 
statesmen  and  soldiers  born  in  Ohio  whose  val- 
uable services  have  been  accredited  to  other 
States. 

In  the  galaxy  of  illustrious  names  that  have 
rendered  the  nation  invaluable  service  at  a 
critical  period  in  its  history,  none  shine  brighter 
than  that  of  Senator  William  Windom. 

This  great  financier  and  statesman,  was  born 
in  Richland  township,  Belmont  County,  May 
10,  1827,  in  a little  home  just  opposite  the  val- 
dage  of  Loydsville.  Born  in  humble  walks  of 
life,  his  early  surroundings  were  plain  and  un- 
pretentious. Removing  to  Knox  County,  Ohio, 
he  obtained  an  academic  education  and  studied 
law  at  Mount  Vernon  and  was  admitted  to  the 
bar  in  1850.  In  1852  he  was  elected  prosecut- 
ing attorney  of  Knox  Count}^  and  after  serv- 


90 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


ing  his  full  term  removed  to  Minnesota  in 
1855,  where  he  immediately  entered  upon  an 
active  i)uhlic  career  that  continued  until  his 
death. 

In  J859  he  was  elected  to  Congress,  a po- 
sition he  lilled  with  great  credit  and  ability  for 
10  successive  years,  acting  as  chairman  of  the 
Committee  on  Indian  Affairs  and  also  chairman 
of  the  special  committee  to  visit  the  Western 
'I'riljes  in  1865. 

In  1870  he  was  appointed  to  the  Senate  to 
till  the  unexpired  term  of  Senator  Norton,  de- 
ceased. and  was  subsequently  elected  and  re- 
elected for  12  years. 

In  the  Senate  he  gained  national  prominence, 
in  the  discussion  of  great  financial  questions 
and  upon  the  election  of  General  Garfield  to 
the  Presidency,  he  was  chosen  as  the  Secretary 
of  the  Treasury. 

After  the  death  of  President  Garfield,  and 
the  accession  of  President  Arthur,  he  retired 
from  the  cabinet,  and  was  again  chosen  United 
States  Senator,  where  he  served  as  chairman  of 
the  committees  on  Appropriations,  Foreign  Af- 
fairs and  Transportation. 

Upon  the  election  of  President  Harrison,  in 
1888,  Mr.  Windom  was  again  called  to  the 
Treasury  portfolio  and  was  in  the  midst  of  his 
term  when,  on  January  29,  1891,  he  was  an 
invited  guest  at  the  annual  banquet  of  the 
Board  of  Trade  in  New  York,  and  at  the  close 
of  an  eloquent  and  impressive  address  upon  his 
favorite  topic,  finance,  he  dropped  dead. 

As  an  evidence  of  the  esteem  and  popularity 
in  which  Mr.  Windom  was  held  we  might  men- 
tion that  his  name  was  four  times  presented  at 
national  conventions  as  a candidate  for  Presi- 
dent, and  it  is  believed  that  but  for  his  un- 
timely death  that  honor  would  have  been  con- 
ferred upon  him. 

WILLIAM  DEAN  HOWELLS. 

Perhaps  the  foremost  writer  of  fiction  in 
America  today  and  a man  who  is  well  known 
and  honored  in  literary  circles  throughout  the 
world  is  William  Dean  Howells,  who  was  born 
in  an  humble  brick  cottage  in  Martin’s  Ferry  on 


March  i,  1837.  Mr.  Howells  learned  the 
printing  business  in  his  father’s  office  when  but 
a child,  and  continued  in  his  employ  for  12 
years,  working  daily  until  late  at  night  and 
then  rising  early  to  distribute  his  papers. 
When  the  enterprise  failed,  Mr.  Howells  se- 
cured employment  upon  the  Ohio  State  Journai, 
and  contributed  freely  of  his  limited  means  to 
the  support  of  his  father’s  family.  About  this 
time,  his  literary  talent  began  to  develop,  and 
his  poems  in  the  Atlantic  Monthly,  then  the 
foremost  American  magazine,  began  to  attract 
the  attention  of  the  literary  world. 

A campaign  history  of  Abraham  Lincoln  was 
enthusiastically  received  by  loyal  men  at  the 
outbreak  of  the  Civil  War.  Later  in  conjunc- 
tion with  John  J.  Piatt,  a fellow  compositor 
who  likewise  attained  distinction  as  a writer, 
they  wrote  a work  entitled  “Poems  of  Two 
Friends.’’ 

At  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  War,  Mr.  How- 
ells was  appointed  American  Consul  to  Venice, 
a position  he  filled  with  great  credit  to  the 
nation  until  1865. 

On  his  return  he  joined  the  staff  of  the 
Nation,  a new  magazine  of  great  promise. 
But  in  July,  1871,  he  became  the  controlling 
editor  of  the  Atlantic  Monthly,  a position  which 
he  held  for  10  years. 

Aside  from  his  contributions  to  all  the  lead- 
ing American  magazines  he  issued  such  popu- 
lar books  as  “Venetian  Life,”  “Italian  Jour- 
neys,” “No  Love  Lost,”  “Suburban  Sketches,” 
“A  Chance  Acquaintance,”  etc.,  etc. 

Mr.  Howells  was  of  Quaker  stock  and  Welsh 
origin,  and  his  remarkable  literary  talent  was 
inherited  from  a long  line  of  literary  ancestors. 

On  the  occasion  of  the  Centennial  Celebra- 
tion of  Belmont  County,  Mr.  Howells  was  not 
able  to  attend  in  person  but  contributed  the  fol- 
lowing charming  letter  descriptive  of  his  ap- 
preciation of  the  beautiful  hill  country  in  which 
he  was  born : 

My  Dear  Sir : 

I should  like  greatly  to  be  with  you  on  the  centen- 
nial anniversary  of  Belmont  County,  and  I am  very 
sorry  that  I cannot.  I afn  no  speaker,  and  I have  not 
the  time  to  prepare  any  sort  of  address. 

My  life  began  in  Belmont  County,  and  I wish  I could 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


91 


go  back  to  it,  if  only  for  a day.  I think  I left  it  too 
soon,  but  at  three  years  one’s  judgment  is  not  per- 
fectly formed,  and  I must  plead  this  in  excuse  for  that 
early  mistake.  The  first  of  my  recollections  reach 
back  to  the  little  coal-smoky  village  by  the  Ohio  River, 
and  where  so  many  of  my  kindred  lived  and  died,  and 
some  are  living  yet ; but  Martinsville  is  scarcely  more 
to  me  than  St.  Clairsville,  which  I know  from  my 
father’s  talk  of  it  quite  as  well.  Long  after  I had  so 
familiarly  known  the  place  and  now  also  long  ago,  I had 
the  great  pleasure  of  seeing  it  on  a visit  to  my  cousin, 
Cope,  and  of  feeling  in  it  a sort  of  old  world  charm. 
With  its  brick  houses  set  close  together  upon  that  noble 
National  Road,  which  served  as  its  principal  street, 
it  was  more  like  an  English  than  an  American  town, 
and  in  the  Sunday  quiet  of  the  day  I spent  there,  I 
fancied  there  would  be  more  of  that  safety  from  change, 
which  we  long  for,  the  older  we  grow.  I dare  say  that 
by  this  time  you  have  electric  lights  and  trolley  cars 
and  city  water  and  sewerage  and  typhoid,  and  all  the 
other  modern  advantages ; but  then  St.  Clairsville  was 
an  idyl  of  repose,  “a  home  of  ancient  peace,”  and  I 
wished  to  stay  there  on  and  on.  It  was  another  of  my 
mistakes  that  I did  not,  and  I cannot  plead  nonage  in 
excuse  for  this  second  and  last  of  my  errors.  But  I 
have  never  been  absent  altogether  from  my  native 
county,  for  I know  its  history  perhaps  as  well  as  some 
of  you  who  have  always  lived  there,  and  I am  quite  as 
proud  of  it.  In  my  boyish  day  dreams,  I fought  the  In- 
dians all  over  its  beautiful  hills,  and  in  my  night  dreams 
was  scalped  and  tomahawked  by  them,  and  only  a few 
years  ago  I had  occasion  for  one  of  the  books  I am 
always  writing,  to  revisit  the  scenes  of  those  exploits 
in  its  fascinating  annals. 

Again  I wish  I could  come  to  you  for  your  centennial ; 
ask  me  to  our  millenial,  and  I will  not  refuse.  I shall 
be  younger  then  and  I hope  not  so  busy.  Yours  sin- 
cerely, W.  D.  HOWELLS. 

To  A.  T.  McKelvey. 

GEN.  BENJAMIN  RUSH  COWEN. 

One  of  the  noted  men  in  Ohio  today,  whose 
mental  and  physical  vigor  are  still  unimpaired, 
is  Gen.  B.  R.  Cowen  of  Cincinnati.  General 
Cowen  was  one  of  the  distinguished  circle  of 
Ohio  statesmen  and  soldiers  that  contributed 
so  much  to  the  preservation  of  the  Union  and 
the  pre-eminence  of  the  Buckeye  State  in  the 
great  struggle  for  national  existence. 

Gen.  Benjamin  Rush  Cowen  was  born  Au- 
gust 15,  1831.  His  parents,  Benjamin  Sprague 
and  Ann  (Wood)  Cowen.  were  natives  of 
Washington  County,  New  York.  The  paternal 
grandfather  of  our  subject,  Joseph  Cowen,  a 
native  of  Gloucester,  Rhode  Island,  was  a Rev- 
olutionary soldier,  and  the  paternal  grand- 
mother, Phoebe  Sprague,  was  a daughter  of 


Ebenezer  Sprague,  who  was  a member  of  the 
Rhode  Island  House  of  Delegates  during  the 
Colonial  and  Revolutionary  period. 

General  Cowen  was  brought  to  St.  Clairs- 
ville'in  1832  when  but  one  year  of  age,  which 
was  his  residence  until  1857. 

He  was  educated  at  Brooks’  Institute  and  at 
two  other  classical  schools  in  St.  Clairsville, 
kept  by  Nathan  R.  Johnson  and  A.  Clark  Wil- 
liams, respectively,  local  institutions  of  much 
influence  and  merit  in  his  day. 

After  completing  his  studies,  he  learned  the 
printing  trade  which  he  followed  as  compositor, 
pressman,  publisher,  editor  and  proprietor  of 
the  Belmont  Chronicle  until  1857.  A complete 
edition  of  Swedenborg’s  works  and  other  works 
of  less  magnitude,  were  stereotyped  and  printed 
liy  him. 

While  working  at  the  case,  two  years  were 
spent  in  the  study  of  medicine  and  surgery  in 
the  office  of  the  late  Dr.  John  Alexander. 

In  1857  he  removed  to  Bellaire  and  engaged 
in  mercantile  business  until  the  outbreak  of  the 
Civil  War. 

January  i,  i860,  he  was  elected  chief  clerk 
of  the  Ohio  House  of  .Representatives  and  the 
same  year  was  appointed  engineer  in  chief  with 
the  rank  of  colonel  on  the  staff  of  Governor 
Dennison.  That  being  a peace  appointment  and 
Mr.  Cowen  being  without  technical  knowledge 
to  enable  him  to  discharge  its  duties  in  war 
time,  on  the  outbreak  of  the  war  he  resigned 
the  position  and  enlisted  as  a private  soldier  in 
Company  C,  15th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  Capt. 
William  Wallace.  Before  the  regiment  was 
mustered  into  the  United  States  seiwice  Mr. 
Cowen  was  appointed  ist  lieutenant,  and  com- 
missary of  subsistence,  and  June  i,  1861,  was 
appointed  paymaster  U.  S.  Army,  by  President 
Lincoln,  with  rank  of  major.  In  this  latter 
.capacity  he  served  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac, 
in  West  Virginia,  and  in  the  .Shenandoah  Val- 
ley. 

With  Maj.  Fayette  Brown  of  Cleveland, 
Ohio,  he  was  instrumental  in  preparing  the 
legislation  enabling  soldiers  to  send  their  money 
to  their  families  through  the  State  and  county 
treasurers,  and  himself  collected  and  forwarded 


92 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


over  $200,000  under  that  plan,  without  a cent 
of  loss  or  expense  to  the  soldiers  or  to  the 
State. 

In  January,  1864,  Major  Cowen  took  a leave 
of  absence  from  the  army,  without  pay,  and 
accej)ted  the  appointment  of  Adjutant  General 
of  Ohio,  from  Gov.  John  Brough,  being  reap- 
pointed to  that  office  in  1866  by  Gov.  J.  D.  Cox. 

d'be  brevets  of  lieutenant-colonel,  colonel  and 
brigadier-general  were  conferred  on  bim  by 
the  President  for  his  services  in  organizing  the 
“Hundred  Days  Men”  in  1864.  That  service 
consisted  in  consolidating,  organizing,  equip- 
ping and  forwarding  42  regiments  of  35,982 
men  in  14  days. 

From  the  spring  of  1864  until  the  close  of 
the  war.  General  Cowen  was  inspector  of  mili- 
tary ])risons  in  Ohio,  by  appointment  of  the 
Secretary  of  War,  without  extra  compensation. 

In  1861,  while  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac, 
klajor  Cowen  was  nominated  and  elected  Sec- 
retary of  State  of  Ohio,  resigning  that  office 
in  Mav.  1862,  and  returning  to  the  field. 

In  1869  General  Cowen  Avas  appointed  super- 
vi.sor  of  internal  revenue  for  the  district  com- 
prising California,  Nevada,  Utah  and  Arizona, 
Avith  headquarters  at  San  Francisco:  trans- 
ferred in  1870  to  the  Southern  District  of  Ohio, 
Avith  headquarters  at  Cincinnati;  April,  1871, 
appointed  Assistant  Secretarv  of  the  Interior 
bv  President  Grant  AAdiich  office  he  held  till  the 
close  of  Grant’s  term.  In  October  and  Novem- 
ber, 1871,  he  Avas  a special  commissioner  to 
appraise  the  lands  in  the  Indian  Territorv,  Avest 
of  96  degrees  West  Longitude;  in  1872  he 
Avent  as  commissioner  to  the  hostile  Sioux 
under  Sitting  Bull,  in  Montana,  made  a treaty 
and  established  Fort  Peck  Agency:  in  1873  he 
surveA’ed  and  fixed  the  boundary  lines  of  a 
ncAv  Indian  reservation  in  Northern  California, 
removed  the  Modoc  and  other  Indians  from  the 
Round  ValleA"  Reseiwation  to  the  ncAV  reserva- 
tion. and  appraised  the  lands  and  improA^ements 
on  the  Round  Valley  ReserA^ation.  In  Septem- 
ber, 1874,  by  order  of  tbe  President,  he  Ausited 
NeAv  Orleans,  in  company  Avith  the  late  Admiral 
Rodgers,  at  the  time  of  the  trouble  betAveen  the 
“WhiteLeaguers”and  the  milita  under  General 


Longstreet,  and  made  a report  on  the  troubles ; 
in  March  and  April,  1875,  during  the  Mormon 
troubles,  by  direction  of  the  President,  he  vis- 
ited Utah  and  made  a report  on  the  Mormon 
situation. 

He  Avas  editor  of  the  Ohio  State  loiirnal 
until  November,  1884,  Avhen  be  Avas  appointed 
clerk  of  the  Lbrited  States  Circuit  and  District 
courts  for  the  Southern  District  of  Ohio,  which 
position  he  still  (1902)  holds. 

Politically  he  Avas  a Whig,  and  cast  his  first 
vote  for  General  Scott  for  President  in  1852. 
He  was  active  in  the  organization  of  the  Repub- 
lican party,  and  Avas  secretary  of  the  first  Re- 
publican State  Convention  in  1854,  and  of 
many  subsequent  State  conventions  and  of  the 
national  convention  of  1868,  and  Avas  a dele- 
gate to  the  national  conventions  of  1856  and 
1868.  Pie  Avas  a member  of  tbe  State  central 
and  executive  committees  from  1864  to  1868, 
chairman  in  1866  and  1867,  and  a member  of 
the  National  Republican  Committee  from  1866 
to  187C. 

General  CoAven  is  a 32nd  degree  Mason ; 
president  of  tbe  Society  of  the  Past  Masters 
( 1902)  ; past  commander  of  the  Ohio  Com- 
mandery  of  the  Military  Order  of  the  Loyal 
Legion ; past  colonel,  LTnion  Veteran  Legion 
and  chief  of  staff  to  the  national  commander 
( 190 1 -02)  ; member  of  the  G.  A.  R. ; president 
Ohio  Chapter,  Sons  of  the  Revolution  (1901- 
02)  : vice-president  of  the  New  England  So- 
ciety ( 1901-21)  : member  of  the  Ohio  Society 
of  the  War  of  1812:  ex-president  of  the  Cin- 
cinnati Literary  Club ; by  appointment  of  the 
Governor,  member  of  tbe  commission  to  assist 
the  Archaelogical  and  Historical  Society  in 
conducting  the  Ohio  Centennial  Celebration  in 
1903,  and  of  the  board  of  trustees  to  erect  a 
memorial  building  to  the  soldiers,  sailors  and 
pioneers  of  Hamilton  County,  Ohio. 

He  is  an  official  member  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  Avas  a delegate  to  the  Lon- 
don Ecumenical  Conference  in  1881  and  for 
the  most  of  his  mature  life  has  been,  and  still 
is,  a Bible  teacher  in  the  Sunday-school. 

Col.  Sidney  D.  MaxAvell,  late  superintendent 
I of  the  Cincinnati  Chamber  of  Commerce,  and 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


93 


Merchants'  Exchange,  who  was  a fellow  mem- 
ber of  Governor  Brough’s  staff,  speaks  of  Gen-  , 
eral  Cowen’s  characteristics  as  follows : 

“General  Cowen  has  a rare  combination  of 
strong  points  in  his  character.  Combined  with 
an  excellent  judgment  are  unusual  executive 
abilities  and  a fearless  spirit  which  has  emi- 
nently fitted  him  for  the  public  places  he  has  so 
honorably  filled.  During  the  year  1864,  while 
Adjutant  General  of  the  State  of  Ohio,  Gov- 
ernor Brough  found  in  him  a lieutenant  to 
whose  great  al^ility  and  courage  the  eminent 
success  of  the  call  for  the  Ohio  National  j 
Guards,  the  far  reaching  value  of  which  at  that  I 
juncture  in  the  Rebellion  no  one  can  measure, 
was  largely  traceable,  and  in  all  places,  both 
before  and  since,  he  has  displayed  the  rare  qual- 
ities to  recognize  great  things  and  to  provide 
for  their  successful  attainment.  To  these  are 
to  be  added  a c|uiet  demeanor  and  an  elevated 
moral  tone,  which  is  never  lowered  and  which 
temptation  does  not  disturb.  A singularly  use- 
ful, but  quiet  member  of  society;  a very  vig- 
orous thinker ; a forcible  writer ; a citizen  thor- 
oughly posted  in  all  matters  of  public  interest, 
and  one  who  is  abreast  of  the  times ; a man  ca- 
pable in  every  public  position  to  which  he  has 
been  called,  and  especially  fitted  for  public  serv- 
ice, yet  warmly  attached  to  the  domestic  circle, 
he  presents  a rarely  symmetrical  character.” 

At  the  advanced  age  of  71  years,  he  is  yet 
active,  vigorous  and  efficient  in  the  discharge  of 
his  official  duties  as  he  was  30  years  ago  and 
as  keenly  alive  to  public  affairs  and  interests. 
He  is  in  much  demand  as  a lecturer  on  many 
topics. 

General  Cowen  married  Ellen  Thoburn  of 
Belmont  County,  September  19,  1854.  She 
is  a daughter  of  Mathew  and  Jane  Lyle  Tho- 
hurn,  natives  of  County  Antrim,  Ireland.  Gen. 
Joseph  Thoburn,  division  commander,  killed 
at  the  battle  of  Cedar  Creek  in  1864;  Maj.  T. 
C.  Thoburn  of  Kansas,  and  Bishop  J.  M.  Tho- 
hurn.  Missionary  Bishop  of  India  and  Malaysia 
are  her  brothers.  Her  sister,  the  late  Isabella 
Thoburn,  first  missionary  of  the  W.  E.  M.  S. 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  was  or- 
ganizer and  principal  of  the  important  girls’ 


school  at  Lucknow,  India.  Mrs.  Cowen  has 
been  corresponding  secretary  of  the  Cincinnati 
branch  of  the  Woman's  Eoreign  Missionary 
Society  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
since  its  organization  (33  years),  excepting 
during  a few  years’  absence  in  Washington. 

Wdiitelaw  Reid,  in  his  history  of  “The  Hun- 
dred Day's  Men,”  in  “Ohio  in  the  War”  said 
of  General  Cowen : 

“The  Adjutant  General  of  Ohio  was  a man 
who  had  l)een  trained  to  matters  of  detail,  and 
had  long  displayed  a special  aptitude  for  such 
executive  work.  He  thoroughly  understood 
all  the  minutiae  of  the  military  system.  He  was 
singularly  accurate  and  comprehensive  in  his 
grasp  of  details ; was  incapable  of  being  con- 
fused by  any  sudden  pressure  of  business ; was 
not  liable  to  lose  his  judgment  or  his  coolness 
under  the  bewildering  rush  of  exciting  matters  ; 
not  to  he  discouraged  by  difficulties,  not  to  be 
swerved  from  his  straight  path  by  any  represen- 
tations of  hardship  or  clamor  for  exemptions, 
an  officer  of  clear,  strong  common  sense. 

“Governor  Brough  well  knew  the  man  upon 
whom  his  unexpected  dispatch  was  to  throw 
this  sudden  weight,  and  he  assured  the  Secre- 
tary of  War  by  the  time  he  could  get  back  to 
Columbus  he  should  find  the  great  movement 
well  begun.  He  was  not  disappointed.” 

GEN  THOMAS  THOMPSON  ECKERT. 

One  of  the  most  honored  and  distinguished 
men  in  mechanical  and  professional  life  that 
the  country  has  produced  is  Gen.  'Thomas 
Thompson  Eckert,  the  late  president  and  gen- 
eral manager  of  the  largest  telegraph  system  in 
the  world. 

General  Eckert  was  horn  in  a humble  home 
on  the  lot  in  St.  Clairsville  now  occupied  by 
George  Jepson’s  residence  and  store.  His  par- 
ents named  him  after  one  of  Belmont  County’s 
honored  citizens — Maj.  Thomas  Thompson. 
Removing  from  St.  Clairsville  when  a boy  he 
learned  the  art  of  telegraphy  when  it  was  in  its 
infancy  and  was  connected  with  the  telegraph 
service  for  upwards  of  half  a century. 


94 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Of  this  distinguished  man  the  New  York 
Sun  said  before  his  death  : 

‘‘General  Eckert  is  one  of  the  men  whose 
age  has  not  become  a burden.  It  is  now  77 
years  since  he  was  born  in  St.  Clairsville,  Ohio. 
Only  when  he  sits  among  his  old  friends  and 
pulls  out  the  threads  of  his  varied  career  does 
it  occur  to  those  who  listen  that  General  Eckert 
has  passed  the  time  allotted  by  a sacred  writer. 
Mis  appearance  does  not  indicate  his  age. 
Those  little  things  which  so  often  betray  men 
who  are  trying  to  dodge  the  Time-keeper  are 
not  in  evidence  in  his  manner.  Those  who 
know  him  best  and  who  have  known  him  long, 
do  not  recall  that  he  ever  showed  any  signs  of 
pre-senility. 

“The  physical  and  mental  equipment  of  Gen- 
eral Eckert  has  aided  him  in  appearing  as  he  is. 
His  temperament  was  always  alert.  He  was 
an  athlete  in  his  prime.  He  is  a physical  giant 
in  his  retirement.  Obstacles  with  him  have 
been  stepping-stones  to  higher  things.  In  some 
way,  notwithstanding  his  share  of  the  concerns 
of  life,  he  has  determinedly  lived  on  the  sunny 
side  of  the  street. 

“When  he  succeeded  Dr.  Norvin  Green  as 
president  of  the  Western  Union,  General  Eck- 
ert had  already  accomplished  the  labor  of  the 
average  man  of  business.  He  took  up  the 
executive  direction  and  management  of  the  cor- 
poration, the  business  of  which  required  appli- 
cation, precision  and  judgment.  No  one  who 
knew  him  thought  that  he  was  to  be  a figure- 
head. The  day  after  his  election  as  president  of 
the  company,  in  1893,  he  was  at  his  desk  at  9 
o’clock,  and  it  is  the  recollection  of  the  office 
force  that  he  stayed  until  after  6 o’clock  p.  m., 
that  he  did  not  go  to  luncheon,  and  that  the 
da}^  was  one  of  the  busiest  in  the  building.  It 
was  not  a case  of  new  broom.  From  that  day 
until  his  retirement  it  has  been  the  same  story 
when  General  Eckert  was  in  the  city. 

“In  the  summer  his  home  was  at  Long 
Branch,  but  he  did  not  go  to  the  Highlands 
station  until  the  last  boat  in  the  afternoon.  He 
was  alwavs  one  of  the  early  arrivals  in  the  city 
the  next  day.  When  the  season  was  over  and 
he  returned  to  his  home  in  Fifth  avenue,  he  was 


more  methodical.  He  frequently  reached  his 
desk  before  the  office  boy  was  ready  for  him. 
There  is  served  every  day  in  the WesternUnion 
building,  in  the  room  of  the  directory,  what  is 
known  as  the  free  lunch.  It  is  free  only  to  the 
directors,  of  course.  It  is  not  an  elaborate 
spread.  General  Eckert  often  went  to  this 
quick  repast  when  he  was  rushed,  and  it  is  said 
that  it  was  at  these  noonings  that  he  and  Rus- 
sell Sage  formed  the  strong  personal  liking 
that  is  maintained  by  them. 

“ ‘Don’t  eat  so  fast.  Sage,’  General  Eckert 
used  to  say  at  this  feast.  ‘You’ll  die  of  dys- 
pepsia before  your  time.’ 

“On  one  occasion  Mr.  Sage  replied : ‘If 

you  don’t  quit  wearing  such  fine  clothes,  you’ll 
be  a bankrupt.’ 

“This  sally  at  General  Eckert’s  dress  had 
for  its  foundation  the  fact  that  the  former  pres- 
ident of  the  Western  Union  is  correct  in  his 
raiment.  He  has  always  been  so.  He  said  one 
day  to  a friend : ‘I  believe  in  good  dressing, 

clear  through.  I wear  the  best  I can  buy  of 
everything.  My  suspenders  constitute  my 
hobby.  If  I was  dressed  like  a prince  and 
realized  that  my  suspenders  were  not  of  the 
finest  texture,  I should  feel  uneasy.  A man 
should  never  sit  down  to  dinner  if  he  can  get 
to  his  room  in  time,  unless  he  has  fully  changed 
his  attire  for  the  day — everything.’ 

“His  suspenders  hobby  is  said  to  have  start- 
ed the  story  that  he  wears  solid  gold  buckles 
on  them,  and  gold  chains  for  fastenings.  This, 
however,  is  denied  by  one  who  is  in  close  touch 
with  him. 

“If  General  Eckert’s  hobby  is  correct  dress, 
his  pleasure  is  fine  horses.  There  is  no  time 
in  his  life  when  he  will  not  stop  to  talk  horse, 
or  look  at  one  if  it  is  near  by,  or  buy  one  if  its 
pedigree  is  made  attractive.  He  owns  12 
blooded  animals ; some  of  these  he  has  never 
seen  ; they  are  in  Kentucky  in  good  hands.  One 
of  the  stories  told  of  the  owner  is  that  he  writes 
personal  letters  to  those  in  care  of  his  pets, 
making  inquiries  of  them  and  offering  sugges- 
tions. A few  of  his  horses  are  kept  in  this  city, 
or  at  a convenient  distance.  He  is  a good  whip, 
and  the  cares  of  the  day  are  considerably  light- 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


95 


ened  if  he  can  end  them  by  a drive.  The  in- 
vited guest  must  understand  horseology  if  he 
expects  to  be  invited  again.  General  Eckert’s 
horses  never  appear  on  the  turf.  He  is  not  a 
sport. 

“Good  clothes,  fine  horses  and  a chat  with  a 
veteran  of  the  army  round  up  a good  time  for 
General  Eckert.  He  is  interesting  in  his  recol- 
lections. His  ideal  is  Lincoln.  When  the 
name  of  the  first  martyred  President  is  men- 
tioned, General  Eckert’s  eyes  glisten  and  his 
voice  softens.  It  was  Lincoln  who  sent  him 
to  the  campaign  on  the  Peninsula,  as  superin- 
tendent of  the  military  telegraph  system  of  the 
Army  of  the  Potomac.  He  was  attached  to 
McClellan’s  headcmarters. 

“In  New  York  General  Eckert  is  an  active 
member  of  the  Riding  Club,  where  he  is  a com- 
manding figure  in  the  saddle.  He  is  also  a 
member  of  the  Union  League,  the  Atlantic 
Yacht  and  other  New  York  clubs,  and  a mem- 
ber of  tbe  Geograpbical  Society  and  of  the 
Metropolitan  Museum  of  Art.  He  is  a club 
man  to  this  extent — that  he  loves  to  be  tbe 
center  of  a group  of  ‘old  cronies’  who  delight  in 
the  talks  of  other  days.  The  story  that  Gen- 
eral Eckert  is  oftenest  asked  to  repeat  is  that 
of  his  capture  in  North  Carolina  in  i86i.  His 
adherence  to  the  Union  did  not  suit  the  ‘Tar- 
heels.’ He  was  »convicted  of  disloyalty  to  the 
Confederate  cause  and  sentenced  to  death  ig- 
nominiously  on  the  scaffold.  He  barely  es- 
caped and  made  his  way  north. 

“Gene-ral  Eckert’s  history,  varied  and  inter- 
esting as  it  is,  containing  lessons  as  it  does, 
must  of  necessity  be  abstracted.  He  learned 
telegraphy  in  1848.  In  1849,  when  he  was 
postmaster  at  Wooster,  Ohio,  he  opened  the 
first  postal  telegraph  service  in  this  countiy. 
He  was  afterward  made  superintendent  of  the 
Union  lines  being  extended  from  PittslDurg  via 
tbe  Et.  Wayne  & Chicago  Railroad.  He  re- 
signed in  1859  and  went  to  North  Carolina  as 
superintendent  of  a gold-mining  company. 
Col.  Thomas  A.  Scott,  Assistant  Secretary  of 
War,  called  him  to  Washington  in  1861  and 
placed  him  in  charge  of  the  military  telegraph. 
He  had  the  title  of  captain  and  A.  0.  M.  He 


was  recalled  from  McClellan’s  army  to  estab- 
lish military  headquarters  in  the  War  Depart- 
ment buildings.  In  1865  Lincoln  sent  him  to 
meet  the  leaders  of  the  Confederacy  at  City 
Point.  He  cleared  the  B.  & O.  road  when 
Sheridan  was  ordered  to  Winchester,  and  he 
was  present  when  Sheridan  reached  his  desti- 
nation and  made  his  first  mount  for  that  fa- 
mous engagement.  In  1864  he  was  brevet 
lieutenant-colonel  and  soon  after  brevet  brig- 
adier-general. In  1865  he  was  Assistant  Sec- 
retary of  War.  A year  later  he  resigned  to  be- 
come general  superintendent  of  the  Eastern 
Division  of  the  Western  Union  lines.  He  was 
‘Jay  Gould’s  man’  and  as  such  became  president 
of  the  Atlantic  & Pacific  Telegraph  Company. 
In  1879  organized  the  American  Union 
Telegraph  Company,  which  was  the  only  great 
competitor  that  the  Western  Union  ever  knew.’’ 

GEN.  DAVID  A.  HOLLINGSWORTH. 

One  of  the  distinguished  sons  of  Belmont 
County,  who  has  won  merited  renown  beyond 
the  borders  of  his  native  county,  is  ex- Attorney 
General  of  Ohio  David  A.  Hollingsworth. 

General  Hollingsworth  was  born  in  the  vil- 
lage of  Belmont,  November  21.  1844,  of 

Quaker  parentage.  His  father,  the  late  Elihu 
Hollingsworth,  of  Flushing,  was  also  born  in 
the  same  county.  His  grandfather,  Levi  Hol- 
lingsworth, moved  from  Pennsylvania  to  near 
where  Flushing  now  stands,  as  early  as  1804, 
and  made  for  himself  and  family  a pioneer 
home  in  the  wilderness.  He  was  a lineal  de- 
scendant of  Valentine  Hollingsworth,  who,  in 
1682.  came  to  America  in  the  ship  “Welcome,” 
with  William  Penn,  the  Quaker,  founder  of  the 
colony  of  Pennsylvania.  The  family  have 
been  prominently  identified  with  the  business 
and  political  interests  of  Belmont  County  ever 
since  the  county  was  organized. 

David  A.  Hollingsworth  received  a liberal 
education  in  tbe  public  schools  and  at  Mount 
Lbiion  College.  At  the  age  of  16  he  enlisted 
as  a private  soldier  in  Company  B.,  25th  Reg., 
Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  commanded  by  Capt.  James 
VTshburn,  of  Monroe  County.  He  was  in 


96 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


a iuinil)cr  of  im])orlant  l)attles,  and  saw  some 
of  the  hardest  campaigning  of  the  Civil  War. 
lie  studied  law  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar 
at  St.  Clairsville,  September  17,  1867.  In 
.September,  i86(),  he  removed  from  Flushing 
to  Cadiz,  where  he  has  ever  since  been  en- 
gaged in  the  active  juaictice  of  law. 

Previous  to  his  removal  to  Cadiz,  he  was 
mayor  of  the  village  of  Flushing,  and  had 
already  began  to  take  an  active  part  in  public 
affairs.  He  was  admitted  to  the  bar  of  the 
Su])reme  Court  at  Washington,  in  1880,  and 
has  since  been  counsel  in  a number  of  im- 
portant cases  in  that  court. 

In  1873  he  was  elected  ju'osecuting  attorney 
of  Harrison  County,  Ohio,  and  re-elected  in 
1875.  In  1879  he  was  nominated  and  elected 
State  Senator  from  the  district  composed  of 
Belmont  and  Harrison  counties,  receiving  a 
majority  of  over  600.  He  was  re-elected  in 
1881  by  a majority  of  over  1,200. 

In  the  Senate  Mr.  Plollingsworth  took  a 
leading  ]>art,  serving  as  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittees on  Judiciary,  on  Federal  Relations,  on 
Privileges  and  Flections  and  on  Railroads, 
Turnpikes  and  Telegraphs.  In  the  last  named 
position  he  was  especially  vigilant  in  guarding 
the  interests  of  the  people  as  against  the  pow- 
erful railroad  and  other  corporation  influences 
then  just  beginning  to  be  felt  in  the  State.  He 
was  an  anti-trust  legislator  before  the  present 
anti-trust  agitation  began. 

By  special  request  of  Gov.  Charles  Foster, 
•Ajiril  21,  1883,  he  resigned  as  State  Senator, 
and  accepted  the  position  of  attorney  general, 
to  succeed  Attorney  General  George  K.  Nash, 
who  was  appointed  to  the  Supreme  Court  Com- 
mission. He  was  unanimously  tendered  a 
nomination  for  the  regular  term,  but  he  de- 
clined, and  voluntarily  resumed  the  practice 
of  law  at  Cadiz. 

Air.  Holliugsworth,  ever  since  his  location 
at  Cadiz,  has  been  favorably  known  in  con- 
nection with  the  public  and  business  enterprises 
of  the  county.  He  acted  as  president  of  the 
First  National  Bank  of  Cadiz  for  a number 
of  years,  but  finding  that  its  duties  interfered 
too  much  with  his  increasing  legal  business,  he 


resigned,  and  has  ever  since  devoted  his  time 
entirely  to  the  law.  He  is  a tireless  worker. 

jMthough  quiet  and  reserved  as  a citizen,  he 
always  takes  a deep  interest  in  political  ques- 
tions. In  J882  he  acted  as  temporary  chair- 
man of  the  Repuldican  State  Convention,  and 
has  at  times  been  prominently  mentioned  by 
the  press  of  the  State  in  connection  with  the 
Republican  nomination  for  Governor,  and  also 
for  Supreme  Court  judge,  but  he  has  never 
personally  encouraged  the  use  of  his  name  for 
either.  In  the  famous  presidential  campaign 
of  1896,  he  headed  a delegation  of- 1,000  wool 
growers  to  President  McKinley,  at  Canton  and 
his  presentation  speech  was  subsequently  print- 
ed and  widely  circulated. 

REV.  DR.  JAMES  MOFFAT, 

The  well  known  president  of  Washington- 
Jefferson  College  is  one  of  the  foremost  men 
in  the  educational  and  religious  circles  of  the 
Pre,sbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States. 

In  the  last  two  general  assemblies  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  Dr.  Moffat  has  been  the 
conspicuous  figure  and  his  earnest  efforts  for 
a revision  of  the  creed  have  given  him  national 
prominence.  Undaunted  by  defeat  in  the  first 
report,  Dr.  Moffat  entered  upon  the  work  of 
revision  and  pacification,  in  the  succeeding 
general  assembly,  with  renewed  zeal  and  earn- 
estness. 

He  again  made  the  report  of  the  committee 
to  the  general  assembly  and  supplemented  it 
with  such  earnest  and  eloquent  words  that  the 
great  representative  body,  composed  of  the 
most  able  and  learned  men  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  was  carried  by  storm,  and  the  report 
was  adopted  by  an  overwhelming  majority. 

As  Dr.  Moffat  once  aptly  expressed  it,  “I 
discovered  America  March  15,  1846.”  When 
but  an  infant  he  was  brought  to  St.  Clairsville, 
where  his  father.  Rev.  John  Moffat,  was  the 
noble  Scotch  pastor  of  the  old  Presbyterian 
Church  for  15  years. 

Here  “Jimmy”  Moffat,  as  the  old  citizens 
familiarly  called  him,  attended  school  and  grew 
up  to  young  manhood.  In  1861  his  father  ac- 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


97 


cepted  the  position  of  pastor  of  the  Presby- 
terian Church  in  Bellaire,  where  the  family  re- 
sided for  several  years. 

He  entered  Washington-Jefferson  College 
when  about  19  years  of  age  and  graduated  in 
1869.  Continuing  his  studies  he  entered 
Princeton  Theological  Seminary  the  following 
autumn.  On  April  14,  1871,  he  was  licensed 
to  preach  by  the  Presb3hery  of  Washington 
and  the  succeeding  months  found  him  an  able 
co-pastor  of  the  Second  Presbyterian  Church 
in  Wheeling,  West  Virginia,  an  appointment 
to  which  his  father  in  the  meantime  had  been 
called.  His  father’s  failing  health,  however, 
compelled  him  to  give  up  his  chosen  work.  On 
September  6,  1871,  Dr.  Moffat  married  Eliza- 
beth D.  Crangle,  daughter  of  Henry  Crangle 
of  Wheeling. 

In  1882  he  accepted  the  presidency  of  Wash- 
ington-Jefferson College  and  the  reluctance 
with  which  his  congregation  parted  with  him 
shows  its  high  appreciation  of  his  successful 
work.  The  degree  of  Doctor  of  Divinity  was 
conferred  upon  him  the  same  year  by  Hanover 
College  and  in  1883  by  Princeton  College. 
The  degree  of  A.  B.  was  conferred  by  Wash- 
ington-Jefferson in  1869  and  LL.  D.  by  the 
State  University  of  Pennsylvania  in  1901. 

Dr.  Moffat’s  career  while  a student  at  Wash- 
ington-Jefferson is  recalled  with  much  pleas- 
ure by  many  who  were  his  classmates  and  fel- 
low students  and  who  always  found  much  en- 
joyment in  his  company.  His  life  has  always 
been  marked  by  many  distinguished  traits  of 
character  that  were  so  natural  and  estimable 
that  his  associates  were  desirous  of  a more  in- 
timate acquaintance.  His  figure  was  prom- 
inent in  all  gatherings  which  were  of  general 
interest.  He  joined  in  the  college  sports  to  a 
certain  extent,  but  never  did  he  allow  outside 
influences  to  distract  his  attention  from  his 
studies  or  the  one  main  object  of  his  life — the 
ministry.  With  all  he  was  a popular  student, 
but  he  never  formed  intimate  asociations  with 
any  one  who  did  not  sympathize  with  him  in 
his  religious  belief. 

As  a minister  of  the  Gospel.  Dr.  Moffat  is 
favorably  known  to  the  people  wherever  he  has 


spoken.  His  sermons  are  the  result  of  deep 
thought  expressed  in  such  simple  language  that 
he  never  fails  to  hold  the  attention  and  inspire 
the  minds  of  all  who  hear  him.  He  wastes  no 
words  and  always  places  himself  behind  his 
sermons  in  such  a forcible  way,  at  the  same 
time  so  plainly,  that  his  propositions  are  under- 
stood by  ever^'one.  He  has  the  courage  of  his 
convictions, — a trait  that  he  displayed  while 
quite  young, — and  if  he  believes  that  he  is 
right,  no  matter  who  opposes,  he  goes  ahead. 

Under  his  guiding  hand  Washington-Jeffer- 
son College  has  made  the  greatest  progress  in 
its  history. 

His  whole  life  of  industry,  perseverance  and 
simplicity  has  been  thrown  into  the  work,  and 
advancement  in  every  department  has  resulted. 

He  has  by  his  distinguished  ability  and  man- 
agement given  the  college  an  enviable  reputa- 
tion. Everywhere  he  goes,  he  makes  friends 
for  the  institution. 

His  presidency  has  been  marked  by  many 
achievements,  among  the  most  notable  of  which 
may  be  mentioned  the  system  of  grading  and 
the  raising  of  the  college  standard,  both  the 
results  of  his  able  thought.  The  discipline  of 
the  college  has  never  been  better  than  under 
his  management  and  the  respect  and  confidence 
in  which  he  is  held  by  the  students  is  a help 
to  all  his  plans.  Since  taking  the  presidency 
of  the  college,  he  has  had  calls  to  several  prom- 
inent churches.  Fortunatel)^  for  the  college, 
these  calls  have  all  been  declined.  His  de- 
parture would  be  the  greatest  blow  the  institu- 
tion could  receive. 

Dr.  Moffat  once  gave  voice  to  a thought  that 
seems  to  be  his  motto  in  life.  “Know  something 
of  everything,  and  everything  of  something.” 

BISHOP  JAMES  M.  THOBURN. 

Among  the  noted  sons  of  Belmont  County 
who  have  achieved  a world-wide  distinction  is 
Bishop  James  hi.  Thoburn  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church. 

Bishop  Thoburn  was  born  upon  a farm  a few 
miles  east  of  St.  Clairsville,  March  7,  1836. 


98 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Hi?  ])arents  were  thrifty,  devout  Scotch-Irish, 
who  came  to  this  country  in  1835  and  settled 
upon  the  farm  now  occupied  hy  Samuel  Finney 
near  St.  Clairs\-illc. 

The  P>ishoj)  attended  the  district  school 
known  locally  as  Beech  hlill  until  he  was  15 
years  f)f  age,  when  he  entered  Allegheny  Col- 
icge,  August  23,  1851.  After  attending  col- 
lege for  two  years,  he  returned  home  and  re- 
ceived an  apiwintment  to  teach.  This  position 
he  retained  for  two  years  and  then  re-entered 
college  and  completed  his  course  in  1859.  He 
immediately  entered  the  ministry  and  began  to 
])icach  in  Stark  County,  near  Canton,  until 
1859. 

Having  in  the  meantime  received  an  appoint- 
ment as  missionary  to  India,  he  left  home  in 
the  latter  part  of  March  and  sailed  from  Bos- 
ton April  II,  1859,  for  Calcutta,  taking,  the 
long  route  (which  was  common  for  sailing  ves- 
sels at  that  day)  around  the  Cape  of  Good 
Mope.  .After  a long  and  weary  voyage  he 
reached  India  August  21st  and  proceeded  im- 
mediately to  the  mission  fields  selected  for  him 
in  Northern  India. 

Of  his  work  at  that  time,  Dr.  Buckley  says : 
“Adieu  Bishop  ddiohurn  went  to  India  in  1859, 
a young  unmarried  man  consecrating  himself 
to  the  isolation,  climatic  depression  and  the 
countless  irritations  and  perplexities  incident  to 
dealing  with  a jieople  of  a difficult  speech,  di- 
vided into  castes  so  persistent  and  tyrannical, 
that  if  he  touched  the  hand  of  one  he  would 
he  spurned  with  unutterable  loathing  by  an- 
other, he  was  without  the  sympathy  and  com- 
jianionship  of  a wife.  Subsecjnently  he  mar- 
ried a devoted  missionary  lady,  the  widow  of 
the  late  Dr.  Downey  of  Calcutta,  but  within 
a year  she  sickened  and  died.  Nineteen  years 
thereafter  the  Bishop  again  married.  Dr.  Anna 
Jones  of  Kingston,  Ohio,  a graduate  of  the 
AAman’s  Medical  College  of  Philadelphia,  be- 
coming his  wife.  Mrs.  Thoburn  was  a woman 
of  intensely  religious  spirit  and  during  the  pur- 
suit of  her  work  she  was  stated  physician  to 
the  missionary  circle  in  India,  and  physician 
and  surgeon  to  the  large  girl’s  school  in  Cal- 
cutta, and  furnished  medicine  and  medical  ser- 


vice to  the  poor,  helpless  and  degraded  of  Cal- 
cutta. Mrs.  Thoburn  broke  down  at  this 
arduous  labor  and  after  long  years  of  patient 
suffering  died  in  the  United  States  in  Septem- 
ber, 1902. 

“From  the  Bishop's  arrival  in  India,  he  has 
continued  in  the  foreign  missionary  service  of 
Ins  church,  in  the  meantime  filling  appoint- 
ments at  Naini  Tal  among  the  Himalaya 
Mountains  in  Rohlkhand,  in  Lucknow  and 
from  1874  to  1888  in  the  city  of  Calcutta. 

“In  this  missionary  work.  Bishop  Thoburn 
was  singularly  successful. 

“Hundreds  of  natives  were  converted  through 
his  ]iersonal  exertions,  and  many  native  preach- 
ers and  teachers  estaldished  in  the  work  of 
reform. 

“In  May,  1888,  he  was  elected  Missionary 
Bishop  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  for 
India  and  Malaysia,  and  from  that  date  began 
a wide  series  of  missionary  tours,  which  had  to 
l.ie  performed  annually  throughout  the  whole 
of  India  and  as  far  into  Malaysia  as  Singapore. 
Since  that  time,  in  performance  of  his  official 
duties.  Bishop  Thoburn  has  several  times  placed 
half  the  globe  between  himself  and  his  family, 
before  the  sad  day  arrived  when  he  was 
obliged  by  her  illness,  to  bring  Mrs.  Thoburn 
home  to  die. 

“As  the  Philippine  Islands  were  included  in 
the  region  callecl  Malaysia,  he  proceeded  to 
these  islands  as  soon  as  they  had  been  opened ' 
up  by  Admiral  Dewey’s  victory,  and  laid  the 
foundation  of  Methodist  missions  in  the  Philip- 
pines. 

“The  wonderful  success  that  has  attended 
missions  under  his  care,  both  in  India  and 
Malaysia,  has  made  Bishop  Thoburn  famous 
throughout  the  world. 

“Fie  is  a preacher  of  rare  power.  The  sim- 
plicity of  his  language,  the  earnestness  of  his 
apjieals,  and  his  warm  sympathetic  nature  are 
irresistible.  He  is  also  a discriminating  critic, 
and  gives  reasons  for  his  opinions  when  they 
are  not  in  accordance  Avith  existing  methods. 
Bisliop  Thoburn  has  likewise  become  noted  in 
tlie  field  of  Christian  literature. 

“For  years  he  edited  the  Indimi  Witness  in 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


99 


Calcutta,  and  is  the  author  of  ‘My  Missionary 
Apprenticeship,’  ‘India  and  Malaysia,’  ‘The 
Light  in  the  East,’  ‘The  Deaconess  and  her 
Work,’  ‘The  Christian  Nations,’  and  ‘The 
Church  of  Pentecost,’  all  of  which  a distin- 


guished author  says  are  ‘illuminating  and  in- 
spiring utterances,  upon  topics  with  which  the 
author  is  thoroughly  familiar,  and  which  he 
believes  with  all  the  fervor  of  an  exceptionally 
intense  nature.’  ” 


CHAPTER.  IX 


THE  BENCH  AND  BAR.  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY. 

Charles  Hammond — Gov.  Wilson  Shannon — Senator  Benjamin  Ruggles — Judge 
William  Kennon,  Sr. — Hon.  Benjamin  S.  Cowen. — Judge  D.  D.  T.  Cowen— - 
Hon.  Lorenzo  Danford — Other  Lawyers  of  Distinction — The  Justices  and 
Judges  of  the  Courts  of  Belmont  County — The  Attorneys  Admitted  to 
Practice. 


In  the  century  just  closed,  the  Belmont 
County  bench  and  bar  have  achieved  a fame 
and  reputation  as  widespread  as  the  nation. 

Some  of  its  memliers  have  been  called  to  the 
hig'hest  seats  in  our  halls  of  legislation,  both 
State  and  national,  and  others  to  the  foremost 
rank  in  tlie  courts  of  jurisprudence. 

d'hese  distinguished  statesmen  and  jurists 
were  men  of  consummate  aliility  who  stamped 
their  impress  upon  the  age  in  which  they  lived. 

Among  the  leading  historical  characters  we 
mention  first  the  name  of 

CHARLES  HAMMOND. 

Charles  Hammond  was  born  in  Maryland, 
came  to  Belmont  County  in  i8oi,  and  was  re- 
garded as  one  of  the  most  profound  lawyers  in 
his  day  and  generation,  and  is  classed  with 
such  great  constitutional  lawyers  as  Marshall, 
Story  and  Webster.  His  review  of  the  opinion 
of  Chief  Justice  Marshall,  in  the  Bank  of  the 
United  States  z’s.  Osborn,  is  one  of  the  most 
masterly  arguments  upon  record.  In  speaking 
of  this  argument  to  William  Wort,  Chief  Jus- 
tice Marshall  said  that  Hammond  had  pro- 
duced in  that  case  the  most  remarkable  paper 
]daced  on  file  in  any  court  since  the  days  of 
Lord  IMansfield.  That  it  had  persuaded  him 
that  right  rvas  wrong. 

He  was  the  first  prosecuting  attorney  of 
Belmont  County,  appointed  in  i8oi,  by  the 


first  Court  of  Quarter  Sessions,  and  served 
three  years. 

Judge  Cranmer  says  of  him:  “During  his 

practice  in  the  courts  of  Belmont  County  he 
was  perhaps  the  instrument  of  settling  more 
cases  amicably  than  all  the  other  members  of 
the  bar  together.”  So  marked  was  this  trait 
in  his  character  that  the  sheriff  of  the  county 
was  accustomed  to  express  himself  by  saying: 
“Unless  Charles  Hammond  left  the  county,  he 
and  his  deputies  would  starve  for  want  of 
fees.” 

Mr.  Hammond  had  the  courage  of  his  con- 
victions, and  never  hesitated  to  express  them, 
however  unpopular.  During  the  War  of  1812 
he  was  a pronounced  Federalist  and  published 
a paper  in  St.  Clairsville  known  as  The  Ohio 
Federalist,  that  gave  expression  to  his  opposi- 
tion to  the  war,  which  called  down  upon  his 
head  the  censure,  the  abuse  and  bitter  denuncia- 
tion of  his  opponents,  and  notwithstanding  he 
was  mobbed  he  fearlessly  gave  expression  to 
his  views. 

From  1817-21  he  served  Belmont  County  in 
the  State  Legislature  both  as  Senator  and  Rep- 
resentative and  the  acts  he  drafted  were  models 
of  perspicuity  and  brevity. 

During  his  residence  in  Belmont  County,  he 
lived  on  what  is  now  the  Arrick  farm  near  the 
top  of  the  “big  hill.”  In  1823  he  moved  to 
Cincinnati,  where  his  literary  work  and  career 
as  a journalist  won  him  national  fame. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


lOI 


GOV.  WILSON  SHANNON. 

Wilson  Shannon  was  the  first  native-born 
citizen  of  the  Buckeye  State  to  serve  Ohio  as 
Governor.  Furthermore,  he  was  the  first  child 
born  in  W arren  township  and  the  little  village 
of  Mount  Olivet  claims  the  honor  of  his  birth 
which  occurred  February  24,  1802. 

His  father,  George  Shannon,  was  an  indus- 
trious and  intelligent  Irishman,  who  was 
frozen  to  death  during  a violent  snow  storm, 
before  Wilson  was  a year  old,  and  the  child’s 
support  and  education  devolved  upon  his 
brothers,  until  Wilson  attained  physical 
strength  and  growth  to  do  for  himself. 

Then  with  a little  aid  from  his  brothers  he 
worked  his  way  through  Athens  College  and 
the  Transylvania  University  of  Kentucky.  He 
subsequently  studied  law  under  Charles  Ham- 
mond and  David  Jennings  and  was  admitted 
to  practice  at  St.  Clairsville,  where  he  soon 
attained  eminence  in  his  profession. 

Governor  Shannon  was  a life-long  student 
and  a profound  lawyer,  but  ever  ready  to  assist 
the  weak  and  oppressed. 

He  entered  political  life  in  1833  was 
elected  prosecuting  attorney. 

In  1838  Mr.  Shannon  was  elected  Governor 
of  Ohio  upon  the  Democratic  ticket,  but  was 
defeated  for  re-election  by  Thomas  Corwin  in 
1840. 

However,  in  1842  he  was  again  elected  and 
before  his  term  expired  he  was  appointed  min- 
ister to  Mexico,  but  on  the  outbreak  of  the 
war  in  1845  returned  to  St.  Clairsville,  and 
seven  years  later  he  was  elected  to  Congress, 
where  he  was  one  of  four  Democrats  who 
voted  for  the  Kansas-Nebraska  bill. 

President  Pierce  appointed  him  Territorial 
Governor  of  Kansas  at  the  expiration  of  his 
Congressional  term. 

This  was  during  the  fierce  conflict  between 
the  friends  of  freedom  and  slavery  over  the 
admission  of  Kansas  to  the  Union  and  because 
of  some  friction  with  the  administration  he 
resigned  his  position  and  returned  to  his  home 
in  Lawrence,  Kansas,  where  he  died  in  1877. 

Howe  says  : “Governor  Shannon  possessed 


a noble  presence,  and  in  his  old  age  he  was  de- 
scribed as  a courteous,  hale,  hearty  gentleman 
of  the  olden  times.” 

After  his  retirement  from  office,  it  was  his 
desire  to  come  back  to  the  “sun  kissed  hills” 
that  gave  him  birth,  and  there  spend  the  rem- 
nant of  his  days,  but  this  desire  was  denied 
him. 

SENATOR  BENJAMIN  RUGGLES. 

Of  the  many  distinguished  statesmen  who 
have  represented  Ohio  in  the  United  States 
Senate,  none  have  filled  that  exalted  station 
with  more  credit  to  themselves  and  honor  to  the 
State  than  Benjamin  Ruggles. 

From  boyhood  to  manhood  his  life  was  a 
struggle.  Born  at  Woodstock,  Connecticut, 
February  21,  1782,  his  father  died  when  Ben- 
jamin was  but  eight  years  of  age.  Thence- 
forth he  had  many  trials  and  much  hard  labor 
with  which  to  contend,  but  with  true  Yankee 
grit  he  surmounted  them  all,  and  obtaining  a 
good  common  school  education  he  qualified 
himself  for  teaching,  and  for  years  taught 
school  in  the  winter  and  attended  academy  and 
summer  schools  in  the  summer. 

Inspired  with  an  ambition  to  reach  a higher 
intellectual  plane,  he  studied  law  with  Judge 
Peters  of  Hartford,  Connecticut,  and  when 
admitted  to  practice  he  entered  the  less  crowded 
fields  in  Ohio  and  located  at  Marietta  in  1807. 

Three  years  later,  and  when  he  was  but  28 
years  of  age,  he  was  elected  president  of  the 
Court  of  Common  Pleas,  with  a circuit  extend- 
ing from  St.  Clairsville  in  the  south,  to  Cleve- 
land on  the  north. 

After  his  election  Judge  Ruggles  moved  to 
St.  Clairsville,  where  he  resided  for  nearly  half 
a century. 

In  1815  he  was  chosen  to  represent  Ohio  in 
the  United  States  Senate,  a position  he  filled 
with  honor  and  dignity  for  18  successive  years. 
In  the  contest  of  1824,  he  Avas  chosen  chairman 
of  the  caucus  that  nominated  Crawford  of 
Georgia  for  the  presidency  and  in  1840  he  Avas 
strongly  urged  as  a candidate  for  Vice  Presi- 
dent. 

Senator  Ruggles  made  no  pretentions  to 


102 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


oratory,  but  when  he  addressed  the  Senate  his 
plain,  forcible  language  always  commanded  the 
attention  of  that  august  body. 

At  the  conclusion  of  his  senatorial  career,  he 
retired  to  his  farm  now  within  the  corporate 
limits  of  St.  Clairsville,  where  he  devoted  much 
of  his  time  to  the  propagation  of  new  and 
choice  varieties  of  fruit. 

He  was  a philanthropist  deeply  interested  in 
the  cultivation  of  fruit.  He  furnished  scions 
from  his  young  orchard  freely  to  all  that  asked 
for  them.  In  1815-20  while  serving  his  State 
in  the  Senate  of  the  United  States,  he  brought 
scions  obtained  from  the  original  Seckel  pear 
tree  near  Philadelphia  and  introduced  the  cul- 
tivation of  that  celebrated  pear  in  Eastern  Ohio. 
At  that  date  the  Seckel  pear  was  planted  large- 
ly upon  the  farm  now  occupied  by  A.  T.  Mc- 
Kelvey,  and  the  orchard  is  still  living  and  pro- 
ducing biennial  crops  of  excellent  fruit. 

Senator  Ruggles  was  tall  in  stature  and 
rather  delicate  in  appearance.  He  was  a firm 
lieliever  in  the  doctrines  of  Christianity  and  in 
the  community  in  which  he  lived  enjoyed  the 
respect  and  confidence  of  all.  As  an  evidence 
of  the  esteem  in  which  he  was  held,  old  citizens 
relate  the  fact  that  upon  receipt  of  the  news  of 
his  third  election  to  the  United  States  Senate, 
his  friends  were  so  elated  that  they  rang  the 
old  Court  House  bell  for  an  entire  day  with- 
out  ceasing. 

JUDGE  WILLIAM  KENNON,  SR., 

Was  a gentleman  of  distinguished  ability 
both  as  a statesman  and  attorney.  Born  in 
Fayette  County,  Pennsylvania,  in  1799,  he  re- 
moved, when  23  years  of  age,  to  St.  Clairsville, 
where  he  spent  the  remainder  of  his  life. 

Judge  Kennon  received  a classical  education 
at  Athens  College  and  studied  law  with  Will- 
iam B.  Hulibard,  a prominent  attorney  of  that 
day. 

In  1827  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  Hills- 
borough. Ohio.  However,  previous  to  this 
event  he  married  Mary  Ellis,  a sister  of  Mrs. 
Governor  Shannon,  and  the  fruits  of  this  union 
were  three  children.  Judge  Kennon’s  great 


ability  as  a lawyer  won  for  him  a large  and 
lucrative  practice. 

He  entered  public  life  when  but  29  years  of 
age,  having  been  elected  in  1828  to  Congress, 
where  he  served  his  constituents  with  great 
ability  for  four  years.  In  1832  James  M.  Bell 
of  Guernsey  County  defeated  him,  but  two 
years  later  he  was  again  elected,  serving  until 

His  prominence  and  ability  as  a constitu- 
tional lawyer  secured  his  nomination  and  elec- 
tion to  the  position  of  judge  of  the  Fifteenth 
Judicial  Circuit,  a position  he  filled  with  dis- 
tinction and  honor  for  10  years. 

In  1850  he  was  chosen  Supreme  Court  judge 
and  president  of  the  State  Constitutional  Con- 
vention, which  made  the  present  code  of  civil 
procedure. 

Judge  Kennon’s  force  and  ability  as  an  attor- 
ney gave  him  a lucrative  and  laborious  prac- 
tice that  extended  far  beyond  the  limits  of  his 
own  State. 

It  was  while  engaged  in  the  celebrated 
Campbell  will  case  in  Brooke  County,  West 
Virginia,  that  he  was  stricken  with  partial 
paralysis  and  was  compelled  thereafter  to  retire 
from  practice. 

While  Judge  Kennon  was  a profound  states- 
man and  scholar,  he  was  a genial  and  courtly 
gentleman  and  an  earnest  and  devout  Chris- 
tian. Every  Sabbath  morning,  when  the 
weather  would  permit,  he  was  seen  in  his  ac- 
customed place  of  worship,  his  chin  resting 
upon  his  cane  by  reason  of  his  infirmities  while 
he  looked  up  steadfastly  and  encouragingly 
into  the  preacher’s  face. 

HON.  BENJAMIN  S.  COWEN. 

Among  the  distinguished  members  of  the 
Belmont  Countv  bar,  none  have  conferred  more 
honor  on  the  county  than  the  subject  of  this 
sketch.  Elon.  Benjamin  S.  Cowen  was  born 
September  27,  1792,  in  Washington  County, 
New  York. 

His  early  education  was  such  as  was  attain- 
able at  the  private  schools  of  the  time,  which 
being  necessarily  fragmentary,  he  was  ever  a 


P ■;  THE  OLD  COURT  H0USE.7 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


careful  and  industrious  student,  and  an  omniv- 
orous reader  of  good  books. 

His  experience  was  similar  to  that  of  the 
average  farm  boy  and  pioneer  emigrant  to  the  j 
then  far  West,  and  attended  with  the  usual  j 
hardships  and  privations  of  a frontier  life.  He 
was  a soldier  in  the  War  of  1812  at  the  age  of 
20,  and  came  to  Ohio  in  1824,  settling  at 
Moorefield,  Harrison  County,  where  his  three 
eldest  children  were  born. 

klr.  Cowen  was  trained  for  a physician  and 
surgeon  and  came  to  the  bar  in  1830.  In  1832 
he  removed  with  his  family  to  St.  Clairsville, 
which  was  afterwards  his  home  for  37  years 
and  until  his  death. 

In  1840  Mr.  Cowen  was  elected  to  the  27th 
Congress  as  a Whig  in  what  had  been  before  a 
strong  Democratic  district,  but  was  defeated 
for  re-election  two  years  later.  His  advocacy 
of  the  appropriation  of  $40,000  for  the  con- 
struction of  the  Morse  telegraph  line  between 
Washington  and  Baltimore  and  his  vote  for  a 
national  bankruptcy  law  contributed  largely  to 
his  defeat. 

He  became  prominent  in  Congress,  taking 
an  active  part  in  legislation,  especially  in  the 
passage  of  the  tariff  act  of  1842.  He  was  a 
member  of  the  Committee  on  Claims  and  on 
the  resignation  of  Joshua  R.  Giddings  became 
chairman  of  that  committee. 

He  was  a member  of  the  Ohio  House  of 
Representatives  in  1845-46,  in  which  body  he 
was  the  recognized  leader,  and  chairman  of 
the  Finance  Committee.  In  this  position  he 
was  intrumental  in  framing  the  State  bank  law 
which  gave  the  State  the  best  bank  law  it  ever 
had,  and  which  system  was  substantially 
adopted  into  the  present  national  banking  law. 
He  was  also  largely  instrumental  in  reforming 
the  tax  laws  of  the  State  which  had  fallen  into 
chaos. 

In  1847  was  appointed  president  judge 
of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas,  which  position 
he  filled  until  the  adoption  of  the  new  Consti- 
tution made  the  office  an  elective  one,  when  he 
declined  a nomination  for  the  place. 

During  the  Civil  War  he  was  active  in  all 
measures  to  aid  the  government  in  suppressing 


105 


the  Rebellion,  in  the  raising  of  troops  and  the 
relief  of  soldiers'  families.  He  was  also  a 
member  of  a commission,  by  appointment  of 
his  warm  personal  friend,  Edwin  M.  Stanton, 
Secretary  of  War,  to  investigate  the  charges 
pending  against  persons  in  military  prisons  for 
alleged  treasonable  practices. 

IVIr.  Cowen  was  a Whig  in  politics,  leaning 
strongly  to  the  anti-slavery  side,  and  in  1848 
he  supported  Van  Buren,  the  anti-slavery  can- 
didate, as  against  General  Taylor,  the  regular 
Whig  nominee. 

In  1854  he  cast  in  his  lot  with  the  anti- 
Nebraska  party,  which  soon  became  the  Re- 
publican part3^  in  the  formation  of  which  he 
was  very  active,  presiding  at  one  or  more  of 
the  first  State  conventions  of  that  party,  and 
engaging  actively  in  all  political  campaigns  as 
long  as  he  lived. 

Mr.  Cowen  was  always  greatly  interested  in 
affairs  for  the  betterment  of  local  conditions 
and  was  very  active  in  the  advocacy  of  reforms 
and  improvements.  He  was  one  of  the  orig- 
inators and  patrons  of  a local  classical  institute 
of  some  note  at  St.  Clairsville,  where  his  sons 
were  educated. 

Judge  Cowen’s  mental  faculties  remained 
clear  to  the  end  of  his  long  and  successful  life 
and  he  continued  in  the  vigorous  and  active 
practice  of  his  profession  until  shortly  before 
his  death,  which  occurred  upon  his  76th  birth- 
day. 

JUDGE  D.  D.  T.  COWEN 

Was  a worthy  son  of  an  honored  sire.  Fol- 
lowing in  the  footsteps  of  his  father,  he  en- 
tered upon  the  profession  of  the  law  on  Jan- 
uary 20,  1847. 

As  a preparation  for  the  work  of  after  life. 
Judge  Cowen  completed  a course  of  classical 
study  at  Cadiz,  Ohio,  and  then  entered  upon 
• and  completed  a full  course  of  study  in  medi- 
cine under  the  tutorage  of  the  celebrated  prac- 
titioner, Dr.  John  Alexander  of  St.  Clairsville. 

After  four  years’  experience  in  the  practice 
of  law,  Judge  Cowen  was  elected  prosecuting 
attorney  of  Belmont  County,  which  position  he 
held  for  six  successive  years. 


io6 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


In  1(S62  the  spirit  of  patriotisni  prompted 
him  to  abandon  a rapidly  increasing  practice 
and  fly  to  the  defense  of  the  nation.  Mr. 
Cowen  was  app(dnted  lieutenant-colonel  of  the 
52nd  Ohio,  a ])osition  he  tilled  with  distinction 
and  bravery  nntil  February,  1863,  when  owing 
to  the  critical  condition  of  his  wife’s  health  he 
was  obliged  to  resign  and  return  home. 

In  1865  he  was  appointed  Common  Pleas 
jndge  to  till  the  unexpired  term  of  Judge  Okey. 

Judge  Cowen  was  a lawyer  of  great  ability; 
it  has  been  trnly  said  of  him  that  he  was  “in- 
tuitively a lawyer"  and  for  nearly  a c|uarter 
of  a century  was  employed  in  the  prosecution 
or  defense  of  every  important  case  in  the  courts 
of  Pelmont  County. 

Judge  Cowen  rendered  the  State  a distin- 
guished service  as  a member  of  the  Constitu- 
tional Convention  of  1873.  one  of  the 

leading  members  of  that  great  legal  conference 
and  foremost  in  the  framing  of  needed  amend- 
ments to  the  organic  law  of  the  State. 

Judge  Cowen’s  death  occurred  at  St.  Clairs- 
ville  in  April,  1884. 

HON.  LORENZO  DANFORD. 

Perhaps  Captain  Danford  was  the  most  elo- 
quent advocate  of  the  Belmont  County  bar 
during  his  long  and  honorable  career. 

For  years  he  stood  at  the  head  of  the  bar 
in  the  e.xtent  of  practice  and  remuneration  re- 
ceived, although  lie  practiced  more  for  the  love 
of  his  work  than  for  any  compensation  he 
hoped  to  receive.  To  win  his  case  was  of  fore- 
most imjwrtance. 

Fie  said  he  cared  not  so  much  what  the  law 
is,  as  what  it  ought  to  be. 

Captain  Danford  was  born  in  Washington 
township  in  1829,  and  attended  the  public 
schools  until  he  attained  young  manhood  when 
he  finished  his  education  at  Waynesburg,  Penn- 
sylvania. He  studied  law  with  Carlo  C.  Car- 
roll  and  was  admitted  to  practice  in  1854.  In 
18^7  he  was  elected  prosecuting  attorney  of 
Belmont  County,  a position  he  filled  with  pro- 
nounced success  for  two  terms,  and  at  the  out- 
break of  the  Civil  W'^ar  patriotism  prompted 


him  to  resign  his  office  and  enlist  in  the  army. 

He  enlisted  as  a private  in  the  17th  Regi- 
ment, Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  and  upon  the  expiration 
of  the  three  months’  service  re-enlisted  in  the 
15th  Ohio,  where  he  was  steadily  promoted  for 
gallantry  to  the  position  of  captain.  Because 
of  failing  health  he  was  compelled  to  resign  his 
commission  in  1864  and  resume  the  practice 
of  law. 

In  1872  Captain  Danford  was  elected  to 
Congress,  a position  that  he  filled  for  two 
terms  with  great  acce])tability. 

In  1894  he  again  enterecl  politics  and  was 
elected  to  Congress  for  three  additional  terms, 
a position  he  held  until  the  day  of  his  death. 

Mr.  Danford’s  Congressional  career  won 
him  high  honors  both  in  and  out  of  Congress. 
He  was  an  earnest  and  eloquent  advocate  of  the 
gold  standard,  in  the  discussion  of  the  financial 
question  agitating  the  country  in  1896,  and 
his  services  as  an  eloquent  and  popular  political 
speaker  were  much  sought  for  throughout  the 
State.  Mr.  Danford  was  a man  of  warm  per- 
sonality and  drew  about  him  many  devoted 
friends  over  whom  he  exercised  a great  influ- 
ence. 

OTHER  LAWYERS  OF  DISTINCTION. 

Among  the  other  lawyers  of  eminence  in 
the  century  just  closed,  we  might  mention 
Jacob  Nagle,  the  brilliant  scholar.  David 
Jennings,  the  eminent  prosecutor  and  Con- 
gressman. Thomas  H.  Genin,  the  eccentric 
author  and  attorney,  who  early  espoused  the 
cause  of  Lundy.  In  conducting  farming  oper- 
ations, Mr.  Genin  believed  and  practiced  the 
doctrine  that  “nature  should  take  its  course,” 
and  the  old  log  homestead  in  which  he  for 
years  resided  is  still  standing,  but  during  his 
occupancy  its  surroundings  were  a veritable 
wilderness  of  choice  fruit,  and  forest  trees  and 
dense  shrubbery. 

William  H.  Hubbard,  a prominent  lawyer  of 
early  days,  who  amassed  a great  fortune  in 
the  capital  city. 

Hon.  William  Kennon,  Jr.,  who  served  the 
county  with  distinction  and  honor  as  prose- 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


107 


cnting  attorney,  Common  Pleas  judge  and 
Congressman. 

Hugh  J.  Jewett,  subsequently  president  of 
the  Erie  Railroad  and  Democratic  candidate 
for  Governor  of  Ohio  in  1861. 

Carlo  C.  Carroll,  a distingiushed  advocate 
for  a quarter  of  a century,  and  prosecuting  at- 
torney from  1845  to  1849. 

Daniel  Peck  and  Judge  George  W.  Thomp- 
son, who  removed  from  St.  Clairsville,  and  ac- 
quired distinction  as  wise  counselors  and  able 
jurists,  in  the  courts  of  West  Virginia. 

THE  JUSTICES  AND  JUDGES  OF  THE  COURTS  OF 
BELMONT  COUNTY. 

We  quote  from  the  history  of  the  “Upper 
Ohio  Valley”  the  following  list  of  judges  and 
justices  since  the  formation  of  our  county  gov- 
ernment. 

“Under  the  Gonstitution  of  1802,  the  Legis- 
lature provided  for  Supreme,  District  and 
Common  Pleas  courts.  The  judges  of  the  Dis- 
trict and  Common  Pleas  courts  were  appointed 
by  the  Governor.  A presiding  judge  and  three 
associate  judges  constituted  the  Gourt  of  Com- 
mon Pleas,  and  the  latter,  although  generally 
not  lawyers,  frequently  overruled  the  presiding 
judge  in  rendering  decisions. 

“The  Constitution  of  1850  provided  for  the 
election  of  judges,  and  the  laws  under  it  di- 
vided the  State  into  judicial  districts,  and  the 
districts  with  subdivisions,  each  of  which  was 
to  have  a Common  Pleas  judge  who  held  the 
Common  Pleas  Court  in  his  subdivision,  and 
all  the  Common  Pleas  judges  in  a district  con- 
stituted the  District  Court ; presided  over  by 
one  of  the  judges  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the 
State  generally,  but  not  always,  until  relieved 
from  the  duty  by  law  in  1872. 

“A  constitutional  amendment  in  1884  created 
a Circuit  Court  to  take  the  place  of  the  District 
Court,  making  of  it  a new  and  distinct  court, 
and  the  Legislature  divided  the  State  into 
seven  judicial  circuits,  since  increased  to  nine. 

“The  following  is  a list  of  the  judges  who 
have  held  these  various  courts  in  Belmont 
County : 


“Justices  of  Territorial  Courts. — The  courts 
of  Quarter  Sessions  held  at  ‘Pultney,’  in  1802- 
1803,  were  held  by  David  Vance,  David  Lock- 
wood,  Daniel  McElherren,  William  Vance, 
John  Ferris,  Elijah  jVlartin,  Thomas  Thomp- 
son, Sterling  Johnson,  Joseph  Sharp,  James 
Alexander,  Esqs.,  Hon.  Calvin  Pease,  presid- 
ing judge. 

“Judges  and  Associates  of  Common  Pleas 
Courts.- — 1803-09,  Hon.  Calvin  Pease,  presid- 
ing judge;  David  Lockwood,  James  Vance  and 
James  Alexander,  associate  judges;  1810-15, 
Hon.  Benjamin  Ruggles,  presiding  judge; 
John  Patterson,  James  Alexander  and  John 
Wiley,  associate  judges;  1815-16,  Hon.  George 
Todd,  presiding  judge;  James  Alexander,  John 
Wiley  and  Joseph  Anderson,  associate  judges; 
1817-22,  Hon.  Benjamin  Tappan,  presiding 
judge;  James  Alexander,  Joseph  Anderson  and 
.Edward  Brison,  associate  judges;  1823-24, 
Hon.  Jeremiah  Hallock,  presiding  judge;  John 
Brison,  John  Wiley  and  Alexander  Armstrong, 
associate  judges ; 1825-29,  Hon.  Jeremiah  Hal- 
lock, presiding  judge;  Josiah  Dillon,  John 
Wile}^  and  Alexander  Armstrong,  associate 
judges;  1830-33,  Hon.  Jeremiah  Hallock,  pre- 
siding judge;  John  Wiley,  George  Sharp  and 
Josiah  Dillon  in  1830-31,  and  John  Davenport 
in  place  of  John  Wiley  in  1832-33,  associate 
judges;  1834-35,  Hon.  Alexander  Harper,  pre- 
siding judge;  George  Sharp,  Josiah  Dillon  and 
John  Davenport  in  1834,  and  James  Alexan- 
der for  Josiah  Dillon  in  1835,  associate  judges; 
1836-39,  Hon.  Corrington  W.  Searle,  presiding 
judge;  James  Alexander,  Hugh  Rogers  and 
James  Campbell,  associate  judges  in  1836; 
Robert  E.  Caruthers  in  place  of  James  Alexan- 
der in  1837-38,  and  Hugh  Rogers,  James 
Campbell  and  William  Kirker,  associate  judges 
in  1839;  1840-47,  Hon.  William  Kennon,  pre- 
siding judge;  George  W.  Hazen,  William 
'Wilkins  and  Jesse  Barton,  associate  judges; 

1848- 51,  Hon.  Benjamin  S.  Gowen,  presiding 
judge;  associate  judges,  1848,  George  W. 
Hazen,  William  Wilkins  and  Jesse  Barton; 

1849- 50,  William  W.  Waters  in  place  of 
George  W.  Hazen;  1851,  associate  judges, 
Robert  McMasters  and  Robert  E.  Caruthers ; 


io8 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


1852-65,  Common  Pleas  judge  elected,  John 
\V.  Okey ; 1865,  by  appointment  or  resignation 
of  John  \V.  Okey,  Daniel  D.  T.  Cowen;  1866- 
67,  imcxpired  term  of  John  W.  Okey,  William 
Kennon,  Jr.;  1867-71,  unexpired  term  of  John 
W'.  Okey,  John  S.  \Vkiy ; 1871,  unexpired  term 
of  John  S.  Way,  deceased,  St.  Clair  Kelley; 
1872-76,  unexpired  term  of  John  S.  Way,  de- 
ceased, Roliert  E.  Chambers;  1877-81,  unex- 
pired term  of  John  S.  Way,  deceased,  William 
Okey;  1882-86,  unexpired  term  of  John  S. 
Way,  deceased,  St.  Clair  Kelley;  1887-91,  un- 
ex])ired  term  of  John  S.  Way,  deceased,  John 
P>.  Driggs;  1897,  J.  W.  Hollingsworth. 

"District  Courts. — 1852-53,  Hon.  Rufus  R. 
Raney,  supreme  judge;  R.  J.  Alexander, 
d'homas  J.  Jewett  and  Richard  Stillwell;  1854, 
lion.  Robert  Caldwell,  supreme  judge;  others 
as  above;  1855,  William  Kennon,  Thomas 
Means,  R.  J.  Alexander;  1856,  R.  J.  Alexan- 
der, S.  W.  Bostwick,  C.  W.  Searle,  Lucius  P. 
Marsh;  1857,  S.  W.  Bostwick,  Lucius  P. 
jMarsh ; 1858,  John  W.  Okey,  S.  W.  Bostwick, 
Lucius  P.  Marsh;  1859,  John  W.  Okey,  S.  W. 
Bostwick,  Nathan  Evans,  Lucius  P.  Marsh; 
i860,  Hon.  Milton  Intliff,  supreme  judge;  John 
W.  Okey,  Lucius  P.  Marsh;  1861,  Hon.  Jacob 
Brinkerhoff,  supreme  judge;  John  W.  Okey, 
S.  P.  Bostwick;  1862,  G.  W.  McElvaine,  John 
W.  Okey,  Ezra  E.  Evans;  1863,  Hon.  Jacob 
Brinkerhoff,  supreme  judge;  John  W.  Okey, 
Ezra  E.  Evans;  1864,  Hon.  Josiah  Scott,  su- 
preme judge;  John  W.  Okey,  Ezra  E.  Evans; 
1865,  George  W.  McElvaine,  D.  D.  T.  Cowen, 
Ezra  E.  Evans;  1866,  Hon.  John  Welsh,  su- 
preme chief  justice;  George  W.  McElvaine, 
William  Kennon,  Jr. ; 1868,  Hon.  Jacob  Brink- 
erhoff, supreme  chief  justice;  George  W.  Mc- 
Elvaine, John  S.  Way;  1869,  Hon.  Josiah 
Scott,  supreme  chief  justice;  Moses  M.  Gran- 
ger, John  S.  Way;  1870,  George  W.  McEl- 
vaine, Moses  M.  Granger,  F.  W.  Woodward, 
John  S.  Way;  1871,  William  White,  Moses  M. 
Granger,  John  Miller,  John  S.  Way;  1872-73, 
E.  W.  Wood,  William  H.  Frasier,  John  H. 
Miller,  Robert  E.  Chambers;  1874,  William  H. 
Frasier,  Lucius  P.  Marsh,  Robert  E.  Cham- 
bers; 1875,  William  H.  Frasier,  John  H.  Mil- 


ler, Robert  E.  Chambers;  1876,  William  H. 
Frasier,  John  H.  Miller,  Robert  E.  Chambers; 
1877,  William  H.  Frasier,  L.  P.  Marsh,  James 
Patrick,  Jr.,  William  Okey;  1878,  William  H. 
Frasier,  L.  P.  Marsh,  William  Okey;  1879, 
William  H.  Frasier,  L.  P.  Marsh,  William 
Okey;  1880-81,  William  H.  Frasier,  James 
Patrick,  Jr.,  William  H.  Bell,  William  Okey; 
1882,  William  H.  Frasier,  James  C.  Hance, 
William  H.  Bell,  St.  Clair  Kelley;  1883-84, 
William  H.  Frasier,  James  C.  Hance,  William 
PL  Bell,  John  S.  Pearce,  St.  Clair  Kelley; 
1885,  R.  G.  Richards,  W.  G.  Shotwell,  J.  M. 
McGinnis,  J.  H.  Mackey,  J.  W.  Hollingsworth 
and  Alfred  A.  Frasier. 

"Circuit  Court. — 1885,  William  H.  Frasier, 
Hamilton  Woodberry,  Peter  A.  Laubie,  J. 
Burrows,  John  M.  Cook. 

THE  ATTORNEYS  ADMITTED  TO  PRACTICE. 

“The  foil  owing  is  the  list  of  lawyers  admitted 
to  practice  by  the  courts  of  Belmont  County 
as  appears  on  the  court  records  and  the  year 
admitted,  from  the  organization  of  the  county : 
Charles  Hammond,  1801  ; Daniel  F.  Barney, 
1803;  Jacob  Nagle,  1804;  Daniel  Church, 
1804;  Robert  Purviance,  1804;  George  Pauli, 
1806;  David  Jennings,  1813;  James  Shannon, 
18] 8;  William  J.  Thomas,  1819;  Artemus 
Baker,  1821;  Seneca  S.  Salsberry,  1823;  Dan- 
iel Gray,  1824;  Washington  B.  Johnston,  1825; 
G.  W.  Thompson,  1826;  Peter  W.  Gates,  1827; 
Charles  Morgan,  1828;  G.  M.  Alexan- 
der, 1828;  Robert  McLane,  1829;  Francis 
D.  Leonard,  1829;  John  R.  Mulvaney, 
1830;  Fernanda  A.  Evans,  1831;  Nathan 
Evans,  1831;  Abraham  A.  Dilworth,  1831; 
Charles  C.  Converse,  1832;  Robert  H.  Miller, 
1832;  Isaac  Hoge,  1832;  James  Patterson, 
1833;  William  C.  Watson,  1833;  John  B. 
Longly,  1834;  L.  J.  Milligan,  1835;  Thomas 
West,  1835;  Gaston  Tallman,  1835;  Peter 
Tallman,  1835;  Oliver  Cunningham,  1836; 
Henry  Kennon,  1836;  William  Woods,  1836; 
William  Milligan,  1837;  John  Davenport, 
1838;  George  W.  Shannon,  1838;  E.  A.  Mc- 
Mahon, 1838;  Alfred  Caldwell,  1838;  William 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


109 


Brown,  1838;  Hugh  J.  Jewett,  1839;  John 
Ferguson,  1840  ; Alexander  M.  Mitchell,  1841 ; 
Thomas  L.  Jewett,  1842;  Thomas  ]\I.  Drake, 
1842;  Henry  Lovell,  1842;  Moses  H.  Urqu- 
hart,  1843  ; James  J.  Grimes,  1843  ; John  Sells, 
1843;  Lorenzo  M.  Cross,  1843;  Edmund  G. 
Morgan,  1843;  Henry  C.  Brumback,  1844; 
Sylvester  Genin,  1844;  James  H.  Rainey, 
1844;  Oliver  J.  Swaney,  1845  >John  M.  Agles, 
1845  ; Reuben  Grant,  1845  ; Hugh  M.  Ramsey, 
1845;  John  G.  Leanor,  1845;  Solomon  R. 
Bonewitz,  1845;  J.  C.  McCleary,  1846;  John 
C.  Tallman,  1846;  Samuel  F.  Black,  1846; 
Richard  H.  Tanneyhill,  1847  ; John  Hibbard, 
1847  ; Matthew  P.  Deady,  1847  ; Isaac  N.  Tay- 
lor, 1849;  James  F.  Charlesworth,  1851 ; Will- 
iam Wallace,  1851;  Ellis  E.  Kennon,  1851; 
M.  L.  Hatcher,  1852;  Joshua  Stevens,  1852; 
Lorenzo  Danford,  1854;  I.  H.  Croxton,  1854; 
Andrew  J.  Lawrence,  1857;  James  A.  May- 
hew,  1858;  Henry  Topping,  1859;  John  H. 
Norris,  1859;  Robert  E.  Chambers,  1859; 
James  B.  Campbell,  1864:  George  H.  Um- 
stead,  1864;  Ira  V.  McMullen,  1865  ; James  J. 
Hawthorn,  1866;  Dewitt  Danford,  1866; 
Thomas  C.  Dungan,  1866;  Lewis  C.  Mechem, 
1866;  William  W.  Alexander,  1866;  James  F. 
Tallman,  1866  ; Joseph  St.  Clair,  1866  ; Alexis 
Cope,  1866;  F.  G.  Arter,  1866;  Henry  E. 


Frost,  1866  ; Dinsey  Rogers,  1866  ; John  Dun- 
ham, 1867  ; L.  C.  Drennen,  1867  ; W.  L.  Bolen, 
1867;  David  A.  Hollingsworth,  1867;  George 
W.  Mitchell,  1868;  Joseph  Pratt,  1868;  Joseph 
R.  Mitchell,  1869;  N.  H.  Barber,  1869;  De- 
witt C.  Kemp,  1869;  Thomas  Ferrell,  1869; 
Clarence  0.  McS words,  1869;  Orlando  Cope, 
1870;  Allen  C.  Miller,  1870;  John  F.  Young, 
1870;  James  D.  Arrick,  1870;  Alexander  C. 
DaiTah,  1870;  Isaac  M.  Riley,  1871;  Lewis 
Hoeffler,  1871,  Alfred  H.  Mitchell,  1871; 
Robert  M.  Eaton,  1871 ; Webster  Street,  1871 ; 
Robert  N.  AVilliams,  1872  ; James  C.  Tallman, 
1873;  Samuel  Hambleton,  1873;  Daniel  L. 
Crawford,  1873  ; Luke  Voorhies,  1873  ; James 
Kennon,  1873;  James  x\.  McEwan,  1874; 
Samuel  L.  James,  1874;  George  AV.  AAYbster, 
1874;  John  0.  Macolm,  1875;  Frank  AI. 
Cowen,  1877;  John  B.  Busby,  1877;  John  A. 
Green,  1878  ; Josiah  Douglas,  1878 ; Alfred  H. 
Evans,  1878;  AI.  R.  Patterson,  1878;  Henry 
Gregg,  1878  ; T.  AA’’.  Emerson,  1879 ; Newell  K. 
Kennon,  1879;  A.  C.  Agy,  1879;  J.  Calvin 
Gray,  1879;  A.  E.  Hill,  1879. 

Since  1879  all  examinations  for  admission 
to  the  bar  in  Ohio  have  been  before  a com- 
mittee appointed  by  the  Supreme  Court  of 
the  State,  and  the  records  of  that  court  con- 
tain the  names  of  all  persons  admitted. 


CHAPTER  X 


THE  SOLDIERY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY. 

The  War  of  1812 — The  Mexican  War — A Remarkable  Military  Career — The 
Civil  War — A Laughable  Incident — The  15TH  Ohio  at  Chickamauga — The 
Soldiers  of  Belmont  County  in  the  Civil  War — The  Duty  of  Belmont 
County  to  Her  Soldiers,  Living  and  Dead. 


Belmont  County  was  one  of  the  foremost 
eounties  of  the  State  in  responding  to  the 
nations  appeal  to  arms,  in  every  great 
struggle  for  the  defense  of  the  Republie  and 
the  honor  of  the  flag. 

Before  the  organization  of  the  county,  a 
few  veterans  of  the  Revolutionary  War  had 
located  in  the  territory  now  embraced  within 
the  limits  of  Belmont  County  and  their  re- 
mains rest  in  the  old  Methodist  Cemetery  in 
St.  ClairsVille.  Among  these  we  would  men- 
tion Ezekiel  Cooper  of  the  5th  Massachusetts 
Minute  i\len,  who  died  in  May,  1812,  and 
Marmaduke  Davis. 

THE  WAR  OF  l8l2. 

At  the  outbreak  of  the  War  of  1812,  the 
population  of  Belmont  County  was  only  about 
one-sixth  of  what  it  is  today.  Nevertheless, 
between  i,ooo  and  1,200  soldiers  responded  to 
the  call  of  President  Madison  and  enlisted  for 
the  Avar. 

1st  Ohio  Regiment. — Colonel  De  Long  com- 
manding. Belmont  County  furnished  six 
companies  for  this  regiment,  viz. ; Capt.AVill- 
iam  Stephens,  Capt.  Daniel  Connor,  Capt. 
James  Campbells,  Capt.  John  Llowells,  Capt. 
Joseph  Holmes  and  Capt.  John  Hall. 

^rd  Ohio  Regiment. — Colonel  Coss  com- 
manding. One  company,  commanded  by  Capt. 
Robert  Morrison,  was  from  Belmont  County. 


4-th  Ohio  Regiment. — One  company,  com- 
manded by  Capt.  Solomon  Bentley,  was  from 
Belmont  County. 

There  were  two  other  companies,  one  com- 
manded by  Capt.  Joseph  Kirkwood,  and  the 
other  by  Capt.  AVilliam  Williams ; likewise 
three  companies  of  militia,  commanded  by 
Capt.  Robert  Irwin,  Capt,  Absalom  Martin 
and  Capt.  John  McElroy,  respectiA'ely. 

As  no  roster  was  kept  of  the  gallant  men 
who  participated  in  the  second  struggle  for 
our  national  existence,  it  is  very  difficult 
after  the  lapse  of  four  score  years,  to  find  any 
record  of  their  deeds.  The  company  of  Cap- 
tain Morrison  was  in  Hull’s  surrender.  Mor- 
rison we  are  told  was  promoted  to  major  and 
William  Gill  succeeded  him  as  captain. 

Capt.  Howells’ : company  was  largely  re- 
cruited along  the  banks  of  Captina,  and  were 
a part  of  the  “musket  fleet,’’  engaged  in 
guarding  the  captured  British  vessels  near 
Put-in-Bay. 

Capt.  Solomon  Bentley  was  promoted  to 
the  position  of  major.  While  in  the  service, 
his  company  belonged  to  the  4th  Ohio  In- 
fantry. 

The  following  is  a list  of  the  soldiers  of  1812 
from  Belmont  County  upon  records  in  the 
possession  of  Col.  J..  F.  Charlesworth : 

Capt.  Hugh  McNeeley,  Benjamin  Brooks, 
George  Brown,  Daniel  Cross, Capeheart, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


Ill 


Henry  Van  Fossen,  Francis  Sidles,  Henry  P. 
Guthry,  Pernell  Milligan,  John  Owens,  Joseph 
Cross.  Joseph  Rankin,  William  Evans,  Samuel 
McMasters,  Samuel  Sutton,  Joseph  Huff,  Perry 
Hulse,  Joseph  Carle,  'Gideon  Kent,  Peter 
^Volfe,  Jacob  Moore,  John  T.  Peters,  William 
Taylor,  Woodgate  Collins,  Jeremiah  Hels, 
Isaac  Shannon,  Joseph  Reece,  Farwer  Beech, 

Daniel  Logan,  Cal  Perry,  Lotus,  Samuel 

Lee,  George  Brokaw,  William  Bentley, _ Cal 
Smith,  John  Duff,  Basil  Hahn,  Samuel  Cole- 
man, Shadrack  Malone,  James  Patterson,  John 
Shannon,  Nicholas  Bumgarner,  Capt.  Denton 
Darby,  Bartholomew  T.  Fowler,  Thomas  Mc- 
Knight,  David  Brooks.  Isaac  Metcalf,  Samuel 
Perkins.  Joseph  Scott,  ♦Samuel  Dawson,  Jo- 
seph Coffman,  John  Bell.  Captain  Moore,  Carl- 
ton Boreman,  Captain  Lyle,  Richard  Harding, 
James  Clark,  William  Vance,  Jacob  Mohler, 
James  Reed,  Colonel  DeLaney,  Capt.  Charles 
Vail,  John  Hasselton,  Captain  Foose,  Captain 
Robinson,  John  Reeves,  John  Hawthorn,  John 
Owens,  Thomas  Holmes,  Capt.  William  Ste- 
phenson, William  Clifford,  John  Pugh.  Will- 
iam McConnell.  Alexander  Osborn,  William 
Boyd.  Robert  McMasters,  Capt.  William  Har- 
per, Capt.  James  Smith,  AVilliam  Campbell, 
Hugh  Moore,  Isaac  Taggart,  John  Lasier, 
John  Boling,  Capt.  John  Hall,  Charles  Baker, 
William  Gray,  James  Scott,  Enos  Randall, 
David  McKim, 'Gideon  Chapman,  Israel  Day. 
Louis  Jones,  Thomas  Watt,  John  Barker, 
Willis  Warrick,  George  Colvin,  x\ndrew 
Grubb,  Sr..  James  Taggart,  Robert  Hardesty, 
Jacob  Grubb,  •i'- 

Included  in  the  above  list  will  be  found  the 
familiar  names  of  man}^  of  Belmont  County’s 
honored  and  respected  citizens,  descendants  of 
the  above-named  soldiers  in  the  War  of  1812. 

Captain  McElroy’s  company  of  militia  was 
recruited  mainly  from  about  St.  Clairsville, 
and  left  for  the  service  in  October,  1812,  but 
was  only  out  for  a short  time. 

The  officers  were  John  McElroy,  captain; 
Anthony  W eir,  lieutenant : David  W ork,  en- 
sign ; privates  Stephen  Shipman,  x\nthony 
Smith,  Robert  Hardesty,  James  Henderson, 
Samuel  Hardesty,  Robert  Robinson,  James 


Nellands.  xTlexander  Work,  John  Logan,  Isaac 
Buskirk,  Charles  Van  Way,  Messer  Ward,  Jo- 
seph Taggart,  Samuel  Cuclar,  James  Hughes, 
Daniel  Deane,  Joseph  Ruggles,  John  Duff, 
John  Sharp,  David  McLellan,  William  Gra- 
ham, /Vlexander  Smiley,  George  Wilson,  AVill- 
iam Francis,  Benjamin  Deane,  David  Duff, 
Peter  Ault,  Charles  Baker,  Jacob  Grubb,  Aaron 
Deane,  Thomas  Gartley,  John  Ransom,  Samuel 
Marker,  John  Zimmerman. 

Captain -McElroy  kept  a daily  diary  of  the 
company’s  service  which  is  probably  not  of 
sufficient  interest  to  publish. 

THE  MEXICAN  WAR. 

AA'dien  Congress  in  1845  threw  open  the 
doors  of  the  young  American  Republic  for  the 
admission  of  Texas,  Mexico  protested,  and  her 
representative  at  AAffishington  demanded  his 
passports. 

Soon  thereafter  war  was  declared  and  Presi- 
dent Polk  called  for  volunteers  to  maintain  the 
nation’s  honor.  In  response  to  that  call,  an 
enthusiastic  meeting  of  the  citizens  of  Belmont 
County  was  held  and  a company  was  recruited, 
composed  of  the  following  men  ; 

John  Patterson,  captain : Isaac  E.  Eaton, 
1st  lieutenant;  xA.rthur  Higgins,  2nd  lieuten- 
ant; and  privates  Andrew  Grubb,  AA^illiam  AT 
AAhlkins,  Hiram  Claus.  John  Baggs,  G.  AV. 
Anderson,  A.  J.  Palmer,  John  McShultz,  x\lex- 
ander  Young,  Alexander  Blair,  AA^illiam  Cor- 
der,  Joseph  Silvey,  David  Eaton,  Harrison 
Smith,  A.  Lewis,  John  Noland,  James  McGin- 
nis, Ira  AIcCaffrey,  Alexander  Barney,  x\aron 
Hollingshead,  AAnlliam  Inskip,  John  B.  Cal- 
houn, Alexander  AA'^illiams,  John  R.  Justice, 
James  Clark,  Aloses  Ferren,  Lafayette  Eckles, 
Samuel  Pattenger,  James  Frasier,  James  Davis, 
James  Gipson,  Hugh  Mulvaney,  Hugh  Mc- 
'Neely.  M.  B.  Calhoun,  Richard  Beech.  AVill- 
iam x-Askew,  John  Hutchison,  Richard  Price, 
Isaac  Eaton,  Samuel  Croy,  Alichael  Hidewel- 
ler.  John  Jones,  John  Jumpsey,  ThomasYoung, 
Saul  K.  Ruggles,  James  McConnell.  Parish 
Garner,  Solomon  Baldison,  T.  R.  Day,  EH 
Mercer,  Frank  A^enem,  AA^ashington  AVaters, 
John  Wilson,  James  AlcCaffrey,  V.  S.  Brady, 


1 12 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY. 


David  Morton,  Clement  Steele,  Aaron  Steel- 
man, Jacob  Warton,  T.  Preston, Cracraft, 

John  Miller. 

Tills  company  was  mustered  into  service  as 
Comjiany  D of  the  3rd  Ohio  Regiment,  com- 
manded hy  Col.  Samuel  R.  Curtis,  and  in  the 
month  of  July  sailed  to  Pt.  Isabel  opposite 
Rrazos  Island  near  the  mouth  of  the  Rio 
Grande  and  was  placed  on  duty  at  Fort  Brown. 

On  the  3rd  of  May,  a battery  at  Matamoras 
opened  a heavy  cannonading'  upon  the  fort, 
and  in  the  engagement  that  followed  the  com- 
mander of  the  fort  was  killed. 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  term  of  service  of 
Capt.  Patterson’s  company,  the  citizens  of  St. 
Clairsville  extended  the  memhers  a royal  wel- 
come home  on  July  22,  1847.  It  was  a gala 
day  for  the  town  and  the  whole  surrounding 
country. 

A REMARKABLE  MILITARY  CAREER. 

:\t  the  outbreak  of  the  Mexican  War,  Col. 
J.  F.  Charlesworth  of  St.  Clairsville  was  a 
youth  attending  school  at  Granville,  when  a 
lieutenant  in  the  United  States  service  came  to 
that  place  upon  recruiting  duty,  and  this  patri- 
otic young  man  in  company  with  a number  of 
schoolmates  ran  off  from  school  and  although 
not  of  legal  age  sought  admission  into  the 
ranks  at  New  Orleans.  This  was  refused  until 
the  consent  of  the  parents  was  obtained  by  tele- 
graph when  Colonel  Charlesworth  enlisted  and 
remained  in  the  service  until  the  close  of  the 
war. 

Colonel  Charlesworth  has  had  a remarkable 
military  career.  While  serving  under  Scott  in 
Mexico  he  was  slightly  wounded  at  Contreras, 
Init  continued  in  the  service  until  the  conclu- 
sion of  the  war.  At  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil 
War  his  previous  military  experience  made  his 
services  much  in  request.  He  commanded  the 
first  three  years  company  organized  in  Ohio, 
viz. ; Company  A,  25th  Ohio,  and  was  again 
wounded  slightly  at  Allegheny  Mountain. 

He  was  subsequently  promoted  major  of  his 
regiment  and  at  the  bloody  battle  of  Cross 
Keys  was  shot  through  the  entire  body. 

The  bullet  was  picked  up  by  the  comrades 


who  carried  him  off  the  field  and  it  is  still  in 
the  Colonel’s  possession. 

Miraculously,  Major  Charlesworth  partially 
recovered  and  returned  to  the  field  and  was 
promoted  lieutenant-colonel,  but  the  severity  of 
his  wound  (which  ordinarily  proves  fatal) 
compelled  him  to  resign  and  retire  from  further 
active  service. 

Notwithstanding  Colonel  Charlesworth  has 
attained  his  76th  year  and  is  still  slightly  lame 
from  his  old  wound,  he  has  the  soldierly  bear- 
ing of  a veteran  and  the  military  enthusiasm  of 
a youth. 

THE  CIVIL  WAR. 

At  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  War,  the  patri- 
otic spirit  in  Belmont  County  pervaded  all 
classes,  and  in  quick  response  to  President 
Lincoln’s  call  for  troops,  the  youth  and  gal- 
lantry of  the  county  sprang  to  the  defense  of 
the  nation,  and  three  companies  were  organ- 
ized and  in  the  field  within  30  days  after  the 
call. 

At  the  expiration  of  their  term  of  service, 
the  majority  of  the  three  months  men  re-en- 
listed  for  three  years,  and  as  the  bloody  strife 
continued,  company  after  company  was  organ- 
ized until  upwards  of  3,500  gallant  men  from 
this  county  were  enlisted  in  the  various 
branches  of  the  service. 

In  addition  to  the  names  that  follow,  there 
were  hundreds  of  the  patriotic  sons  of  Belmont 
County  that  enlisted  in  the  ist  and  2nd  Vir- 
ginia Cavalry  and  Carlin’s  Virginia  Battery, 
that  were  not  accredited  to  Belmont  County. 

Capt.  W.  H.  Orr  of  Martin’s  Ferry  also  or- 
ganized a whole  company  of  Belmont  County 
boys,  that  enlisted  in  the  2nd  Virginia  Infan- 
try and  were  accredited  to  that  State.  George 
Scheck  of  St.  Clairsville  was  a member  of  the 
2nd  Virginia  Cavalry. 

A LAUGHABLE  INCIDENT. 

Colonel  Charlesworth  relates  an  incident  of 
the  racing  up  and  down  the  Shenandoah,  be- 
tween Pope  and  Jackson  in  the  fall  of  1862, 
that  while  laughable  shows  the  extremities  to 
which  the  boys  were  driven.  The  Colonel’s 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


113 


regiment  had  been  on  the  march  for  several 
days,  and  the  men  were  footsore  and  very  hun- 
gry. “One  morning,’’  said  the  Colonel,  “I  saw 
Billy  Smith  of  the  2nd  Virginia  Cavalry  riding 
up  the  valley  holding  his  sword  above  his  head, 
with  a loaf  of  bread  sticking  to  the  sheath. 
Now  Billy  used  to  live  on  Robert  Wilkin’s 
farm  and  many  of  us  knew  him.  ‘Hello ! 
Smith,’  I cried,  ‘What  is  that  you’ve  got?’ 
‘Bread,’  he  exclaimed,  ‘bread.  We  captured  a 
Rebel  camp  yesterday  and  found  a big  batch 
of  new  bread.  Have  this  loaf,’  he  cried. 

“J  caught  it  eagerly  and  biting  off  a ‘hunk’ 
passed  it  down  among  the  hungry  boys  who 
devoured  it  without  ceremony  and  in  less  time 
than  it  has  taken  me  to  tell  you.” 

Beside  those  mentioned  above,  there  were 
some  Belmont  County  men  that  enlisted  in  the 
regular  service,  and  many  who  claimed  a birth- 
right in  Belmont  County  that  were  conspicuous 
in  leading  the  troops  of  their  adopted  States 
into  action. 

This  was  notably  true  of  Col.  Joseph  Tho- 
burn  of  the  ist  Virginia  Infantry,  a brave  son 
of  Belmont  County,  who  was  killed  while  lead- 
ing his  brigade  in  the  bloody  charge  at  Cedar 
Creek. 

Another  of  the  brave  Belmont  County  sol- 
diers. accredited  to  other  States,  was  Gen. 
Henry  Capeheart  of  the  West  Virginia  Cav- 
alry. General  Capeheart  entered  the  service  as 
colonel  of  the  ist  Virginia  (loyal)  Cavalry  and 
fought  under  Sheridan  in  the  memorable  cam- 
paign down  the  “Valley  of  Virginia.”  At  the 
conclusion  of  the  Civil  War,  Colonel  Capeheart 
was  serving  as  brigadier-general,  an  honor 
that  had  been  conferred  upon  him  by  appoint- 
ment of  Governor  Pierpont  of  West  Virginia 
for  skill  and  braveiw  in  the  field. 

When  hostilities  ceased.  General  Capeheart 
returned  to  the  practice  of  his  profession — that 
of  medicine — which  he  followed  until  his 
death. 

THE  I5TH  OHIO  AT  CHICKAMAUGA. 

At  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  the  15th  Ohio 
was  in  the  fiercest  of  the  conflict.  Capt.  C.  W. 


Carroll  speaks  approvingly  of  the  published 
account  written  upon  the  battlefield  which 
says : “In  the  Saturday  night  fights  and  the 

all  day  Sunday  assaults  upon  our  log  breast- 
works. the  Confederate  general,  Claiborne,  lost 
43  per  cent,  of  his  men.  General  Helms  was 
killed  and  his  brigade  had  worn  itself  away 
upon  the  breastworks  until  75  per  cent,  of  his 
men  had  perished.  The  closing  scenes  around 
the  Kelley  farm  came  before  sunset.  Rose- 
crans  had  retired  and  Thomas  was  in  com- 
mand. Breckenridge  and  Claiborne  of  the  Con- 
federate side  had  brought  their  divisions  to- 
gether for  a supreme  effort.  At  this  juncture, 
Willich’s  brigade,  in  which  was  the  15th  Ohio, 
made  the  fourth  successful  charge  across  the 
field. 

“The  Confederates  were  driven  back  through 
the  woods  and  c[uiet  was  restored.” 

There  was  scarcely  a bloody  battle  fought 
from  Bull  Run  to  Spottsylvania  Court  House 
in  which  Belmont  County’s  troops  were  not  en- 
gaged. 

Gettysburg,  Chickamauga,  Missionary  Ridge, 
Chancellorsville.the  “March  to  the  Sea.”  Perry- 
ville,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Cold  Harbor,  the 
Wilderness,  and  many  other  memorable  battle- 
fields were  enriched  hy  the  blood  of  her  gallant 
sons.  And  it  is  but  just  and  right  that  the 
names  of  these  honored  soldiers,  living  and 
dead,  be  transmitted  to  posterity.  The  follow- 
ing is  a roster  of  the  soldiers  of  Belmont  Coun- 
ty that  was  prepared  'with  much  care  22  years 
ago.  The  names  were  copied  from  the  Ad- 
jutant General’s  books  on  file  in  the  State 
House  at  Columbus  and  rvere  published  in  the 
“Historv  of  Belmont  and  Jefferson  Counties.” 
Much  care  was  taken  in  copying  the  roster  and 
we  trust  there  will  be  no  omissions. 

This  roster  will  tell  the  story  of  the  enlist- 
ments, the  promotions,  the  disabilities,  and  the 
casualties  of  the  gallant  sons  of  Belmont  Coun- 
tv that  fought  for  the  preservation  of  the 
Union  in  the  War  of  the  Rebellion.  An  ex- 
amination of  it  wall  reveal  the  fact  that  a great 
majoritv  of  the  old  veterans  have  been  “mus- 
tered out”  and  those  that  still  abide  with  us 
are  enfeebled  by  age  and  disabilities. 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


114 


THE  SOLDIERS  OE  BELMONT  COUN- 
TY IN  'I'Hl-:  CIVIL  WAR. 

CmuLuiy  B,  75///  Kcgiiucnt,  O.  V.  I. 

'J'hrcc  months'  service. 

Capt.  William  Wallace's  company  was  re- 
cruited at  Martin's  Ferry.  It  marched  from 
said  ])lace  to  Columltns,  where  it  arrived  on  the 
22nd  of  .\])ril,  i86r.  It  was  organized  with 
the  15th  O.  V.  I.,  and  made  Company  B. 

The  organization  of  this  company  was  as 
follows : 

William  Wallace,  captain. 

James  W.  Clark,  ist  lieutenant. 

Joseph  Frazier,  2nd  lieutenant. 

William  Rohinson,  ist  sergeant. 

H.  B.  Stewart,  sergeant. 

John  W.  Daugherty,  sergeant. 

William  H.  Thurher,  ist  corporal. 

James  Rose,  corporal. 

William  Dilley,  corporal. 

John  D.  Junkins,  corporal. 

Privates — Nicholas  Allunder,  John  Armstrong,  Chas. 
Armstrong,  Howard  Afflick,  William  Billings,  Moses 
H.  Bell,  Hiram  K.  Brooke,  George  W.  Baggs,  David 
Bailey,  Alexander  Bailey,  Levi  Barcus,  Henry  Brown, 
Jacol)  Bucy,  Henry  Bucy,  Orloff  Burris.  Frederick  Bye, 
Jefferson  Chamberlain,  John  R.  Campbell,  Jas.  M. 
Church.  William  A.  Church,  John  S.  Clark,  Marthen 
Clark,  Ehenezer  Clarke,  George  Curfman,  Theodore 
Cooke,  Thomas  Cottcral.  Wesley  Coss,  Adam  A.  Cross- 
myer,  R.  W.  Darby,  John  Davidson,  John  Dixon, 
Robert  Duncan,  Isaac  Dean,  Calvin  Dailey,  Robert 
Dorig,  Jeremiah  Eberts,  George  Irwin,  Joseph  Fulmer, 
George  W.  Goodrich,  Jacob  Hymes,  Andrew  Hymes, 
Erie  Hooker,  John  Harvey,  Benjamin  F.  Jenkins,  Par- 
rett  Jump,  Isaac  Jones,  James  Kirnan,  Thomas  Kilgore, 
J.  C.  G.  King,  Jas.  King,  Jas.  Kinslow,  Henry  Knapp, 
John  W.  Knight,  E.  W.  Lewis,  Scott  Liston,  Abram  Mc- 
Donald, William  H.  Moore,  Jas.  T.  Moore,  Alfred  W. 
Moore.  Aaron  Moore,  John  McFarland,  Franklin  Mil- 
ler, Henry  Miller,  George  Murdock,  Richard  C.  Nel- 
son. Martin  McConnaughy,  George  McCrackin,  Jas. 
W.  Nelan,  Isaac  Newland,  William  H.  Newland,  John 
Ryan,  Augustus  Rothermond,  Lewis  Swartz,  Joseph 
Samuels,  Zane  Smith,  Luther  Stewart,  Henry  H. 
-Sharp,  Bishop  D.  Stall,  Barney  Thornbury,  Kinsey 
Trueman,  William  Vance,  Charles  Woods,  John  Wil- 
son. John  Westbrook,  Henry  Weidemyer,  Martin  Yost, 
Francis  M.  Yost.  Orloff  A.  Zane. 

This  ctmipany  re-enlisted  for  three  years. 

Company  K,  ipth  Regiment,  0.  V.  I. 

Three  months’  service. 

This  company  was  recruited  for  the  three 
months'  service  hy  Capt.  Peter  Tallman,  at  St. 
Clairsville,  /\pri]  22,  1861,  and  went  into  ser- 


vice on  the  27th  of  the  same  month.  It  was 
made  Comjtany  K of  the  1 7th  Regiment,  which 
was  organized  at  Lancaster,  Ohio.  The  com- 
pany is  as  follows : 

Peter  Tallman,  captain. 

Frank  Askew,  ist  lieutenant. 

W.  C.  Chandler,  2nd  lieutenant. 

John  A.  Work,  ist  sergeant. 

Otho  Holloway,  2nd  sergeant. 

Joseph  Harris,  3rd  sergeant. 

Thomas  F.  Nichol,  4th  sergeant. 

William  FI.  Tallman,  corporal. 

William  C.  Carmen,  corporal. 

Charles  H.  Stewart,  corporal. 

William  H.  Geller,  drummer. 

Robert  Buffington,  fifer. 

Privates — W.  O.  Allison,  Wm.  Barnett,  E.  H.  Beard- 
more,  Sylvester  C.  Brown,  G.  G.  Broxton,  Henry 
Bright,  Joseph  Burkhead,  Frank  H.  Blessing,  Wilson 
S.  Colby,  J.  T.  Collins,  Alexis  Cope,  Isaac  G.  Cope, 
Hiram  G.  Craft.  Stacy  B.  Craft,  zuiderson  Davinson, 
David  Denny,  Oliver  Donner,  Vesper  Dorneck,  Jos. 
N.  DuBois,  Hugh  Douglas.  Luther  Etzler,  John  Fen- 
ton, Josephus  Foreman,  Edward  R.  Gardner,  Smith 
Gardner,  G.  W.  Glenn,  John  D.  Glover,  J.  T.  Glover, 
J.  D.  Hadsall,  Chas.  Hall.  Ed.  D.  Harden,  John  P. 
Harvy,  Thomas  I.  Hawthorn,  W.  H.  Hays,  Jas.  W. 
Hays,  Andrew  P.  Heaton,  Oswald  Fleck,  Walter  Flewit- 
son,  Wm.  Hill,  Wm.  Happer,  Rufus  B.  Howard,  Jesse 
Huff,  Thomas  Huntsman.  Geo.  B.  Hutchison,  Jos.  C. 
Jenkins,  David  R.  Johnston,  Jas.  F.  Jones,  John  W. 
Jones,  Simon  Jones,  Caleb  Kirk,  Thomas  Lindsay,  Wm. 
I.  Lindsay,  Jas.  L.  Lauley,  A.  P.  W.  Lee,  W.  C.  Loch- 
ary, Nelson  Madden,  Jos.  Marpole,  Elwood  Martin, 
Jos.  McMillen,  C.  T.  Moore,  Franklin  Moore,  Jos.  My- 
ers, Wm.  Pliver,  Wm.  S.  Patton,  Isaac  Paxton,  Frank 
B.  Plankey,  Wm.  J.  Porterfield,  Alfred  Powell,  Ster- 
ling Riggs,  Jas.  T.  Robison,  Wm.  A.  Robison,  Wm.  FI. 
Smith,  Jerry  Stinard,  Evans  T.  Strahl,  Jas.  H.  Swan, 
Francis  W.  Sanders,  Jas.  Tallman,  Chalkley  Thomas, 
Robt.  A.  Todd,  Wesley  Vanhorn,  Marshall  Wesley, 
Thomas  Wood,  Aaron  D.  Yocum. 

Company  K was  sent  with  the  regiment 
down  the  Ohio,  and  did  garrison  work  in  West 
Virginia.  It  was  mustered  out  of  service  Au- 
gust 3,  1861. 

Most  of  this  company  re-enlisted  again  into 
the  17th  and  other  regiments. 

Company  B,  yrd  Regiment,  0.  V.  I. 

Of  the  Third  Ohio  Infantry,  Belmont  Coun- 
ty furnished  one  comjiany,  which  served  under 
two  terms  of  enlistment,  April  16,  1861,  and 
May  3,  1861,  the  first  for  three  months  and  the 
latter  for  three  years.  The  company  was  organ- 
ized at  Camp  Jackson.  On  the  27th  of  April 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


it  was  mustered  into  the  United  States  service. 
An  election  by  ballot  was  held  for  field  of- 
ficers, which  resulted  in  the  choice  of  the  fol- 
lowing gentlemen ; 

Colonel — Isaac  Morrow  of  Columbus,  Ohio. 

Lieut.  Col. — John  Beatty  of  Morrow  County,  Ohio. 

Major — J.  Warren  Kiefer  of  Clarke  County,  Ohio. 

The  original  enrollment  of  Company  B, 
which  commenced  duty  June  13,  1861,  for  the 
three  years’  service  is  as  follows  : 

Captain — ^James  H.  Wing. 

1st  lieutenant — Wesley  L.  Patterson. 

1st  sergeant — Wilbur  H.  Sage. 

2nd  sergeant — John  B.  McRoberts. 

3rd  sergeant — Oliver  P.  Barnes. 

4th  sergeant — Michael  D.  King. 

Sth  sergeant — Albert  D.  Brush. 

Corporal — William  L.  Pinkerton. 

Corporal — Geo.  McDonald. 

Corporal — James  B,  Bringham. 

Corporal — Elisha  C.  Briggs. 

Corporal — William  D.  Robinson. 

Corporal — Mahlon  O’Harra. 

Corporal — Samuel  Nevels. 

Corporal — Charles  W.  Benedict. 

Wagoner — Alexander  Moorehead. 

Privates. — John  Anthony,  Benj.  Bufford,  D.  W.  Brum- 
baugh, Geo.  Brown,  Jas.  W.  Barrie,  Michael  Bolinger, 
Wm.  Bafford,  Wm.  H.  Barnes,  Chas.  H.  Byers,  Jas. 
Cordroy,  Frank  Christian,  Jas.  J.  Chambers,  Chas.  Case, 
John  Conner.  Lewis  M.  Currier,  Jas.  Daly,  J.  P.  Demor- 
est,  Matthew  Davies,  Ross  J.  Dennis.  Thomas  Duffy, 
Doctor  Dirth,  Chas.  A.  Etzler,  Dan.  B.  Edson,  Robt. 
Finch,  Samuel.  L.  French,  Robert  Griffith,  S.  B.  Gray,' 
Peter  Gray,  Henry  Harcourt,  Alonzo  Harm,  Jos.  L.  Hall, 
Ellis  Hall,  Samuel  Jones,  John  Keiser,  Thomas  Land, 
Samuel  Labaugh,  Chas.  McKoun,  Wm.  H.  McCartney, 
Israel  Mostwigh,  Wm.  H.  Mooref  Wm.  H.  McCleary, 
Thomas  Messer,  Nicholas  Monahan,  Edward  Morrison, 
John  Neill,  Elijah  Oakley,  Chas.  E.  Patter,  Henry 
Ramer,  Jas.  W.  Rainey,  Michael  Ryan,  Isaac  Reese, 
Chas.  Stafford,  Samuel  Sayers,  Thos.  G.  Shankland, 
Geo.  W.  Swaney,  Chas.  Swing,  Joel  C.  Tracy,  John 
H.  Tracy,  Oliver  Wild,  Chas.  Willis,  Andrew  Wei- 
mer  Albert  Warner,  Shannon  Wilson,  Elliott  White, 
Henry  Young. 

Recruits. — Simon  P.  Butler,  Oct.  15,  1861  : Jas.  B. 
Brigham,  Dec.  26,  1863 ; B.  W.  Holten,  Nov.  ig,  1863 ; 
Michael  Handley,  Dec.  30.  1863 ; Aaron  Livingston.  Oct. 
15,  1864;  G.  W.  Mason,  Oct.  15,  1861;  John  A.  Moore, ^ 
Aug.  25,  1862;  William  McCurdy,  Oct.  10,  1862;  J.  W.' 
Price,  David  Summers,  Israel  Shepherd.  Benjamin 
Lfncles,  Christoples  Winneman,  Emerson  White,  Oct. 
IS.  1861. 

Promotions.— B.  McRoberts  from  ist  sergeant 
to  2nd  lieutenant,  July  31,  1861  ; from  2nd  lieutenant  to 
1st  lieutenant,  August  28,  1862;  from  ist  lieutenant  to 
captain,  February  26,  1863. 

William  L.  Pinkerton,  appointed  sergeant  from  cor- 
poral, July  31,  1861  ; appointed  ist  sergeant,  March  i, 
1863. 


I15 


Elisha  C.  Briggs,  appointed  sergeant  from  corporal, 
July  31,  1861. 

Charles  Swing,  appointed  sergeant  from  corporal, 
September  28,  1862. 

Samuel  L.  French,  appointed  sergeant  from  corporal, 
Oct.  2,  1862. 

James  W.  Barrie,  appointed  sergeant  from  corporal, 
March  i,  1863. 

Charles  B.  McBrown,  appointed  corporal,  September 
28,  1862. 

James  B.  Ranney,  appointed  corporal,  October  2, 

1862. 

Robert  J.  Dennis,  appointed  corporal,  March  i,  1863. 
Henry  E.  Harcourt,  appointed  corporal,  April  i,  1863. 
William  H.  AlcCartney.  appointed  corporal,  Decem- 
ber IS,  1863. 

Discharged. — Capt.  Wesley  L.  Patterson.  February 
28,  1863 ; W.  H.  Sage,  September  18,  1861 ; Ellis  Bolen, 
August  16,  1862 ; George  W.  Brown,  August  16,  1862 ; 
William  Bafford,  March  12,  1863 ; W.  C.  Barnes,  April 
8,  1863,  for  wounds  received  at  Nashville,  Tenn. ; 
Schuler  Curries,  August  18,  1863 ; John  P.  Demorest, 
March  S,  1863 ; Peter  Gray,  October  g,  1861  ; Alonzo 
Haun,  October  g,  1861 ; Michael  Handley,  March  6, 

1863,  for  wounds  received;  Edward  Morrison,  August 
13.  1861;  W.  H.  Moore,  February  10,  1863;  James 
J.  O'Harra,  March  12,  1863 ; Charles  E.  Potter,  March 
12,  1862;  William  L.  Robinson,  July  5,  1862,  in  order  to 
receive  promotion ; Abraham  Shepherd,  February  2, 
1863.  to  enlist  in  the  marine  service;  Samuel  Sayers, 
March  6,  1863 ; Charles  Willis,  February  10,  1863 ; 
Shannon  Wilson,  January  10,  1862;  Robert  Finch,  Jan- 
uary 10,  1863. 

Transferred. — Capt.  James  H.  Wing  from  line  to  field 
and  staff.  September  26,  1862,  by  commission  as  major; 
John  Anthony.  December  31,  1861,  Co.  H.,  3rd  O.  V.  L, 
by  order  of  Col.  John  Beatty;  Martin  Bertch,  Febru- 
ary 2,  1863,  marine  service;  John  Conner,  December  31, 
1861.  Co.  E.,  3rd  O.  V.  I. ; James  Cordray,  December 
31,  1863,  to  V.  R.  C. ; D.  B.  Edson,  November  ig,  1863, 
to  V.  R.  C. ; Daniel  S.  Gray.  June  13,  1861.  to  13th  O. 
V.  I. ; Isaac  Reese.  October  20,  1863,  Co.  H.,  3rd  O. 
V.  I.  _ 

Died. — Benjamin  Bafford  died  July  8,  1861,  at  Cin- 
cinnati. 

Frank  Christian,  February  27,  1863,  at  Murfreesboro, 
Tenn.,  of  chronic  diarrhoea. 

Charles  B.  Case,  April  8,  1864,  at  Chattanooga,  of 
typhoid  pneumonia. 

Thomas  Duffey,  April  2,  1864.  at  Louisville,  Ky.,  of 
chronic  diarrhoea. 

James  Dailey,  January  2.  1862,  Guernsey  County, 

Ohio. 

' Doctor  Dirth  February  7,  1862,  at  Camp  Jefferson, 
Ky..  of  smallpox. 

Robert  Griffith,  October  8,  1862,  Perrj'ville,  Ky.,  of 
wounds  received  in  battle. 

• G.  F.  Hall,  October  8,  1862,  Perryville,  Ky.,  of 
wounds  received  in  battle. 

B.  Hoge.  October  8,  1862.  Perryville,  K}-.,  of  wounds 
received  in  battle. 

John  Kaiser,  January  17,  1862,  Camp  Jefferson,  Ky. 
James  Larrison,  December  8.  1862.  Three  Springs, 
Tenn. 


ii6 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY. 


'riionias  Messer,  December  22,  1862,  Nashville,  Tenn. 

David  Slidd,  March  26,  1863,  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  of 
chronic  diarrhoea, 

Alexander  Sninnicrs,  April  3,  1863, 

Charles  Stafford,  May  2,  1863,  Cedar  Bluffs,  Ga.,  of 
wounds  received  in  battle. 

lidward  M.  Suttles,  Jan.  3,  1863,  Stone  River,  Tenn., 
same. 

Cieorge  \V.  Swaney,  October  8,  1862,  Perryville,  Ky., 
same. 

Joel  Tracey,  November  23,  1861,  Clarksburg,  Va. 

E.  \\'hite,  April  19,  1864,  Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  of 
typhoid  i)neumonia. 

-Owen  Moore,  December  31,  1862,  Stone  River,  Tenn., 
of  wounds  in  battle. 

Company  E.  fjtli  Regiment,  0.  V.  I. 

Coni])any  I*’  of  the  J5th  Regiment,  which 
was  recruited  in  Belmont  County,  arrived  in 
Mansfield,  Se])temher  12,  1861.  At  this  place 
the  15th  Ivegiment,  which  was  among  the  first 
to  respond  to  the  President’s  first  call  for  75,- 
000  men,  re-organized  with  the  following  field 
officers : 

Moses  Dickey,  colonel : William  Wilson,  lieutenant- 
colonel ; William  Wallace,  major;  Orrin  Ferris,  sur- 
geon. 

Company  E was  as  follows  : 

Frank  Askew,  captain. 

Chandler  W.  Carroll,  ist  lieutenant. 

Lorenzo  Danford,  2nd  lieutenant. 

John  FI.  Thompson,  ist  sergeant. 

James  N.  DuBois,  sergeant. 

Samuel  Flilles,  sergeant. 

John  W.  Harris,  sergeant. 

Walter  Flewitson,  sergeant. 

Hugh  Douglas,  corporal. 

William  A.  Hogue,  corporal. 

Morris  Cope,  corporal. 

William  G.  Malin,  corporal. 

Oliver  Donner,  corporal. 

James  Hewetson.  corporal. 

Stacy  B.  Craft,  corporal. 

Charles  Flail,  corporal. 

■Mexander  Wiley,  drummer. 

I)avid  S.  McMaster,  fifer. 

William  F.  Hutcheson,  wagoner. 

Privates. — William  Adams,  George  W.  Ashton,  Geo. 
Billet,  Edwin  G.  Blochcr,  Wm.  Bright,  Henry  Brooks, 
Sylvester  C.  Brown,  Stephen  Burley,  John  Campbell, 
Boyd  Cameron,  Wm.  Cavender,  Geo.  Castell,  Isaac  G. 
Cope,  G.  W.  Cope,  Oliver  Cope,  Hugh  Crymble,  John 
W.  Danford.  Benjamin  Davis,  Wm.  Dawson,  Isaac  E. 
Dillon,  B.  W.  Dysart,  J.  B.  Dysart,  Chas.  Ember,  John 
Elliott.  Calvin  Etzler,  John  Fenton,  Jonathan  Fitz- 
gerald, Hugh  Foster,  John  W.  Fred,  Edward  R.  Gard- 
ner, Smith  Gardner,  P.  F.  Givens,  Wm.  Gilhain,  Jas. 
Hall,  Flugh  A,  Hawkins,  W.  H.  Hayes,  Jack  Heaton, 
John  Fleaton,  Oliver  Henderson,  Rufus  W.  Howard, 
Robert  Humphrey,  G.  B.  Hutchison,  Jas.  F.  Jones,  Ab- 


ner Jones,  Isaac  Knight,  Albert  W.  Lee,  John  Leisure, 
Geo.  W.  Mackinson,  Jas.  S.  Maring,  Washington  Mc- 
Master, Wm.  P.  McCance,  Jos.  McMillan,  Samuel  Mc- 
Millen,  J.  C.  McGee,  Edward  P.  Mechem,  John  F.  Mer- 
cer, Jas.  T.  Metcalf,  John  J.  Michner,  Samuel  Moore,2 
Isaac  Paxton,  Wm.  O.  Peterman,  John  R.  Pickering, 
Alfred  Powell,  John  D.  Roscoe,  Wm.  H.  Satterthwaite, 
Fernando  W.  Shackleford,  Jas.  T.  Sharpless,  Wm.  R. 
Smith,  Ephraim  H.  Snyder,  Jos.  E.  Stewart,  Robt.  B. 
Stewart,  Amos  Taylor,  John  W.  Tipton,  Jas.  E.  Tip- 
ton,  Geo.  A.  Todd,  John  A.  Todd,  T.  W.  Vanlaw,  Al- 
bert Wagoner,  Milton  B.  Waters,  Chas.  J.  Williams, 
Thomas  Wood,  Peter  Gray. 

Promotions. — Capt.  David  Welsh,  appointed  ist  ser- 
geant November  i,  1862.  Was  appointed  to  ist  lieuten- 
ant February  9,  1865,  and  assigned  to  duty  in  Company 
E.  Promoted  to  captain,  April  6. 

Oliver  Donner  was  appointed  sergeant,  August  28, 

1862.  Appointed  ist  sergeant,  January  i,  1864.  Pro- 
moted to  2nd  lieutenant  June  15,  1865.  Severely  wound- 
ed June  21,  1864,  near  Kehesaw  Mountain,  Ga. 

Calvin  Etzler  was  appointed  corporal  September  i, 
1862;  sergeant  January  i,  1864;  ist  sergeant  February 
9,  1865.  Taken  prisoner  at  batttle  of  Stone  River.  Ex- 
changed and  returned  to  duty  January,  1863.  , 

George  McMaster  was  appointed  corporal  April  i, 

1863.  and  then  to  sergeant  May  28,  1864. 

^ James  Hall  was  appointed  corporal  January  i,  1864; 
appointed  sergeant  May  28,  1864.  Taken  prisoner  at 
battle  of  Stone  River.  Exchanged  and  returned  to  duty 
June,  1863. 

Isaac  E.  Dillon  was  appointed  corporal  January  i, 

1864.  Appointed  sergeant  February  9,  1865.  Wounded 
at  battle  of  Stone  River,  December  31,  1862. 

Hugh  A.  Hawkins  was  appointed  corporal  January 
I,  1864,  and  sergeant  February  9,  1865. 

Hugh  Crymble  was  appointed  corporal  January  i, 
1864. 

John  P.  Heaton  was  appointed  corporal  January  i, 
1864.  Taken  prisoner  at  battle  of  Stone  River.  Ex- 
changed and  returned  to  duty  June,  1863. 

George  W.  Ashton  was  appointed  corporal  January  i, 
1864.  Wounded  at  Stone  River  December  31,  1862. 
Paroled  by  the  enemy.  Exchanged  and  returned  to  duty 
November,  1863. 

Isaac  Knight  was  appointed  corporal  January  i,  1864. 
Taken  prisoner  at  battle  of  Stone  River,  December  31, 
1862.  Exchanged  and  returned  to  duty  June,  1863. 

Robert  B.  Stewart  was  appointed  corporal  May  28, 
1864. 

Allen  Wade  was  appointed  corporal  May  28,  1864. 

John  J.  Michner  was  appointed  corporal  February 
9.  1865. 

Sylvester  C.  Brown  was  appointed  corporal  February 
9,  1865. 

Finnemore  Cochran  entered  as  a recruit. 

John  W.  Harris  was  promoted  to  ist  sergeant  No- 
vember 29,  1862.  Reduced  to  ranks  at  his  own  request 
January  i,  1864. 

Frank  Askew  mustered  out  to  accept  an  appoint- 
ment as  lieutenant-colonel  December  6,  1862. 

Lorenzo  Danford  entered  as  2nd  lieutenant,  promoted 
to  ist  lieutenant,  September  24,  1862.  Mustered  out  on 
surgeon’s  certificate  August,  1864. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


Joseph  N.  DuBois  was  appointed  to  2nd  lieutenant 
April  26,  1862,  and  assigned  to  duty  in  Company  B, 
promoted  to  ist  lieutenant  and  adjutant,  September  10, 
1862,  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  and  assigned  to  duty  in  Com- 
pany E,  March  14,  1864.  Promoted  to  captain  August 
13,  1864.  Promoted  to  major,  March  10,  1865. 

Chandler  W.  Carroll  entered  as  ist  lieutenant  and 
was  promoted  to  captain  September  24,  1862,  and  as- 
signed to  duty  in  Company  K. 

Samuel  Hides  was  promoted  to  2nd  lieutenant  Sep- 
tember 20,  1862,  promoted  December  7,  1862,  to  ist  lieu- 
tenant. Wounded  at  battle  of  Stone  River  December 
31,  1862.  Discharged  by  order  of  War  Department  De- 
cember 7,  1863. 

Thomas  C.  Davis  was  appointed  ist  sergeant  Septem- 
ber 22,  1862.  Promoted  to  2nd  lieutenant  June  18,  1863. 
He  was  then  promoted  to  ist  lieutenant  and  assigned 
to  duty  in  Company  E,  September  i,  1864.  Was  pro- 
moted to  captain  and  assigned  to  duty  in  Company  C, 
January  26,  1865. 

Walter  Hewitson  was  appointed  ist  sergeant  Septem- 
ber 26,  1862.  Promoted  to  2nd  lieutenant  November  29, 
1862.  Resigned  August  i,  1863. 

Killed  in  Battle. — Geo.  B.  Hutcheson  was  appointed 
sergeant  January  i,  1864,  and  then  to  ist  sergeant  April 
20,  1864.  Killed  May  24,  1864,  North  Ga., 

W.  A.  Hoge  was  appointed  sergeant  September  i, 
1862.  Killed  December  31,  1862. 

Joseph  Hewetson,  killed  at  battle  of  Shiloh  April  7, 
1862. 

Stacy  B.  Craft,  killed  at  battle  of  Shiloh,  April  7, 

1862. 

Samuel  McMillen,  taken  prisoner  December  31,  1862. 
Exchanged,  and  returned  for  duty  June,  1863.  Ap- 
pointed corporal  January  i,  1864.  Killed  in  battle  May 
27,  North  Ga. 

Thomas  Anderson,  killed  in  battle.  May  27,  North  Ga. 

Stephen  Barley,  taken  prisoner  December  31,  1862. 
Exchanged  and  returned  to  duty  June,  1863.  Killed  at 
battle  of  Chickamauga,  September  20,  1863. 

Oliver  J.  Cope  was  appointed  corporal  January  29, 

1863.  Reduced  to  ranks  January  i,  1864,  at  his  own  re- 
quest. Killed  in  battle  June  21,  1864,  North  Ga. 

John  Campbell,  killed  at  battle  of  Shiloh,  April  7, 
1862. 

George  A.  Todd,  killed  in  battle  June  21,  1864,  near 
Kenesaw  Mountain,  North  Ga. 

Thomas  Wood,  killed  in  battle,  May  27,  1864. 

The  Missing  and  Wounded  in  Battle,  and  Captured. — 
James  M.  Booth,  missing  since  May  27,  1864,  in  North 
Ga. 

John  D.  Roscoe,  taken  prisoner  at  battle  of  Stone 
River,  December  31,  1862.  Exchanged  June,  1863. 

Sick  in  hospital  until  March  i,  1864.  Missing  since 
May  27,  1864,  in  North  Ga. 

Wiliam  Young,  missing  since  May  27,  1864,  in  North 
Ga. 

Robert  Applegarth,  severely  wounded  June  ii,  1863, 
near  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Ga. 

George  Billet,  wounded  and  paroled  December  31, 
1862,  at  Stone  River.  Exchanged  and  returned  to 
duty  November,  1863. 

Henry  H.  Brooks,  taken  prisoner  at  battle  of  Stone 
River  December  31,  1863.  Exchanged  and  returned  to 
duty  June,  1863. 


II7 


William  Gilham,  taken  prisoner  December  31,  1862, 
at  Stone  River.  Exchanged  and  returned  to  duty  June, 
1863. 

Oliver  J.  Henderson,  taken  prisoner  at  Stone  River, 
October  31,  1862.  Exchanged  and  returned  to  duty 
June,  1863. 

Robert  Humphrey,  taken  prisoner  October,  1862,  and 
paroled,  exchanged,  and  returned  to  duty  February, 
1863. 

David  S.  McMaster,  taken  prisoner  at  Stone  River 
December  31,  1862.  Exchanged  and  returned  to  duty 
June,  1863. 

Joseph  E.  Stewart,  taken  prisoner  at  Stone  River 
December  31,  1862.  Exchanged  and  returned  to  duty 
June,  1863. 

Discharged. — John  H.  Thompson,  discharged  August 
29,  1862,  on  account  of  wounds  received  April  7,  1862, 
at  the  battle  of  Shiloh. 

Hugh  Douglas  was  corporal  from  enlistment.  Ap- 
pointed sergeant  November  i,  1862;  discharged  at  ex- 
piration of  term  of  service,  September  i,  1864. 

W.  G.  Malin  was  corporal  from  enlistment.  Appoint- 
ed sergeant  May  21,  1862;  wounded  and  taken  prisoner 
September  20,  1863,  at  Chickamauga;  exchanged  and 
discharged  December  24,  1864. 

James  A.  Adams,  discharged  June  9,  1865,  at  Nash- 
ville. 

Joseph  Butts,  taken  prisoner  September  25,  1864;  ex- 
changed and  discharged  June  9,  1865. 

Samuel  Bell,  wounded  June  18,  1864,  in  Nortli 
Georgia;  discharged  June  8,  1865. 

William  Cavender,  taken  prisoner  December  31,  1862; 
exchanged  and  discharged  May  18,  1863,  on  certificate 
of  disability. 

Boyd  K.  Cameron,  discharged  November  15,  1861 ; 
George  W.  Gastello,  June  5,  1862;  Wilson  H.  Cochran, 
July  16,  1865;  John  W.  Cope,  November  15,  1861; 
Isaac  G.  Cope,  August  6,  1862;  John  W.  Crymble,  June 
8,  1865;  Boyd  W.  Dysart,  March  12,  1862;  Benjamin 
Davis,  September  18,  1864;  Henry  Donner,  June  10, 
1865;  John  Elliott,  February  17,  1862;  Benjamin  Etzler, 
May  3,  1865;  Edwin  R.  Gardner,  February  17,  1862; 
Peter  Gray,  November  15,  1861  ; P.  F.  Givens,  February 

17,  1862;  Rufus  W.  Howard,  March  2,  1863;  SamueD 
Moore,  September  18,  1862 ; James  T.  Metcalf,  Novem- 
ber 10,  1862;  Arthur  Murdock,  May  30,  1865;  William 
A.  Nichols,  June  10,  1865. 

Isaac  Patton  appointed  corporal.  Wounded  and  tak- 
en prisoner  September  20,  1863;  exchanged  and  dis- 
charged September  18,  1864,  at  expiration  of  term. 

William  O.  Peterman,  discharged  September,  1864, 
on  certificate  of  disability. 

Ephraim  H.  Snyder,  discharged  October  12,  1862,  on 
certificate  of  disability. 

Wiliam  H.  Hayes,  appointed  corporal  July,  1862.  Ap- 
pointed sergeant  April  i,  1863.  Reduced  to  ranks  at 
his  own  request  January  i,  1864.  Discharged  September 

18,  1864,  at  expiration  of  term. 

Charles  Umbree  taken  prisoner  October,  1862 ; ex- 
changed and  discharged  September,  1864,  at  expira- 
tion of  term. 

John  Fenton,  wounded  at  Stone  River,  December  31, 
1862;  dischar.ged  March  31,  1863. 

Jack  Heaton,  September  18,  1864,  at  expiration  of 
term. 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


1 18 


Frank  M.  Heaton;  wounded  and  prisoner  at  battle  of 
Cliickamanga,  Ga.,  September  19,  1863 ; exchanged  and 
discliarged  iUay  18,  1865. 

Cliarles  M.  Hall  was  corporal  at  enrollment;  taken 
prisoner  December  31,  1862;  exchanged;  wounded  and 
taken  prisoner  September  19,  1863 ; exchanged  and  dis- 
charged December  30,  1864. 

Aimer  Jones  taken  prisoner  December  30,  1862;  ex- 
changed and  discharged  September  18,  1864. 

All)crt  W.  Lee,  August  6,  1862,  on  certificate  of  dis- 
ability. 

G.  W.  Mackison,  November  15,  1861,  on  certificate 
of  disability. 

James  F.  Marring  appointed  corporal  July  i,  1862 
Wounded  and  taken  prisoner  September  20,  1863;  dis- 
charged at  expiration  of  term. 

W.  P.  McCance,  July  14,  1862,  on  certificate  of  dis- 
ability. 

John  T.  Mercer,  expiration  of  service. 

Alfred  Powell,  taken  prisoner  December  30,  1862; 
exchanged  and  discharged  ,September  18,  1864. 

William  F.  Sharpless,  July  29,  1862,  on  certificate 
of  disability. 

Fernando  Shackleford,  April  ii,  1863,  on  account 
of  wounds  received  December  31,  1862. 

W.  B.  Smith,  September  25,  1862,  on  account  of 
wounds  received  April  7,  1862. 

William  11.  Satterthwaite,  taken  prisoner  December  31, 
1862;  exchanged;  returned  to  duty  June,  1863.  Taken 
again  at  Chickamauga,  September  ig,  1863 ; discharged 
September  29,  1864. 

James  E.  Tipton,  December  21,  1864,  term  expired. 

Thomas  W.  Vanlaw,  August  14,  1862,  term  expired. 

Milton  B.  Waters,  September  13,  1864,  term  expired. 

Alljert  Wagoner  taken  prisoner  December  13,  1862; 
exchanged  and  returned  to  duty  June,  1863;  wounded 
at  battle  of  Chickamauga,  September  19,  1863 ; dis- 
charged at  expiration  of  term. 

Alexander  S.  Wiley,  September  18,  1864,  term  expired. 

Charles  J.  Williams,  July  18,  1862,  on  account  of 
wounds  received  April  7,  1862. 

Died. — John  W.  Danford  died  January  14,  1863,  of 
wounds  received  December  31,  1862. 

William  L.  Hutcheson  died  in  hospital,  April  5,  1862. 

George  Durbin  died  April  27,  1864, 

Joseph  Durbin  died  in  Rebel  hospital  of  wounds 
received  May  27,  1864. 

J.  B.  Dysart  died  January  15,  1863,  of  wounds  re- 
ceived December  31,  1862. 

Charles  Etzler  died  May,  1864,  accident. 

Jonathan  Fitzgerald  died  March  i,  1862,  of  fever. 

John  W.  Fred  died  February  17,  1863,  Nashville,  Tenn. 

James  T.  Jones  died  January  13,  1862,  at  home. 

John  C.  Jones  died  June  30,  1864,  of  wounds  received. 

Edward  P.  Mechem  died  May  5,  1862,  of  wounds 
received  April  7,  1862. 

Oliver  P.  Mills  died  September  20,  1864,  at  Atlanta, 
Ga. 

Elisha  P.  Scott  died  April  20,  1864,  of  smallpox. 

John  A.  Todd  died  November  10,  1862. 

John  ,W.  Tipton  died  February  16,  1864. 

James  Tweedy  died  June  2,  1864. 

Daniel  Wallace  died  June,  1864,  of  wounds  received 
June  23,  1864. 


This  company  was  mustered  out  November 
21,  1865. 

Company  F,  ipth  Regiment,  O.  V.  I. 

Amos  Glover,  captain. 

James  A.  Welsh,  ist  lieutenant. 

Nicholas  M.  Fowler,  2nd  lieutenant. 

E.  B.  Rowles,  sergeant. 

Herman  Goulder,  sergeant. 

James  O.  Scott,  sergeant. 

John  F.  Glover,  sergeant. 

Daniel  Diday,  sergeant. 

William  Barrett,  corporal. 

B.  F.  Richardson,  corporal. 

Elwood  Martin,  corporal. 

Lafayette  Hess,  corporal. 

John  C.  Jackson,  corporal. 

Adam  C.  McCaffrey,  corporal. 

Nelson  Madden,  corporal. 

Charles  B.  Hamilton,  corporal. 

G.  W.  Wilson,  musician." 

John  Brandon,  musician. 

Privates. — James  Barnett,  Richard  Bennett,  Israel  D. 
Boston,  John  Branden,  Charles  Branden,  James  Ber- 
nard, Jacob  Boger,  Jacob  Brewer,  Henry  F.  Bowles, 
John  Brewer,  Josiah  Bowles,  William  Brewer,  Levi 
Brock,  V,  Baumberger,  G.  W.  Boston,  Josephus  Clagg, 
John  Craig,  Thomas  Collins,  John  F.  Coulter,  John  F. 
Dailey,  George  Davis,  W.  H.  Davis,  Lewis  Davis, 
Joseph  Diday,  Nathan  Daun,  Samuel  Erly,  John  Feiss, 
Charles  Gibbons,  John  F.  Gibbons,  Andrew  Garloch, 
James  Goodrich,  Josiah  D.  Glover,  Jacob  Graf,  Isaac 
^ H.  Green,  Christian  Plinkle,  Dixon  M.  Hayes,  Cyrus 
Hurley,  Nehemiah  Hurley,  L.  Harris,  W.H.  Johns,  James 
A.  Jones,  James  H.  Knox,  Israel  Kinney,  Conrad  King, 
John.  J.  Mills,  Samuel  McKirahan,  David  Mills,  C.  B. 
Mills,  Joseph  McMillen,  Nathan  Nelson,  John  Ore, 
George  Richeson,  Martin  Reynolds,  John  Schuster, 
William  Scott,  Daniel  Thomas,  W.  H.  Wingrove,  Sam- 
uel Wingrove,  Thomas  B.  Weeklj',  Nathan  Watson, 
Thomas  R.  Yocum,  Ashbury  Welsh,  Leander  Warren, 
Abner  Wilbert,  R.  W.  Moberly,  George  Martin,  Asher >■ 
Green,  Christian  Taylor, 

The  above  company  was  recruited  at  Glencoe 
and  Powhatan.  It  was  mustered  into  service 
September  20,  1861,  at  Mansfield,  and  made 
Company  F of  the  15th  Regiment.  It  was  dis- 
charged November  21,  1865. 

Promotions,  Transfers,  etc. — Alexis  Cope  entered  the 
service  as  sergeant  of  Company  K.  Appointed  ser- 
geant major,  April  14.  1863.  Promoted  to  2nd  lieuten- 
ant of  Company  D,  July  31,  1863.  Promoted  to  ist 
lieutenant  of  Company  E.  Made  captain  of  Company 
F,  January  8,  1865. 

Jacob  Boger,  promoted  from  commissary  sergeant 
to  1st  lieutenant  and  assigned  to  Company  — , Febru- 
ary 9,  1865. 

James  P.  Scott  was  wounded  in  battle  at  Chicka- 
mauga, September  19,  1863.  Made  ist  sergeant,  March 
21,  1865. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


Ebenezer  W.  Hutcheson  made  sergeant  January  i, 
1864.  Captured  at  battle  of  Slone  River,  December  31, 

1862.  Released  January  21,  1863. 

James  Goodrich  was  made  corporal  January  i,  1864. 
Made  sergeant  June  23,  1864. 

William  H.  Jones  was  made  corporal  May  28,  1864. 
Made  sergeant  August,  1864. 

Dixon  M.  Hayes  was  made  corporal  January  i,  1864; 
wounded  at  battle  of  Stone  River,  December  31,  1862, 
and  Kenesaw  Mountain,  June,  1864.  Thomas  B.  Jack- 
son  was  made  corporal  January  i,  1864;  captured  at 
battle  of  Stone  River  December  31,  1862;  released  Jan- 
uary 21,  1863.  Augustus  Brast  matle  corporal  Sep- 
tember 8,  1864.  John  F.  Dailey  made  corporal  August 
10,  1864.  George  W.  Wilson  made  corporal  August  10, 

1862.  William  Brewer  made  corporal  March  9,  1865. 
Charles  Baetticher  was  wounded  in  the  battle  of  Chick- 
amauga.  John  Diday  was  made  corporal  June  i,  1864; 
wounded  in  battle  at  Liberty  Gap,  June  25,  1863,  and 
Nashville,  December  15,  1864.  Abraham  Ewers  was 
wounded  in  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  September  19, 

1863.  Amos  Glover  resigned  March  15,  1864.  James 
M.  Welsh  was  mustered  out  on  account  of  disability, 
August  10,  1862.  Samuel  Bechtell  resigned  to  accept 
promotion  in  U.  S.  Signal  Corps,  September  i,  1864. 

Killed  in  Battle. — Nicholas  M.  Fowler  was  killed  in 
the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  September  20,  1863.  La- 
fayette Hess  was  made  sergeant  April  23,  1864;  wounded 
in  battle  at  Liberty  Gap,  June  25,  1863;  killed  before 
Kenesaw  Mountain,  Ga.,  June  23,  1864.  Adam  C.  Mc- 
Caffrey, corporal,  was  killed  in  battle  at  Stone  River, 
December  31,  1862.  Joseph  A.  Jones,  corporal,  was 
killed  in  battle  at  Pickett’s  Mills,  Ga.,  May  27,  1864. 
James  McKirahan  was  killed  in  battle  at  Shiloh,  April 
7,, 1862.  John  Craig  was  killed  in  battle  at  Stone  River 
December  31,  1862.  George  Davis  was  killed  in  battle 
at  Liberty  Gap,  June  24,  1863.  William  Barnett  was 
killed  in  battle  at  Liberty  Gap,  June  24,  1863.  Jacob 
Hest  was  killed  in  battle  at  Stone  River  December  31, 
1862.  George  Richeson  was  killed  in  battle  at  Liberty 
Gap,  June  25,  1863. 

Discharged. — Martin  El  wood,  July  30,  1862.  Craw- 
ford E.  Welsh  was  wounded  at  Kenesaw  Mountain 
June  18,  1864;  discharged  December  13,  1864.  Nathan 
Watson  was  captured  at  the  battle  of  Chickamauga, 
September  19,  1863;  discharged  April  3,  1865.  William 
Woodburn,  September  5,  1865.  John  V.  Yocum,  Sep- 
tember 19,  1864.  Richard  Bennett,  September  19,  1864. 
Israel  D.  Boston,  September  19,  1864.  James  Bernard 
was  wounded  at  the  battle  of  Resaca,  La.,  May  18, 
1864;  discharged  September  19,  1864.  Josiah  D.  Bowles 
was  wounded  in  battle  at  Stone  River,  December  31, 
1862;  discharged  February  14,  1865.  Levi  Brock  was 
wounded  in  battle  at  Shiloh,  April  7,  1862 ; discharged 
August  29,  1862.  George  W.  Boston,  was  captured  in 
Kentucky  and  released  September,  1862 ; captured  at 
battle  of  Chickamauga  September  19,  1864.  James  Bar- 
nett was  captured  at  Vining  Station,  Ga.,  July  7,  1864; 
discharged  May  30,  1865.  Charles  Brandon  was  cap- 
tured in  Kentucky,  September,  1862 ; captured  at  battle 
of  Stone  River.  December  31.  1862,  and  at  battle  of 
Chickamauga,  September  19,  1863.  Ivan  Brandon  March 
27,  1863.  James  K.  P.  Barker  was  wounded  at  Mis- 
sionary Ridge,  November  28,  1863 ; discharged  Decem- 
ber, 1864.  Mark  Brown,  June  10,  1865.  D.  W.  Babcock, 


1 19 


June  10,  1865.  John  T.  Coulter,  February  21,  1862. 
Thomas  H.  Collins  was  captured  at  battle  of  Stone 
River,  December  31,  1862;  discharged  December  10, 

1864.  B.  M.  Carr,  June  10,  1865.  Richard  Carroll,  June 
10,  1865.  Andrew  Gollison,  June  10,  1865.  Nathan 
Downs,  September  19,  1864.  Lewis  Davis,  September 
19,  1864.  Joseph  Diday,  September  16,  1862.  William 
H.  Davis  was  wounded  before  Kenesaw  Mountain,  June 
23,  1864;  discharged  February,  1865.  Aaron  Davis, 
June  10,  1865.  John  P.  Dallier,  June  10,  1865.  David 
P.  Drake,  June  10,  1865.  John  Feiss,  June  21,  1862. 
John  C.  Fletcher  was  wounded  before  Kenesaw  Moun- 
tain, June  23,  1S64;  discharged  November  9,  1864.  Lee 
Ferenbaugh,  June  to,  1865.  Jacob  Garloch,  November 

18,  1862.  Asher  Green,  March  18,  1863.  Charles  C. 
Gibson  was  captured  at  battle  of  Stone  River,  Decem- 
ber, 31,  1862;  released  January  21,  1863;  discharged 
February  14,  1865,  John  T,  Glover,  September  19,  1864. 
Andrew  Garloch  was  wounded  in  battle  at  Stone  River 
December  31,  1862;  discharged  February  19,  1864.  Her- 
man Gulden,  September  19,  1864.  Josiah  D.  Glover, 
September  19,  1864,  Leonidas  Harris  as  wounded  in 
battle  at  Chickamauga  September  19,  1863:  discharged 
February  15,  1864.  Michael  Hess,  September  19,  1864. 
David  Jones,  June  10,  1865,  John  C.  Jackson,  Septem- 
ber 14,  1864,  James  H.  Knox  was  captured  at  battle  of 

Chickamauga,  September  14,  1863 ; discharged  

23,  1865.  John  Kedtch,  June  to,  1865,  John  Longs- 
ton,  June  10,  1865,  Thomas  Linton,  June  10,  1865, 
Samuel  Livingston,  June  10,  1865.  George  Martin, 
July  16,  1862,  R,  W,  MoEerly,  February  18,  1862,  John 
Mills  was  captured  at  battle  of  Chickamauga,  September 

19,  1863.  Fielding  Magness,  June  10,  1865,  Nathan 
Nelson,  September  19,  1864.  George  A.  Porterfield, 
July  19,  1862.  John  Patton,  June  10,  1865.  Benjamin 
F.  Richeson,  wounded  at  Liberty  Gap,  June  25,  1863; 
discharged  September  19,  1864.  Martin  Reynolds,  Sep- 
tember 19,  1864.  Frederick  Rowe,  June  to,  1865,  Wil- 
liam Richardson,  June  10,  1965.  Frederick  Keneral, 
June  10,  1865.  John  Richardson,  June  10,  1865.  Llenry 
Sickman,  June  10,  1865.  Benjamin  F,  Skelton,  June  10, 

1865.  David  Shultz,  June  II,  1865.  Elijah  M,  Tam,  May 
22,  1865.  William  H.  Wingrove,  April  16,  1862,  Ashbury 
Welsh  was  wounded  at  battle  of  Missionary  Ridge,  No- 
vember 25,  1863;  discharged  June  18,  1864.  Leander 
Warren  was  wounded  at  battle  of  Chickamauga  June  19, 
1863;  discharged  September  19,  1864.  Daniel  Thomas  was 
captured  at  battle  of  Stone  River,  December  31,  1862; 
discharged  September  19,  1864.  Thomas  B.  Yocum,  No- 
vember 8,  1862,  James  Wisenberg,  February  20,  1865, 

Died. — David  Diday,  of  typhoid  fever  at  Corinth, 
Miss.,  June  22,  1862,  John  Brewer  of  lung  fever  in 
Kentucky,  December  31,  1861.  Jacob  Brewer  of  pneu- 
monia at  Camp  Station,  Tenn,,  March  29,  1862.  Joseph 
A,  Bowles,  of  typhoid  fever  at  Vining  Station,  Ga., 
July  31,  1864.  John  Brandon  was  captured  at  the  bat- 
tle of  Chickamauga,  September  19,  1863 ; died  in  prison 
at  Anderson viile,  Ga.,  June  30,  1864.  Samuel  Early  died 
of  wounds  received  before  Kenesaw  Mountain,  June  21, 
1864,  at  hospital,  Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  June  29,  1864. 
Isaac  Green  was  captured  and  paroled  at  Stone  River, 
December  31,  1862;  died  June  22,  1864,  of  wounds  re- 
ceived before  Kenesaw  Mountain,  June  21,  1864.  Chris- 
topher Hinkle,  July  10,  1864,  of  wounds  received  before 
Kenesaw  Mountain,  June  21,  1864,  Cyrus  Hurley  was 


120 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


captured  and  paroled  in  Kentucky  in  September,  1862 ; 
captured  at  the  battle  of  Chickaniauga,  September  ig, 
1S63;  died  in  prison,  at  Andersonville,  Ga.,  June  21, 
1864.  Conrad  King  died  of  pneumonia  at  Louisville, 
Ky.,  June  I,  1862.  Edward  Keiser  died  of  diarrhoea  at 
Camp  Dennison,  Ohio,  February  5,  1865.  David  Mills, 
July  26,  1864,  of  wounds  received  June  20,  1864,  at 
Cliatlanooga,  Tenn.  John  Orr,  of  chronic  diarrhoea 
at  Murfreesboro.  Tenn.,  July  i,  1863.  Elijah  B.  Rowels, 
of  wouiuls  received  at  Pickett’s  Mills,  Ga.,  May  27,  and 
died  in  field  hospital  May  28,  1864.  James  E.  Ramage, 
June  28,  1863,  of  wounds  received  in  battle  at  Liberty 
Cap,  June  25,  1863.  William  Scott,  at  klurfreesboro, 
I'cnn.,  September  14,  1863,  of  wounds  received  in  battle 
at  Stone  River,  December  31,  1862.  Abner  Wilbert  died 
of  pneumonia  at  Mumfordsville,  Ky.,  February  21, 
1862.  Christopher  Taylor,  September  14,  1863,  of 

wounds  received  at  Liberty  Gap,  June  25,  1863,  at  Mur- 
freesboro, Tenn.  Samuel  Wingrove  was  captured  in 
battle  at  Chickaniauga,  September  ig,  1863;  died  in 
prison  at  Andersonville,  Ga.,  June  16,  1864. 

Company  K,  ijtli  Regiment,  0.  V.  I. 

"J'his  company  was  organized  at  Flushing, 
Scpteinlier  5,  1861.  Rendezvoused  at  Camp 
Bartley  for  a short  time.  The  officers  and 
memliers  were  as  follows  : 

Otho  S.  Holloway,  captain. 

Robert  H.  Cochran,  ist  lieutenant. 

Vesper  Domeck.  2nd  lieutenant. 

Nathan  Llolloway,  ist  sergeant. 

Alexis  Cope,  sergeant. 

John  S.  Cochran,  sergeant. 

Joseph  Farmer,  sergeant. 

Laban  Mitchell,  corporal. 

Reese  Pickering,  corporal. 

Thomas  Burkhead,  corporal. 

Henry  E.  Stewart,  corporal. 

Eli  Davis,  corporal. 

Thomas  Bethel,  corporal. 

Joseph  Cordner.  corporal. 

G.  W.  Chessel.  corporal. 

Abner  W.  Marshall,  wagoner. 

Privates. — Levi  Atkins.  William  I.  Ankrom,  J.  P. 
Aimed.  Joseph  Burkhead.  John  W.  Brown,  Jas.  Bate- 
man, John  M.  Bendure,  James  H.  Bendure,  Alvin  Bar- 
ton, Stephen  Bricker,  Robert  A.  Buffington,  Russell  Buf- 
fington, Walker  Carpenter,  Joshua  Camp,  S.  W.  Cowels, 
Brown  Deselms,  Thomas  Dunn,  James  Eckles,  Benja- 
min Eckles.  Benjamin  Freeman,  Simeon  L.  Faucett, 
Elder  T.  Fort,  James  Ferren,  Landon  Grimes,  John 
Grimsley.  Samuel  Geller,  William  Hazelwood,  Lundy  B. 
Hogue,  Ephraim  Houser,  Charles  Hall,  Simpson  G. 
Haines,  Al,  Herrick,  Samuel  Hutchison,  John  S.  Hutchi- 
son, Benjamin  F,  Johnson,  John  W.  Looman,  Christian 
Maul,  Israel  McKnight,  William  McKnight,  James 
McCourt,  James  McConnell,  Lewis  C.  Mechem,  John 
Murray.  Wallace  McGrath,  Hector  McAllison,  James 
McMillen,  Balaam  Norris,  George  W.  Poorman,  Leon- 
ard Pickering,  Squire  Palmer,  William  I.  Porterfield, 
Peter  P.  Russell,  John  Ridgway,  David  Ralston,  David 


Smith,  William  Stone,  Edward  Stone,  G.  W.  Shallcross, 
William  Seals,  John  G.  Sherwood,  Samuel  Tillett,  J. 
Tillett,  J.  Q.  Tillett,  James  Thompson,  John  A.  Thomp- 
son, Wilson  S.  Vancuren,  Washington  I.  Vance,  David 
C.  Vail,  Marshall  Wisley,  William  Walter,  William  H. " 
Webb. 

This  company  was  re-organized  as  a veteran 
company. 

Promotions,  Transfers,  etc. — Vesper  Domeck  entered 
as  a private ; promoted  to  2nd  lieutenant  November  8, 
j86i  ; to  1st  lieutenant  June  ig,  1863,  and  to  captain,  Janu- 
ary 13,  1865.  Robert  S.  McClenahan  was  quarter  master 
sergeant  to  March  12,  1865,  when  he  was  promoted  to 
1st  lieutenant,  and  transferred  to  Company  K.  Joseph 
Cordner  enlisted  as  corporal ; promoted  to  sergeant 
January  i,  1864,  and  to  ist  lieutenant  March  26,  1865. 
David  Smith  promoted  to  sergeant  January  i,  1864; 
wounded  in  arm  at  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Ga.,  June  21, 

1864.  Washington  J.  Vance  promoted  to  sergeant  June 

I,  1862.  John  Q.  Tillett  was  promoted  to  corporal 
January  i,  1864  and  to  sergeant  March  16,  1865.  Ben- 
jamin F.  Johnson  was  promoted  to  corporal  January 
I,  1864;  to  sergeant  June  13,  1865.  Henry  E.  Stewart 
was  promoted  to  sergeant  September  i,  1862.  James 
Eckles  promoted  to  corporal  January  i,  1864.  Brown 
Deselms  was  promoted  to  corporal  January  13,  1865 ; 
wounded  at  Rocky  Faced  Ridge,  May  3,  186 — . 

Noble  Carter  was  promoted  to  corporal  January  13, 

1865.  Robert  A.  Heaney,  promoted  to  corporal  Jan- 
uary 13,  1865.  William  Reynolds,  promoted  to  cor- 
poral January  13,  1865.  W.  B.  Drum  was  promoted  to 
corporal  March  23,  1865 ; wounded  in  head  at  Kenesaw 
Mountain,  Ga.,  June  21,  1864.  George  W.  Russell, 
promoted  June  3,  1865,  to  corporal.  Otho  S.  Holloway 
resigned  July  i,  1862.  Chandler  W.  Carroll  entered  as 
1st  lieutenant.  Company  E;  promoted  to  captain  and 
transferred  to  Company  K,  September  25,  1862;  mus- 
tered out  at  Huntsville,  Ala.,  January  12,  1865.  Rob- 
ert H.  Cochran,  ist  lieutenant,  resigned  May  30,  1865. 
Reese  Pickering,  promoted  to  2nd  lieutenant  January 
I,  186, ;;  to  1st  lieutenant.  January  12,  1865;  promoted 
to  captain  and  transferred  to  Company  I,  March  g, 
1865.  Frank  W.  Sanders  was  promoted  to  ist  ser- 
geant June  24,  1862,  and  to  2nd  lieutenant  June  25,* 
1865 ; killed  in  battle  at  Missionary  Ridge,  November 
25,  1863.  Vincent  T.  Trago,  promoted  from  ist  ser- 
geant to  1st  lieutenant  March  g,  1865,  and  transferred 
to  Company  K ; promoted  to  ist  lieutenant  and  trans- 
ferred to  Company  H,  June  i,  1865. 

Killed  in  Battle. — Thomas  Bethel,  promoted  to  ser- 
geant April  I,  1862;  killed  at  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Ga., 
July  3,  1864.  Ephraim  Houser,  killed  at  Peach  Tree 
Creek,  Ga.,  July  20,  1864.  Samuel  W.  Cowles,  killed 
in  battle  at  Stone  Ridge,  December  31,  1862.  Balaam 
Norris,  killed  at  Missionary  Ridge,  Tenn.,  November 
25,  1863.  Nelson  J.  Reed,  killed  at  Peach  Tree  Creek, 
Ga..  July  20,  1864.  Samuel  W.  Wilson,  killed  at  Kene- 
saw  Mountain,  Ga.,  June  21,  1864. 

Discharged  for  Disability. — Nathan  Holloway,  June 
24,  1862.  John  S.  Cochran,  September  30,  1862.  Jos- 
eph Farmer,  at  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  1863.  E.  T.  Frost 
was  wounded  in  the  arm  at  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Ga., 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


I2I 


June  21,  1864;  promoted  to  sergeant  January  13,  1865; 
discharged  June  3,  1S65.  William  Hazelwood,  promoted 
to  corporal  June  i,  1863;  wounded  in  the  leg  at  the 
battle  of  Chickamauga,  Ga.,  September  19,  1863 ; dis- 
charged January  14,  1865.  James  H.  Bendure,  June  30, 
1862.  John  M.  Benure,  September  12,  1862.  Allen  T. 
Brandenburg,  July  20,  1863.  Stephen  Bricker,  January 
I,  1865;  was  wounded  severely  in  the  breast  at  Kene- 
saw  Mountain,  June  21,  1864.  Robert  A.  Buffington, 
April  22,  1863.  Joshua  Camp,  July  3,  1862.  Walter 
C.  Carpenter,  January  10,  1863.  Richard  Coleman, 
July  10,  1865.  James  R.  Cowgill,  October  4,  1865. 
Christopher  Dethling,  June  to,  1865.  Clark  Edgington, 
May  22,  1865.  Robert  Erskine,  September  9,  1862.  Sim- 
eon L.  Faucett,  March  27,  1865.  Benjamin  Freeman, 
April  7,  1865 ; captured  at  Chickamauga,  Ga.,  September 
19,  1863;  released  April,  1865.  Casper  D.  Fassee.  June 
10,  1865.  Samuel  Geller,  July  28,  1862.  James  Gibson, 
October  24,  1864.  L.  B.  Grimes,  March  26,  1863.  John 
Grimsley,  January  6,  1863.  Simpson  G.  Haines,  Decem- 
ber 2,  1862,  on  account  of  wounds  received  at  the  battle 
of  Shiloh,  April  7,  1862.  Charles  Hall,  February  24, 
1862.  William  Hill,  April  ii,  1865.  Lundy  B.  Hogue, 
October  29,  1862.  Samuel  Hutchison,  February  21, 
1862.  John  S.  Hutchison,  June  10,  1865;  captured  at 
Chickamauga,  Ga.,  September  19,  1863 ; released  April, 
1865.  John  W.  Looman,  September  30,  1864. 

George  W.  Male,  June  10,  1865.  Hector  Mc- 
Allister, January  ii,  1865.  Wallace  McGrath, 

October  i,  1862,  to  accept  promotion;  trans- 

ferred as  2nd  lieutenant  to  Company  C,  same  date. 
John  McFadden,  June  10,  1865.  James  McCourt, 

September  30,  1864.  James  McMillen,  June  10,  1865. 
Jonathan  Miller,  June  10,  1865.  Squire  Palmer,  July  21, 

1862.  Leonard  Pickering,  June  10,  1865.  W.  J.  Porter- 
field, June  19,  1862.  David  Ralston,  October  3,  1864. 
John  Rennard,  on  account  of  wound  received  at  Stone 
River,  December  31,  1862.  Rudolph  Rine,  June  10,  1865. 
Peter  P.  Russell,  April  7,  1863 ; received  wounds  at  the 
battle  of  Stone  River,  December  31,  1862.  Henry  G. 
Seesholtz,  Christian  Shrader,  George  W.  Shallcross, 
William  Soden,  William  Stone,  June  10,  1865.  Edward 
Stone,  July  16,  1862.  Robert  Tallman,  Frederick  Thorn, 
June  10.  1865.  John  A.  Thoinpson,  February  24,  1862. 
James  W.  Thompson,  for  wounds  received  at  Stone 
River,  December  31,  1862.  Giles  Tillett,  for  wounds 
received  at  Shiloh,  April  7.  1862.  Samuel  Tillett,  Isaac 
Terrell,  June  10,  1865.  Wilson  S.  Vancuren,  June  10, 
1865 ; wounded  at  Chickamauga,  Ga.,  September  19, 

1863.  William  Waller,  February  ii,  1862.  William  H. ' 
Webb,  June  10,  1865. 

Died. — Mitchell  Laban  at  Camp  Wood,  Ky.,  January 

6,  1862,  of  typhoid  fever.  W.  J.  Ankrom,  at  Louisville, 
Ky.,  of  dysentery,  January,  1862.  J.  P.  Arnell,  at  Camp 
Wood,  Ky.,  March  12,  1862,  of  typhoid  fever.  Levi 
Atkins,  at  Flushing,  O.,  May,  1862,  of  wounds  re- 
ceived at  battle  of  Shiloh,  April  7,  1862.  Thomas  Dunn, 
shot  by  a comrade  on  the  picket  line,  November  22, 

1861,  being  mistaken  for  an  enemy.  Benjamin  Eckles, 
at  Louisville,  Ky.,  May  3,  1862,  of  typhoid  fever. 
James  Ferren  died  at  St.  Clairsville,  Ohio,  May  6, 

1862,  of  consumption.  A.  Herrick  died  at  Mound  City, 
Ilk,  May  21,  1862,  of  wounds  received  at  Shiloh,  April 

7,  1862.  William  McKnight  died  at  Flushing.  Ohio, 
June  29,  1862,  of  consumption.  William  Seals  died  at 


St.  Louis,  Mo.,  December  20,  1862.  David  C.  Vail  died 
at  Louisville,  Ky.,  December  29,  1862,  of  erysipelas. 

Company  A,  2jth  Regiment,  O.  V.  I. 

This  company  was  organized  at  St.  Clairs- 
ville, and  arrived  at  Camp  Jackson  June  12, 
1861.  On  the  28th  of  the  same  month  the 
25th  Regiment  was  organized  at  Camp  Chase, 
near  Columbus.  Ihe  officers  and  members  of 
Company  A,  as  first  organized,  are  as  follows : 

James  F.  Charlesworth,  captain. 

William  Askew,  ist  lieutenant. 

Arthur  Higgins,  2nd  lieutenant. 

John  D.  Koontz,  ist  sergeant. 

W.  B.  Wright,  sergeant. 

Zenas  Smith,  sergeant. 

Henry  Johnson,  sergeant. 

Israel  White,  sergeant. 

Burget  McConnaughy,  corporal. 

William  H.  Spear,  corporal. 

James  Mellor,  sergeant. 

Thomas  W.  Fawler,  corporal. 

Abraham  Heed,  corporal. 

Hiram  Nichol,  corporal. 

Robert  Kennedy,  corporal. 

Thomas  Ferrell,  corporal. 

George  W.  McBride,  musician. 

Robert  Fawler,  musician. 

Thomas  McBride,  wagoner. 

Privates. — Joseph  Acres,  Alex  Barrett,  Joseph  Boggs, 
Levi  Butler,  Elias  Baile,  James  C.  Bolon,  Joshua  Burk- 
head,  Leander  Beall,  William  H.  Criswell,  George  Cass, 
John  Conway,  James  E.  Clifford,  Robert  Creighton,  John 
F.  Crow,  Hugh  Donnelly,  Reuben  Donnelly,  Robert  M. 
Fulton,  Samuel  Glasgow,  Philip  Gable,  Joseph  Gallaher, 
John  W.  Holland,  Eli  Hanker,  Samuel  Henry,  John  R. 
Hedge,  Charles  Hoober,  William  Harrison,  Hiram  S. 
Hahn,  D.  C.  Iverson,  B.  R.  Johnson,  A.  M.  Jeffers,  Chas. 
H.  King,  James  Kelly,  John  W.  Dent,  D.  C.  Kinney, 
Patrick  Kain,  William  Linden.  William  Lockwood, 
Henry  Lambert,  John  McMillen,  John  McConnell.  G.  D. 
W.  McPherson,  James  McMullen,  Samuel  McCrum, 
Jacob  McCabe,  John  McKirahan,  Michael  Murray,  Rob- 
ert Miller,  Henry  Meek,  John  R.  Mellor,  John  F.  Peck, 
Samuel  B.  Porterfield,  Jesse  C.  Patterson,  Levi  Ryan, 
James  Russell,  John  Richards,  E.  L.  Riley,  Josephus  F. 
Rial.  William  C.  Rankin,  Nathaniel  Sutton,  Charles 
Smith,  Asa  Taylor,  Ignatius  Tillett,  William  F.  Talbert, 
Hezekiah  Thomas,  George  W.  Verbeck,  Simon  L. 
Voorhies,  John  Weyer,  Robert  Wright,  James  G.  Whit- 
tell,  Henry  C.  White,  William  H.  White,  John  Zane. 

Promotions,  Transfers,  etc. — Capt.  Wiliam  P.  Scott, 
assigned  to  Company  A,  March  ii,  1865.  1st  Lieut.  Elisha 
Biggerstaff,  assigned  to  Company  A.  June  12,  1864.  2nd 
Lieut.  Daniel  J.  Crooks,  assigned  to  Company  A,  Sep- 
tember 29,  1865.  Robert  M.  Fulton  promoted  to  cor- 
poral, April  I,  1864;  sergeant,  April,  1865;  ist  sergeant. 
May  18,  1866.  Josephus  Kinney,  promoted  to  co-poral, 
April,  1864:  to  sergeant,  June  i,  1865.  Joseph  Acres, 
re-enlisted  December  31,  1863;  promoted  to  corporal, 
August  I,  1864;  promoted  to  sergeant,  July  i,  1865. 


122 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Leander  J.  Beall,  promoted  to  corporal,  February  i, 
1865:  to  sergeant,  1865.  Andrew  Fulton,  promoted  to 
corporal,  Junei,  1865  ; to  sergeant.  May  18,  1866.  Simon 
L.  Voorhics,  promoted  to  corporal,  November  8,  1864. 
Samuel  L.  McClellan,  promoted  to  corporal,  April  i,  1865. 
John  W.  Kent,  promoted  to  corporal,  June  i,  1865.  Al- 
bert B.  Wayt,  promoted  to  corporal  August  i,  1865.  M. 
F.  McKirahan,  promoted  to  corporal  September  15,  1865. 
John  M.  Watkins,  promoted  to  corporal.  May  i,  1866. 
Joshua  S.  Holland  (recruited)  March  14,  1864.  John 
W.  Nevil,  Vance  Vancuren. 

Discharged. — James  F.  Charlesworth,  mustered  out  to 
accept  promotion.  May  16,  1862.  William  Askew,  to 
accept  promotion,  September  25,  1861.  Arthur  Higgins, 
promoted  to  ist  lieutenant,  September  25,  1861  ; mustered 
out  to  accept  promotion,  November  4,  1864.  Israel 
White,  promoted  to  1st  sergeant,  July  i,  1862;  discharged 
to  accept  promotion  April  i,  1863.  Wm.  B.  White,  dis- 
charged July  18,  1864  (extra  term).  Samuel  Stewart,  pro- 
moted to  corporal  January  6,  1862;  to  sergeant,  Septem- 
ber I,  1863  ; discharged  by  reason  of  enlistment,  December 
31,  1863.  Burget  McConnaughy,  promoted  from  corporal 
to  sergeant,  August  i,  1862;  discharged  by  reason  of  re- 
enlistment, December  31,  1863.  Abram  Heed,  by  reason 
of  expiration  of  term,  July  18,  1864.  Thomas  H.  Fer- 
rell, promoted  from  corporal  to  sergeant,  September  i, 
1863;  discharged  to  re-enlist,  December  31,  1863.  Wil- 
liam FI.  Criswell,  promoted  to  corporal,  September  i, 
1862;  discharged  December  31,  1863,  to  re-enlist.  John 
McKirahan,  promoted  June  i,  1863;  discharged  Decem- 
ber 13,  1863,  to  re-enlist.  Robert  Kennedy,  on  disability, 
December  10,  1863.  Chas.  H.  King,  promoted  to  cor- 
poral, January  6.  1862:  discharged  to  accept  promotion, 
June  5,  1863;  Michael  Murray,  promoted  to  corporal, 
April  I,  1862;  re-enlisted  December  31,  1863.  Andrew 
D.  King,  promoted  to  corporal,  February  i,  1865;  dis- 
charged July  15,  1865.  Thomas  W.  Fawler,  re-enlisted 
December  31,  1863.  George  W.  McBride,  re-enlisted 
December  31,  1863.  William  S.  Tyrrel,  December  14, 
1865  (extra  term).  Alexander  Barrett,  re-enlisted  De- 
cember 31,  1863.  Joseph  Baggs,  March  30,  1862,  on  dis- 
ability. Elias  Baile  (extra  term),  July  16,  1864.  James 
C.  Bolon  (extra  term),  July  16,  1864.  Joshua  Burk- 
head.  re-enlisted  December  31,  1863.  Samuel  Beall, 

September  12,  1862,  on  disability.  Leander  J.  Beall  re- 
enlisted December  31,  1863.  Isaac  Bennington,  October 
17,  1865  (extra  term).  Martin  Bennington,  November 
23,  1865.  George  Cross,  February,  1863,  on  disability. 
John  Conway,  re-enlisted  December  31,  1863.  Robert 
Creighton,  re-enlisted  December  31,  1863.  John  T. 
Crow  (extra  term).  John  B.  Day  (extra  term).  Rob- 
ert M.  Fulton  re-enlisted  December  31,  1863.  Samuel 
Glasgow  (extra  term),  July  16,  1864.  Philip  Gable  (e.xtra 
term).  Joseph  Gallaher  (extra  term).  Eli  Hanker, 
March  16,  1863,  on  disability.  Samuel  Henry,  December 
5.  1863,  on  disability.  John  R.  Hedge,  November  1862, 
on  disability.  Charles  Hooper,  re-enlisted  December  31, 
1863.  Hiram  S.  Halm  (extra  term).  William  T. 
Hughes  (extra  term).  C.  D.  Iverson,  October  i,  1862, 
on  disability.  Benjamin  R.  Johnson  (extra  term).  An- 
drew M.  Jeffers  was  sent  to  the  hospital  at  Strasburg, 
July  4,  1862,  the  last  heard  from.  DeWitt  C.  Kinney 
(extra  term).  Josephus  S.  Kinney,  re-enlisted  Decem- 
ber 31,  1863.  William  Linder  (extra  term).  Henry 
Lambert  re-enlisted  December  31,  1863.  G.  D.  W.  Mc- 


Pherson, October  28,  1862,  on  disability.  Samuel  Mc- 
Crum  (extra  term).  John  McConnell,  re-enlisted  De- 
cember 31,  1863.  Thomas  W.  McBride,  re-enlisted  De- 
cember 31,  1863.  John  McCabe,  reported  taken  prisoner 
and  died  in  Richmond.  James  Mellor,  promoted  to  ser- 
geant (extra  term).  Robert  H.  Miller,  July  31,  1863.  on 
disability.  Henry  Meek,  December  29,  1862,  on  dis- 
ability. John  Murphy,  May  29,  1865,  on  disability. 
Samuel  B.  Porterfield,  1862,  on  disability.  Jesse  C. 
Patterson  (extra  term).  Levi  Ryan,  re-enlisted  Decem- 
ber 31,  1863.  James  Russell  (extra  term).  M.  L.  Riley, 
re-enlisted  .December  31,  1863.  J.  F.  Rial,  May  10,  on 
disability.  Nathaniel  Sutton,  May  6,  1862,  on  disabil- 
ity. Charles  Smith,  November  10,  1862,  on  disability. 
William  Simpson,  September  16,  1863,  on  disability. 
D.  L.  Tyrell  (extra  term).  W.  F.  Talbert,  March  14, 
1862,  on  disability.  Asa  Taylor  (extra  term).  Robert 
H.  Vance  (extra  term).  Robert  Wright  (extra  term). 
William  H.  White,  wounded  at  Gettysburg,  Pa.,  sent  to 
G.  H.,  Dis.  James  G.  Whittle,  April  19,  1864,  from 
wounds  received  at  Chancellorsville,  Nathaniel  Wal- 
lace (extra  term).  Adolph  Wiedebush  (extra  term). 

Died. — John  D.  Koontz  died  January  5,  1862,  diar- 

hooea,  at  Barnesville,  O.  William  died 

May  29,  1862,  at  Franklin,  Va.,  of  wounds  received  in 
the  battle  of  McDowell,  Va.  William  L.  Anderson 
died  September  9,  1862,  of  diarrhoea,  at  Philadelphia, 
Pa.  Levi  Butler,  killed  May  2,  1863,  at  Gettysburg,  Pa. 
Reuben  Donelly  died  October  2,  1862,  at  Alexandria, 
Va.,  of  wounds  received  in  the  battle  of  Bull  Run.  Rob- 
ert A.  Fawler  died  February  27,  1862,  at  Philadelphia, 
Pa.,  of  smallpox.  William  T.  Lockwood,  killed  at  bat- 
tle of  Chancellorsville,  Va.,  May  2,  1863.  Alfred  A. 
McFadden  died  April  6,  1864,  in  a hospital  at  Wash- 
ington, D.  C.  James  McMullen  died  January  10,  1862, 
at  Bridgeport,  Ohio,  of  chronic  diarrhoea.  John  Rich- 
ards, killed  in  battle  on  Alleghany  Mountain,  Va.,  De- 
cember 13,  1861,  Samuel  Talbert  froze  to  death  on 
Cheat  Mountain,  Va.,  November  21,  1861.  George  W. 
Verbeck,  died  Tune  15,  1862,  at  Glencoe,  O.,  of  wounds 
received  at  the  battle  of  McDowell,  Va.  Henry  C. 
White,  died  May  15,  1862,  of  diarrhoea,  at  Washington, 
D.  C.  Thomas  G.  White,  killed  in  the  battle  of  Long 
Hill,  November  30,  1864. 

This  company  was  mustered  out  at  Colum- 
Idus,  Ohio,  June  18,  1866. 

Company  A,  4^rd  Regiment^  O.  V.  I. 

This  company  was  made  up  mostly  of  men 
from  Bellaire,  Bridgeport  and  Martin’s  Ferry. 
It  was  recruited  from  October  to  December, 
1861,  when  mustered  into  service.  The  of- 
ficers and  members  of  Company  A were  as  fol- 
lows : 

Jacob  M.  Spangler,  captain. 

Samuel  Martin,  ist  lieutenant. 

John  M.  Criswell,  2nd  lieutenant. 

Obadiah  M.  Davis,  ist  sergeant. 

William  Meek,  musician. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


123 


Privates. — John  J.  Albright,  John  B.  Allen,  Andrew 

B.  Anderson,  Samuel  J.  Banks,  Robert  Baggs,  Joseph 

C,  Beam,  Geo.  Brewer,  John  Beck,  Henry  Brown,  Ben- 
jamin F.  Brooks,  James  A.  Carter,  John  R.  Campbell,  J. 
M.  Criswell,  John  Conrad,  W.  B.  Clayton,  Jacob  S. 
Clayton,  John  S.  Clark,  John  W.  Campbell,  John  Conners, 
Patrick  Conaway,  Robert  Duncan,  Robert  Dixon,  Wil- 
liam Davis,  Robert  Douglas,  John  Denn,  James  Douglas, 
Thomas  C.  Dougherty,  Thomas  Eagon,  John  P.  Eckles, 
Samuel  Eckles,  Robert  Giffin,  James  Hollis,  Patrick 
Heffron,  William  Haley,  William  Hipkins,  Jeremiah 
Hutcher,  Thomas  G.  Hosper,  August  Hoffman,  James 
Henry,  James  Hobbs,  Edmond  Hannon,  James  Hartup, 
John  W.  Jackson,  James  M.  Keyser,  John  G.  C.  King, 
John  J.  Levy,  William  A.  Lilly,  Philip  Lang,  Elias  B. 
Lowman,  Charles  A.  Littleton,  Geo.  W.  Long,  William 
Mahoffy,  James  F.  McCrew,  John  Madden,  Henry  Mc- 
Greivy,  Thomas  McKail,  Tobias  Oliver,  Hiram  Oliver, 
Robert  C.  Russell,  Patrick  Reed,  John  M.  Ryan,  Samuel 
Richardson,  Jacob  Rufer,  Levi  Shipman,  Luther  Stew- 
art, Joseph  Samuels,  Lewis  Schramm,  Zane  Smith,  Cyrus 
H.  Strahl,  Robert  Tarbet,  Levi  D.  Thompson,  Michael 
Tynane,  Samuel  Vanhorn,  William  Vance,  Daniel  West- 
lake,  Benj.  F.  Westlake,  Jeremiah  Westlake,  Martin 
Welsh,  John  Winning,  George  M.  Wise,  Warren  M. 
Yates. 

Promotions. — Obadiah  M.  Davis  was  promoted  from 
sergeant.  Company  A,  to  2nd  lieutenant.  May  9,  1864, 
and  assigned  to  Company  I;  then  promoted  to  ist  lieu- 
tenant January  i,  1865,  assi.gned  to  Company  C,  and 
then  promoted  to  captain,  March  i,  1865,  and  transferred 
to  Company  A.  George  W.  Goodrich  was  promoted 
to  1st  sergeant,  April  i,  1865,  promoted  to  ist  lieuten- 
ant. May  22,  1865.  John  K.  Campbell  was  promoted  to 
2nd  lieutenant  from  sergeant.  Company  A,  May  22,  1865. 
Robert  Dixon  was  promoted  to  ist  sergeant,  June  i, 
1865.  J.  B.  Smith  was  promoted  from  corporal  to  ser- 
geant, June  I,  1864.  Jacob  Rupper  was  promoted  from 
corporal  to  sergeant,  April  i.  1865.  B.  F.  We.stlake 
was  promoted  to  sergeant  from  corporal,  June  i,  1865. 
David  Stitson  was  promoted  to  sergeant  from  corporal 
June  I,  1864.  Samuel  Bishop  was  promoted  to  corporal 
November  i,  1864.  John  B.  Alum  was  promoted  to 
corporal  April  i,  1864.  J.  C.  Plunket  was  promoted  to 
corporal  November  i,  1864.  John  P.  Eckels  was  pro- 
moted to  corporal  April  i,  1865.  Martin  Welsh  was  pro- 
moted to  corporal  April  i,  1865.  Robert  H.  Long  was 
promoted  to  corporal  June  10,  1865.  William  Hipkins 
was  promoted  to  corporal  June  i,  1865. 

Transferred. — Samuel  T.  Colvin,  Robert  McNary, 
Luther  Stewart,  Hamdon,  Heatherington,  Lewis 
Schramm,  George  M.  Wise. 

Discharged. — Samuel  Martin  resigned  his  commission 
as  captain  September  25,  1864.  Zane  Smith  was  pro- 
moted to  1st  sergeant  January  i,  1864;  mustered  out  to 
accept  a commission  in  the  7th  Louisiana,  Colored 
Troops. 

Died.— Si^cy  Taylor  died  in  hospital,  Decatur,  Ala- 
bama, April  26,  1864.  Joseph  Samuels,  killed  in  action 
at  Atlanta,  Ga.,  August  4,  1864.  George  W.  Long  died 
in  hospital  at  Marietta,  Ga.,  September  16,  1864,  of 
wounds  received  at  Atlanta,  Ga.,  August  4,  1864.  Wil- 
liam Aarants  (drafted)  died  in  field  hospital  in  South 
Carolina,  March  17,  1865.  John  Barnhart  (substitute) 
died  in  hospital  at  Philadelphia,  Tenn.,  April  24,  1865. 


George  Conaway  died  in  hospital  at  Marietta,  Ga.,  July 
1864.  Jesse  Gray  died  in  hospital  at  Hiltonhead,  S. 
C.,  April  4,  1865.  William  Palmer  died  in  hospital  at 
Newbern,  N.  C.,  April  16,  1865. 

Christian  L.  Poorman,  captain. 

Joseph  A.  Harris,  2nd  lieutenant. 

Privates. — Lewis  Applegate,  Crawford  Armstrong, 
David  Applegate,  Thomas  Ankrim,  Ira  Briton,  Thomas 
B.  Brown,  E.  S.  Brown,  J.  C.  Bolon,  Henry  Baxter, 
Isaac  Billingsley,  Joseph  S.  Barnhard,  George  Bright, 
Wilson  S.  Bigley,  George  Bailey,  Elias  Beal,  Patrick 
Cochlen,  Richard  Creighton,  James  Crimble,  W.  H. 
Cope,  Jacob  H.  Cope,  John  Cunnard,  W.  H.  Crabtree, 
Jefferson  Chamberlain,  James  Dunn,  Robert  M.  Dent, 
John  Danford,  Thomas  Durbin,  P.  S.  Evins,  Fowler 
Glenn,  Denial  J.  Freeman,  Gaston  Fox,  Robert  Gleespy, 
Stewart  Harris,  John  S.  Hamilton,  Abram  H.  Handel, 
Thomas  Huntsman,  William  V.  Johnson,  Sr.,  David 
Johnson,  Jr.,  Samuel  Johnson,  Wesley  Jones,  Colos- 
tine  Jones,  Thomas  Kinney,  William  Kinney,  William 
Lindsey,  Henry  Miller,  Matthew  R.  McFadden,  Thomas 
Merrill,  Henry  McFadden,  Robert  Morrow,  James  B. 
McCormick,  Andrew  McKirahan,  John  McKeen,  David 

H.  McKeen,  George  F.  Majors,  Robert  S.  Moore, 
Nathan  Moore,  James  Nixon,  John  W.  Newton,  George 
W.  Nixon,  William  Owens,  William  Patterson,  David 
Poole,  Israel  Perry,  William  Paxton,  Charles  W.  Penn, 
L^riah  Rimbey,  Alcanzer  Rothwell,  James  T.  Robinson, 
Ephraim  Stull,  Richard  Shepherd,  Humphrey  Steadman, 
Henry  Steadman,  Thomas  Shepherd,  Otto  Strickland, 
Isaiah  Shepherd,  James  T.  Tiernan,  J.  W.  Taylor,  Clark 
Vanhorn,  Henry  Wilds,  Milo  Wilkinson,  John  R.  Wil- 
son, Levi  Williams,  Elijah  M.  Weekly,  Martin  L. 
Weekly,  Zibar  Yarnold. 

Promotions. — Crawford  Armstrong  was  appointed  ser- 
geant from  private,  December  31,  1863;  appointed  ist 
sergeant,  August  9,  1864 ; promoted  to  captain  April 

I,  1865.  James  W.  Dunn  was  appointed  sergeant  from 
private  Dec.  1863,  appointed  ist  sergeant  April  i,  1865; 
promoted  to  lieutenant,  May  21,  1865.  William  P. 
Weekly  was  appointed  corporal  December  31,  1863; 
sergeant,  April,  1865;  ist  sergeant,  June  i,  1865.  Wil- 
liam FI.  Crabtree  was  appointed  corporal,  December  31, 
1863;  sergeant,  June  8,  1864.  Samuel  S.  Delaney  was 
was  appointed  corporal  December  31,  1863;  sergeant. 
May  I,  1865.  Thomas  Shepherd  was  appointed  co  po- 
ral  June  8,  1864;  sergeant  June  i,  1865.  Alcanzer 
Rothwell  was  appointed  corporal  June  8,  1864;  ser- 
geant June  I,  1865.  William  Orr  was  appointed  corpo- 
ral, December  31,  1863;  absent,  no  discharge  furnished. 
Elijah  S.  Brown  was  appointed  corporal,  August  6, 

1864.  Andrew  McKirahan  was  appointed  corporal,  Jan- 
uary I,  1865.  Stewart  Harris,  was  appointed  corporal, 
January  i,  1865.  Matthew  C.  Henderson  was  ap- 
pointed corporal  April  i,  1865.  Abram  H.  Handel  was 
appointed  corporal,  June  i,  1865.  Robert  M.  Dent  was 
appointed  corporal,  January  i,  1865. 

Recruits. — Daniel  I.  Clark,  Francis  Clark.  George  W. 
Keeper,  Jefferson  Mayburg,  Franklin  Taylor.  These 
gentlement  were  from  Belmont  County.  There  were 
other  recruits  from  different  parts  of  this  State,  num- 
bering in  all,  36. 

Discharged. — John  Cunnard,  diccharged  January  i, 

1865,  expiration  of  term.  Jefferson  Chamberlain,  dis- 
charged January  i,  1865,  same.  John  C.  Bolon,  dis- 


124 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


charged  August  8,  1864,  to  receive  promotion.  Joseph 
Barnhard,  discharged,  January  i,  1865.  John  W.  Tay- 
lor, discharged,  January  i,  1865,  expiration  of  term. 
Benton  Bitenhour,  discharged  from  hospital,  January 
17,  1865.  Emanuel  Goldsborough. 

Transferred. — Basil  M.  Simpson,  Henry  Butts, 
Thomas  Fowler. 

Died. — Milo  Wilkinson,  promoted  from  ist  sergeant 
to  2nd  lieutenant.  May  g,  1864;  died  of  disease,  January 
29,  1864,  at  Chattanooga,  Tcnn.  Irwin  Harrison  died 
of  disease,  September  22,  1864.  David  Johnson  died  in, 
prison  at  Andersonville,  Ga.,  September  14,  1864,  Pat- 
rick Martin  died  in  hospital,  March  7,  1865.  Samuel 
Meadly  died  of  disease  at  Covington,  Ky.,  February 
24,  1864.  George  W.  Nixon  died  of  disease,  March  5, 
1864.  Addison  Scycler  died  of  disease  at  Decatur, 
Ala.,  May  12,  1864.  Charles  Taylor  died  of  disease  at 
Nashville,  Tenn.,  July  14,  1864. 

This  company  was  mustered  out  at  Louis- 
ville, Ky..  July  13,  1865. 

Coiiipaihy  E , ^oth  Regiment,  0.  L.  I. 

Company  F was  raised  in  Belmont  County, 
and  was  mustered  into  service  August  30, 
1862.  This  company  was  organized  as  fol- 
lows : 

Thomas  Clark,  captain. 

James  G.  Theaker,  ist  lieutenant. 

Robert  P.  Moore,  2nd  lieutenant. 

Thomas  C.  Thoburn,  ist  sergeant. 

Hugh  D.  DuBois,  sergeant. 

George  R.  Grier,  sergeant. 

James  R.  Griffith,  sergeant. 

Andrew  D.  Mitchell,  sergeant. 

Lord  N.  Soles,  corporal. 

Isaac  I.  Cox,  corporal. 

James  W.  Shipman,  corporal. 

George  W.  Shipman,  corporal. 

Charles  D.  Chandler,  corporal. 

William  G.  Taggart,  corporal. 

James  Henry,  corporal. 

Jacob  P.  Githens,  corporal. 

Privates. — D.  K.  Allen,  Jesse  W,  Adams,  Looman 
Beck,  Wesley  Beck,  John  T.  Beck,  James  Boyles,  G. 
Bliss,  John  A.  Barr,  Gilbert  W.  Briggs,  Samuel  Briggs, 
John  Bereg,  Robert  H.  Clayland,  John  C.  Chandler, 
Watson  D,  Cochran,  Wilson  H.  Cochran,  William  Con- 
way, Louis  Coy,  Samuel  Cox,  Harry  Chambers,  C.  Cook, 
I.  P.  Conry,  George  Denny,  Samuel  Davis,  Thomas 
Ewan,  William  Ellis,  A.  S.  Field,  Campbell  Fitch,  Simon 
Footer,  Lafayette  Githens,  Thomas  I.  Githens,  Charles 
Goff,  Peter  Gorman,  Robert  H,  Griffith,  A.  H.  Gody, 
Robert  Goff,  James  Hutchison,  Seth  Howell,  William 
Harrison,  William  Jackson,  Charles  Johnson,  Levi 
Jones,  Harry  Jones,  Samuel  Jones,  John  Leech,  Peter 
Leoman,  William  D.  McWilliams,  ,Cyi'us  Moore,  James 
Miller,  Thomas  D.  Moore,  Daniel  S.  McGeary,  Joseph 
Marple,  William  Miller,  Samue  Munloch,  Peter  Murray, 
John  A.  Patterson,  Theodore  Porter.  Nathan  Parker, 
William  Pursell,  George  Phus,  William  Ryan,  Philips 


Renick,  John  W.  Riley,  G,  P.  Riley,  A.  H.  Reed,  Jacob 
Bennett,  G.  W.  Snodgrass,  W.  T.  Steedman,  Richard 
Slocum,  H.  H.  Sprigg,  Andrew  Steele,  George  W. 
Trover,  J.  H.  Taggart,  Saul  Thompson,  John  H.  Tyson, 
Reuben  Wells,  Barnard  Williams,  Philip  Wilson,  Bar- 
nard White,  Plenry  Wooster,  John  Young,  Stephen 
Yates. 

Promotions,  Casualties,  etc. — James  G.  Theaker  was 
1st  lieutenant  from  August  18,  1862,  until  June  21,  1864, 
when  he  was  promoted  to  captain.  Thomas  Clark  was 
discharged  June  21,  1864,  on  surgeon’s  certificate.  Seth 
Howell  was  appointed  corporal.  May  i,  1863 ; severely 
wounded  in  the  battle  of  Franklin,  November  30,  1864. 
David  K.  Allen  severely  wounded  in  the  battle  of 
Franklin,  November  30,  1864.  James  Miller  last  heard 
from,  August,  1864,  in  hospital  camp  at  Camp  Dennison, 
Ohio.  Joseph  W.  Stringer  was  taken  prisoner,  Novem- 
ber 30,  1864,  at  Franklin. 

Discharged. — Hugh  D.  DuBois  was  promoted  to  ist 
sergeant,  June  21,  1864,  wounded  at  Franklin,  Novem- 
ber 30,  1864;  discharged  March  5,  by  reason  of  con- 
solidation with  the  99th  O.  V.  I.  George  R.  Grier, 
discharged  March  5,  1865,  by  reason  of  consolidation 
with  the  99th  O.  V.  I.  Andrew  D.  Mitchell,  discharged 
March  5,  1865,  by  reason  of  consolidation  with  the  99th 

0.  V.  I.  Charles  B.  Chandler,  discharged  March  7, 
1863,  for  the  marine  service.  Robert  Goff  was  ap- 
pointed corporal  May  i,  1863;  discharged  March  5, 
1863 ; and  consolidated  with  99th  O.  V.  I.  James  Henry, 
discharged  November  24,  1862.  Thomas  D.  Moore,  ap- 
pointed corporal,  December  23,  1862;  taken  prisoner, 
November  30,  1864,  at  battle  of  Franklin;  discharged. 
May  22,  1865.  William  Taggart,  discharged  April  2, 
1863.  Hamilton  Warren,  transferred  from  the  99th  O. 
V.  L,  December  31,  1864;  discharged,  March  5,  1865. 
Robert  H.  Cleveland  was  appointed  corporal,  September 
27,  1862,  discharged  June  7,  1865,  at  Wheeling,  W.  Va, 
Looman  Beck,  discharged  on  certificate  of  disability, 
March  16,  1863.  John  A.  Barr,  discharged.  May  24, 
1865.  Louis  Coy,  discharged,  October  28,  1862,  for  dis- 
ability. W.  D.  Cochran,  discharged,  March  9,  1863, 
for  disability.  W.  H.  Cochran,  discharged.  May  23, 
1863,  for  disability.  William  Ellis,  discharged  January 

1,  1863,  for  disability.  Campbell  Fitch,  discharged  Jan- 
uary I,  1863,  for  disability.  Lafayette  Githens,  taken 
prisoner,  November  30,  1864,  at  battle  of  Franklin ; dis- 
charged, May  20,  1865.  William  Kiphart,  discharged 
May  24,  1865.  William  A.  Miller,  discharged  March  24, 
1863,  for  disability.  Joseph  Marple,  discharged,  No- 
vember 24,  1863,  for  disability.  Theodore  Porter,  dis- 
charged November  24,  1862,  for  disability.  L.  M.  Souls, 
discharged  April  17,  1865.  George  Shipman,  discharged 
May  12,  1865.  William  Rynard,  discharged,  April  10, 
1863,  for  disability. 

Transferred. — John  Leech,  William  Pursell,  G.  P. 
Riley. 

Died. — James  Boyles  died  in  hospital  at  Lebanon, 
Ky.,  November  29,  1862,  of  erysipelas  fever.  James 
Francis,  killed  in  battle  of  Perryville,  October,  1862. 
Jacob  K.  P.  Githens  died  in  hospital.  Camp  Dennison, 
O.,  October  3,  1864.  Thomas  J.  Githens  died  in  hospital 
at  Atlanta,  Ga.,  October  21,  1.864,  dysentery.  Charles 
Smith,  taken  prisoner  at  battle  of  Franklin,  November 
30,  1864;  died  March  27,  1865,  at  Vicksburg,  Miss. 

Deserted. — Gilbert  Biggs,  John  Berry,  Samuel  Briggs, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


125 


Samuel  Cox,  Harry  Chambers,  Charles  Gof¥,  James 
Hutchison. 

There  were  38  deserters  from  this  company, 
but  the  above  were  all  from  Belmont  County. 
This  company  was  mustered  out  at  Salisbury, 
N.  C.,  June  26,  1865. 

Company  C,  52nd  Regiment,  O.  V.  I. 

Company  C was  composed  mainly  of  recruits 
raised  at  Barnesville  and  Somerton.  On  the 
20th  of  August  it  was  accepted  into  the  service 
at  Camp  Dennison,  Ohio,  where  the  52nd  Regi- 
ment was  organized.  The  officers  were  : 

Captain,  Jacob  E.  Moffitt. 

1st  lieutenant,  Abisha  C.  Thomas. 

2nd  lieutenant,  Ezekiel  E.  Mills. 

1st  sergeant.  William  P.  Shankland. 

Sergeant,  William  Starbuck. 

Sergeant,  Newton  McGill. 

Sergeant,  William  J.  Bradford. 

Sergeant,  J.  N.  Hunt. 

Corporals. — Isaac  Yocum,  William  H.  Piper,  John 
H.  McHendry,  C.  W.  Grimes,  James  H.  Curtis,  Newell 
H.  Buchanan,  William  C.  Deems. 

Drummer,  Charles  W.  Tillett. 

Resignations,  Transfers,  etc. — Jacob  E.  Moffit  re- 
signed February  2,  1863.  Abisha  C.  Thomas,  mustered 
out.  William  P.  Shankland  resigned,  June  18,  1863. 
Christopher  W.  Grimes,  mustered  out ; commanded 
Company  C,  to  1865 ; commanding  Company  K,  since 
April  I,  1865.  Ezekiel  E.  Mills  resigned,  February  13, 

1863. 

Mustered  Out. — William  Starbuck,  Newton  McGill, 
Edwin  D.  Patterson,  promoted  from  corporal  to  sergeant, 
March,  1865.  Isaac  Yocum,  N.  H.  Buchanan,  W.  C. 
Deems,  Joseph  A.  Parsons,  Charles  T.  Whitaker,  pro- 
moted to  corporal.  Chas.  W.  Tillett,  promoted  from 
private.  March  i,  1865.  Harrison  Moore,  promoted 
from  private,  March  i,  1865.  John  W.  Hance,  promoted 
to  corporal.  Thomas  P.  Barnes,  John  Bailey,  William 
Carter,  Isaiah  B.  Clift,  ✓William  H.  Coventry,  William 
Calvin,  George  W.  Calvin,  John  Dilliha,  George  W.  Day, 
James  W.  Flager,  Isaac  Hays,  W.  G.  Hilton,  R.  W. 
Harris,  James  Hines,  Humphrey  Baler,  John  N,  Hunt, 
Clemens  Hicks,  William  Hadley,  Gilmore  Howell, 
John  W.  Hardesty,  William  Latham,  John  W.  Merrill, 
S.  W.  Parker,  W.  H.  Piper,  Thomas  Petticord,  John 
Bucker,  John  W.  Stubbs,  Alfred  Stiffler,  James  T. 
Woodland,  W.  W.  Windom,  Robert  Warnock. 

Killed  in  Battle. — Fenton  M.  Carter,  killed  by  cannon 
shot.  May  14,  1864,  at  Resaca,  Ga.  L.  H.  Street,  killed 
by  musket  shot,  June  27,  1864,  at  Kenesaw  Mountain, 
Ga.  Boyd  Forbes,  killed  by  musket  shot,  June  27,  1864, 
at  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Ga.  Wm.  F.  Beatty,  killed  by 
musket  shot,  July  19,  1864,  at  Peach  Tree  Creek,  Ga, 
Alfred  Bruster,  killed  by  musket  shot,  September  i, 

1864,  at  Jonesboro,  Ga. 

Died. — E.  B.  Clifford  died,  October  20,  1862,  at  Har- 
rodsburg,  Ky.,  of  typhoid  fever.  George  W.  Campbell 


died  December  29,  1862,  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  of  chronic 
diarrhoea.  John  Forbes  died  December  16,  1862,  at 
Nashville,  Tenn.,  of  chronic  diarrhoea.  Isaac  Stidd  died 
January  23,  1863,  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  of  erysipelas. 
Chapman  Harner  died  November  ii,  1862,  at  Bowling 
Green,  Ky.,  of  chronic  diarrhoea.  Ashbury  Malone 
died  July  25,  1863,  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  of  chronic  di- 
arrhoea. John  Malone  died  March  23,  1864,  at  Nash- 
ville, Tenn.  W.  F.  Lewis  died  July  10,  1864,  at  Chat- 
tanooga, Tenn.,  of  diarrhoea,  W.  J.  Bradfield  died  Au- 
gust 8,  1864,  at  Nashville,  Tenn.  Mordecai  Carter  died 
August  8,  1864,  at  Nashville,  Tenn.  Alexander  Hinton 
died  September  13,  1864,  at  Atlanta,  Ga.  John  W. 
Barnes  died  March  25,  1865,  near  Bentonville,  N.  C., 
of  wounds.  Ezra  J.  Mann  died  May  i,  i86s,  at  New 
Bern,  N,  C. 

Discharged. — Amos  H.  Hampton,  October  24,  1862. 
E,  Bailey,  December  19,  1862.  B.  F.  Perkey,  December 
19,  1862.  E.  C.  Tomlinson,  January  20,  1863.  J.  W. 
Hunt,  January  26,  1863.  Asa  T.  Patterson,  February  6, 
1863.  John  L.  Brister,  February  20,  1863.  William 
McDonald,  December  — , 1862.  Josiah  B.  McKee,  No- 
vember 10,  1862.  W.  A.  Brister,  November  10,  1862, 
Francis  M.  Acton,  July  4,  1863.  John  H.  McEndree, 
August  20,  1864.  James  H.  Carter,  March  27,  1865. 
James  W,  Lynde,  May  i,  1865.  Jerome  Miller,  May  20, 
1865, 

Transferred. — William  L.  Patton,  to  Engineers  Corps, 
August  31,  1864.  James  P,  Carter  to  V.  R.  C.  Isaac 
Teets. 

This  company  was  mustered  out  June  3, 
1865,  at  Washington,  D,  C. 

Company  F,  52nd  Regiment,  O.  V.  I. 

Company  F was  recruited  at  Powhatan, 
Armstrong’s  Mills,  Dillie’s  Bottom  and  Cap- 
tina.  It  entered  service  at  Camp  Dennison, 
August  22,  1862.  The  officers  were  as  fol- 
lows : 

Captain,  J,  B.  Donaldson. 

1st  lieutenant,  John  Irwin. 

2nd  lieutenant,  Samuel  C.  Hutchison. 

Sergeant,  Thomas  B.  Hammond. 

Sergeant,  James  W.  McFadden. 

Sergeant,  Samuel  M.  Gordon. 

Sergeant,  Julius  Armstrong. 

Sergeant,  Benjamin  F.  Thomas. 

Corporals,  Sylvester  L.  Pierce,  Conrad  Slupman,  Al- 
bert E.  Crist,  Anthony  T.  Lockwood,  James  McAvoy, 
James  G.  King,  Isaac  Gates,  Elijah  R.  Hudson. 

Resignations.  Promotions,  etc. — James  B.  Donaldson 
resigned  May  22,  1863.  Samuel  C.  Hutchison,  mustered 
out.  John  Irwin  resigned  May  20,  1863.  Sylvester  L. 
Brice,  mustered  out.  Julius  Armstrong,  promoted  to 
1st  lieutenant  and  transferred  to  Company  H. 

Mustered  Out. — T.  B.  Hammond,  J.  W.  McFadden, 
W.  S.  Swaine,  John  W.  Hess,  Anthony  Lockwood,  (no 
discharge  furnished)  sergeants;  Michael  Long,  Isaac 
Yates,  E.  R.  Hudson,  Thomas  Tyrrel,  Peter  Giffin, 
corporals ; John  Anthony,  Martin  Baker,  Eli  Barnes, 


126 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Volncy  Blue,  Alex.  C Crist  (no  discharge  furnished), 
J.  R.  Crist,  (no  discharge  furnished),  David  Dillon, 
William  Duvall,  Stewart  Doty,  Robert  Gates,  James 
Gates,  J.  Gillespie,  Samuel  Gillespie,  Wellington  Gil- 
lespie, F.  J.  Hendershot,  Johnson  Hammond,  Jas.  Hol- 
land, G.  W.  JoiRs,  T.  H.  Kirkland,  John  Moore,  W. 
AV.  Moore  John  McVey,  M.  C.  McCabe,  (no  discharge 
furnished),  J.  C.  Ritman,  Martin  Purtiman,  Salathiel 
Pugh,  N.  Pugh,  (no  discharge  furnished),  H.  Roder, 
W.  Souste,  Joshua  Swaney,  James  Thornburg,  James 
Tyrell,  Isaac  Vandign,  Perry  Wright,  privates. 

Killed  in  Battle.' — Albert  E.  Crist,  killed  in  action  at 
Kenesaw  Mountain,  Ga.,  June  27,  1864.  Robert  J. 
Stewart,  killed  in  action  at  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Ga., 
June  27,  1864.  Augustus  T.  Dorsey,  killed  in  action  at 
Kenesaw  Mountain,  June  27,  1864. 

Died. — Conrad  Shipman  died  November  3,  1862,  of 
consumption  at  Evansville,  Ind.  James  G.  King  died 
November  22,  1862,  of  fever  at  Danville,  Ky.  Ebenezer 
Gillespie  died  of  wounds  received  in  action  at  Kenesaw 
Mountain,  Ga.,  June  27,  1864.  Cornelius  Hess  died  Oc- 
tober 30,  1862,  of  inflammation  of  lungs.  Valentine 
Bryson  died  November  5,  1862,  of  congestive  chills, 
near  Franklyn.  Ky.  John  W.  Sidles  died  December 

1862,  of  chronic  diarrhoea,  at  Bowling  Green,  Ky.  Asa 
ATndign  died  December  19,  1862,  at  Nashville,  Tenn. 
Jacob  Shepherd  died  December  25.  1862.  at  Nashville, 
Tenn.  James  Lucas  died  January  7,  1863,  at  Nashville, 
Tenn.  Joseph  B.  Roder  died  January  7,  1863,  at  Nash- 
ville, Tenn.  Robert  Owen  died  January  i,  1863,  at 
Nashville,  Tenn.  Joshua  Campbell  died  January  30, 

1863,  at  Nashville,  Tenn.  John  Kinney  died  January 
22,  1863,  at  Nashville,  Tenn.  John  Hess  died  February 
3,  1863,  at  Nashville,  Tenn.  John  Siler  died  February 
6,  1863,  at  Nashville,  Tenn. 

Discharged  on  Disability. — Samuel  M.  Gordon,  Feb- 
ruary g,  1863,  Benjamin  F.  Thomas,  April  6,  1863,  James 
McAvo)',  January  7,  1863:  William  Bennett,  October  27, 
1862:  John  Shipman,  John  Jobes,  November  17,  1862; 
Dorsey  Danford,  December  12,  1862;  Robert  Carpenter, 
February  i,  1862;  Michael  Allen,  Alexander  Landers, 
John  Rush,  G.  W.  Lindsey,  February  3,  1863;  Singleton 
Owens,  Ed.  Huffman,  Henry  Huffman,  Daniel  Groves, 
Alfred  Doty,  February  g,  1863;  Hezekiah  Laffell,  Feb- 
ruary 10,  1863;  John  R.  Trigg,  February  16,  1863;  W. 
T.  Minager,  May  5,  1863:  William  Gatten,  October  ii, 
1862:  William  Richardson,  February  24,  1864:  Frank 
F.  Cook,  discharged  but  no  record  given ; Christian 
May,  October  27,  1864 ; Joseph  H.  Jones,  April  25,  1864. 

Transferred. — Thomas  Boyers,  G.  W.  Wallace,  James 
B.  Day,  Robt.  Hammond. 

Prisoners  of  War. — Thomas  Fink,  taken  prisoner  at 
Peach  Tree  Creek,  Ga.,  July  16,  1863;  supposed  to  have 
died.  Urias  R.  Martin,  taken  prisoner  near  Goldsboro, 
N.  C.,  while  foraging:  supposed  to  have  been  murdered 
by  his  captives,  March  17,  1865. 

Mustered  out  Ttnie  3,  1865,  at  Washington, 
D.  C. 

Company  //,  6ist  Regiment,  0.  V.  I. 

This  company  was  recruited  at  Bellaire, 
Bridgeport,  Martin's  Ferry,  Jacob.sburg  and 


Glencoe,  Belmont  County,  Ohio.  It  was  en- 
listed between  January  and  April,  1862.  It 
was  organized  as  follows  : 

John  Garrett,  captain. 

David  Rankin,  ist  lieutenant. 

Milton  W.  Judkins,  2nd  lieutenant. 

Isaiah  Grafton,  ist  sergeant. 

John  Wright,  sergeant. 

William  Smith,  sergeant. 

William  Whims,  sergeant. 

John  G.  Fanning,  sergeant. 

Zenas  Shipman,  corporal. 

James  W.  Grafton,  corporal. 

David  B.  Long,  corporal. 

Wilson  S.  Mitchell,  corporal. 

John  Kennedy,  corporal. 

John  Drum,  corporal. 

Joseph  B.  Dean,  corporal. 

Jacob  B.  Long,  corporal. 

Musicians — John  Huntsman,  William  Martin. 

Wagoner — William  Long. 

Privates. — Wesley  G.  Ault,  Richard  Beavers,  Solomon 
Beach,  Thomas  Brown,  Edward  Brown,  John  Cumford, 
William  Clark,  John  Dwayer,  John  Detwiler,  Joseph 
Danagan,  Alexander  W.  Daniels,  Francis  Daine,  Alex- 
ander Evans,  Monroe  Francis,  Richard  S.  Francis,  John 
Fry,  Nelson  Gray,  Isaac  A.  Grist,  William  Gaston, 
Nicholas  Hines,  Albert  Hockady,  Samuel  Hines,  Wil- 
liam Jopland,  Thomas  Jackson,  Jacob  Jackson,  John 
W.  Jackson,  John  Jones,  John  Johnston,  William  Judd, 
Robert  A.  Kelsey,  Joseph  H.  King,  Peter  Kenny,  Wil- 
liam Lash,  James  A.  Long,  S.  B.  Long,  E.  M.  Mitchell, 
Michael  McClusky,  John  Macauley,  W.  A.  McKirahan, 
Jacob  May,  William  Miller,  John  Moore,  George  Mar- 
tin, James  Nicholson,  Hugh  Nixon,  Terrence  O'Brien, 
Robert  H.  Patterson,  John  W.  Patterson,  Samuel  Potts, 
Richard  Pearce,  David  Porter,  Walker  Pittet,  John 
Porter,  John  T.  Rothwell,  James  D.  Richards,  James 
S.  Smith,  Alfred  Shahan,  John  Shatzer,  George  Swartz, 
John  C.  Taylor.-Joseph  Penley,  William  Taylor,  James 
W.  Wright,  George  W.  Worley,  Michael  Welsh,  James 
Weir,  Daniel  W.  Wise,  Charles  Wright,  Fedale  Zarne. 

Company  H was  practically  consolidated 
with  the  82nd  Regiment,  O.  V.  L,  March  31. 
1865,  and  made  a part  of  Company  H of  that 
regiment. 

Casualties. — John  G.  Fanning,  promoted  to  sergeant 
February  ii,  1864.  James  S.  Smith,  promoted  to  cor- 
poral February  5,  1864.  John  T.  Rothwell,  promoted 
to  corporal  March  2,  1864.  David  Porter,  promoted  to 
corporal  February  4,  1864.  Wesley  G.  Ault,  promoted 
to  corporal  June  2,  1865. 

Discharged. — James  Cain,  released  prisoner;  dis- 
charged by  virtue  of  orders  of  War  Department.  James 
W.  Wright,  discharged  at  Camp  Dennison,  Ohio,  June 
28,  1865. 

Mustered  out  at  Louisville,  Ky.,  July  24, 
1865. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


127 


Company  E,  62nd  Regiment,  O.  V.  I. 
Company  E was  organized  at  Somerton  and 
rendezvoused  at  Camp  Goddard.  This  com- 
pany was  mustered  into  service  October  16, 
1861.  The  company  was  as  follows: 

Henry  G.  Jackson,  captain. 

Samuel  B.  Taylor,  2nd  lieutenant. 

Joel  M.  Maring,  3rd  lieutenant. 

Samuel  D.  Hopper,  ist  sergeant. 

Francis  A.  Bishop,  sergeant. 

John  Couplin,  sergeant. 

Charles  E.  Rowlen,  sergeant. 

Jonathan  Dunn,  sergeant. 

Abel  Hicks,  corporal. 

William  S.  Hobbs,  corporal. 

John  B.  Powell,  corporal.  - 

Aquilla  Thomas,  corporal. 

William  W.  Sullivan,  corporal. 

James  Smith,  corporal. 

Wilson  Strahl,  corporal. 

Thomas  Wilson,  corporal. 

Privates. — Joab  Bishop,  James  K.  Bishop,  Benjamin 
Bishop,  Stephen  I.  Brown,  Samuel  H.  Blaney,  Charles 
Biddenhorn,  William  Burcher,  Charles  O.  Bishop,  James 
O.  Couplin,  William  H.  Carter,  George  Carpenter, 
Abraham  Clark,  Stephen  Claudy,  Henry  Clark,  Waldon 
Clark,  John  A.  Driggs,  Christopher  Dillen,  William  T. 
Fletcher,  Thomas  H.  Gibbins,  William  S.  Gregg, 
Thomas  D.  Gibbons,  David  H.  Grimes,  Lawrence  W. 
Hobbs,  Alonzo  M.  Hobbs,  Nathan  B.  Hurford,  Benja- 
min S.  Hurford,  John  W.  Hopper,  William  W.  Hopper, 
John  L.  Hadsall,  Henry  Howard,  William  E.  Hudson, 
William  W.  Johnson,  McDowell  T.  Koontz,  George 
Kadle,  Andrew  I.  Lane,  John  Livingston,  Franklin 
Morris,  John  R.  Merrill,  James  Maxwell,  Eli  Miller, 
Benjamin  Mahoney,  George  T.  B.  Monette,  Washington 
Nelson,  Vance  M.  Nelson,  Joseph  Nelson,  Franklin  Out- 
land,  Joseph  Palmer,  Elwood  Pricej  Theophilus  Peddi- 
cord,  Lycurgus  Peddicord,  Glane  Patterson,  Crawford 
Riley,  Nathaniel  Strahl,  David  L.  Strahl,  E.  D.  Strahl, 
Wiliam  M.  Stewart,  Milton  B.  Stay,  Thomas  Starbuck, 
William  I.  Snode,  Andrew  C.  Shepherd,  William  Street, 
Evan  T.  Strahl,  Thomas  Strahl,  Joseph  C.  Tomlinson, 
John  W.  Vandyke,  William  West,  ,-Leander  Wiley, 
James  L.  Wharton,  John  Yocum,  Joseph  Yocum, 
Thomas  Yarnell. 

Casualties. — Samuel  D.  Hooper  was  appointed  ist 
sergeant  December  14,  1861  ; appointed  2nd  lieutenant 
August  II,  1862;  appointed  ist  lieutenant  May  16, 
186^  • appointed  captain  October  15,  1863;  wounded 
sliMitly  in  the  charge  upon  Fort  Wagner,  S.  C.  Thomas 
Wilson  was  appointed  corporal  December  14,  1861  ; 
promoted  to  sergeant  May  15,  1862;  promoted  to  ist 
sergeant  September  2,  .1862 ; was  severely  wounded  in 
the  left  hand  and  slightly  in  the  right  side  in  the 
charge  on  Fort  Wagner,  S.  C.,  July  18,  1863;  re-enlisted 
February  26,  1864;  re-appointecl  ist  sergeant  February  i, 
1864.  William  S.  Hobbs  was  appointed  corporal  De- 
cember 14,  1861  ; promoted  to  sergeant  September  2, 
1862;  re-enlisted  January-1,1864;  re-appointed  sergeant 
February  i,  1864.  Charles  E.  Rowlen  was  appointed 
sergeant,  December  14,  1861 ; re-enlisted  January  i, 
1864;  reappointed  sergeant  February  i,  1864.  Charles 


G.  Biddenhorn  was  promoted  to  corporal  September  2, 
1862;  promoted  to  sergeant  July  i,  1863;  was  wounded 
in  leg  by  pistol  shot,  and  taken  prisoner  in  charge  upon 
Fort  Wagner,  S.  C. ; was  exchanged  July,  1863;  re-en- 
listed ; re-appointed  sergeant.  William  W.  Sullivan  was 
appointed  corporal  December  14,  1861;  re-enlisted;  re- 
appointed corporal.  McDowell  T.  Koontz  was  pro- 
moted to  corporal  May  16,  1862  ; re-enlisted  ; re-appointed 
corporal.  John  L.  Hadsall  was  promoted  to  corporal 
September  2,  1862 ; was  wounded  in  leg  by  shell  in 
charge  upon  Fort  Wagner,  S.  C.,  July  18,  1863.  Wil- 
liam W.  Hopper  was  promoted  to  corporal  February 
I,  1864;  re-enlisted;  served  in  the  three  months’  service 
in  the  17th  Ohio  Regiment.  Waldon  Clark  was  pro- 
moted to  corporal  July  18,  1863;  re-enlisted;  re-ap- 
pointed corporal;  was  in  charge  on  Fort  Wagner  July 
18,  1863.  B.  S.  Hurford  was  promoted  to  corporal 
July  18,  1863;  re-enlisted;  re-appointed  corporal;  in 
charge  upon  Fort  Wagner.  Vance  M.  Nelson  was  pro- 
moted to  corporal  July  i,  1863;  was  in  charge  upon 
Fort  Wagner,  July  18,  1863.  W.  H.  Carter  was  pro- 
moted to  corporal  January  i,  1863;  wounded  severely 
by  musket  shot  in  the  shoulder  in  the  charge  upon 
Fort  Wagner,  S.  C.,  July  18,  1863.  Stephen  J.  Brown 
was  in  the  charge  upon  Fort  Wagner,  S.  C.  Samuel  H. 
Blaney  was  wounded  severely  in  right  arm  by  musket 
shot  in  charge  upon  Fort  Wagner,  S.  C.  David  T.  Burr 
was  in  the  charge  upon  Fort  Wagner,  July  18,  1863. 
Henry  S.  Clark  was  taken  prisoner  in  the  charge  upon 
Fort  Wagner.  William  Craig  detached  as  artilleryman 
July  20,  1862.  John  A.  Driggs,  William  T.  Fletcher, 
Thomas  D.  Gibbons,  William  S.  Gregg  and  Nathan  H. 
Hurford  were  in  charge  upon  Fort  Wagner.  Alonzo 
M.  Hobbs  was  severely  wounded  in  leg  by  musket  shot 
in  charge  upon  Fort  Wagner.  John  T.  Livingston  was 
severely  wounded  in  foot  by  fragment  of  shell  at  the 
siege  of  Fort  Wagner.  Franklin  Morris  was  in  the 
charge  at  Fort  Wagner.  Washington  Nelson  was  in 
the  charge  upon  Fort  Wagner  July  18.  1863.  Joseph 
Nelson,  Glane  Patterson,  William  T.  Street  and  John- 
W.  Snode  were  in  charge  upon  Fort  Wagner.  Thomas 
Starbuck  was  taken  prisoner  at  Fort  Wagner.  A.  G. 
Taylor  was  in  charge  upon  Fort  Wagner,  S.  C.,  July 
18,  1863.  ^Leander  Wiley  was  wounded  severely  in  the 
neck  by  musket  shot  in  the  charge  upon  Fort  Wagner. 

Discharged. — Henry  G.  Jackson  discharged  May  26, 
1862,  on  account  of  disabilities.  Joel  M.  Maring  was 
appointed  as  captain.  December  7,  1861  ; resigned  on 
surgeon's  certificate  August  ii,  1862.  Thomas  Showers, 
transferred  from  Company  A ; discharged  on  surgeon’s 
certificate,  January  29,  1863.  Abel  Hicks,  appointed 
corporal  December  14,  1861 ; promoted  to  sergeant.  May 
15,  1862;  discharged  August  4,  1862.  Jonathan  Dunn, 
appointed  sergeant,  December  14,  1861  ; discharged  on 
surgeon’s  certificate,  December  26,  1862.  John  Coup- 
lin, appointed  sergeant,  December  14,  1862 ; discharged 
on  surgeon’s  certificate.  May  8,  1862.  Aquilla  Thomas, 
appointed  corporal  December  14,  1861 ; discharged  on 
surgeon’s  certificate,  September  13,  1862.  James  Smith, 
appointed  corporal,  December  14,  1861 ; discharged  on 
surgeon’s  certificate  September  29,  1862.  George  Car- 
penter, promoted  to  corporal  May  15,  1862;  discharged 
on  surgeon’s  certificate  December  23,  1862.  Jacob 

Bishop,  discharged  on  surgeon’s  certificate.  May  8,  1862. 
Jas.  K.  Bishop,  discharged  on  surgeon’s  certificate,  July 


128 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


5,  1863.  Charles  O.  Bishop,  discharged  on  surgeon’s 
certificate,  June  1862.  James  O.  Couplin  was  wounded 
severely  in  the  leg  by  musket  shot ; discharged  from  ef- 
fects of  wound.  Stephen  Claudy,  discharged  for  disa- 
bility, July  5,  1863.  Christopher  Dillen  was  taken 
prisoner  at  Strashurg,  Va. ; discharged  for  disability, 
June  17,  1862.  John  W.  Hopper,  December  13,  1862, 
for  disability.  John  R.  Merrill,  on  surgeon’s  certificate, 
cate,  December  13,  1862.  Lycurgus  Peddicord,  on  sur- 
geon’s certificate,  September  4,  1862.  Charles  Patten, 
on  surgeon’s  certificate,  July  26,  1862.  Nathan  P. 
Strahl,  on  surgeon’s  certificate,  October  14,  1862.  David 
L.  Strahl,  on  surgeon’s  certificate,  March  29,  1863.  Wil- 
liam M.  Stewart,  on  surgeon’s  certificate,  March  15, 

1863,  Milton  M.  Stay  on  surgeon’s  certificate:  date 
unknown.  Andrew  C.  Shepherd,  on  surgeon’s  certificate, 
June,  1863.  Evan  T.  Strahl,  on  surgeon’s  certificate; 
date  not  recorded.  William  West  on  surgeon’s  certifi- 
cate, January  24.  1863.  Thomas  Yarnell,  on  surgeon’s 
certificate,  June,  1863. 

Transferred. — John  B.  Powell,  Aaron  D.  Yocum,  E. 
D.  Strahl,  Samuel  J,  Sill. 

Died. — B.  F.  Bishop,  at  Hampton  Hospital,  Va.,  Sep- 
tember 2.  1862,  of  typhoid  fever.  L.  W.  Hobbs  was 
killed  in  the  charge  upon  Fort  Wagner,  July  18,  1863. 
William  E.  Hudson  died  a prisoner  in  Charleston,  S. 
C.,  from  wounds  received  in  charge  upon  Fort  Wagner. 
William  W.  Johnson  was  killed  in  the  charge  upon 
Fort  Wagner.  George  T.  B.  Monette  died  at  Frederick, 
Md.,  April  15,  1862,  of  typhoid  fever.  Riley  W.  Craw- 
ford was  killed  in  the  charge  upon  Fort  Wagner.  John 
W.  Vandyke  died  at  Harrison’s  Landing,  August  ii, 
1862,  of  brain  fever.  James  E.  Stewart  died  at  Hilton 
Head,  S.  C.,  April  24,  1864,  of  hemorrhage  of  the 
bowels. 

This  company  was  mustered  out  Ji-ine  i, 

1864.  The  history  of  this  company  is  identical 
with  the  history  of  the  regiment,  as  it  never 
was  separated  from  it. 

Company  E,  //fh  Regiment,  0.  V.  I. 

Tliis  company  was  recruited  at  Bellaire, 
Pultney  town.ship,  Washington,  Mead  and 
York  townships,  Belmont  County,  It  rendez- 
voused with  the  regiment  at  Marietta,  where 
the  regimental  organization  took  place.  Jesse 
Hildehrand  was  elected  colonel.  The  organi- 
zation of  Company  E,  with  its  members,  was 
as  follows : 

Andrew  Smith,  captain. 

Thomas  Garrett,  ist  lieutenant. 

Hanson  Criswell,  2nd  lieutenant. 

Daniel  McCabe,  ist  sergeant. 

John  L.  Meintire.  sergeant. 

Levi  M.  Sinclair,  sergeant. 

G.  W.  Williams,  Sr.,  sergeant. 

John  L.  Thomas,  sergeant. 

Thomas  Anderson,  corporal, 


John  K.  Hepburn,  corporal. 

Israel  R.  Heath,  corporal. 

Charles  J.  Bloom,  corporal. 

Dennis  Hogan,  corporal. 

Benjamin  Dunlap,  corporal. 

Jacob  P.  Kinney,  corporal. 

James  M.  Baker,  corporal. 

John  W.  Stanhope,  musician. 

Privates. — Edward  Burns,  Thomas  Barker,  Peter  Bran- 
don, Leander  Barnet,  Wm.  C.  Berry,  Samuel  Benning- 
ton, Wm.  Bennington,  J.  T.  Broxton,  Jas.  Baxter, 
Thomas  B.  Crozier,  Jesse  Cross,  William  Craig,  Wil- 
liam Chance,  Benjamin  Doyel,  Eli  B.  Davison,  James 
A.  Dumfie,  Monterville  Drummond,  Isaac  Fogle,  Jere- 
miah A.  Fish,  Isaac  Gilbert,  Moses  Gordon,  Austin 
Gill,  John  Hays,  G.  W.  Hogan,  Jas.  P.  Hammond, 
David  M.  Hammond,  Robert  Hess,  Dixon  M.  Hep- 
burn, Andrew  J.  Heath,  Joseph  Hubbs,  Hamilton 
Plunter,  Jerome  Higgs,  Emmer  Jackson,  Samuel 
Jackson,  Harrison  Jackson,  Jacob  Johnston,  George 
Johnston,  Edward  Kinney,  Robert  Knox.  Na- 
thaniel Luke,  Chas.  Lyttleson,  John  McMillen,  Francis 
Miller,  Wm.  P.  B.  McFarland,  Thomas  McCormick, 
Wm.  H.  O’Neil,  Francis  Pitner,  Jacob  Prest,  Hugh  Pad- 
den,  Wm.  Porter,  Wm.  Ritcheson,  Reuben  Russell,, 
Thomas  Rosser,  J.  C.  Sissel,  John  Seaber,  Johnston 
Sinclair,  Wm.  Smith,  Daniel  Shoup,  Samuel  R,  Thomas, 
John  C.  Taylor,  Wilson  S.  Vanhorn.  Nathaniel  B. 
Wright,  Geo.  W.  Williams,  Jr.,  Wm.  Williams,  Andrew 
Williams,  James  Wallace,  James  W.  Wallace,  Thomas 
H.  Wallace,  John  Wingrove,  Perry  Wright,  Jas.  Wells. 

The  men  of  Company  E re-organized  as  a 
portion  of  companies  E and  E of  the  same 
regiment. 

Promotions,  Transfers,  etc. — (Company  E). — Robert 
Hess,  promoted  to  corporal,  March  20,  1864.  John 
Kune,  promoted  to  corporal,  June  5,  1863.  Francis  A. 
Pitner,  promoted  to  corporal  June  16,  1865.  Johnson 
C.  Sinclair,  promoted  to  corporal  December  i,  1865. 
Samuel  Bennington,  promoted  to  corporal  March  i, 
1866.  George  W.  Williams,  promoted  to  sergeant,  until 
May  31,  1865;  discharged  at  same  date.  Jacob  P. 
Kinney,  appointed  sergeant,  April  27,  1865,  and  trans- 
ferred to  Company  F.  Eli  B.  Davison,  appointed  cor- 
poral April  27,  1865,  and  transferred  to  Company  F. 
Jeremiah  A.  Fish,  transferred  to  N.  C.  S.  of  regiment 
and  appointed  quartermaster  sergeant.  W.  H.  O’Neil, 
transferred  to  V.  R.  C.,  April  21,  1865.  George  W. 
Hogan  died  of  disease  at  hospital  in  Louisiana,  June  ii, 
1865. 

Mustered  out  at  Brownsville,  Texas,  March 
8,  1866. 

Promotions,  Transfers,  etc.,  (Company  F) — George 
Johnson,  Jacob  Prest,  Reuben  Russell,  Thomas  Rosser, 
William  Smith,  James  W.  Wallace,  George  W.  Williams, 
Jacob  P.  Kinney,  promoted  to  sergeant  December  12, 
1861.  W.  P.  B.  McFarland,  discharged  on  disability 
May  30,  1865.  Jacob  D.  Decker  died  while  a prisoner 
of  war  at  Tyler,  Tex.,  July  21,  1864. 

Mustered  out  at  Brownsville,  Texas,  March 
8,  1866. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


129 


Company  B,  g8th  Regiment,  0.  V.  I. 

This  company  was  enlisted  at  St.  Clairsville 
and  organized  with  regiment  at  Camp  Mingo, 
near  Steubenville,  August  22,  1862.  Its  or- 
iginal officers  and  members  were  as  follows : 

Joseph  R.  Mitchell,  captain. 

Louis  Woodmanse,  ist  lieutenant. 

Hiram  J.  Craft,  2nd  lieutenant. 

Jacob  L.  Holloway,  ist  sergeant. 

Thomas  J.  Hawthorne,  sergeant. 

Samuel  R.  Smith,  sergeant. 

Benjamin  R.  Griffith,  sergeant. 

Jacob  Hymes,  sergeant. 

Henry  B.  McDonald,  corporal. 

Hamilton  Rogers,  corporal. 

Jas.  F.  Watson,  corporal. 

William  FI.  Roscoe,  corporal. 

Johnston  Mitchell,  corporal. 

James  E.  Judkins,  corporal. 

G.  W.  Mackison,  corporal. 

Isaac  H.  Nichols,  corporal. 

Jesse  Brandenbui  gh,  musician. 

William  Reynolds,  musician. 

John  F.  Smur,  wagoner. 

Privates. — William  J.  Alexander,  Charles  A.  Allen, 
William  Bell,  Dighton  Berry,  John  A.  Bethel,  Josiah 
Blackford,  Smith  Branson,  James  A.  Brown,  Albert 
Brown,  Samuel  Bruce,  P.  C.  Campbell,  Hiram  Culp, 
Nathan  G.  Davis,  Thomas  Davis,  Moses  H.  Dewalt, 
David  L.  Dewalt,  Wm.  F.  Duff,  David  D.  Dutton,  Henry 
Fitzgerald,  Eli  M.  Fowler,  Jas.  Galbraith,  Alfred  Gard- 
ner, Geo.  H.  Glenn.  John  Graham,  Geo.  Graham,  Jas. 
Graham,  Isaac  Grimes,  Johnston  Hammond,  Penning- 
ton Harden’.  Robt.  Hare,  Wm.  A.  Hastings,  Wilson 
Henderson,  Jesse  Huff,  Job  Hughs,  W.  B.  James,  John 
Jamison,  Geo.  Jepson,  Ezra  Johnston,  A.  R.  Jones,  Allen 
M.  Kirk,  Evan  B.  Kirk,  Ebenezer  F.  Knapp,  J.  B.  D. 
Keim,  Jos.  P.  Lees,  L.  S.  Lilly,  T.  C.  Martin,  Wm.  H. 
Miller,  Martin  Moore,  Jas.  McBride,  Jas.  A.  McNary, 
Mahlon  Nichols,  Thomas  Nichols,  Samuel  M.  Noah, 
W.  W.  Orison,  John  Patton,  Geo.  M.  Patton,  Chas.  L. 
Pickering.  Isaac  K.  Piggott,  John  Pollock,  Reason  Por- 
ter, Jesse  Pratt,  John  Ralston,  John  T.  Roseboro,  

Rogers,  Conrad  Schmeitzer,  Alex.  H.  Sloan,  Jos. 
Smith,  Jos,  Spencer,  Jerry  Stinrod,  J.  B.  Stewart.  Jas. 
A.  Stewart,  Chas.  Stilwell,  Lemuel  Stilwell,  Wm. 
Taylor,  G.  W.  A.  Thompson,  Alex.  Thoburn,  Ignatius 
Tillett,  Geo.  W.  Vanscyol,  Lewis  Walter,  Jesse  M. 
Woods,  O.  A.  Zaire,  Benjamin  Zaire. 

Promotions,  Casualties,  etc. — Joseph  R.  Mitchell,  dis- 
charged October  14,  1864.  on  account  of  disability. 
Reese  G.  Lewis,  promoted  from  1st  lieutenant  Company 
E ; mustered  out  on  separate  rolls.  Louis  Woodmanse, 
discharged  on  account  of  disability,  December  23,  1863. 
Jacob  A.  Holloway  was  promoted  from  ist  lieutenant 
August  I,  1864.  Hiram  J.  Craft  was  promoted  from 
2nd  lieutenant  to  captain  of  Company  E,  July  29,  1864. 
George  W.  Mackison  was  promoted  from  corporal 
to  sergeant,  September  i,  1864.  John  Patton  entered 
service  as  private;  promoted  to  corporal  September  i, 
1864.  Mahlon  Nichols  was  promoted  to  corporal  Sep- 


tember I,  1864;  wounded  in  battle  at  Bentonville,  March 
19,  1865.  Isaac  Piggott  was  promoted  to  corporal  Sep- 
tember I,  1864.  James  A.  Stewart  was  promoted  to  cor- 
poral September  r,  1864.  .William  B.  James  was 
wounded  at  Jonesboro,  Ga.,  September,  1864.  O.  A. 
Zane  was  exchanged  prisoner  at  Bridgeport,  Ohio. 

Killed. — L.  S.  Lilly  was  killed  in  battle  at  Chicka- 
mauga,  Ga.,  September  20,  1863  Johnston  Mitchell  was 
killed  in  battle  at  Jonesboro,  Ga..  September  i,  1864. 
Josiah  Blackford  was  killed  in  battle  at  Chickamauga, 
Ga.,  September  20,  1863.  Robert  Flare  was  killed  in 
battle  at  Perryville,  Ky.,  October  8,  1862.  John  Jami- 
son was  killed  in  battle  at  Kenesaw  Mountain,  June  27, 

1864.  William  H.  Miller  was  killed  in  battle  at  Perry- 
ville, Ky.,  October  8,  1864.  George  W.  A.  Thompson 
was  killed  in  battle  at  Perryville,  Ky.,  October  8.  1862. 
Reason  Porter  was  killed  in  battle  at  Perryville,  Ky., 
October  8,  1862.  Jesse  M.  Woods  was  killed  in  battle 
at  Resaca,  May  14,  1864.. 

Died. — Hamilton  Rogers  died  of  disease  at  Perryville, 
Ky.,  October  19,  1862.  Henry  McDonald  died  of  wounds 
received  in  battle  at  Jonesboro,  Ga.,  September  i.  1864. 
John  Pollock,  promoted  to  corporal  November  25,  1862; 
died  of  wounds  received  at  Chickamauga,  September  20, 
1863.  Moses  FI.  DeVault  died  of  wounds  received  in 
battle  at  Jonesboro,  Ga.,  September  i,  1864.  David  D. 
Hutton  died  of  disease  in  hospital  at  Savannah,  Febru- 
ary 25,  1865.  John  Graham  died  in  hospital  at  Nash- 
ville, April  I,  1863,  of  chronic  diarrhoea.  George  Glenn 
died  in  Flushing,  O.,  February  17,  1863,  of  typhoid  fever. 
George  Hale  died  of  disease  in  hospital  at  Nashville, 
Tenn.,  August  25,  1864.  Addison  R.  Jones  died  in  Leba- 
non, Ky.,  November  ii,  1862.  of  typhoid  fever.  J.  B.  D. 
Keim  died  November  19,  1863.  in  hospital  at  Franklin, 
Tenn.,  of  typhoid  fever.  Joseph  P.  Lees  died  of  wounds 
received  in  the  battle  of  Bentonville,  N.  C.,  March  10, 

1865.  Samuel  M.  Noah  died  of  chronic  diarrhoea  Feb- 
ruary 6,  1863,  at  Lebanon,  Ky.  William  W.  Orrison 
died  of  wounds  (accidentally)  at  convalescent  camp, 
Nashville,  Tenn.  Charles  L.  Pickering  died  of  disease 
in  hospital  at  Lebanon,  Ky.,  November  20,  1862.  Joseph 
Spencer  died  in  hospital  of  disease,  at  Louisville,  Ky., 
March  5,  1863.  Joseph  Smith  died  of  wounds  received 
in  skirmish  near  Graysville,  Ga.,  November  26,  1863. 
Ale.xander  Thoburn  died  of  disease  at  Cumberland.  Ind., 
April,  1865. 

Discharged. — William  T.  Alexander,  discharged  Janu- 
ary 31,  1862,  to  enlist  in  marine  service.  John  A. 
Bethel,  discharged  January  31,  1863,  for  the  same  pur- 
pose. Smith  Brabson,  discharged  for  disability,  Decem- 
ber II,  1862.  P.  C.  Campbell,  discharged  December  30, 
1862,  on  account  of  wounds  received  in  battle  at  Perry- 
ville October  8,  1862.  Thomas  Davis,  discharged  for 
disability,  1863.  David  L.  DeVault,  discharged  for  dis- 
Tibility  December  14,  1863.  Alfred  N.  Gardner,  dis- 
charged for  disability,  March  14,  1863.  Isaac  T.  Grimes, 
discharged  January  2,  1863,  on  account  of  wounds  re- 
ceived in  battle  at  Perryville,  October  8,  1862.  Johnston 
Hammond  discharged  March  3.  1864,  on  account  of 
wounds  received  at  Chickamauga.  William  A.  Hastings, 
discharged  for  disability.  November  18,  1862.  Wilson 
Henderson,  discharged  January  27,  1864,  for  wounds  re- 
ceived in  battle  at  Perryville,  October  8,  1862.  Allen 
M.  Kirk,  discharged  for  disability.  September  25.  1862. 
Thomas  Nichols,  wounded  in  battle  at  Perryville,  Oc- 


13° 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


tohcr  8,  1862;  (lischaged  for  disability  April  28,  1864. 
Jesse  Pratt,  discharged  for  disability  May  29.  1863.  John 
!'.  Roseboro,  discharged  for  disability  July  14, 
1863.  John  F>.  Stewart,  discharged  for  disability  March 
25,  1863.  A.  M.  Sawash,  discliargcd  for  disability  March 
21,  1865,  Cicorgc  \V,  Vanscyol,  discharged  January  19, 
1862,  to  enlist  in  marine  ser\  icc. 

Transferred. — Benjamin  Griffith,  James  F,  Watson, 
Jesse  Hrandenburgh,  Jeremiah  Stinrod,  William  Tay- 
lor, Ignatius  'I'illett,  Charles  M.  Blackhurn,  Thomas 
F.  Hale,  G.  L,  Knapp,  Philip  Vilton,  Hiram  Riggs. 

Thi.s  conijtanv  wa.s  mustered  out  June  i, 

1865. 

ConipTiiiy  H,  p8th  Regiment,  O.  J\  L, 

\\'a.s  enlisted  iu  nelmout  County,  and  was 
mustered  into  service  August  20,  1862.  The 
original  officers  and  members  were  as  follows: 

Adam  Cordner,  captain. 

Zachary  C.  Williams,  1st  lieutenant. 

John  T.  Collins,  2nd  lieutenant. 

Lewis  G.  Reece,  ist  sergeant. 

Lewis  Boyer,  sergeant. 

“John  H.  Price,  sergeant, 

W.  T.  Harmcr,  sergeant. 

Cyrus  B.  Lingo,  sergeant. 

E.  W.  Smith,  corporal. 

William  H.  White,  corporal. 

Geo.  C.  Vanlaw,  corporal. 

Zenas  Shipman,  corporal. 

Clark  Wilkison,  corporal. 

Alfred  W.  Givens,  corporal. 

Thomas  Bell,  corporal. 

Jesse  Cordner,  corporal. 

Enfield  Wineman,  musician. 

Dennis  L.  Kemp,  musician. 

L.  C.  Griffith,  wagoner. 

Privates. — Lewis  Addison,  Henry  Ault.  John  M.  Bat- 
tin,  Wilson  Baltin,  Henry  C.  Beall,  Mahlon  Brown, 
Henry  Bright,  Martin,  G.  Budd,  Thomas  Burns,  Milton 
Carpenter.  Thomas  Carpenter,  David  Cecil,  Evan  N. 
Chandler,  B.  L.  Craig,  Jas.  Creighton,  Wm.  Davis,  Ezra 
Davis,  Michael  Delaney,  Henry  Defenbaugh,  Wm.  Der- 
molt,  David  E.  Eggey,  John  E.  Evans,  E.  D.  Evans,  John 
Finch,  John  Finney,  NAhemiah  Fisher,  Ed.  S.  Foreman, 
O.  E.  Foulke,  John  Gallagher,  Archy  Garrett,  Reuben 
Green,  .Samuel  C.  Green,  .Alex.  Green,  AVm.  M.  Green, 
Nicholas  Gregg,  Abner  I.  Gregg,  Robt.  Harris,  Geo. 
Hinkle,  Geo.  E.  Hoops,  Nathan  Humphrey,  Abner  L. 
Hunt,  John  W.  Jones,  Wm.  T.  Jones,  Wm.  Kemp, 
John  A.  Kemp,  Wm.  Knight,  B.  FI.  Lane,  B.  F.  Leach, 
Wm.  K.  Lightfoot,  Benj.  Loper,  Wm.  B.  Lucas,  Robt. 
N.  Luke,  John  Moore,  Wm.  H.  Morrison,  Jas.  Murray, 
Edward  McGinnis,  Broomhall  McKissen,  Wm.H.McKir- 
ahan,  Wm.  McMannis,  Wm.  H.  McMillon,  R.  Nevill, 
Thos.  Pickering,  Jas.  Powell,  Wm.  H.  Powell,  Isaac 
Reader,  Geo.  Russell,  Wm.  Spencer,  Wm.  Thornberry, 
Franklin  Thornberry,  Jacob  Francis,  Lucas  Tipton,  John 
Vanfossen.  Enos  Walters.  Jas.  K.  White,  John  White, 
Jonathan  Wheeler,  Erasmus  Wilson,  Nicholas  Wilson, 
Abner  Wilkinson, '“Jos.  Wiley,  Alban  Wilkinson. 


Promotions,  Resignations,  Casualties,  etc. — Adam 
Cordner  resigned  January  24,  1863.  William  C.  Lochary, 
promoted  to  captain,  February  7,  1863;  killed  at  battle 
of  Chickamauga,  Ga.,  September  20,  1863.  John  T. 
Collins,  promoted  to  ist  lieutenant  February  7,  1863; 
promoted  to  cajitain  January  15,  1864;  resigned  July 
2Q,  1864.  Hiram  J.  Craft  was  promoted  to  captain 
Company  E,  July  29,  1864.  Reece  G.  Lewis  was  pro- 
moted from  corporal  to  sergeant,  February  7,  1863 ; 
promoted  to  1st  lieutenant  December  7,  1864.  Ezekiel 
W.  Smith,  promoted  from  corporal  to  sergeant  January 
I,  1863;  to  ist  sergeant  December  17,  1864.  James  Mur- 
ray was  promoted  from  corporal  to  sergeant,  December 
17,  1864.  Milton  Carpenter,  exchanged  prisoner  of 
war. 

Killed. — Lewis  Boyer,  killed  in  action  at  Graysville, 
Ga.,  November  26,  1863.  Michael  Delaney,  killed  in 
action  at  Perryville  October  8,  1862.  William  H.  Davis, 
killed  in  action  at  Bentonville,  N.  C.,  March  ig,  1865. 
John  E.  Evans,  killed  in  action  at  Perryville,  Ky.,  Oc- 
tober 8,  1862.  .^William  M.  Green  killed  in  battle  at 
Perryville,  Ky.,  October  8.  1862.  William  H.  McMil- 
len  killed  in  battle  at  Jonesboro,  Ga.,  September  i,  1864. 
Isaac  Reader,  killed  in  battle  at  Perryville,  Ky.,  October 
8,  1862. 

Died. — William  T.  Harmer  died  November  9,  1862, 
of  wounds  received  at  Perryville,  Ky.,  October  8,  1862. 
Cyrus  B.  Lingo  died  December  24,  1862,  at  New  Albany, 
Ind.,  of  typhoid  fever.  Henry  C.  Beall  died  June  21, 
1863,  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  of  phthysic.  William  H. 
White  died  November  5.  1862,  of  wounds  received  at 
Perryville.  Thomas  Burns  died  November,  1862,  at 
Louisville,  of  disease.  Martin  G.  Budd  died  April  16, 
1865,  of  chronic  diarrhoea,  at  Louisville,  Kentucky. 
Wilson  Battin  died  of  measles  at  Lebanon,  Ky.,  January 
6.  1863.  Nehemiah  Fisher  died  October  16,  1862,  of 
wounds  received  at  Perryville,  Ky.  Nicholas  Gregg 
died  December  12,  1862,  at  Columbia,  Ky.,  of  disease. 
Archy  Garrett  died  October  i,  1864,  at  Nashville, 
Tenn.,  of  chronic  diarrhoea.  Robert  Ha'"ris  died  May 
6,  1864,  of  disease  at  Chattanooga,  Tenn.  William 
Knight  died  April  7,  1863,  of  measles  at  Franklin,  Tenn. 
Broomhall  McKisson  died  October  14,  1862,  of  wounds 
received  in  the  battle  of  Perryville,  Ky.  George  Rus- 
sell died  November  30,  1862,  of  disease  at  Lebanon,  Ky. 
William  Spencer  died  November  7,  1862,  at  Lebanon, 
Ky.,  of  disease.  Lucas  Tipton  died  December  ii,  1862, 
at  Bardstown,  Ky.,  of  typhoid  fever. 

Diseharged. — John  H.  Price  discharged  January  i, 
1863.  Jesse  Cordner  discharged  February  g,  1865.  Clark 
Wilkison  discharged  January  20,  1863.  Enfield  Wine- 
man  discharged  February  i,  1863.  Henry  Bright  dis- 
charged May  20,  1863.  John  M.  Battin  discharged  Jan- 
uary I,  1863.  James  Creighton  discharged  May  7, 
1863.  Evan  N.  Chandler,  discharged  January  15,  1863. 
Edward  S.  Foreman  discharged  February  2,  1863. 

..Alexander  Green  discharged  March  4,  1862. ..  Samuel  C. 
Green,  discharged  March  4.  1863.  Nathan  Humphrey, 
discharged  November  17,  1862.  Caleb  Jones  discharged 
September  13,  1862.  W.  T.  Jones  discharged  August 
6,  1863.  John  A.  Kemp  discharged  January  28,  1863. 
Benjamin  F.  Leach,  April  25,  1863.  William  H.  McKir- 
ahan,  discharged  December  31,  1862.  William  Mc- 
Ginnis discharged  April  25.  1863.  Thomas  J.  Picker- 
ing discharged  January  16,  1863.  Jonathan  Wheeler 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


131 


discharged  February  7,  1863.  Abner  Wilkinson  dis- 
charged May  9,  1865. 

Transferred. — Jacob  Travis,  Alban  Wilkinson,  R.  N. 
J.  Luke,  John  Moore,  John  Bell,_Jili  Garretson. 

Company  E was  mustered  out  of  service  on 
the  1st  of  June,  1865,  near  Washington,  D.  C. 

Company  B,  126th  Regiment,  0.  V.  I. 

Capt.  William  B.  Kirk  recruited  this  com- 
pany from  Flushing,  St.  Clairsville,  Barnes- 
ville,  and  other  points  in  Belmont  County.  It 
was  mustered  into  service  on  the  4th  of  Sep- 
tember, 1862.  The  following  was  the  original 
organization ; 

William  B.  Kirk,  captain. 

Geo.  W.  Hoge,  ist  lieutenant. 

Robert  Hilles,  2nd  lieutenant. 

John  A.  Shaffer,  ist  sergeant. 

Jos.  L.  James,  sergeant. 

William  B.  Johnson,  sergeant. 

Henry  Cecil,  sergeant. 

Joseph  H.  Palmer,  sergeant. 

Reuben  McGregor,  corporal. 

Joseph  H.  Close,  corporal. 

Geo.  Bowles,  corporal. 

Isaac  M.  Clevinger,  corporal. 

Barkley  Cooper,  corporal. 

Thomas  L.  Hoge,  corporal. 

William  Copeland,  corporal. 

Samuel  Bailey,  corporal. 

George  Clinton,  musician. 

Andrew  Richards,  wagoner. 

Privates. — G.  M.  Bailey,  Warren  Bailey,  Hiram  W. 
Ball,  Robt.  Bendure,  Abner  Bethel,  Wm.  Boyd,  Enos 
W.  Brown,  B.  H.  Ryan,  Philander  Chandler,  Clark 

Chandler,  David  A. ■,  B.  H.  Bryan,  John  Clark, 

Wm.  W.  Cooper,  John  Crawford,  Samuel  Criswell,  Solo- 
mon Donner,  Wm.  E.  Dove,  Isaac  Eddy,  Jonas  Faucett, 
W.  W.  Groves,  John  C.  Howell,  Wm.  P.  Huffman,  Geo. 
Haines,  Joshua  C.  Howell,  G.  S.  Huston,  Abraham 
Kelly,  Melancthon  Keyser,  Daniel  Kibler,  Jos.  Knight, 
Oliver  P.  Knapp,  Wm.  H.  Loy,  Edward  Mathews,  N. 
H.  Majors,  Geo.  McFarland,  A^^m.  Moore,  John  A. 
Morris.  Isaac  N.  Mumma,  John  W.  Near,  Geo.  Osborn, 
John  H.  Patrick,  Wm.  J.  Patrick,  Jacob  Perkins,  David 
Poland,  John  A.  Poland,  Nimrod  Pumphrey,  Leander  J. 
Reynolds,  Simeon  L,  Russell,  Anthony  Romans,  Adam 
Secrist,  Chester  K.  Smith,  Daniel  H.  Starkey,  Philip 
L.  Specht,  Daniel  Thatcher,  Benj.  H,  Vanfossen,  Geo. 
Vanfossen,  Washington  Waddell.  Geo.  Weldon,  Jas. 
Winrod,  Jas.  Parks,  John  Scales,  Elijah  Ferguson.  John 
W.  Vanfossen,  Henry  R.  Lupton,  Henry  Hissey. 

Promotions,  Casualties,  etc. — Samuel  B.  .Swank  took 
command  of  company,  December  31,  1864,  to  June  25, 
1865.  Robert  Hilles  died  May  13,  1864,  by  reason  of 
wounds  received  in  battle  of  the  Wilderness,  May  6, 
1864.  William  B.  Kirk  discharged  June  25,  1863,  disa- 
bility. Joseph  C.  Watson  discharged  May  15,  1865. 
George  W.  Hoge  discharged  November  18,  1864,  to 


accept  a commission  as  colonel  of  a new  regiment. 
George  Vanfossen  promoted  to  sergeant  from  corporal 
April  I,  1865.  Isaac  N.  Mumma  promoted  to  sergeant 
from  corporal  April  i,  1865.  John  Clark  promoted 
to  corporal,  April  i,  1865.  Benjamin  Vanfossen  pro- 
moted to  corporal  April  i,  1865.  Anthony  Romans  pro- 
moted to  corporal  April  i,  1865.  H.  W.  Ball  was  ex- 
changed prisoner  of  war ; captured  in  battle  of  Mo- 
nocacy,  July  g,  1864;  re-joined  company  April  23,  1865. 
Daniel  H.  Starkey,  captured  in  the  battle  of  the  Wilder- 
ness, May  6,  1864;  exchanged  and  joined  company 
April  25,  1865.  Samuel  Starkey,  promoted  to  corporal, 
April  I,  1865. 

No  Discharges  Given. — Barkley  Cooper  promoted  to 
1st  sergeant,  April  30,  1864;  wounded  and  captured  in 
battle  of  the  Wilderness,  May  6,  1864.  Abraham  Kelley, 
1st  sergeant  from  Nov.  i,  1862,  to  April  30,  1864;  cap- 
tured in  battle  of  the  Wilderness,  May  6,  1864 ; paroled 
February  28,  1865.  John  Adams  (drafted),  wounded  in 
battle  near  Petersburg,  Va.,  June  22,  1864.  George 
M.  Bailey  was  sick  in  hospital  at  muster  out.  Oliver  T. 
Knapp,  sick  in  hospital  at  muster  out.  Daniel  Kibler 
exchanged  prisoner  of  war ; captured  in  battle  of  the 
Wilderness,  May  6,  1864;  paroled  February  28,  1865. 
■William  Moore  wounded  and  captured  in  battle  of  the 
Wilderness,  May  6,  1864.  George  Osborn,  wounded  in 
battle  of  Monocacy,  July  9,  1865. 

Died. — Joseph  Q,  Adams,  killed  in  battle  of  the  Wil- 
derness, May  6,  1864.  Joseph  Knight,  killed  in  battle 
at  Cedar  Creek,  October  19,  1864.  Adam  Secrist  killed 
in  battle  of  Opequan,  September  19.  1864.  William  W. 
Cooper  died  May  8,  1864,  of  wounds  received  in  battle 
of  the  Wilderness,  May  6,  1864  Whitman  McDaniel 
(drafted),  died  of  wounds  received  in  battle  of  Mono- 
cacy, July  9,  1864.  John  A.  Poland  died  of  wounds  re- 
ceived in  battle  of. the  Wilderness,  May  19,  1864.  Wil- 
liam J.  Patrick  died  April  i,  1864,  of  wounds  received 
in  battle  of  the  Wilderness,  May  6,  1864.  George 
Weldon  died  May  19,  1864,  of  wounds  received  in  the 
battle  of  the  Wilderness,  May  6,  1864.  Isaac  H.  Clev- 
inger died  February  5.  1863.  pneumonia,  at  Martins- 
burg.  Samuel  C.  Bailey  died  October  6,  1864,  of 
chronic  diarrhoea,  at  St.  Clairsville,  O.  Abner  Bethel 
died  September  ii,  1863,  of  fever,  at  Alexander,  Va. 
Clark  Chandler  died  January  17,  1863,  of  typhoid  fever 
at  Martinsburg,  Va.  Isaac  Haines,  missing  in  battle 
of  the  Wilderness,  May  6,  1864.  Joseph  F.  Linton 
(drafted),  missing  on  march  from  Snicker’s  Gap,  Va., 
July  21,  1864.  Edward  Mathews,  missing  in  battle  of 
Monocacy,  July  g,  1864. 

Discharged. — William  E.  Dove,  March  24,  1865. 

Flenry  R.  Lupton,  March  27,  1865.  Robert  Bendure, 
January  4,  1864.  James  Parks,  March  ii,  1865.  Le- 
ander J.  Reynolds,  January  31,  1865.  William  Boyd, 
August  6,  1863.  B.  H.  Bryan,  January  7,  1865.  Joseph 
H.  Close,  February  23,  1863.  Henry  Cecil,  February 
23,  1863.  John  Crawford,  March  25,  1863.  Isaac  Eddy, 
March  14,  1865.  Abel  Gilbert,  May  27,  1865.  G.  S. 
Huston,  January  i,  1865.  Thomas  H.  Hoge,  December 
2,  1862.  All  the  above  for  disability.  Demas  lines 
(drafted),  June  28,  1864  (War  Department).  John 
A.  Morris  mustered  out.  May  i8,  1865.  George  W. 
Price,  May  14,  1865,  for  disability.  John  A.  Shaffer, 
April  29,  1864,  disability.  C.  K.  Smith.  February  9. 
1865,  disability.  John  Souls,  discharged  June  12,  1865, 


132 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  QOUNTY. 


(lisal)ility.  Washington  Waddell,  mustered  ont,  May 
24.  1865.  James  Winrod,  June,  1865, 

I'raiisfcircd. — Reuben  J.  McGregor,  William  R, 
Johnson,  Davis  A.  Chandler,  Joseph  II,  Palmer,  Philip 
1„  Speclit. 

'Flic  company  \va,s  mustered  out  near  Wash- 
ington, June  25,  1865, 

Coiiipaiiy  P,  i2Qih  Regiment,  O.  V.  I. 

'Fhis  com])any  was  composed  of  men  from 
l)clmont.  Fairfield,  Monroe  and  Licking  coun- 
ties, It  was  ntustered  into  the  United  States 
service  at  Cam])  Cleveland,  August  10,  1863, 
I'he  following  are  the  names  of  those  from 
llelmont  County: 

David  J,  Bailey,  captain. 

'fhomas  Danford,  ist  lieutenant. 

John  G.  Mechem,  sergeant. 

Charles  H.  Damsel,  sergeant. 

Lewis  C.  Mechem,  sergeant. 

Roht.  Crozier,  corporal. 

Samuel  B.  Crew,  corporal. 

Adam  Moore,  corporal. 

Joseph  McMullen,  corporal. 

Daniel  Stukey,  corporal. 

IVomotions. — David  S.  Bailey,  promoted  from  private 
to  1st  lieutenant,  July  14,  1863;  to  captain  July  22, 
1863.  John  G.  Mechem  promoted  from  private  to  ist 
lieutenant  July  22,  1863.  Thomas  Danford  appointed 
sergeant  July  23,  1863.  Charles  H.  Damsel,  appointed 
sergeant  July  23,  1863.  Lewis  C.  Mechem,  appointed 
sergeant  July  23,  1863.  Robert  Crozier,  appointed  cor- 
poral August  23,  1863.  Samuel  B.  Crew,  appointed 
corporal,  July  23,  1S63.  Adam  Moore,  appointed  cor- 
poral July  23,  1863.  Joseph  McMullen,  appointed  cor- 
poral July  23,  1863.  Daniel  Sttdvey,  Appointed  corporal 
July  23,  1863.  John  W.  Fays,  appointed  corporal  July  23, 
1863. 

Privates. — William  Addair,  Benj.  F.  Baker,  Washing- 
ton Addair,  Jas.  C.  Davenport.  Christopher  Dawson, 
Benj.  Elliott,  Jos.  Ebright,  John  H.  Ellis,  C.  C.  Grimes, 
died  in  U.  S.  hospital  at  Camp  Cleveland,  Ohio,  Feb. 
26,  1864:  John  Gallagher,  Wm.  Gatten,  Eli  Hodgin,  Ed- 
mund Hibbard.  Henry  Huffman,  Wm.  Hannon,  Jas.  W. 
H inion.  Levi  W.  Jones,  Henry  Lisle,  Daniel  Lewis, 
Jos.  Martin,  Samuel  McHendrey,  Thomas  McCoun, 
Lewis  C.  Norris,  Jas.  Porterfield,  Thomas  C.  Payne, 
Reuben  Powell,  Samuel  Roddy,  John  Rush,  Milton 
Reeves,  John  S.  Scribner,  A.  B.  Shrimp,  Jas.  W.  Ship- 
man,  Mead  P.  Strahl.  Jas.  T.  Stidd,  David  Stidd,  Chas. 
Lovel,  Geo.  E.  Tallman,  Wm.  B.  Wheeler,  Amos  Wil- 
liams, John  T.  Ward,  John  W.  Wright,  Wm.  Wheeler. 

The  com])any  was  mustered  out  at  Cleve- 
land, Ohio,  Alarch  4,  1864. 

i/Oth  Regiment,  Ohio  National  Guards. 

This  regiment  rvas  recruited  at  Bellaire, 
Ohio,  where  it  was  organized  May  13  and  14, 


1864,  to  serve  too  days.  It  was  mustered 
into  the  United  States  service  on  the  13th  of 
May,  1864,  and  left  for  Washington  City  on 
the  jyth,  but.  being  detained  by  the  destruc- 
tion of  the  bridge  at  Harper's  Ferry,  it  did  not 
reacb  its  destination  until  the  22nd.  The  regi- 
ment was  mustered  out  September  10,  1864. 
Tbe  field  and  staff  officers  of  this  regiment 
were  as  follorvs : 

Colonel,  Miles  J.  Saunders. 

Lieutenant-colonel,  Arthur  Fliggins. 

Major,  William  W.  Junkins. 

Assistant  sergeant,  James  B.  Crawford. 

Adjutant,  Edward  S.  Affleck. 

Quartermaster,  John  Conwell. 

N oncommissioned  OfRccrs. — Sergeant  major,  George 
W.  Baggs. 

Hospital  steward,  Benj.  F.  West. 

Commissary  sergeant,  James  M.  Paul. 

Quartermaster  sergeant,  John  W.  Cassell. 

COMPANY  A. 

Captain,  William  Robinson. 

1st  lieutenant.  Geo.  Griffin. 

2nd  lieutenant,  Wilbur  H.  Tallman. 

Henry  Miller,  Thompson  S.  Woods,  David  Steadman, 
Andrew  Baggs,  Wm.  Hastings,  sergeants. 

Robt.  T.  Howell,  Frank  Cross,  Jos.  Boyles,  Wm. 
Truman,  Wesley  Cross,  Jas.  Enlow,  Wm.  S,  Warfield, 
Wm.  Church,  corporals.  Musician,  Zera  Sharp. 

Privates. — Wm.  Alexander,  W.  W.  Atkinson,  W.  W. 
Berry,  John  C.  Beck,  .Alexander  Blazier,  Samuel  Bales, 
G.  W.  Bailey,  G.  W.  Baggs  (appointed  sergeant  major 
and  transferred  to  field  and  staff),  Wm.  Brooks,  Geo. 
Banford,  James  Coss,  Martin  Coss,  John  Coss,  Hamil- 
ton Crawford,  Newport  Campbell,  Marion  Chalfant, 
James  Duncan,  Wm.  Dysart,  James  Field,  Isaac  Fitch, 
John  Giffin,  Jesse  E.  Gill,  Alexander  Gill,  James 
Goudy,  Henry  Reason,  Levi  Henry,  Isaac  Henry,  John 
Haley,  James  Haines,  William  Hukell,  J.  W.  Hunter, 
John  Kinsey,  Isadore  Lilly,  James  Lyle,  Washington 
Lyle,  James  Low,  Edward  McDowell  (c^tpLired  by  the 
enemy  July  24,  1864),  Peachy  Miller,  Reese  McDonald, 
James  McDonald,  John  McKnight,  Leander  Neelan, 
Armstrong  Neelan,  John  Neininger,  Theodore  Porter, 
Jerome  Porter,  Sylvanus  Parker,  John  H.  Patterson, 
Frederick  Rasher,  Charles  M.  Rhodes,  Isaac  Rittenhan, 
James  Ryan,  Clement  Russell,  Sansom  Scott,  Benjamin 
F.  Stephens,  John  Shaffer,  Samuel  Short,  Silas  Sells, 
Henry  Stratton,  Francis  Seals,  Edward  Truman,  Ben- 
jamin F.  West  (appointed  hospital  steward  and  trans- 
ferred to  non-commissioned  staff),  Ebenezer  Woods, 
James  Weir,  Charles  Zane,  John  Watkins. 

COMPANY  B. 

W.  B.  Glasco,  captain. 

William  S.  Fisher,  ist  lieutenant. 

William  Kelley,  2nd  lieutenant. 

Henry  Fisher,  sergeant. 

Lewis  M.  Gasman,  sergeant. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


133 


Wm.  F.  Gamble,  sergeant  (captured  July  18,  1864, 
near  Rocky  Fording,  Virginia.) 

Joseph  E.  Johnston,  sergeant. 

Robert  M.  Henderson,  sergeant. 

Benjamin  W.  Harner,  corporal. 

Amos  Spear,  corporal. 

Michael  Fierbaugh,  corporal. 

Cyrus  M.  Barton,  corporal. 

Emanuel  Bell,  corporal. 

William  S.  McKee,  corporal. 

L.  W.  Hamill,  corporal. 

John  A.  Denning,  corporal. 

Daniel  Weyandt,  musician. 

Thomas  B.  Stubbins,  musician. 

Jacob  Warner,  wagoner. 

Privates. — John  Addleman,  Maurice  Albaugh,  Isaac 
Brown,  B.  E.  Betts,  Nathan  Boyer,  Abraham  Baker, 
Jeremiah  Brown  (furloughed  May  17  to  27,  and  failed 
to  report),  Zadec  Bliss  (mustered  out,  absent — sick), 
Henry  F.  Clark,  wounded  in  action,  July  18,  1864;  J.  C. 
Creagor,  furloughed  for  one  hundred  days  on  surgeon’s 
certificate;  Joshua  Coz,  Philip  Cahill,  John  L.  Cald- 
well, Arthur  Conlin,  mustered  out,  wounded  in  action 
near  Rocky  Fording,  Va.,  July  18,  1864;  Stevenson 
Creak  mustered  out,  wounded  in  action  near  Rocky 
Fording,  Va.,  July  18,  1864;  John  Camminia  died  in 
general  hospital,  Annapolis,  Md.,  August  10,  1864;  Har- 
rison DeLong  mustered  out  September  10,  1864;  William 
Dunlap  died  in  general  hospital  at  Frederick,  Md.,  July 
28,  1864 ; David  M.  Dickson,  Richard  Edwards,  William 
C.  Edwards,  John  S.  Eagleson,  appointed  acting  ad- 
jutants, August  17,  1864;  Richard  E.  Fowler,  Francis 
Fowler,  Thomas  E.  Fowler,  William  E.  Fowler,  Ezra 
Griffith,  Francis  A.  Green,  David  Greenlis,  John  Gundy, 
Daniel  F.  Heaston,  Joseph  N.  Heaston,  James  A.  Hen- 
derson, George  Harper,  killed  in  action  at  Rocky  Ford- 
ing, Va.,  July  18,  1864;  John  G.  Jones,  Leander  Long, 
Isaac  H.  Lyons,  Cyrus  McCurdy,  Allen  Miller,  Andrew 
McBeth,  George  Moore,  William  L.  McMillen,  John  A. 
Myers,  Enoch  Miller,  Walter  McClintock,  James  Nor- 
man, Absalom  Price,  Israel  L.  Parsons,  died  at  Fort 
Simmons,  June  27,  1864;  John  Patterson,  William  Rut- 
ter, wounded  in  action  at  Rocky  Fording,  Va.,  July  18, 
1864;  J.  L.  S.  Russell,  Alpha  H.  Sheltz,  John  Sams, 
Joshua  Turner,  William  Zimmerman,  John  Thrawl, 
Daniel  Turner,  John  Thompson,  Jeremiah  Warner, 
Lewis  M.  Willett,  Daniel  Warner,  died  of  wounds  re- 
ceived in  action  at  Rocky  Fording,  Va.,  July  18,  1864: 
John  L.  Webster,  wounded  in  action  July  18,  1864;  Har- 
vey Waters,  William  Walker. 

COMPANY  C. 

Samuel  Glover,  captain. 

George  C.  Gordon,  ist  lieutenant. 

✓George  W.  Green,  2nd  lieutenant. 

John  Boyer,  sergeant. 

George  Crozier,  sergeant. 

Ferdinand  Dorsey,  sergeant. 

William  Dent,  sergeant. 

William  Bebout,  sergeant. 

Frederick  Boetticher,  corporal. 

Joseph  L.  Gordon,  corporal. 

W.  H.  Gibson,  corporal. 

Dorsey  Orloff,  corporal. 


Madison  Scott,  corporal. 

William  Trigg,  corporal. 

Daniel  Steiner,  corporal. 

Davis  P.  Woodburn,  corporal. 

John  Wade,  David  C.  Bergundthal,  musicians. 

Privates. — Samuel  Aberigg,  William  Anthony,  Al- 
fred Baker,  Daniel  Baker,  John  Boston,  George  Brock, 
John  Brown,  John  Burgy,  Arnold  Burkhart,  Leander 
P.  Barnes,  George  Carpenter,  Andrew  J.  Cline,  Joseph 
Cross,  Josiah  Dillon,  Housen  Dennis,  Lewis  Eggers, 
Armor  Ewers,  Samuel  Gordon,  Thomas  Gordon,  Bent- 
ley T.  George,  Noah  J.  Grimes, /Sylvester  Green,  Michael 
Hess,  Isaiah  Helms,  William  Harriott,  Henry  Hoffman, 
George  Kelch,  Samuel  Kocher,  Gustavus  A.  Korner, 
John  H.  Louden,  wounded  in  the  thigh  and  captured 
at  Martinsburg,  Va.,  left  in  hospital  at  Martinsburg  by 
the  rebels ; Sylvanus  Lockwood,  Caleb  Alorrison,  Al- 
onzo Mead,  Joseph  Moore,  Francis  Miller,  Thomas  L. 
Moore,  John  Mosier,  Henry  Petzold,  James  L.  Piggott, 
Charles  L.  Peters,  Marion  Runnels,  Jefferson  Rowles, 
George  L.  Scott,  William  Shepherd,  James  R.  Simp- 
son, P.  Mead  Stahl,  Lewis  Specht,  Joshua  W.  Stack- 
house,  Moses  Strieker,  Isaac  Starke3%  Henry  Warren, 
Milton  Warren,  John  L.  Widman,  Thomas  Wilkinson, 
William  Wingrove,  George  W.  Wright,  John  Wright, 
promoted  to  corporal,  June  15,  1864;  Thomas  Yocum, 
Benjamin  Zurcher. 

COMPANY  D. 

Jacob  Cramlet,  captain. 

David  S.  Coultrape,  ist  lieutenant. 

Benjamin  G.  Hamilton,  2nd  lieutenant. 

Elias  W.  Davis,  sergeant. 

W.  H.  H.  Price,  sergeant. 

Citizen  J.  Kenned>%  sergeant. 

Robert  N.  Simonton,  sergeant. 

Daniel  Smith,  sergeant. 

W.  P.  White,  corporal. 

David  W.  Adams,  corporal. 

Robert  W.  Irwin,  corporal. 

Edward  Caves,  corporal. 

James  Scott,  corporal. 

Andrew  J.  Wagstaff,  corporal. 

Joseph  H.  Law,  corporal. 

Robert  C.  Gitthrie,  corporal. 

James  Bliss,  musician. 

William  D.  Lukens,  musician. 

Samuel  Weaver,  wagoner. 

Privates. — Christopher  Arkle,  James  Adams,  James 
H.  Bendure,  John  Barr,  Gabriel  J.  Crabtree,  Alfred  H. 
Clark,  William  Copeland,  John  W.  Copeland,  Enoch 
C.  Copeland,  John  Copeland,  Thomas  Cox,  Matthew 
S.  Cole,  John  N.  Crowl,  William  R.  Crim,  Joel  Cram- 
blet,  Joseph  Copeland,  James  P.  Irwin,  James  Eslick, 
John  B.  Evans,  John  E.  Fowler,  John  Gladman,  Samuel 

F.  Gallagher,  Isaiah  Hoagland,  J.  C.  Hurless,  J.  H.  Y. 
Histon,  James  F.  House,  Watson  Hannnel,  George  W. 
Hammond,  H.  W.  Hest,  Thomas  Hillyer,  William  Hill- 
yer,  Henry  Hillj'er,  John  D.  Horn,  Samuel  Hitchcock, 

G.  M.  Hin,  Alfred  P.  Jones,  Joseph  R.  Johnson,  William 
L.  Johnson,  D.  A.  Lukens,  Thomas  J.  Lukens,  John 
S.  Moor,  James  R.  Merryman,  Fanquirker  McRea, 
David  Mahen,  ^Joseph  D.  Moore,  Thomas  McClintock, 

* Lafayette  Martin,  John  Poulson,  Isaac  Patterson,  John 


134 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


A.  Pills,  William  J.  Ross,  Jesse  Richardson,  Williani 
Rowland,  William  Reynard,  Joseph  Robinson,  David 
M.  Scolt,  John  Spray,  Matthew  W.  Simpson,  John  K. 
Stine,  Samuel  Stran.'-,  Jacob  Underhill,  Archibald  Un- 
derhill, Samuel  Uttcrback,  Henry  W,  Wilson,  John 
1).  Woods,  W',  R.  White. 

COMPANY  E. 

.\lhert  W.  Lee,  captain. 

Alexander  C.  Patton,  ist  lieutenant. 

Mathew  N.  PJenderson,  2nd  lieutenant. 

Marcus  liowell,  sergeant. 

William  A.  Prater,  sergeant. 

John  P.  Idarvey,  sergeant. 

David  A.  Duff,  sergeant. 

Landon  (Crimes,  sergeant. 

Samuel  B.  Ward,  corporal , promoted  to  sergeant 
May  17,  1864. 

John  M.  Linn,  corporal ; captured  at  Martinsburg, 
July  25,  1864. 

Pli  Seibert,  corpoial. 

Abram  Loper,  corporal. 

John  E.  Stewart,  corporal. 

Robert  W.  Palmer,  corporal. 

Robert  A.  Todd,  corporal. 

John  L.  Grimes,  corporal ; wounded  in  action  July 
18,  1864. 

Joseph  Linder,  corporal. 

Samuel  Satterthwait,  musician. 

Privates. — Robert  Barnes,  Robert,  D.  Bell,  Thomas 
Burtoft,  Thomas  Boyd,  William  S.  Barnes,  Francis 
Couron,  Boyd  W.  Dysart,  J.  C.  Duffle,  James  A.  Duff, 
Sylvanus  C.  Dysart,  James  C.  Dysart,  John  L.  Dunbar, 
George  Frazier,  J.  D.  Fread,  James  P.  Ferguson,  Wil- 
liam Fresh,  Thomas  M.  Graham,  Edward  J.  Graham, 
Peter  Graham.  George  Goudy,  David  Gibeny,  Thomas 
Gillian,  Charles  T.  Gillian,  Wiliam  Grimes,  George  W. 
Hayes,  Alexander  C.  Henry,  Alexander  Hammond, 
promoted  to  corporal  May  12,  1864;  Elisha  Huff,  Wil- 
liam H.  Johnston,  Samuel  Jackson,  Wiliam  King,  Jos- 
eph Lynn.  Joseph  Lyle,  Charles  Lee,  promoted  to  cor- 
jioral  July  24,  1864;  Ephraim  Louis,  Jesse  Mitchell, 
David  K.  McCance,  George  Maholin,  William  McNary, 
left  in  sick  hospital  at  Pitt.sburg,  August  26,  1864. 
Isaac  Miliner,  Leander  Milburn,  Marion  McCallister, 
James  Moore  died  at  Annapolis  Junction,  Md.,  August 
8,  1864:  James  McConnell,  Thomas  McKee,  Calvin 
Moore,  Calvin  Patton,  George  W.  Porter,  George  Pat- 
terson. George  W.  Peregoy,  Levan  Powell.  Claudius 
Richner,  James  M.  Rogers,  captured  July  24,  1864,  at 
Winchester ; returned  to  company,  Addison  Sells,  Evan 
Stepiiens.  Nimrod  Stephens,  Samuel  M.  Thompson, 
Michael  Umbenhorn,  captured  at  Winchester  July  24, 
1864.  escaped  and  returned  to  company;  Henry  William- 
son, Mordecai  . David  Davis. 

COMPANY  F. 

Leonard  Peck,  captain. 

James  H.  Graham,  ist  lieutenant;  died  in  hospital 
August  II.  1864. 

John  H.  Hammond,  ist  lieutenant. 

J.  H.  Lewis,  sergeant. 

Lewis  W.  Furbay,  sergeant. 

Isaac  Booth,  sergeant. 


Elisha  Moore,  sergeant. 

James  M.  Adams,  sergeant. 

James  W.  Honerth,  corporal. 

Ezra  Thompson,  corporal. 

John  Hanna,  corporal. 

James  Coulter,  corporal. 

John  E.  Dutton,  corporal. 

John  E.  Keyser,  corporal. 

George  Holmes,  corporal. 

Edward  Hagan,  corporal. 

Franklin  Anderson,  musician. 

Israel  Waterman,  musician. 

William  Harriman,  wagoner. 

Privates. — Owen  Anderson,  George  Atkinson,  George 
Baldwin,  Abner  R.  Blackburn,  John  Butler,  William 
Barkhurst,  Henry  Brown,  John  R.  Beck,  Isaac  Carter, 
Edward  Carter,  Ezra  L.  Carrick,  John  Clark,  John 
Coulter,  William  Custard,  John  Darmour,  Theodore 
Dickerson,  George  Ely,  Isaiah  Fields,  Jr.,  George  Frater, 
Benjamin  Griffith,  Sahiuel  Gooding,  Joseph  M.  Har- 
grave, John  R.  Hawthorne,  Andrew  Jamison,  Joseph 
L.  Kerr,  Robert  Kerr,  Estep  Lynn,  John  A.  Lemmon, 
Wiliam  Lawrence,  Sylvanus  Lamb,  William  McCombs, 
Horner  C.  Moore,  James  Minteer,  W.  H.  H.  Mercer, 
died  in  hospital  at  Sandy  Hook,  August  24,  1864; 
Charles  McCombs,  Samuel  McGrew,  William  Poland, 
Jacob  Peterman,  William  Perry.  Charles  E.  Speer, 
James  Stone,  Silas  Stevens,  Eli  Shields,  John  Singer, 
Robert  W.  Stevens,  James  Smallwood,  Joseph  Shep- 
herd, Robert  Smallwood,  Joseph  Thompson,  Michael 
T.  Tolan,  John  W.  Townsend,  Samuel  Walker,  Wil- 
liam A.  Wallace,  Abraham  Wilson,  Warren  Worstel, 
George  Wilson,  Sylvanus  White,  William  Watkins,  Rob- 
ert White,  Willing  Dickson. 

COMPANY  G. 

James,  captain. 

Joseph  J.  Mead,  ist  lieutenant. 

John  Smith,  2nd  lieutenant. 

Robert  N.  Theaker,  sergeant. 

Luther  Etzler,  sergeant. 

Thomas  C.  JMercer,  ser.geant. 

Williani  P.  Henderson,  sergeant. 

William  Henderson,  corporal. 

Reuben  K.  Ashton,  corporal. 

James  A.  Brown,  corporal. 

Thomas  C.  Dungan,  corporal. 

Edward  J.  Updegraff,  corporal. 

Ellis  B.  Steele,  corporal. 

Isaiah  Parlett,  corporal. 

Benjamin  White,  corporal. 

Privates. — David  Ashton,  James  W.  Alexander, 
wounded  in  action  at  Winchester  July  24,  1864;  William 
Allander,  wounded  in  action  at  Martinsburg  July  25, 
1864 ; Thomas  C.  Brown,  Andoniram  Barton,  Mathew 
Blackford,  William  Brown,  William  Bernhard,  Benja- 
min Brock,  H.  W.  Bigley,  Orlando  Cope,  Isaac  G.  Cope, 
Wilson  Cochran,  A.  F.  Clark,  Charles  Dungan,  Abel 
Dungan,  W.  D.  DeVault,  John  H.  Denham,  William 
Davis,  William  Davidson,  wounded  in  action  at  Mar- 
tinsburg July  25,  1864;  Oliver  Embree,  David  Fowler, 
Joseph  Fryman,  John  B.  Gill,  James  Gardner,  Alexander 
Henderson,  John  L.  Henderson,  Perrine  Henderson, 
Byron  Hogue,  David  Harriott,  William  Jones,  Henry 
Jones,  Albert  Lawson,  promoted  to  sergeant  July  8, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


135 


1864;  Theodore  Lash,  William  H.  Lash,  Elias  W.  Lewis, 
John  Lemmon,  Isaiah  Loper,  Charles  H.  McCall, 
Charles  Mead,  Gilbert  Neelan,  Jesse  Nichols,  Morti- 
mer Nichols,  Elisha  Oxley,  Charles  W.  Perry,  Thomas 
H.  Perry,  died;  Jesse  Pratt,  Alonzo  Porterfield,  Wil- 
liam Palmer,  Benjamin  Rennard,  Samuel  Roberts,  Har- 
rison Roberts,  Wesley  A.  Steele,  William  Sloan,  Davis 
Stillwell,  Nathan  Smith,  Thomas  Seals,  George 
Janies  Weir,  wounded  in  action  at  Winchester  July  24, 
1864;  David  Wells,  Benjamin  Westlake,  J.  L.  Van  Pelt. 

Thomas  H.  Culbertson,  corporal. 

COMPANY  H. 

Edwin  Regal,  captain. 

John  E.  Cannon,  ist  lieutenant. 

Robert  P.  Hanna,  2nd  lieutenant. 

George  A.  Crew,  ist  sergeant. 

George  Lanning,  sergeant. 

-Thomas  Dawson,  sergeant. 

James  McWatty,  sergeant. 

Daniel  L.  Parish,  sergeant. 

Thomas  A.  Jobes,  corporal. 

William  Peregoy,  corporal. 

William  McCollough,  corporal. 

Thomas  H.  Baldwin,  corporal. 

Thomas  H.  Culbertson,  corporal. 

W.  W.  Mansfield,  corporal. 

John  C.  Dickerson,  corporal. 

John  W.  P.  Gallaher,  corporal. 

George  W.  Rife,  musician. 

Jonathan  Copeland,  musician. 

Jonathan  McGuire,  wagoner. 

Privates. — David  R.  Beatty,  John  Beatty,  Anthony 
Beck,  Benjamin  Bogardus,  John  C.  Brown,  Samuel  H. 
Brown,  Samuel  Bruner,  John  Calderhead,  died  of  ty- 
pheid  fever  at  Camp  Parole,  Annapolis,  Md.,  August 
3,  1864;  Moses  W.  Cannon,  John  W.  Cassell,  John  A. 
Chandler,  Silas  Clark,  John  P.  Cramblet,  Robert  D. 
Crawford,  John  Crumley,  Samuel  H.  Culbertson, 
Homer  Day,  Joshua  Dickerson,  William  J.  Dickerson, 
Joseph  Dyson,  George  Fogle,  Nathan  Fogle,  Daniel  Gar- 
vin, David  Gutshell,  James  F.  Hanna,  Harmon  Harris, 
Francis  W.  Hibbard,  John  Hill,  Samuel  Howell,  A.  R. 
Kennedy,  J.  C.  Kilgore,  Joseph  V.  Lee,  Lemuel  Luke, 
Thomas  Mansfield,  James  Maxwell,  David  McCall,  Wil- 
liam McCall,  Alexander  McConnell,  Barnet  McCoy, 
Andrew  McFarland,  William  McLaughlin,  William  Mc- 
Millan, W.  V.  Minteer,  John  T.  Morrow,  Cyrus  Paul, 
Joshua  Polen,  James  Poulson,  William  Rowland,  Noah 
Scott,  Shannon  Leslie,  James  T.  Shannon,  Milton  Tag- 
gart, James  White,  David  J.  Wiggans,  George  B.  Wil- 
liams, James  Wilson,  Robert  Wilson,  Walding  Young, 
William  A.  Pittinger,  Robert  A.  Hammond,  J.  M.  Lee. 

COMPANY  I. 

Nathan  H,  Rowles,  captain. 

Elias  B.  Lowman,  ist  lieutenant. 

Daniel  Westlake,  2nd  lieutenant. 

William  Rankin,  sergeant. 

Samuel  S.  Martin,  sergeant. 

Cyrus  H.  .Strahf,  sergeant, 

John  T.  Wortman,  sergeant. 

James  F.  Anderson,  sergeant. 

Nelson  Moid,  corporal ; captured  at  Martinsburg,  W. 
Va.,  July  25,  1864;  rejoined  company  August  24. 


James  K.  Crozier,  corporal. 

Joseph  H.  Heatherington,  corporal ; captured  at  Mar- 
tinsburg, Va.,  July  25,  1864. 

C.  W.  Hall,  corporal. 

Leander  Greenlee,  corporal. 

William  McFarland,  corporal;  appointed  sergeant 
August  II,  1864. 

John  Dunfee,  corporal. 

James  McGregor,  corporal. 

Privates. — Lafayette  Austin,  Lycurgus  Austin,  Isaac 
Anderson,  John  C.  Abel,  Daniel  W.  Archer,  Frederick 
Bickler,  John  Bair,  Samuel  Boyd,  John  W.  Cunning- 
ham, Robert  Clark,  died  at  Division  Hospital,  Sandy 
Hook,  Md.,  July  27,  1864;  Jacob  Dunfee,  Alfred  Dean, 
■>  James  Davis,  William  Fry,  Charles  A.  Fuller,  William 
J.  Forbes,  Joshua  Foster,  W.  H.  Ferry,  Patrick  Gibler, 
W.  H.  Greenlee,  Frederick  Garloch,  Edward  Grubb, 
Melvin  Groff,  William  Hall,  John  E.  Heatherington, 
John  Goldsworthy,  captured  at  Martinsburg,  W.  Va., 
July  25,  1864;  Samuel  Hines,  Alexander  Hammond, 
John  H.  Henderson,  Stephen  Hipkins,  Hiram  M.  Ingler, 
W.  W.  Jones,  Isaac  A.  Keyser,  Wm.  A.  Keyser,  Jesse 
B.  Keyser,  Jacob  T.  Keyser,  Jacob  P.  Keyser,  George 
King,  J.  H.  Long,  Alexander  Lyle,  Thomas  McMahon, 
James  McMahon,  Samuel  McMillen,  Robert  McClelland, 
Henry  Murz,  Joseph  C.  Nelson,  John  Nesbit,  A.  R. 
Norman,  Abraham  Porter,  W.  S.  Patterson,  John  W. 
Patterson,  Harrison  Richardson,  Samuel  Richardson, 
John  T.  Steele,  Abraham  Sprowl,  W.  A.  Starkey,  Jacob 
Turnbull,  Thomas  Reese,  Harvey  J.  Tarbet,  Joshua 
Vessels,  Joseph  Vessels,  George  W.  Westlake,  Albert 
G.  Wineman,  Harrison  Williams,  W.  C.  White,  Samuel 
Zimmerman. 

COMPANY  K. 

Lewis  Lewton,  captain,  mustered  out  as  colonel  of 
the  1 70th  Regiment,  O.  N.  G.,  August  15,  1864. 

William  H.  Oglevee,  ist  lieutenant. 

George  W.  Healer,  2nd  lieutenant. 

James  Gilbert,  sergeant. 

James  M.  Paul,  sergeant. 

William  Phillips,  sergeant. 

W.  S.  Grove,  sergeant. 

John  W.  Osborn,  sergeant. 

Robert  Wilkins,  corporal;  promoted  to  sergeant  July 
18,  1864. 

Wm.  S.  Haverfield,  corporal. 

M.  K.  Turner,  corporal. 

Samuel  A.  Osborn,  corporal. 

Jas.  H.  Haverfield,  corporal. 

Morrison  Moorehead,  corporal. 

Thomas  Miller,  corporal. 

John  Stubbins,  musician. 

Geo.  W.  Lewton,  musician. 

Eli  Nicholas,  wagoner. 

'Privates. — Jesse  Arnold,  Jas.  A.  Amspoker.  Wm.  B. 
Adams,  Evan  Berry,  Jacob  Brough,  Samuel  Brown- 
ing, Clarkson  Bower,  Stewart  Beebe,  Jos.  W.  Chaney, 
Thompson  Craig,  J.  M.  Clark,  W.  A.  Clark,  Abel  Car- 
son,  promoted  to  corporal  July  18,  1864:  Dunlap  Dick- 
erson, B.  Dickerson,  Albert  Dewey,  Wm.  H.  Duffield. 
Abraham  Eli,  Samuel  Finney,  C.  J.  Ferrell,  Nathan  B. 
Haverfield,  Jos.  H.  Haverfield,  Wm.  Henderson,  Henry 
Hagadorn,'  Samuel  M.  Hines,  Christian  A.  Hines,  John 
W.  Hines,  Geo.  W.  Howard,  Wm.  T.  Hedge,  Hiram 


136 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Merriman,  Tlionias  Johnston,  died  of  tj'phoid  fever  in 
hospital  near  Stindy  Hook,  Md.,  August  ii,  1864;  Jos- 
eph L.  Johnston,  Alexander  B.  Kerr,  discharged  on 
account  of  disability  June  22,  1864;  Samuel  Leeper, 
Archibald  Leeper,  died  of  fever  in  Pleasant  Valley  Hos- 
pital, near  Sandy  Hook,  Md,,  August  12,  1864;  Win. 
Lee,  Addison  Layport,  W.  C.  Laizure,  Stephen  R.  Mc- 
(lee,  John  A.  McAfee,  Henry  Mattern,  Jas.  R.  Marsh, 
John  McBride,  Henry  McKee,  Win.  Maggett,  John  B. 
^Marshall,  Nathan  H.  Mtinsfield,  Samuel  B.  McConnell, 
John  II.  Nichols,  discharged  for  disability  June  18, 
1864;  Jas.  A.  Penn,  Thos.  Phillips,  Griffith  Roberts, 
Wm.  T.  Ramsey,  Thos,  J.  Richey,  R.  M.  Sheets,  Thomas 
H.  Selby,  Geo.  Shivers,  Samuel  Shivers,  Emanuel  Smith, 
promoted  to  corporal  July  18,  1864;  Thomas  W.  Thomp- 
son. Albert  Tipton,  Randolph  Tipton,  Lafayette  West, 
Finney  Ray,  proinotefl  to  corporal  July  18,  1864. 

^MISCELLANEOUS. 

'rite  following  is  a list  of  recruits  and  vet- 
eran volunteers  mustered  into  West  Virginia 
organizations  and  credited  to  Belmont  County, 
Ohio,  since  January  1,  1864: 

1st  I Test  Uirginia  Cavalry. 

Jesse  Chamberlain,  Calvin  C.  Hasson,  John  C.  Majors, 
John  Cass,  Jos.  P.  Burdett,  Adam  Coss,  'Win.  Heskett, 
Josiah  Llatcher,  Geo.  W.  Jeffries,  Wm.  D.  McKirahan, 
Jas.  Martin,  Jonathan  Milburn,  Curtis  B.  Stidd,  Jacob 
Watson,  William  Gill,  John  Estep,  Patrick  Menehan, 
Robert  Armstrong,  W.  H.  Brown,  Reuben  H.  Lucas, 
Aaron  Moore,  John  N.  Elliott. 

1st  ITcst  Virginia  Infantry. 

William  Hnmphreyville,  John  Barton. 

Nil  West  J^irginia  Cavalry. 

William  Fowler,  Stephen  G.  Jones,  William  Clark. 

1st  ll’cst  Virginia  Artillery. 

Erasmus  F.  Bailey. 

Company  C,  ii6th  Regiment,  0.  V.  I. 

This  company  was  composed  of  Monroe 
County  men,  with  the  exception  of  five  from 
Belmont  County.  It  was  mustered  into  ser- 
vice under  Capt.  Frederick  H.  Arckenoe  on 
the  19th  of  September,  1862.  The  company 
was  mustered  out  of  service  at  Richmond,  Va., 
June  14,  1865.  The  following  named  gentle- 
men were  from  Belmont  County : 

Abel  C.  Barnes,  wounded  at  Cedar  Creek ; Franklin 
Barnes,  mustered  out  at  expiration  of  service ; Miller 
Brown,  three  months’  extra  pay  as  a prisoner  of  war 


confined  in  Libby  Prison ; Samuel  Dobbins,  three 
months’  extra  pay  as  a prisoner  of  war,  confined  in 
Libby  Prison ; Walter  Theaker,  appointed  corporal 
June  15,  1863. 

Company  H,  86th  Regiment,  0.  V.  I. 

Abraham  Porter  and  Campbell  Smith,  of 
Bellaire,  Ohio,  were  members  of  this  company. 
It  was  mustered  into  the  service  of  the  United 
States  for  six  months  at  Camp  Cleveland, 
O.,  July  14,  1863.  Mustered  out  February 
10,  1864. 

Company  K,  j8tli  Regiment,  0.  V.  I. 

William  E.  Barnes  enlisted  December  ii, 
1861.  Mustered  out  with  company  at  Louis- 
ville, Ky.,  July  II,  1865. 

Company  C,  60th  Regiment,  0.  V.  I. 

Capt.  B.  Kyle’s  company  was  mustered 
into  the  service  at  Camp  Chase,  April  5,  1864. 
Belmont  County  contributed  about  25  men  to 
this  company,  as  follows  : 

Promotions. — John  R.  Merrill,  promoted  to  sergeant 
June  I,  1865.  Adam  Stewart,  promoted  to  corporal 
November  5,  1864,  Oliver  C.  Tarbet,  promoted  to  cor- 
poral February  i,  1865. 

Privates. — Oliver  C.  Jones,  John  T.  Skinner,  James 
W.  Skinner,  George  A.  Shry,  Joseph  G.  Snade,  Allen  B. 
Thomas. 

Discharged  for  Disability. — Jeremiah  Horton,  July  4, 
1865,  James  A.  Barnes,  May  13,  1865.  Joshua  Fred, 
April  27,  1865.  William  W.  Clark,  January  13,  1865. 
W.  C.  Manning,  Philip  S.  Williams,  June  21,  1865. 

Died. — Jesse  E.  Berry,  killed  in  action  at  Petersburg, 
Va.,  June  17,  1864.  Joseph  Mayhugh,  killed  in  duty 
near  Petersburg,  Va.,  June  28,  1864.  John  D.  Bryan, 
killed  in  action  at  Nye  River,  May  12,  1864.  Charles 
W.  Carter  died  in  Camp  Chase,  of  disease,  April  10. 
1864.  John  M.  Johnson  died  at  Baltimore,  Md.,  Octo- 
ber 8,  1864.  William  W.  Keyser  died  July  22,  1864,  of 
wounds  received  while  in  action.  Tillman  Nichols 
died  of  wounds  received  while  in  action  at  Cold  Har- 
bor, Va.,  July  2,  1864.  Milton  M.  Shry  died  October 
6,  1864.  John  S.  Summers  died  September  2,  1864. 
Thomas  Stephenson,  killed  in  action,  October  27,  1864, 
at  Hatcher’s  Run,  Va. 

The  company  wa.s  mustered  out  at  Delaney 
House,  D.  C..  July  28,  1865. 

Company  I),  60th  Regiment,  O.  V.  I. 

This  company  was  composed  of  men  from 
different  counties  in  the  State.  Those  from 
Belmont  County  are  given  below.  The  com- 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS 


137 


pany  was  organized  by  Capt.  W.  W.  Robbins 
and  went  into  Camp  Chase,  April  6,  1864. 

It  was  mustered  out  at  Delaney  House,  D. 
C.,  July  28,  1865. 

Promotions. — Joseph  E.  Lewis,  sergeant.  William 
J.  Parsons,  sergeant.  Del.  Eckels  Marquis,  promoted 
to  sergeant  May  i,  1865.  Samuel  W.  Gordon,  Henry  S. 
Barnes,  Ellis  Brill,  corporals. 

Privates. — John  Alwood,  Owen  DeLong,  William  S. 
Dyer,  John  H.  Ellis,  George  W.  Gebhart,  Calvin  N. 
Malone,  Anthony  B.  Shimp,  Cornelius  Stidd.  Israel  A. 
Thompson,  George  H.  Tillman. 

Discharged. — John  W.  Hays,  April  17,  1865.  Wil- 
liam H.  Barnes,  February  9,  1865.  Evan  Dickison, 
May  19,  1865.  G.  W.  Hance,  June  7,  1865.  William  M. 
Nace,  January  17,  1865. 

Died. — James  A.  Vance  died  December  30,  1864,  in 
Salisbury,  N.  C.,  in  Rebel  prison,  while  a prisoner  of 
war.  James  Barnes  died  May  10,  1864,  in  ambulance, 
caused  by  a gunshot  wound  in  the  hip,  received  May  9, 
1864,  at  Nye  River,  John  W.  Crew  died  October  10, 
1864,  in  Alexandria,  Va.,  of  chronic  diarrhoea,  Samuel 
Griffith,  May  12,  1864,  killed  at  Spottsylvania,  Va. ; 
shot  through  the  head  in  a charge  against  the  enemy. 
<John  H.  Moore  died  August  28,  1864,  in  Andersonville, 
Ga.,  of  dysentery,  while  a prisoner  of  war.  Charles  O. 
Morrow  died  December  26,  1864,  in  Salisbury  (N.  C.), 
prison.  Dewitt  Steel,  May  9,  1864,  in  Fredericksburg, 
Va.,  of  measles. 


THE  DUTY  OF  BELAIONT  COUNTY  TO  HER  SOL- 
DIERS, LIVING  AND  DEAD. 

The  author  has  no  apology  to  offer  for  the 
space  occupied  in  printing  the  names  of  the 
brave  “boys  in  blue”  living  and  dead  that  sac- 
rificed so  much  for  the  preservation  of  the 
government  in  the  hour  of  its  greatset  peril. 
Our  only  regret  is  that  the  roster  is  perhaps 
incomplete. 

There  were  doubtless  many  gallant  sons  of 
Belmont  County  who  were  accredited  to  other 
counties  and  other  States  whose  names  should 
appear  among  the  above. 

Belmont  County  should  prepare  a “Roll  of 
Honor’’  upon  which  should  be  inscribed  the 
name  of  every  soldier  and  sailor  that  went 
out  from  her  “sun  kissed  hills”  to  fight  the 
battles  of  the  Republic — a “Roll  of  Honor” 
that  should  be  preserved  through  all  genera- 
tions as  an  incentive  and  inspiration  to  patriot- 
ism. 


CHAPTER.  XI. 


OUR.  PUBLIC  SCHOOLS. 


We  are  indel)ted  to  Prof.  W.  R.  Butcher  of 
St.  Clairsville  for  this  sketch  of  the  operation 
of  our  pul)lic  school  system  in  Belmont  County. 

The  history  of  individual  schools  throughout 
the  county  appear  in  the  history  of  the  various 
townships  in  which  they  are  located. 

The  history  of  the  growth  of  the  public 
school  system  in  a county  is  so  closely  con- 
nected with  its  history  in  the  State,  that  the 
story  of  the  rapid  progress  of  the  public  schools 
in  Ohio  is,  to  a great  extent,  their  history  in 
Belmont  County. 

In  speaking  of  the  Ordinance  of  1787,  Daniel 
Webster  said,  “VVe  are  acustomed  to  praise  the 
law-givers  of  antiquity,  we  help  to  perpetuate 
the  fame  of  Solon  and  Lycurgus,  but  I doubt 
whether  one  single  law  of  any  law-giver, 
ancient  or  modern,  has  produced  effects  of 
more  distinct,  marked,  and  lasting  character 
than  the  Ordinance  of  1787.”  In  this  ordi- 
nance was  embodied  the  oft-quoted  clause, 
“Religion,  morality  and  knowledge  being  nec- 
essary to  good  government  and  the  happiness 
of  mankind,  schools  and  the  means  of  educa- 
tion shall  forever  be  encouraged.”  Wdrat  this 
clause  means  to  Ohio  and  how  well  she  has 
carried  out  the  wishes  of  those  who  expected 
great  results  from  her  school  system,  the 
schools  of  the  present  will  answer. 

The  number  of  school  houses  in  Ohio  in 
1901  was  13,174,  employing  23,491  teachers. 
The  total  number  of  school  youth  in  the  State 
was  1,219,919,  of  which  number  829,857  were 
enrolled  in  the  different  schools  of  the  State, 

The  oversight  of  the  educational  affairs  of 


the  whole  State  is  entrusted  to  a Commissioner 
of  Common  Schools.  The  control  of  the  dif- 
ferent schools  is  vested  Jjy  the  State  in  local 
l3oards  of  education,  and  the  teachers  and  their 
supervisors  are  agents  of  the  State,  getting 
their  authority  to  teach  from  boards  of  exam- 
iners who  issue  certificates  to  teachers. 

For  convenience  in  managing  affairs,  the 
school  district  is  the  unit  area  of  school  or- 
ganization and  determines  the  bonds  of  the 
authority  of  a board  of  directors.  It  generally 
consists  of  a whole  township  or  a whole  mu- 
nicipal corporation.  Sometimes  communities 
are  joined  for  educational  purposes  that  are 
separate  in  other  governmental  affairs.  There 
are  township  school  districts,  special  districts, 
village  districts  and  two  classes  of  city  dis- 
tricts. 

The  sources  of  school  revenues  are : First, 

the  general  State  tax  of  one  mill  collected  on 
the  grand  tax  duplicate  of  the  State,  and  distrib- 
uted on  the  basis  of  the  enumerated  youth  to  all 
the  counties  for  use  in  each  school  district; 
second,  the  annual  distribution  from  the  State 
sinking  fund  of  six  per  cent,  on  all  the  irre- 
ducible State  debt,  the  moneys  going  to  those 
districts  whence  that  trust  fund  was  derived ; 
third,  the  local  levies  made  by  the  various 
school  districts  for  school  purposes ; fourth, 
certain  fines  and  penalties  that,  according  to 
law,  go  for  school  purposes;  fifth,  the  miscel- 
laneous receipts  of  the  boards  from  outside 
tuition,  rentals  and  the  like. 

The  irreducible  school  fund  was  derived 
from  the  sale  by  the  Legislature  of  lands 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


139 


granted  by  Congress  for  school  purposes ; these 
appropriations  comprised  one  thirty-sixth  part 
of  the  State  or  something  like  1,200  square 
miles.  To  this  one  section  in  every  township 
was  added  the  money  received  from  the  sale 
of  certain  “swamp  lands;”  so  that  for  common 
school  purposes  the  State  is  bound,  at  present, 
to  pay  six  per  cent,  on  a little  over  four  million 
dollars. 

More  than  two-fifths  of  the  total  tax  paid  in 
Belmont  County  goes  to  the  support  of  the 
schools.  In  round  figures  the  past  year  $450,- 
000  was  collected  as  tax  and  there  was  ex- 
pended in  the  county  for  support  of  the  schools 
the  sum  of  $191,429.04.  The  various  town- 
ships and  special  school  districts  expended  the 
following  amounts  on  their  schools  as  shown 
by  their  books  in  the  auditor’s  office: 


Colerain  township 
Flushing  “ 

Goshen  “ 

Kirkwood  “ 

Mead 

Pease  “ 

Pultney  “ 

Richland  “ 

Smith  “ 

Somerset  “ 

Union  “ 

Warren  “ 

Washington  “ 

Wayne  “ 

Wheeling  “ 

York 

Barnesville  special  district 
Belmont  “ “ 

Bellaire 

Bethesda  “ “ 

Bridgeport  “ “ 

Flushing  “ “ 

Martin’s  Ferry"  “ 

Morristown  “ “ 

Powhatan  “ “ 

Shadyside  “ “ 

Somerton  “ “ 

St.  Clairsville  “ “ 


.$6,422.43 

. 4-367-47 

• 7.317-00 

• 3.85838 

- 4.704-Si 

- 5,491-04 

. 9,476.01 
.10,152.78 

- 5,027-14 

- 3,938.64 

- 2,413.50 

■ 4,819-75 

- 3,805.36 

- 3,387-20 

• 3,718.74 

. 2,448.78 
-II.331-32 
. 2,089.51 
.40,344.86 

- 915-64 
.17,817.66 

- 2,144.25 

-24,783-85 

. 1,348.66 

• 1,773.48 

982.04 
. 878.86 

. 5,670.68 


The  above  figures  include  all  school  ex- 
penses, as  for  example  the  cost  in  Bellaire  in- 
cludes an  expediture  of  about  $15,000  for  new 
buildings. 

The  first  schools  in  Belmont  County  were 
provided  with  funds  by  private  or  co-operative 
enterprise.  The  State  Legislature  took  no  ac- 
tion in  relation  to  school  appropriations  until 


1806  and  then  only  slight  action.  As  a result, 
the  funds  for  conducting  the  district  schools 
were,  for  the  greater  part,  obtained  by  charg- 
ing private  tuition.  Before  a teacher  would 
begin  his  term  of  school,  he  would  canvass  the 
district  to  see  what  amount  of  private  tuition 
could  be  raised.  Many  of  the  teachers  of  those 
times  worked  on  the  farm  in  the  summer  and 
kept  school  in  the  winter.  Of  the  quality  of 
their  farming,  nothing  derogatory  can  be  said, 
but  of  their  school-keeping,  with  a few  excep- 
tions, one  would  have  to  be  very  liberal,  in- 
deed, to  say  anything  commendatory.  Much 
learning  had  not  made  thein  mad,  but  much 
learning  was  not  rec|uired.  To  be  able  to  spell 
correctly,  to  know  the  arithmetic  to  the  “sin- 
gle rule  of  three”  and  to  write  a good  hand  was 
deemed  sufficient  in  most  districts.  Writing 
was  made  a great  deal  of ; it  was  their  one 
accomplishment,  and  they  prided  themselves 
in  it.  Their  writing  was  none  of  your  run- 
ning, semi-angular  kind,  but  what  an  old 
farmer  of  the  times  happily  described  as  “a 
round  square  hand.”  The  textbooks  used  were 
“Pike’s  Arithmetic,”  “Kirkham’s  Grammar” 
and  “Cobb’s  Speller.”  If  an  ambitious  youth 
wished  to  go  beyond  the  “single  rule  of  three,” 
he  was  compelled  to  tread  the  thorny  paths  of 
mathematical  knowledge  alone. 

If  the  knowledge  of  the  schoolmaster  of 
those  days  was  not  the  broadest  in  its  scope, 
still  he  was  the  foremost  man  in  this  respect  of 
the  people  among  whom  he  lived. 

But  the  public  was  awakening  to  the  inter- 
est of  education  and  in  1821  a long  stride  for- 
ward was  made  when  the  State  Legislature 
passed  the  first  general  school  law.  In  1825, 
there  were  a “school”  party  and  a “canal” 
party  in  the  Legislature;  one  was  intent  on 
having  schools  and  the  other,  canals.  As 
neither  party  was  able  to  carry  its  point  alone, 
the  two  joined  their  forces  and  so  gave  the 
State  both  schools  and  canals.  The  greatest 
advance  in  school  legislation  was  made  in  1853, 
when  the  present  school  law,  in  its  essential 
features,  was  enacted. 

At  that  time,  a number  of  men,  afterward 
famous  as  teachers,  lecturers,  and  authors  of 


140 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


school  lextl)ooks,  were  attracting  public  at- 
tention by  the  excellent  work  they  were  doing 
to  advance  school  interests  in  the  State.  Prom- 
inent among  these  were  John  Hancock,  Joseph 
Ray,  Thomas  Harvey  and  Eli  T.  Tappan.  It 
was  the  work  of  such  men  as  these  that  gave  an 
impetus  to  the  cause  of  education  and  made 
the  ])ul)lic  school  system,  as  it  exists  today, 
possible. 

There  never  was  a time  when  the  public 
school  was  in  as  Hourishing  a condition  as  at 
])resent.  The  log  school  houses  that  dotted  the 
hills  and  vales  of  Belmont  County  more  than 
half  a century  ago  have  given  place  to  build- 
ings modern  in  every  respect,  the  school  sys- 
tem is  improving  and  the  courses  of  study  come 
nearer  meeting  the  popular  needs  than  ever 
before.  Methods  are  more  rational,  discipline 
is  more  humane  and  the  attendance  more  regu- 
lar. 

'I'he  Boxwell  law  has  given  the  pupils  of  the 
rural  districts  an  opportunity  to  obtain  a high 


school  education.  'The  term  “high  school”  has 
been  defined  by  statute  and  the  high  schools 
of  the  State  have  been  divided  into  ist,  2nd, 
3rd,  and  4th  class,  according  to  the  time  given 
and  subjects  included  in  the  course  of  study. 

Belmont  County  has  16  township  districts, 
j 83  subdistricts  and  1 1 special  districts.  The 
special  districts  are  Martin’s  Ferry,  Bridge- 
port, Bellaire,  Barnesville,  St.  Clairsville,  Bel- 
mont, Bethesda,  Morristown,  Flushing,  Somer- 
ton  and  Powhattan.  The  value  of  school  prop- 
erty in  the  county  is  $501,000.  It  takes  352 
teachers  to  supply  the  schools.  Of  these,  205 
are  in  the  township  districts  and  147  in  the  spe- 
cial districts.  The  average  monthly  wages  in 
the  township  schools  is  : men,  $37  ; women,  $34. 
In  the  s])ecial  districts,  men  in  the  elementary 
departments,  $53 ; women,  $38.  In  the  high 
schools,  men,  $73 ; women,  $60. 

The  county  examiners  for  1902  are:  James 
Duncan,  Bridgeport:  James  O.  Porterfield, 
Demos ; and  VV.  R.  Butcher,  St.  Clairsville. 


CHAPTER.  XII. 


SOME  RECOLLECTIONS  OF  THE  UNDERGROUND  RAILROAD. 


Ellis  B.  Steele,  of  Morning  View  in  Pease 
township,  who  was  himself  a conductor  on  the 
“Underground  Railroad,  " presents  us  rvith 
some  recollections  of  the  operation  of  that 
noiseless  road  in  the  conveyance  of  fugitive 
sla\"es  through  Belmont  County  to  Emerson  in 
Jefferson  County,  and  thence  northward  to- 
ward Canada  and  freedom : 

The  date  of  opening  this  road  is  not  definitely 
known,  as  there  was  no  record  kept  of  its  busi- 
ness. However,  from  the  traditions  that  have 
been  handed  down  from  our  fathers,  I am  sat- 
isfied that  the  road  was  in  operation  30  years 
prior  to  President  Lincoln's  Emancipation 
Proclamation. 

This  railroad  was  constructed  without  the 
sound  of  hammer,  pick  or  shovel,  and  could  be 
removed  from  one  neighborhood  to  another, 
leaving  no  trace  that  any  one  except  those 
identified  with  it  could  find. 

My  knowledge  of  the  route  of  the  “Under- 
ground Railroad,’"  north  from  Emerson,  is  lim- 
ited. In  ante-bellum  times  the  least  you  knew 
about  the  “Underground  Railroad”  the  better 
for  you,  yet  it  was  important  if  interested  in 
the  road  to  know  that  little  well.  My  recol- 
lection now  is  that  the  road  from  the  Ohio 
River  to  the  Lake  was  divided  into  sections, 
and  on  each  section  there  was  a station.  These 
stations  were  from  five  to  ten  miles  apart,  so 
that  in  an  emergency  a change  of  horses  and 
a fresh  driver  could  be  procured  and  in  a few 
hours  the  fugitive  slave  would  be  spirited  far 
on  his  journey  toward  Canada  and  out  of  reach 
of  his  pursuers. 

The  first  station  that  I have  any  recollection 


of  was  in  the  woods  and  underbrush  that 
crowned  the  hills  between  Martin’s  Ferry  and 
Burlington.  This  station  was  located  by  Rich- 
ard Xaylor  and  Samuel  Cooper  (both  colored), 
and  the  station  was  known  and  approved  by 
their  white  confederates  and  co-workers.  Nay- 
lor was  born  a slave  with  an  innate  hatred  of 
the  institution  of  slavery.  After  obtaining  his 
freedom,  he  engaged  in  the  hazardous  business 
of  receiving  fugitive  slaves,  via  the  "Under- 
ground Railroad,”  from  Virginia,  opposite, 
and  would  ferry  them  over  the  ri\-er  to  the 
first  station  back  of  Martin’s  Ferry.  There 
Samuel  Cooper  and  his  son  Henry  received 
them,  and  as  better  and  safer  service  could 
be  given  the  patrons  of  the  road  on  the  night 
train,  the  fugitives  were  hurried  to  the  next 
station.  If  the  night  was  not  far  advanced 
and  it  was  dangerous  to  operate  the  road,  the 
passenger  was  at  once  given  in  charge  of  the 
conductor,  who  would  lead  him  through  the 
woods,  and  by  lonely  paths  to  some  previously 
selected  point  at  the  second  station  in  Concord 
settlement,  now  Colerain.  Sometimes  this  sta- 
tion would  be  at  Joshua  Steele's  old  log  barn, 
where  beneath  its  puncheon  floor  many  a poor 
fugitive  slave  spent  the  day  in  fear  and  trem- 
bling, waiting  for  the  night  train  to  carry  him 
i on  his  journey  to  Canada. 

At  other  times  the  fugitives  would  be  con- 
ducted to  a safe  hiding  place  on  Joseph  Park- 
er’s farm,  thence  to  be  conducted  in  like  man- 
ner to  the  next  station.  Frequently  it  was 
expedient  to  conduct  the  fugitives  to  the  home 
of  Joshua  Cope,  who  owned  and  operated  the 
old  log  flour  mill  near  the  head-waters  of 


142 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Glenn’s  Run.  Here  they  received  a cordial  wel- 
come, their  needs  were  supplied,  and  as  soon  as 
practicable  they  were  conveyed  to  the  third 
station,  which  was  conducted  by  William  Rob- 
ison, a life-long  friend  of  the  slave,  and  his 
energetic  and  earnest  assistant,  George  Clark. 
These  gentlemen  would  see  that  all  fugitive 
slaves  arriving  at  their  station  were  provided 
with  free  tickets  to  Canada  by  way  of  the  “Un- 
derground Railroad.” 

The  home  of  Dr.  Caleb  Cope  of  Farmington 
was  another  station  where  kindly  services  were 
rendered  to  the  needy  fugitive,  and  he  was  di- 
rected on  his  way  to  liberty.  Henry  Cooper, 
after  years  of  service  at  the  first  station  near 
Martin’s  Fery,  was  suspected  of  aiding  fugi- 
tive slaves  in  finding  their  way  to  Canada.  The 
evidence  was  so  strong  against  him  that  he 
was  liable  to  arrest  or  perhaps  be  kidnapped, 
and  returned  to  slavery,  for  giving  aid  to  fugi- 
tive slaves.  His  friends  both  white  and  col- 
ored were  on  guard  with  a train  ready  to  start 
for  Canada  at  a moment’s  notice.  The  perse- 
cutions that  Cooper  was  subjected  to  were 
about  to  culminate  in  something  serious  when 
with  the  assistance  of  friends  he  noiselessly 
glided  away,  and  in  due  time  reached  Canada 
\ ia  the  “Underground  Railroad.” 

Soon  after  young  Cooper  was  settled  in 
Canada,  his  father  was  likewise  suspected  of 
giving  aid  and  comfort  to  runaway  slaves  and 
the  circumstantial  evidence  against  him  was  so 
damaging  that  his  friends  advised  him  to  leave 
the  country  and  seek  a more  desirable  home  in 
Canada. 

He  took  their  advice  and  engaged  a passage 
on  one  of  the  “Underground  Railroad”  flyers. 
He  reached  his  destination  in  due  time,  where 
he  was  greeted  by  his  son  and  a host  of  fugi- 
tive slaves  that  he  had  assisted  in  their  flight  to 
liberty. 

When  the  Coo])ers  were  obliged  to  abandon 
the  first  station  because  of  personal  danger. 


Thomas  Pointer  (colored)  was  appointed  to 
succeed  them.  Pointer  had  experience  in  the 
work,  and  with  the  aid  of  Tobe  Hance,  who 
was  operating  a flour  mill  near  Glenn’s  Run, 
the  station  was  again  opened  for  the  reception 
of  the  fugitive  slaves. 

This  was  the  year  of  greatest  activity  in  the 
operations  of  the  road. 

By  playing  the  role  of  a drunkard,  Naylor 
who  managed  the  first  station  had  thus  far 
eluded  detection  and  by  craftiness  continued 
for  years  to  furnish  passengers  for  the  “Un- 
derground Railroad.”  Finally  he  was  sus- 
pected and  would  have  been  foully  dealt  with, 
bad  he  not  learned  of  the  plan  to  capture  him, 
and  escaped  via  the  “Underground  Railroad.” 

There  being  no  one  willing  to  assume  the 
risk  of  the  position  of  passenger  agent  vacated 
by  Naylor,  the  business  for  a time  was  exceed- 
ingly dull. 

Only  a few  fugitives  at  long  intervals  ar- 
rived at  the  station  on  the  river  front.  During 
the  fall  of  1858  business  revived  somewhat,  but 
the  “Dred  Scott  Decision”  had  thrown  such 
a damper  upon  the  workers  that  few  conduc- 
tors could  be  employed  to  run  the  trains. 

In  August,  1859,  my  uncle,  O.  C.  Parker, 
and  I conducted  nine  fugitive  slaves  from  the 
first  station  near  Martin’s  Ferry  ^to  the  second 
station  at  my  father’s  old  home,  where  my 
brother  AAfesley  had  a team  ready  to  convey 
them  to  the  third  station  where  my  friend  Rob- 
ison toon  charge  of  them,  and  we  returned, 
reaching  home  at  daylight.  This  was  the  last 
full  train  that  passed  this  way.  After  this  time 
fugitive  slaves  traveled  the  public  highways, 
stopping  sometimes  at  our  place  to  inquire  the 
way  to  some  friend  in  Mount  Pleasant  or 
Trenton.  The  business  of  the  road  was  prac- 
tically abandoned  after  the  Emancipation  Proc- 
lamation was  issued,  and  its  work  is  now  only 
remembered  as  a thing  of  the  past. 


CHAPTER  XIII 


HISTORY  or  THE  BELMONT  COUNTY  MEDICAL  SOCIETY. 

Organization  of  the  Society — The  Original  Members — Some  Eminent  Physicians 
OF  Pioneer  Days — Nature  of  the  Organization  Changed — Present  Mem- 
bership— Some  of  the  Physicians  of  Later  Days. 


We  are  indebted  to  Dr.  A.  H.  Hewetson  of 
St.  Clairsville  for  the  following  history  of  the 
Belmont  County  Medical  Society — an  organi- 
zation that  antedates  the  national  medical  so- 
ciety by  a number  of  years  and  is  probably 
one  of  the  oldest  medical  associations  in  the 
country. 

Dr.  Hewetson  and  his  daughter,  Miss  Eliza- 
beth, are  associated  in  the  practice  of  a pro- 
fession that  has  been  skillfully  pursued  in  Bel- 
mont County  by  father  and  grandfather  for 
upward  of  half  a century. 

Dr.  Hewetson  is  the  senior  physician  of  St. 
Clairsville  today  and  one  of  the  oldest  mem- 
bers of  the  Belmont  County  Medical  Society. 
His  accomplished  daughter  is  a graduate  of  the 
Ohio  Medical  College  and  brings  to  the  prac- 
tice of  her  profession  all  that  is  modern  in  the 
science  and  art  of  medicine  and  surgery. 

We  are  led  to  believe  from  fragments  of  his- 
tory that  meet  us  that,  several  years  before  the 
organization  of  the  Belmont  County  Medical 
Society,  there  existed  an  effort  to  perfect  a 
union  of  the  medical  profession  in  the  counties 
of  Belmont,  Jefferson  and  Monroe.  Possibly 
other  counties  were  included. 

Some  leading  names  were  connected  with 
this  effort.  Dr.  Stanton,  a relative  of  the  great 
War  Secretary.  Edwin  M.  Stanton,  was  from 
Steubenville.  There  were  other  names  from 
other  counties. 


organization  of  the  society. 

The  Belmont  County  Medical  Society  was 
organized  on  the  last  day  of  February,  1847. 
There  was  the  usual  call  through  the  public 
press  to  meet  at  the  National  Hotel,  St.  Clairs- 
ville, Ohio,  to  which  the  profession  responded. 

At  the  specified  time  a number  met  and  pro- 
ceeded to  perfect  an  organization.  Dr.  C. 
Schooley  of  Loydsville  was  chosen  chairman 
and  Dr.  Smith  Holloway,  secretary.  The 
usual  committees  were  appointed.  Drs.  Jo- 
seph Hewetson,  Holloway  and  Walker  were 
chosen  a committee  to  prepare  a constitution. 
Drs.  West,  Alexander  and  McConahey  were 
appointed  to  prepare  a code  of  ethics.  Drs.- 
Estep,  C.  Schooley  and  L.  Schooley  were  ap- 
pointed a committe  to  draw  up  a fee  bill  of 
rates  and  charges  to  govern  all  members  of  the 
society. 

The  association  was  now  reasonably 
equipped  for  work. 

There  was  no  intention  to  put  their  light 
under  a bushel,  as  the  motion  of  Dr.  Alexander 
'was  carried,  to  publish  the  proceedings  of  the 
society  in  the  Gazette  and  Chronicle. 

The  roll  of  names  of  those  attending  this 
meeting  is  as  follows  : 

Dr.  Ephraim  Gaston,  Morristown. 

Dr.  Joseph  Hewetson,  St.  Clairsville. 

Dr.  John  Alexander,  St.  Clairsville. 

Dr.  Josephus  Walker,  St.  Clairsville. 


144 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Dr.  Smith  Holloway,  St.  Clairsville. 

Dr.  Henry  West,  St.  Clairsville. 

Dr.  John  Campbell,  Uniontown. 

Dr.  T.  Irwin,  Uniontown. 

Dr.  Wilson,  Centerville. 

Dr.  J.  Coleman,  Centerville. 

Dr.  T.  Harvey,  Jacobsburg, 

Dr.  J.  Bailey,  Flushing. 

Dr.  Chapman,  Henclrysbnrg. 

Dr.  1).  'I'idball,  Hendrysburg. 

Dr.  William  Estep,  Loydsville, 

Dr.  C.  Schooley,  Loydsville. 

Dr.  Dallas,  Sewellsville, 

Dr.  Andrews,  Bellaire. 

THE  ORIGINAL  MEMBERS. 

'Fhe  roll  of  the  members  of  the  original  so- 
ciety has  Iieen  justly  called  the  “roll  of  honor.” 
In  this  list  are  presented  some  of  the  brightest 
names  in  the  profession  of  Belmont  County. 

On  the  1st  of  March  at  the  second  meeting, 
the  constitution  being  completed  was  adopted 
and  the  next  step  was  to  establish  a correct  roll 
of  the  members : 

The  roll  when  completed  was  as  follows : 


Epliraiin  Gaston 

B.  T.  Bethel 

B.  L.  Steele 

John  T.  Mackall 

Bindley  Schooley 

I.  I.  Murphy 

Josephus  Walker 

Leander  J.  Dallas 

P.  R.  Chapman 

John  G.  Affleck 

Theodore  L.  Harvey 

John  Ale.xander 

John  A.  Weyer 
William  Estep 

Daniel  L.  Pratt 

Hiram  J.  Judkins 

Thomas  Irwin 

Ephraim  Williams 

Clarkson  Schooley 

Tliomas  N.  Planner 

William  Milligan 

I.  G.  Stenlaer 

Henry  West 

Merwin  R.  Wright 

James  D.  Coleman 

William  McMasters 

S.  B.  West 

Joseph  Gaston 

David  Tidball 

Milton  W.  Junkins 

E.  J.  Birdsong 

S.  L.  Ramage 

Harrison  Wilson 

P.  H.  Mulvaney 

James  M.  McConahey 

Samuel  Livingston 

George  Lisle 

Caleb  Cope 

■Smith  Holloway 

William  A..  Drake 

William  Wilson 

James  D.  Wright 

Joseph  Flewetson 

John  Davis 

J.  W.  Warfield 

William  W.  Watters 

W.  T.  Sinclair 

J.  T.  Llpdegrafl 

Israel  Weirich 

Jesse  Bailey 

Willoughby  Doudna 
Isaac  Hoover 

B.  S.  Cash 

SOME  EMINENT  PHYSICIANS  OF  PIONEER  DAYS. 

Dr.  Ephraim  Gaston. — We  find  at  the  top 
of  this  roll  of  honor,  taking  it  in  the  order 
given,  the  name  of  Ejihraim  Gaston  of  Morris- 
town, Ohio, 


He  began  the  practice  of  medicine  in  1825 
and  ended  in  1896. 

But  few  medical  men  excelled  Dr.  Gaston  in 
the  deep  hold  he  obtained  upon  the  hearts  of 
his  patrons.  Honest  to  the  core,  a gentleman 
in  all  his  instincts,  intelligent  far  beyond  the 
average  of  most  of  his  compeers,  he  held  a 
position  in  his  community  that  time  and  cir- 
cumstances never  changed.  In  the  providence 
of  God,  in  his  later  years  Dr.  Gaston  was 
afflicted  with  cataract  on  both  eyes. 

He  was  unsuccessfully  operated  on  by  the 
great  surgeon.  Dr.  Gross,  of  Philadelphia. 
Later,  he  consulted  the  celebrated  specialist, 
Dr.  Williams,  of  Cincinnati,  who  performed 
a second  operation  which  was  eminently  suc- 
cessful. Erom  this  time  on,  the  Doctor  was 
able  to  see  to  read  and  walk  about,  but  with 
the  exception  of  occasional  consultations  he 
never  practiced  his  profession  again. 

Dr.  Joseph  Hewetson's  biography,  as  pre- 
pared by  the  Medical  Society  at  the  time  of  his 
death,  appears  in  the  latter  portion  of  this 
book  devoted  to  biographies ; a few  brief  refer- 
ences is  all  we  think  necessary. 

He  was  one  of  the  charter  members  of  the 
society.  Having  had  the  long  and  thorough 
medical  training  that  was  recpiired  in  the  Ed- 
inburgh University,  Scotland,  he  was  an  op- 
])onent  of  the  short,  and  what  appeared  to  him 
superficial,  course  of  education  in  this  country. 
Lie  more  than  once  presented  his  opinions  on 
this  suliject  to  the  association.  It  was  his  firm 
belief  that  time  and  the  necessities  of  the  pro- 
fession would  overcome  these  objections. 

The  Doctor  left  a family  of  six  sons  and  one 
daughter.  Four  sons,  three  grandsons,  and 
one  granddaughter  are  in  the  practice  of  the 
profession. 

Dr.  John  Alexander  was  born  at  Belfast, 
Ireland,  of  Scotch-Irish  descent.  At  the  age 
of  19  he  left  his  native  land  and  came  to  the 
Lhiited  States,  landing  at  Baltimore.  He  first 
became  a teacher  of  country  schools  and  after 
a time  came  to  St.  Clairsville,  Ohio.  Here  he 
became  acquainted  with  Dr.  Carroll,  who  be- 
came interested  in  the  young  man,  and  directed 
his  efforts  to  the  study  of  medicine.  He  w^as 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


145 


a student  of  the  Ohio  Medical  College,  Cincin- 
nati, and  in  1832  embarked  in  the  practice  of 
medicine  at  Flushing,  Ohio,  and  in  the  autumn 
of  1839  removed  to  St.  Clairsville,  where 
he  continued  in  practice  until  his  death. 

"The  Doctor  had  a positive  Scotch-Irish  na- 
ture. It  was  thus  natural  to  him  to  be  strong 
in  his  friendships  and  ecjually  strong  in  his 
antipathies.  He  was  a good  physician.  In  his 
practice  of  over  half  a century  he  had  a large 
and,  part  of  the  time,  lucrative  practice.  Dur- 
ing the  latter  part  of  his  life  he  lived  in  the 
enjoyment  of  the  kindliest  feelings  of  all  who 
knew  him.  The  Master’s  call  came  as  all  faith- 
ful servants  desire — while  at  the  work  of  his 
life. 

He  was  stricken  down  as  he  entered  the  door 
of  a patient  in  the  night  season.  This  occurred 
after  a drive  of  three  miles  into  the  country. 
There  was  a deep  manifestation  of  feeling  at 
his  funeral.  He  was  followed  to  his  grave 
with  the  tears  of  many  friends. 

Dr.  Henry  West  was  born  on  the  8th  day 
of  April,  1800,  and  died  June  30,  1887.  He 
was  of  Scotch-Irish  descent  and  to  that  sturdy 
race  he  no  doubt  owed  his  strong  and  rugged 
nature. 

He  was  a graduate  of  the  Ohio  Medical  Col- 
lege, of  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  He  began  the  prac- 
tice of  his  profession  in  1835  in  Bridgeport, 
Ohio,  and  soon  commanded  a good  business. 
He  was  sent  to  represent  the  county  in  the  Leg- 
islature on  the  Democratic  ticket  in  1838-39 
and  was  re-elected  to  the  same  position  the 
following  winter. 

After  the  close  of  the  Rebellion,  he  repre- 
sented the  Republican  party  of  this  district  in 
the  State  Senate  in  1865-66. 

In  those  days  it  was  the  rule  to  mix  poli- 
tics with  almost  all  business.  The  Doctor  was 
an  active  Democrat  before  the  war.  It  so  hap- 
pened that  St.  Clairsville  was  left  without  any 
competent  Democratic  doctor.  Under  the 
pressure  of  some  leading  Democratic  men  of 
the  county,  he  consented  to  remove  to  St.Clairs- 
ville.  This  removal  occurred  at  the  close  of  his 
second  term  in  the  Legislature.  The  Doctor 
always  regretted  this  move,,  often  speaking  of 


the  advantage  it  would  have  l^een  to  his  boys 
had  he  remained  in  Bridgeport. 

Dr.  West  was  married  three  times  and  be- 
came the  head  of  a large  family. 

His  first  wife  was  Adeline  Kirkwood,  by 
whom  he  had  eight  children.  The  second  wife 
was  Agnes  Parker,  five  children  being  the 
fruits  of  this  marriage.  His  third  wife  rvas 
Mary  Jane  Douglass,  who,  with  five  children, 
survives  him,  making  18  children  as  a result  of 
the  three  marriages.  Four  sons,  John  E.,  of 
Jersey  City,  New  Jersey;  J.  Park,  of  Bellaire; 
Samuel  L.,  of  St.  Clairsville,  and  Homer,  of 
McMechen,  are  all  physicians  standing  high 
in  the  profession. 

In  no  way  is  his  rugged  and  patriotic  nature 
better  shown  than  at  the  breaking  out  of  the 
war.  Dr.  West  had  been  a life-long  Democrat 
and  had  received  recognition  at  the  hands  of 
his  party.  He  voted  for  Breckenridge,  never 
doubting  that  come  what  rvould  the  L^nion  and 
the  government  would  be  sacred.  AAhien  the 
word  came  that  Fort  Sumter  had  been  fired 
upon,  the  Doctor  was  a changed  man  in  a mo- 
ment of  time.  From  that  day  to  the  close  of 
his  life  he  was  a firm  supporter  of  the  gov- 
ernment. 

AVe  can  well  recall  how  greatly  Dr.  AATst 
suffered,  when  feeling  his  services  were  needed 
in  the  army,  hut  that  the  duty  of  coming  to  the 
bedside  of  his  dying  wife  was  even  greater. 

The  time  that  inevitably  comes  to  all  came 
upon  Dr.  AATst.  Full  of  honor  and  years,  con- 
scious of  coming  weakness,  of  advancing  age, 
he  lived  in  daily  expectation  of  the  end.  The 
call  came  as  he  would  have  chosen,  suddenly, 
no  extended  time  of  suffering.  At  work  to- 
day— tomorrow  forever  at  rest. 

Dr.  John  Campbell  was  the  eldest  son  of 
James  Campbell,  who  migrated  from  AATshing- 
ton  County,  Pennsylvania,  to  Ohio  about  1803 
and  located  in  AA^heeling  township,  Belmont 
County,  on  section  26.  range  four,  township 
eight,  which  land  had  been  entered  several 
years  previous  by  the  Doctor’s  grandfather,  a 
Revolutionary  soldier. 

Here  Dr.  Campbell  was  horn  November  2i, 
1804.  of  15  he  left  home  and  at- 


146 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


tended  school  at  New  Athens  for  five  years. 
After  this  he  went  to  St.  Clairsville  and  stud- 
ied incdieinc  nnder  Dr.  John  McCracken  for 
two  and  one-half  years.  He  was  licensed  to 
])ractice  medicine  in  November,  1827,  at 
llarncsville,  Ohio. 

1 le  began  the  practice  of  medicine  in  Union- 
town,  Oliio,  klarch  5,  1828,  and  continued  to 
l>ractice  at  the  same  place  until  his  death,  Sep- 
tember jy,  1882. 

1 le  was  a member  of  the  Crab  Apple  Presby- 
terian Church  from  1833  and  a ruling  elder  in 
the  same  congregation  since  1840. 

lie  was  elected  twice  to  the  (ieneral  Assem- 
bly of  the  Preslyvterian  Church, — Philaclel- 
])hia  in  1843  and  Chicago  in  1877.  The  Doc- 
tor was  nominated  on  the  Democratic  ticket  in 
18.4.0  for  tlie  Legislature  in  opposition  to  Judge 
Cowen,  but  was  defeated. 

With  a somewhat  intimate  knowledge  of 
the  ])rofession  of  the  county  for  the  last  45 
years,  I have  no  hesitancy  to  declare  that  Dr. 
Cam])bell  was  not  excelled  for  virtue  and  hon- 
esty. At  any  time  when  at  all  in  doubt  as  to 
the  true  nature  of  his  case,  it  was  his  habit  to 
ask  for  counsel  and  gave  the  true  reason  for 
his  a.sking. 

When  life’s  fitful  dream  for  him  was  over, 
the  welcome  came  “Well  done!  good  and  faith- 
ful servant.’’ 

Dr.  WiLLiy\M  Estep. — It  is  appropriate  and 
entirely  fitting;  that  Drs.  Estep  and  Campbell 
should  he  considered  in  close  connection.  Near 
neighbors  through  a long  life,  good  medical 
friends,  in  character  differing  essentially,  yet 
agreeing,  assisting  each  other  frequently. 

Dr.  Estep  began  his  medical  studies  under 
the  supervision  of  a “Thompsonian.”  This 
entrance  upon  the  study  of  medicine  was  be- 
fore he  had  acquired  the  most  elementary  edu- 
cation. While  never  failing  to  regret  his  lim- 
ited education,  he  sought  to  overcome  its  evil 
effects  by  perseverance,  energy  and  close  ap- 
plication, so  that  for  years  before  his  death  he 
could  write  a paper  and  present  it  to  the  society 
as  well  arranged  as  almost  any  member  could 
have  done. 

Dr.  Estep  was  naturally  well  equipped  for 


his  work.  Possessed  of  a pleasing  manner, 
commanding  presence,  he  did  all  that  was  pos- 
sible to  do,  to  remove  the  loss  of  a thorough 
education. 

When  the  war  broke  out.  Dr.  Estep  respond- 
ed to  the  call  of  patriotism.  Leaving  a large 
practice,  he  willingly  entered  the  service  of  his 
country.  x\s  a consequence  of  exposure  and 
resulting  pneumonia,  he  almost  lost  his  life. 
Returning  home  in  1864,  he  gradually  recov- 
ered health  and  resumed  his  practice.  Dr. 
Estep  had  many  good  traits  of  character.  His 
friends  had  often  to  lament  that  at  times  he 
manifested  traits  of  character  that  were  not 
what  they  would  desire.  In  as  much  as  the 
Doctor  labored  to  overcome  these  and  lamented 
his  delinquencies,  his  friends  have  by  mutual 
consent  covered  them  with  a mantle  of  char- 
ity. It  is  a relief  in  such  lives  as  Dr.  Estep’s 
to  be  able  to  put  forth  so  much  that  is  good. 
Lie  appeared  to  regard  a professional  call  as 
sacred.  Regardless  of  time,  condition  of  roads, 
or  state  of  the  weather,  you  could  depend  on 
the  Doctor.  Send  for  him  to  assist  you,  and 
in  the  shortest  possible  time  he  responded.  For 
more  than  half  a century  he  kept  in  the  fore- 
front of  his  local  profession. 

He  was  born  in  Washington  County,  Penn- 
sylvania, and  was  the  son  of  John  and  Sarah 
Estep.  In  1840  he  settled  at  Loydsville  and 
began  the  practice  of  medicine,  which  con- 
tinued until  his  death. 

Dr.  B.  L.  Steele. — We  have  very  limited 
knowledge  of  Dr.  B.  L.  Steele.  All  that  can 
be  learned  certainly  regarding  Dr.  Steele  is 
that  he  located  in  St  Clairsville  perhaps  late 
in  the  “thirties.”  His  name  appears  on  the 
roll  of  the  Presbyterian  Churcb.  How  long  he 
remained  in  St.  Clairsville  and  what  was  his 
professional  standing,  we  have  not  been  able 
to  ascertain. 

Evidence  shows  him  to  have  been  a member 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church  and  also  of  the 
Belmont  County  Medical  Society.  This  evi- 
dence proves  him  to  have  been  a man  of  repu- 
tation and  character. 

Dr.  Simon  B.  West,  one  of  the  pioneers  of 
Martin’s  Ferry,  Ohio,  was  born  in  Jefferson 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


147 


County,  Ohio,  in  1812,  and  was  the  son  of 
Henry  West,  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  the 
county.  Dr.  West’s  early  years  were  spent  on 
the  farm  until  1833,  when  he  began  the  study 
of  medicine  with  his  older  brother.  Dr.  Henry 
West,  of  Bridgeport,  Ohio.  He  was  graduated 
from  the  Ohio  Medical  College,  Cincinnati,  in 
1836.  Locating  in  Martins’  Ferry  the  same 
year,  he  began  a practice  which  he  continued 
for  about  50  years ; then  he  retired  and  devoted 
to  rest  his  remaining  years,  which  were  ter- 
minated by  death  in  1885.  He  was  one  of  the 
most  eminent  men  in  his  profession  in  this 
region  and  is  also  remembered  as  one  of  the 
most  enterprising  citizens  of  Martin’s  Ferry. 

Dr.  West  was  married  in  July,  1838,  to 
Mary  Zane  Martin.  Of  their  eight  children 
there  is  but  one  survivor,  the  wife  of  Oliver 
C.  Parker. 

Dr.  James  M.  McConahey  of  Bridge- 
port, Ohio,  was  one  of  the  charter  members 
of  the  Society.  Dr.  McConahey  was  one  of  the 
best.  Solid  in  judgment,  clear  in  mind,  he 
was  a good  diagnostician  and  consequently  a 
good  physician.  I am  sorry  not  to  be  able  to 
give  a history  of  his  life. 

Dr.  Josephrts  Walker  was  born  Jan- 
uary 20,  1820,  near  Uniontown,  Ohio,  at- 
tended the  school  of  the  district,  then  entered 
the  college  at  New  Athens,  from  which  he  was 
graduated  in  1841.  He  commenced  the  study 
of  medicine  with  Dr.  Alexander  of  St.  Clairs- 
ville,  and  graduated  from  the  Cincinnati  Medi- 
cal College.  He  practiced  his  profession  in  St. 
Clairsville,  Ohio,  until  the  time  of  his  death, 
which  occurred  January  12,  1864.  Dr.  Walker 
was  not  long  in  entering  into  a good  practice. 
He  was  gifted  with  financial  ability,  and  while 
comparatively  a young  man  when  he  died,  he 
had  reached  a comfortable  competency.  He 
had  a strong  hold  upon  the  affections  of  his 
patrons. 

Dr.  Ephraim  Williams  was  born  in  Berks 
County,  Pennsylvania,  on  the  15th  of  October, 
1810.  In  1818  he  came  west  to  the  neighbor- 
hood of  Barnesville,  Ohio.  He  located  in 
Guernsey  County,  Ohio,  to  practice  medicine, 
in  the  spring  of  1834,  and  removed  to  Barnes- 


ville in  March,  1839,  remaining  there  until  his 
death,  April  15,  1887.  He  continued  in  active 
practice  until  a few  years  of  his  death. 

Dr.  Williams  was  one  of  the  last  of  that  class 
of  noble  men,  representing  in  the  earlier  days 
the  work  of  the  association. 

They  were  as  a class  far  above  all  that  was 
low  and  mean  and  had  the  good  of  the  patient 
always  in  mind. 

It  is  to  be  hoped  their  example  may  not  be 
without  good  to  the  younger  members  who  fol- 
low them. 

Dr.  Elijah  Perry  Birdsong  was  born  near 
Richmond,  Virginia,  July  4,  1819.  He  was 
graduated  at  the  Ohio  Medical  College,  Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio,  1853-54.  He  came  to  Bellaire. 
Ohio,  about  1845  died  at  that  place  March 
I,  1858. 

The  Doctor  was  a partner  with  Dr.  Milton 
W.  Junkins,  one  of  the  Society’s  brightest 
members.  The  firm  stood  high  in  the  estima- 
tion of  the  people,  and  Dr.  Birdsong  was  a man 
highly  esteemed  both  in  and  out  of  the  Society. 

Dr.  Lindley  Schooley  is  the  only  living 
man  of  the  original  charter  members  of  the 
Belmont  County  IMedical  Society.  The  Doctor 
has  been  an  active  member  of  the  profession 
and  until  latter  years  was  active  in  the  service 
of  the  association.  He  is  a most  remarkable 
sample  of  longevity,  and  is  still  doing  a large 
practice. 

Dr.  Caleb  Cope,  born  at  Mount  Pleasant, 
Ohio,  August,  1812,  was  one  of  the  first  or 
charter  members  of  the  Belmont  County  J\Ied- 
ical  Society.  He  died  at  Farmington,  Ohio, 
October  6,  1875,  having  practiced  medicine  in 
that  locality  all  his  life. 

In  the  time  of  his  practice  the  exposure  and 
hardships  incident  to  a country  practice  were 
very  great.  All  his  traveling  had  to  be  done 
oil  horseback.  He  raised  a large  family  and 
was  highly  appreciated  in  the  community.  One 
son  was  a physician  and  succeeded  to  his  prac- 
tice. 

nature  of  the  organization  changed. 

In  1870  the  nature  of  the  organization  was 
changed.  It  was  made  to  include  a number  of 


148 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


other  counties  and  the  name  changed  to  the 
“Medical  Chirnrgical  Society  of  Eastern 
( )hio.’’ 

'I'his  was  not  found  as  satisfactory  as  the 
former  arrangements,  and  on  Decemher  5, 1885, 
a return  was  liad  to  tlie  old  name  “Belmont 
County  Medical  Society.”  The  desire  for  this 
change  was  universal,  as  there  were  so  many 
])leasant  associations  clustered  around  the  old 
name. 

’fhis  organization  antedates  the  American 
Medical  Association. 

I'RESENT  MEMBERSHIP. 

Herewith  is  given  a complete  list  of  the 


present  Belmont  County  Medical  Society 

J.  M.  Blackford 

A.  B.  Hobson 

D.  W.  Boone 

D.  T.  Phillips 

G.  E.  Calhoun 

J.  C.  McAlister 

J.  A.  Clark 

A.  R.  Ong 

C.  C.  Cole 

J.  S.  McClellan 

E.  C.  Cope 

J.  R.  Parry 

J.  W.  Cooper 

Joseph  Piersol 

A.  W.  Diven 

J.  W.  Moffat 

J.  N.  Drennen 

J.  W.  Piper 

J.  S.  Ely 

M.  D.  Murphy 

S.  T.  Gregg 

F.  W.  Lane 

A.  J.  Heinlein 

D.  0.  Sheppard 

A.  H.  Hewetson 

J.  G.  Wilson 

J.  A.  Hobson 

I.  N.  McMasters 

J.  0.  Howell 

E.  L.  Hawthorne 

W.  E.  Thompson 

W.  0.  S.  Piper 

J.  V.  Webster 

H.  B.  Eddy 

S.  L.  West 

V.  N.  Marsh 

H.  S.  West 

0.  M.  Kesor 

J.  P.  West 

W.  P.  Harris 

B.  0.  Williams 

J.  M.  S.  Heath 

J.  C.  Workman 

C.  D.  Leggett 

A.  PI.  Korner 

William  Warren 

F.  -A..  Korrell 

Paul  Morrison 

A.  C.  Beetham 

Jacob  E.  Berry 

W.  L.  Judkins 

J.  C.  Archer 

SOME  OF  THE  PHYSICIANS  OF  LATER  DAYS. 

Dr.  a.  J.  Hoge  was  horn  July  29,  1832,  near 
Morristowm,  Ohio.  He  read  medicine  with  Dr. 
Estep  of  Loydsville,  attended  the  eclectic 
school  of  medicine  at  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  but 
practiced  as  a regular. 

He  began  the  practice  of  medicine  in  1855  at 
Malaga,  Ohio.  He  w^as  married  in  1856  to 
Eliza  Harper.  After  practicing  two  years  at 


the  above  place  and  two  years  at  Bethesda,  he 
removed  to  Morristown,  Ohio,  where  he  re- 
mained until  death. 

When  presenting  himself  for  membership  in 
the  Belmont  County  Medical  Society,  he  real- 
ized how  unlikely  it  might  appear  to  some  of 
the  older  members  that  he  would  practice  the 
allo])athic  system  of  medicine.  He  came  to 
some  of  us  who  w'ere  younger,  and  gave  us 
the  most  solemn  assurance  of  his  honesty.  We 
all  ])romised  him  our  full  help  and  sympathy, 
having  the  utmost  conhdence  in  his  honor.  He 
was  received  heartily  by  the  association,  the 
investigation  showing  his  honorable  intentions. 
Through  a long  life  none  ever  regretted  his 
admission.  Dr.  Hoge  was  a member  of  the 
Disciple’s  Church  and  lived  a consistent  Chris- 
tian life. 

He  was  a member,  much  liked,  of  both  the 
Odd  Fellow  and  Masonic  fraternities.  He 
served  t\vo  years  as  surgeon  in  the  Civil  War. 

Dr.  Hoge  during  a long  practice  in  Morris- 
town held  a strong,  firm  grip  upon  the  hearts 
of  the  people.  The  large  attendance  and  sym- 
pathetic demonstrations,  at  both  sick  bed  and 
funeral,  bespoke  him  a higher  tribute  of  re- 
spect than  is  accorded  most  men. 

He  died  August  8.  1900,  being  in  active 
practice  until  within  tw'O  years  of  his  death. 

Dr.  W.  S.  Fisher  was  born  near  Baltimore, 
Maryland,  September  3,  1843.  When  he  was 
but  five  years  old,  his  family  removed  to  Bel- 
mont County,  Ohio.  Dr.  Fisher  received  an 
academic  course  at  Barnesville,  Ohio,  in  1863. 
In  1867  he  read  medicine  and  began  the  prac- 
tice of  his  profession  at  Malaga,  Monroe 
County.  Ohio.  In  1870  he  removed  to  Bridge- 
])ort,  Ohio,  and  practiced  medicine  there  until 
ids  death,  October  24,  1895. 

Dr.  Fisher  was  in  the  fullest  sense  a “fam- 
ily physician."  It  was  largely  because  of  the 
wonderful  hold  he  possessed  upon  a patient  and 
family,  that  made  his  patrons  look  up  to  him. 
Kind,  attentive,  and  successful,  they  felt  that 
he  was  trustworthy  to  the  fullest  extent.  He 
also  stood  well  with  his  medical  brethren.  Dr. 
Fisher  suffered  with  an  incurable  disease  of 
the  throat,  and  when  his  many  friends  realized 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


149 


that  his  end  was  near,  they  more  than  ever 
demonstrated  their  great  affection  for  him.  At 
last  when  tlie  highest  medical  authority  in  our 
land  proclaimed  that  there  was  no  hope,  that 
science  could  do  no  more,  their  regard  and 
affection  knew  no  bounds.  When  the  last  sad 
mission  was  to  be  performed,  never  in  the 
knowledge  of  the  oldest  citizens  of  Bridgeport 
had  such  a concourse  of  people  followed  any 
of  their  citizens  to  the  grave. 

Dr.  George  A.  Close  was  a native  of  Bel- 
mont County,  born  within  two  miles  of  St. 
Clairsville.  He  studied  medicine  with  his 
cousin.  Dr.  John  Thompson.  When  his  medi- 
cal studies  were  completed,  he  began  practice 
in  partnership  with  his  cousin.  Dr.  Thompson. 
Not  meeting  the  success  he  desired,  he  removed 
to  Bellaire,  where  he  soon  had  a good  practice. 
His  health  began  to  fail  and  after  long,  tedious 
suffering  the  end  came.  Dr.  Close  was  a man 
of  many  good  cjualities. 

He  married  a daughter  of  Robert  Wilkins, 
who  was  his  faithful  nurse  through  all  his 
long,  tedious  illness. 

Dr.  Dudley  Woodbridge  came  to  Belmont 
County  from  Marietta,  Ohio.  He  located  at 
Bellaire,  Ohio,  and  against  many  predictions 
that  he  was  too  young,  too  backward,  he  rapid- 
ly gained  a large  practice. 

The  Doctor  married  a daughter  of  Judge 
Anderson,  of  Bellaire.  It  is  claimed  he  over- 
worked himself  and  brought  on  the  sickness  of 
which  he  died. 

Be  this  as  it  may,  his  bright  prospects  were 
ended  by  the  ruthless  hand  of  Death. 

Dr.  William  McM asters  was  a native  of 
Belmont  County.  After  completing  his  medi- 
cal studies,  he  practiced  for  a time  in  Centre- 
ville,  Ohio.  He  subsequently  removed  to  Bel- 
laire, purchased  a drug  store,  and  continued 
in  that  business  the  rest  of  his  years.  He  was 
an  honest  man. 

Dr.  John  A.  Hobson  was  born  July  2, 
1849.  He  graduated  from  the  Miami  Medical 
College  in  1872.  and  also  took  a post-graduate 
course  in  the  Polyclinic,  New  York,  in  1895, 
and  again  in  1896. 


Dr.  Hobson  in  the  commencement  of  his 
medical  career  had  nothing  beyond  the  ordi- 
nary to  advance  his  progress.  Early  in  his  prac- 
tice he  began  to  seek  to  advance  his  work.  He 
concluded  to  elect  the  medical  and  surgical  dis- 
eases of  women  as  a specialty. 

It  was  not  long  until  one  important  opera- 
tion after  another  occurred,  and  it  became  a 
necessity  to  have  better  arrangements  for  work. 
He  concluded  to  erect  a hospital,  that  he  might 
secure  lietter  facilities  for  properly  treating  his 
cases.  This  he  did  in  1890,  and  since  the 
equipment  of  his  hospital  his  business  has 
greatly  increased. 

The  Doctor  does  honest  work  and  seeks  to 
build  his  reputation  upon  the  solid  basis  of 
honest  and  fair  dealing  with  his  patients.  Dr. 
Hobson’s  reputation  does  not  rest  alone  on  his 
specialty.  He  does  a large  amount  of  general 
surgery ; beyond  this,  his  experience  in  general 
practice,  his  well-established  character  for  gen- 
eral knowledge,  gives  him  a-  wide  consulting 
practice. 

There  is  no  one  dealing  with  Dr.  Hobson 
professionally  or  otherwise  that  does  not  enter- 
tain for  him  the  highest  sentiment  of  respect 
and  friendship.  It  is  more  than  likely  Dr.  J. 
A.  Hobson  stands  at  the  top  of  the  profession 
in  our  county. 

Dr.  William  Estep  Thompson  was  born 
January  2,  1855.  He  graduated  at  Cleveland, 
Ohio,  from  the  medical  department  of  the  Uni- 
versity of  Wooster  in  1887.  For  four  years 
after  his  graduation,  he  practiced  medicine  at 
Loydsville,  Ohio.  He  then  took  a course  at 
the  New  York  Polyclinic,  and  removed  to  St. 
Clairsville,  where  he  practiced  until  1900.  Dr. 
Thompson  is  a conscientious  and  faithful  prac- 
titioner. He  seeks  to  do  the  best  he  can  for 
those  under  his  care.  He  is  a great  lover  of 
farm  life,  and,  having  capital  invested  in  farm 
lands,  he  devotes  much  time  to  agricultural 
affairs. 

Dr.  Homer  West  was  born  February  18, 
1874,  at  St.  Clairsville,  Ohio.  He  received  a 
collegiate  education  at  Franklin  College,  New 
Athens,  Ohio,  from  which  institution  he  was 


15° 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


graduated  in  1894.  He  was  a graduate  in 
medicine  of  the  University  of  New  York,  re- 
cei\'ing  the  Doctor’s  degree  in  1897. 

After  returning  from  the  medical  school,  he 
located  at  Benwood  and  McMechen.  Dr. 
Homer  comes  from  a family  of  physicians. 
His  father  was  for  years  a leading  physician 
and  citizen  of  Belmont  County.  Of  his  older 
brothers,  three  are  physicians  of  high  charac- 
ter: Dr.  John  E.,  of  Jersey  City,  New  York; 
J.  Park,  of  Bellaire;  and  S.  L.,  of  St.  Clairs- 
ville.  Thus  connected,  as  well  as  equipped  by 
thorough  training,  his  success  is  not  problemat- 
ical. 

Dr.  D.  V.  Marsh,  born  January  14,  1876, 
graduated  at  IMount  Union  College  with  the 
(legree  of  Ph.  D.  He  was  graduated  in  medi- 
cine (New  York  Bellevue)  in  1899,  and  at 
Cleveland  in  1900. 

Dr.  Marsh  not  only  received  a good  educa- 
tion at  Mount  Union,  but  he  here  became  ac- 
((uainted  with  Miss  Hobson,  daughter  of  Dr. 
John  A.  Hobson,  whom  he  married  soon  after 
his  graduation. 

'Hiis  relationship  gave  the  Doctor  a position 
with  one  of  the  best  physicians  and  surgeons 
in  this  ])art  of  the  State.  Those  that  know  Dr. 
Marsh  best  believe  that  he  will  make  the  most 
of  e\'er}’  opportunity,  and  reach  an  advanced 
standing  in  the  medical  profession. 

Dr.  a.  B.  Hobson,  born  in  1872,  was  grad- 
uated from  the  medical  department  of  the  Uni- 
versity of  Cleveland  in  1895.  After  remaining 
with  his  uncle.  Dr.  John  A.  Hobson  of  Flush- 
ing. Ohio,  during  his  student  days,  and  com- 
pleting his  college  course,  he  entered  into  part- 
nership with  Dr.  J.  A.  Hobson.  Later,  Dr. 
Marsh  became  an  additional  member  of  the 
firm. 

Dr.  Hol)son’s  natural  abilities,  developed  and 
l)rightened  by  his  continued  experience  in  the 
Flushing  Sanitarium,  has  made  him  one  of  our 
brightest  and  most  solid  young  men.  All  that 
know  him  predict  for  him  a bright  future. 

Dr.  James  O.  Howells  was  born  February 
17,  1863,  in  Wales.  He  was  graduated  first 
in  pharmacy  at  the  LTniversity  of  Pennsylvania 
in  1885.  Deciding  later  to  study  medicine,  he 


returned  to  Philadelphia,  and  was  graduated 
in  1894  from  the  medical  department  of  the 
same  university.  He  later  took  a post-grad- 
uate course  in  the  same  city. 

Dr.  Howells  has  been  in  the  practice  of  med- 
icine in  Bridgeport  for  over  eight  years.  The 
Doctor  has  received  the  encouragement  of  a 
liberal  patronage  by  his  fellow  citizens.  He 
is  well  up  in  his  profession,  and  there  are  few 
better  posted  in  all  the  modern  means  of  treat- 
ing disease. 

Dr.  a.  j.  Heinlein  was  born  in  Bridgeport, 
Ohio,  on  the  19th  of  February,  1862.  After 
his  graduation  from  the  Bridgeport  High 
School  in  1879,  he  went  to  Columbus,  Ohio, 
where  he  attended  the  Ohio  State  University 
for  three  years.  Graduating  from  Jefferson 
Medical  College,  Philadelphia,  in  1886,  he  re- 
turned to  his  native  State,  and  for  one  and 
one-half  years  was  physician  to  the  hospital  at 
the  State  Penitentiary,  Columbus,  Ohio.  After 
resigning  there,  he  returned  to  Bridgeport,  and 
has  ever  since  practiced  medicine  in  this  local- 

Without  ostentation,  C[uietly  and  strictly  at- 
tending to  his  practice,  the  Doctor  commands 
the  confidence  of  his  patrons. 

Dr.  Heinlein’s  reputation  rests  on  a firm 
basis  and  will  be  lasting. 

Dr.  j.  S.  McClellan,  born  at  Gallipolis, 
Ohio,  June  8,  1855,  was  graduated  from  the 
Ohio  Medical  Collge  in  1880.  Soon  after  grad- 
uating, the  Doctor  came  to  Bellaire,  Ohio. 
From  his  earliest  commencement  up  through  all 
the  stages  of  his  medical  life,  he  has  escaped  all 
unmanly  criticism.  He  is  the  equal  of  any  of 
his  brethren  in  general  practice,  while  by  sev- 
eral post-graduate  courses  he  has  qualified 
himself  as  a specialist  in  electricty.  X-ray,  etc. 
At  one  time  his  friends  and  patrons  feared  his 
life  would  be  prematurely  cut  off.  God  ordered 
otherwise,  and  now  it  is  hoped  his  life  will  be  at 
least  the  “three  score  years  and  ten.” 

Dr.  A.  C.  Beetham  was  born  at  Windom, 
Ohio,  February  17,  1872.  He  received  a col- 
legiate education  at  Scio,  being  graduated  from 
there  in  1892  and  from  Starling  Medical  Col- 
lege, Columbus,  Ohio,  in  1896. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


Dr.  Beetham  began  practice  in  St.  Clairsville, 
Remaining  there  but  three  years,  he  removed  in 
1898  to  Bellaire,  Ohio.  In  each  place  he  stood 
high  as  a man  of  character  and  intelligence. 

Since  his  location  in  Bellaire,  the  Doctor 
has  taken  a post-graduate  course,  and  equipped 
himself  for  treating  the  eye,  nose  and  throat. 

Dr.  Beetham  does  his  work  well,  and  allows 
the  character  of  what  he  does  to  prove  its 
merit.  He  is  surely  advancing;  with  such 
men  success  is  only  a question  of  time. 

Dr.  J.  W.  Cooper  was  born  December  19, 
1861.  He  attended  the  University  of  Michi- 
gan for  two  years,  later  going  to  Jefferson, 
from  which  college  he  was  graduated  in  1884. 
He  began  the  practice  of  medicine  in  Bellaire 
in  1885. 

The  Doctor  stands  well  both  with  the  peo- 
ple and  physicians.  He  has  a good  practice, 
has  been  an  active  member  of  the  Society  and 
for  a long  time  its  secretary. 

Albert  R.  Ong,  A.  M.,  M.  D.,  was  born  in 
Jefferson  County,  Ohio,  October  9,  1847.  He 
was  graduated  at  Allegheny  College,  Mead- 
ville,  Pennsylvania,  in  1872.  He  attended  the 
Ohio  Medical  College,  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  and 
Columbus  Medical  College,  Columbus,  Ohio, 
being  graduated  from  the  latter  school  in  1877. 
Dr.  Ong  was  well  and  favorably  known  in 
Martin’s  Ferry  before  he  ever  entered  upon 
practice.  Being  a man  of  good  reputation,  he 
made  a rapid  advance. 

Dr.  J.  C.  Workman  was  born  the  20th  of 
September,  1855,  in  Smith  township,  Belmont 
County,  Ohio.  He  was  graduated  from  Co- 
lumbus Medical  College  in  1879.  He  began 
the  practice  of  medicine  the  same  year  in 
Uniontown,  Ohio,  and  still  continues  to  hold 
the  fort. 

By  close  attention  to  the  duties  of  his  pro- 
fession, Dr.  Workman  has  developed  into  one 
of  the  substantial  members  of  the  Belmont 
County  Medical  Society. 

Dr.  John  Archer,  horn  at  Vallonia,  Ohio, 
December  24,  1871,  taught  school  four  years, 
was  graduated  in  medicine  at  the  Ohio  Medical 
University,  Columbus,  Ohio,  1898,  and  in  the 
Chicago  Polyclinic  in  1901.  He  was  married 


151 


in  1900  to  Isa  D.  McKelvey,  of  Key,  Ohio, 
and  is  now  practicing  medicine  at  Neffs,  Ohio. 

Dr.  Archer  bids  fair  to  become  one  of  our 
substantial  physicians.  His  habits  are  good, 
and  he  applies  himself  to  his  books  and  his 
practice. 

Dr.  William  Ross  Carle  was  born  at  Bus- 
inessburg,  Ohio,  April  15,  1874.  He  is  a 
self-made  young  man.  By  teaching  school  and 
working  at  the  carpenter’s  trade  he  put  him- 
self through  college,  graduating  April,  1891, 
from  the  Ohio  Medical  University,  of  Colum- 
bus, Ohio.  He  began  practice  at  Neffs,  Ohio, 
and  has  continued  there  ever  since. 

Dr.  Carle  was  married  in  1902  to  Doris 
Wells,  of  Washington,  Pennsylvania. 

Dr.  j.  C.  McAlister  was  born  in  Alle- 
gheny County,  Pennsylvania,  on  the  3rd  day 
of  February,  1869.  He  was  graduated  from 
the  Ohio  Medical  University,  Columbus,  Ohio, 
on  the  15th  of  March,  1894,  and  located  at 
Harrisville,  Ohio,  on  the  i6th  of  August,  1894. 

Dr.  McAlister  is  one  of  the  most  remotely 
situated  as  regards  the  Society.  Although 
quite  a distance  to  come,  he  shows  himself  a 
faithful  member  by  attending  when  possible. 

Dr.  j.  Park  West  was  born  June  27,  1858. 
His  medical  education  was  in  the  Ohio  Medi- 
cal College,  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  being  graduated 
therefrom  in  the  class  of  1882.  He  located  in 
Bellaire,  Ohio,  the  same  year,  and  has  contin- 
ued in  the  one  location. 

There  are  few,  if  any,  medical  men  in  our 
county  that  can  claim  a larger  meed  of  success 
in  the  practice  of  medicine.  His  practice  is 
large  and  his  income  good,  above  the  average. 
The  Doctor  has  taken  a number  of  post-grad- 
uate courses,  and  now  stands  high  in  his  pro- 
fession. 

Dr.  D.  O.  Sheppard  was  born  February  21, 
1867,  in  Kirkwood  township,  Belmont  County, 
Ohio.  He  was  schooled  at  the  Ohio  Wesleyan 
at  Delaware,  Ohio.  Was  graduated  from 
Starling  Medical  College,  Columbus,  Ohio,  in 
1897.  Since  his  graduation  he  has  practiced 
in  Barnesville,  Ohio.  Dr.  Sheppard  has  always 
had  a good  reputation  and  a character  free 
from  reproach. 


152 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


While  not  as  frequently  seen  in  the  work  of 
the  Society  as  some  of  his  brethren,  it  is  hoped 
the  Doctor  may  long  be  spared  to  assist  in  the 
work  of  the  association  and  general  work  of 
the  profession. 

Dr.  J.  N.  Drennen,  born  in  Belmont 
County,  near  Morristown,  Ohio,  February  8, 
1<S()3,  studied  medicine  under  Drs.  Estep  and 
Thompson.  He  graduated  in  Cleveland  July 
30,  1890,  from  the  medical  department  of  the 
Dniversity  of  Wooster,  now  called  the  College 
of  Physicians  and  Surgeons.  Early  in  1890  he 
located  at  Fairview,  Guernsey  County,  Ohio. 
He  remained  in  Fairview  until  the  following 
September,  when  he  returned  to  Loydsville  and 
entered  in  a co-juirtnership  with  the  late  Dr. 
Estep,  and  continued  with  him  until  his  death 
Octol)er  6,  1896.  Since  Dr.  Estep’s  death,  he 
has  ])i'acticed  alone  in  Loydsville.  He  was 
married  March  16,  1898,  to  Mrs.  Louisa  L. 
Griftith. 

For  a number  of  years  the  Doctor  has  been 
physician  to  the  Belmont  County  Infirmary. 
To  use  the  Doctor’s  own  expression,  “there  is 
nothing  else  except  what  is  the  daily  experience 
of  a country  physician’s  life.’’  Such  a life  we 
all  know  means  a life  devoted  to  noble  pur- 
poses. 

Dr.  Joseph  Piersoe  was  born  in  Bedford 
County,  Pennsylvania,  on  the  25th  day  of  Sep- 
tember, 1857.  He  was  graduated  at  West 
Penn  Medical  College  in  1850.  The  Doctor 
began  practice  in  Bellaire,  Ohio.  He  is  esti- 
mated l)y  his  brethren  of  the  city  as  an  excel- 
lent physician.  He  has  a large  and  paying 
practice. 

Dr.  a.  W.  Diven  was  born  at  West 
Lebanon,  Pennsylvania.  He  was  graduated  at 
Jefferson  Medical  College  in  1895,  and  also 
took  a course  in  the  University  of  the  South, 
Swanee,  Tennessee,  the  same  year.  Since  his 
graduation,  he  has  practiced  medicine  at  Mar- 
tin’s Eerry,  Ohio.  Dr.  Diven  is  one  of  the 
brightest  of  the  5'oung  men  of  the  Society. 
His  reputation  is  good,  he  stands  on  solid 
ground,  and  a bright  future  is  predicted  for 
him. 

Dr.  D.  W.  Boone,  born  in  Roane  County, 


AVest  Virginia,  November  8,  1859,  was  grad- 
uated from  the  Columbus  Medical  College  in 
1883.  He  began  practice  at  Sardis,  Ohio,  and 
remained  there  three  years.  In  1886  the  Doc- 
tor entered  upon  practice  in  his  present  location 
at  Bellaire,  Ohio.  Since  he  has  lived  in  Bel- 
laire, he  has  taken  a post-graduate  course  in 
New  York,  and  is  local  surgeon  for  the  Balti- 
more & Ohio  Railroad. 

Dr.  Boone  is  blessed  with  a good  supply  of 
common  sense,  has  a strong  body,  plenty  of 
vitality.  With  these  elements  of  strength  all 
united,  his  brethren  may  expect  a bright  future 
for  him. 

Dr.  J.  a.  Clark  was  born  March  31,  1857, 
near  Demos,  Ohio.  He  was  graduated  from 
Columbus  Miedical  College  in  1881.  He  has 
taken  two  post-graduate  courses  at  Chicago  and 
one  at  Philadelphia.  He  began  practice  in 
Glencoe  with  Dr.  William  Piper.  The  part- 
nership lasted  only  one  year.  In  1901  the  Doc- 
tor removed  from  Glencoe  to  Bellaire. 

Dr.  Clark  is  a self-made  man.  He  carried 
himself  through  his  preparatory  studies  by 
teaching  school.  He  has  already  reached  a 
comfortable  competency  and  bids  fair  to  be 
one  of  that  small  class  of  medical  men  that 
may  be  called  rich. 

Dr.  Brady  O.  Williams,  born  November 
13,  1847,  was  educated  at  Mount  Union  Col- 
lege and  graduated  at  the  University  of  Penn- 
sylvania, March,  1873.  He  has  taken  a post- 
graduate course  at  the  Clinical  School  of  Med- 
icine. He  has  practiced  all  his  life  at  Mar- 
tin’s Perry,  Ohio.  Dr.  Williams  is  one  of  the 
leading  physicians  of  that  city.  He  is  an 
active,  live  member  of  the  society,  always  will- 
ing to  perform  his  share.  The  Doctor  fills  the 
character  of  a good  and  faithful  family  phy- 
sician and  there  can  be  no  greater  honor. 

Dr.  John  W.  Moffat  was  born  in  Obion 
County,  Tennessee,  on  the  19th  day  of  May, 
1865.  His  father  removed  from  Belmont 
County,  when  J.  W.  was  16  years  of  age,  to 
Johnson  County,  Missouri.  Erom  there  the 
family  went  to  Southern  California.  Dr.  Mof- 
fatt  returned  from  there  and  entered  Jefferson 
Medical  College  in  1889,  graduating  from  the 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


153 


Hamilton  Medical  College,  Columbus,  Ohio, 
in  1891.  He  located  at  Williamsport,  Morrow 
County,  Ohio,  where  he  practiced  medicine 
for  about  seven  years.  The  Doctor  returned 
to  Belmont  County  in  1897,  and  has  been 
engaged  in  the  practice  of  medicine  until  the 
present  time  at  Neffs,  Businessburg  and  Glen- 
coe. He  united  at  once  with  the  ^ledical  So- 
ciety and  has  been  a faithful  member. 

There  are  a number  of  rvhom  we  can  only 


give  the  name.  Sketches  of  other  members  of 
the  Medical  Society  and  of  other  physicians 
and  surgeons  of  Belmont  County  may  be  found 
in  the  latter  portion  of  this  volume,  more  par- 
ticularly devoted  to  biographies.  We  have 
made  every  effort  to  secure  data.  In  a number 
of  cases  it  seemed  impossible,  as  there  was  no 
response  to  repeated  inquiries.  With  others, 
who  are  dead,  we  were  unable  to  find  friends 
who  could  give  the  knowledge  desired. 


CHAPTER.  XIV. 


COLERAIN  TOWNSHIP. 

The  First  Settlements — Organization  of  the  Township — Township  Officers — 
Schools — The  Towns:  Farmington,  Colerain,  Pleasant  Grove,  Maynard  and 
Barton — The  Settlement  of  Friends  — The  Mining  Industry  — Pikes  — 
Churches. 


the  first  settlements. 

There  are  evidences  of  many  settlements 
liaving'  been  made  in  what  is  now  Colerain 
township  as  early  as  1788.  There  is  a rec- 
ord of  a house  built  near  Farmington  as  early 
as  1785,  two  years  in  advance  of  the  govern- 
ment survey. 

Captain  Williams,  the  celebrated  Indian  hun- 
ter and  one  of  the  defenders  of  Fort  Henry  at 
Wheeling,  was  killed  by  the  Indians  on  what 
was  afterward  known  as  the  Majors  farm  in 
1780.  Captain  Williams  was  overtaken  while 
out  upon  a survey  or  scout.  The  first  farm  was 
bought  from  the  government  by  Wells  and  Sat- 
terthwaite  in  1788.  This  farm  was  subse- 
(piently  owned  by  Abner  Barton  and  is  the  site 
upon  which  the  present  town  of  Barton  is  built. 

Nine  years  before  the  township  was  admitted, 
a tannery  was  established  by  Hugh  Parks  in 
section  18,  and  continued  for  half  a century. 
As  early  as  1803-04,  the  first  flour  mill  was 
built  by  John  Harris  in  section  24  and  was 
used  as  a mill  for  40  years.  The  mill  was  a 
landmark  for  half  a century. 

Another  old  mill  that  is  said  to  be  upwards 
of  a century  old  is  still  standing  upon  the  farm 
of  J.  H.  Hanes,  southeast  of  Colerain  village. 
Mr.  Hanes  says  the  mill  was  built  entirely  of 
logs  by  Burton  Stanton  and  was  operated  by 


him  for  many  years.  When  the  present  mill 
was  built  the  old  log  mill  was  transformed  into 
a stalile  and  barn,  and  Mr.  Hanes  says  the  old 
walnut  and  oak  logs  are  perfectly  sound  to- 
day. 

The  town  afterwards  known  as  Gambletown 
was  laid  out  in  section  8 several  years  before 
the  organization  of  the  county,  but,  unhappily, 
an  epidemic  of  cholera  in  1833  practically  de- 
populated the  town  and  it  ceased  to  exist. 

organization  of  the  township. 

Colerain  township  was  organized  in  1808 
and  was  named  by  Scotch-Irish  citizens  after 
a pretty  little  village  in  the  north  of  Ireland, 
which  the  writer  has  visited,  called  Colerain, 
from  the  neighborhood  of  which  the  majority 
of  these  first  settlers  emigrated. 

The  township  contains  15,361  acres  of  fer- 
tile land,  which  is  underlaid  by  a valuable  vein 
of  coal,  that  has  proven  a fertile  source  of  in- 
come to  the  extensive  mining  companies  now 
in  operation  at  Barton,  Maynard  and  Crescent, 
affording  employment  to  hundreds  of  miners 
in  these  prosperous  mining  towns. 

The  population  of  Colerain  township  at  the 
loth  census  was  2,987,  a gain  of  736  in  the  last 
decade.  There  is  likewise  a gain  of  $60,000 
worth  of  personal  property  on  the  tax  duplicate 
while  the  tax  levy  is  reduced  from  1.86  to  1.78. 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


155 


TOWNSHIP  OFFICERS. 

The  township  officers  are ; Justices  of  the 
peace, ^ — William  McGraw,  R.  M.  Simpson  and 
T.  C.  Mercer;  trustees, — L.  D.  Mitchell,  Wil- 
liam Kinsey  and  George  Frasier;  township 
clerk, — John  Middlemass ; township  treasurer, 
— William  Bradford. 

THE  SCHOOLS. 

There  are  10  sub-school  districts  in  the 
township,  with  T.  C.  Mercer  of  Pleasant  Grove 
as  president,  and  the  sub-directors  are : R.  M. 
Simpson,  Charles  Dungan,  George  Ashton, 
Oliver  Watkins,  Alexander  Riddle,  Charles 
Seabright,  James  Mowry,  E.  N.  Boggs  and 
Alfred  Mead. 

Among  the  men  most  prominent  in  educa- 
tional matters  in  the  past  were  Dr.  C.  H.  Cope, 
Jesse  Barton,  Thomas  Pyle,  Thomas  White 
and  Israel  French. 

The  first  school  was  built  on  the  farm  of 
Arch.  Major  in  1799,  and  the  scholars  were 
obliged  to  travel  long  distances  over  danger- 
ous paths,  exposed  to  savages  and  wild  beasts, 
in  order  to  reach  the  school  house. 

The  10  sub-districts  in  operation  today  are 
surpassed  by  none  in  the  county. 

THE  TOWNS, EARMINGTON,  COLERAIN,  PLEAS- 

ANT GROVE,  JMAYNARD  AND  BARTON. 

Farmington  was  established  about  the  time 
the  National  Road  was  in  contemplation  and 
its  founder  hoped  to  direct  the  road  through 
that  village.  Wherefore  in  1818  the  town  was 
laid  out  by  Daniel  McPeak  and  many  lots  were 
sold  at  high  prices  for  that  period.  But  when 
the  great  thoroughfare  was  established  and  the 
route  determined  upon  was  three  miles  south 
of  the  village,  the  effort  was  abandoned.  Some 
of  the  early  occupants  of  the  town  were  the 
Bundys,  Mortons,  Mitchells,  Berrys  and  Dun- 
laps. 

CoLERAiN — Concord  or  Colerain  village  is 
accredited  with  being  the  second  permanent 
settlement  in  Belmont  County. 


THE  SETTLEMENT  OF  FRIENDS. 

James  Cope,  himself  a descendant  of  the  old 
pioneer  Friends,  contributed  an  interesting  ar- 
ticle to  the  Belmont  Chronicle  concerning  the 
little  village  of  Colerain  from  which  with  his 
consent  we  cull. — Its  founders  were  Friends 
who  emigrated  largely  fi'om  North  Carolina 
and  Virginia  to  escape  the  baneful  influences 
of  slavery.  A few  persons  had  preceded  them 
and  located  in  the  vicinity,  but  as  the  Friends 
took  the  bulk  of  the  land  at  one  sweep,  they 
were  esteemed  as  practically  the  first  settlers. 

Some  of  these  persons  who  came  to  hew  out 
a home  in  the  wilderness  had  been  slaveholders 
in  the  South  but,  becoming  convinced  of  the 
sinfulness  of  dealing  in  human  chattels,  had 
manumitted  their  slaves,  and  removed  to  the 
Northwest  Territory,  where  human  slavery  by 
the  Ordinance  of  1787  was  prohibited. 

With  the  thrift,  industry  and  economy  that 
characterized  the  people  of  the  new  settlement, 
they  prospered. 

While  worshiping  God  in  their  unostenta- 
tious quiet  way,  they  lived  in  peace  with  their 
neighbors,  and  steadily  accumulated  their 
earthly  possessions. 

The  Colerain  of  a century  ago  would  bear 
little  comparison  to  the  attractive  little  village 
that  today  has  become  a favorite  summer 
resort  for  weary  townspeople. 

This  organization  of  Friends  wielded  a 
mighty  force  in  the  development  of  Belmont 
County.  Among  the  early  settlers,  many  of 
whose  descendents  are  still  living  in  the  thrifty 
homes  and  well  tilled  farms  of  the  vicinity, 
were  the  Steers,  Copes,  Baileys,  Hirsts  and 
Berrys.  These  families  came  from  Loudoun 
and  Frederick  counties,  Virginia.  The  Pick- 
erings came  from  Virginia ; the  Howards  and 
Steeles  from  North  Carolina;  the  Millhouses, 
Vickars,  Malins  and  Whartons  came  from 
Pennsylvania  after  the  settlement  was  effected. 

The  first  meeting  for  worship  was  held  not 
far  from  where  Benjamin  Cope  now  resides. 

There  in  one  of  God’s  first  temples,  seated 
on  trunks  of  fallen  trees,  these  sincere,  earnest 
people  waited  in  silence  for  the  baptism  of  the 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


156 


S])irit.  Soon  however  a log  meeting  house  was 
built.  It  stood  aljout  one-quarter  of  a mile 
south  from  where  the  present  lirick  structure 
now  stands.  Jonathan  Taylor  was  the  first 
minister  of  the  Society,  lie  was  the  grand- 
father of  the  late  Congressman.  J.  T.  Upde- 
graff. 

llorton  Howard,  another  well  known  minis- 
ter and  publisher,  lived  on  what  is  now  the 
Starhuck  farm,  lie  was  said  to  be  the  orator 
of  Ohio’s  Yearly  Meeting. 

(ieorge  Smith  \vas  also  a minister  that 
preached  in  a log  meeting  house.  He  was  six 
feet  and  eight  inches  in  height,  and  would 
cause  the  hoys  to  forget  the  solemnity  of  the 
occasion  when  he  would  strike  his  head  against 
the  joists  of  the  low  ceiling.  A custom  of  the 
Society  then  as  now  was  to  hold  a meeting 
twice  each  week,  and  although  there  were  but 
two  timepieces  in  the  entire  community  they 
seldom  missed  the  hour  of  meeting. 

Josiah  Fox  removed  to  the  settlement  in 
1814  and  owned  what  is  now  the  Clark  farm. 
He  was  an  able  constructor  during  Wash- 
ington’s administration  and  was  the  builder  of 
“Old  Ironsides.’’  Mr.  Fox  lost  his  right  of 
membership  in  the  Society  of  Friends  for  build- 
ing war  ships.  The  families  of  Messrs.  Given, 
French  and  Wright  came  still  later. 

These  people  were  endowed  with  more  than 
ordinary  physical  strength,  endurance  and 
courage.  But  withal  there  was  the  complete 
dependence  on  divine  power,  and  the  great  de- 
sire of  all  was  to  help  one  another  and  there 
was  i)robably  never  a community  in  which  the 
true  Christian  life  was  more  truly  exemplified. 

But  not  all  the  early  settlers  in  Colerain  were 
Friends.  A large  number  of  Scotch-Irish  were 
among  the  first  immigrants  and  the  industry 
and  thrift  of  these  intelligent  people  contributed 
much  to  the  development  of  the  township.  Of 
these  families  we  might  mention  the  Bartons, 
Majors,  Wells  and  Wrights. 

,v  Among  those  who  came  at  an  early  day  was 
John  S.  Williams,  who  in  late  years  was  known 
as  the  editor  of  the  American  Pioneer,  pub- 
lished at  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  He  wrote  an  ac- 
count of  the  early  days  at  Concord.  With  his 


mother,  sister  and  brothei/  he  came  to  Belmont 
County  in  1800  and  he  notes  that  they  stopped 
at  John  Leaf’s  when  they  reached  the  settle- 
ment. 

y\t  that  time  there  was  a steady  tide  of  immi- 
gration and  the  new  arrivals  lodged  with  those 
that  had  erected  cabins.  Even  the  best  cabins 
were  none  too  good  .and  to  many  of  the  people 
of  the  settlement  the  life  was  a great  change 
from  that  to  which  they  had  been  accustomed. 
To  pass  from  affluence,  to  live  in  the  wilderness 
surrounded  by  wild  beasts  and  but  slight  com- 
forts at  the  command  of  the  wealthiest,  was  a 
great  trial.  But  they  settled  down  to  make  the 
l)est  of  the  situation. 

Pr.EASANT  Grove. — Ten  years  later  the 
pretty  little  town  of  Pleasant  Grove  was  estab- 
lished l)y  John  y\nderson,  who  built  upon  the 
site  of  an  old-fashioned  tavern.  Previous  to 
this,  however,  an  old  hunter  named  Peter  Babb 
effected  a settlement  about  1800  not  far  south- 
west of  Pleasant  Grove,  where  he  distinguished 
himself  as  a slayer  of  wolves,  bears  and  other 
wild  animals. 

There  is  a well-sustained  lodge  of  Knights 
of  Pythias,  known  as  Grove  Lodge  No.  485, 
estal)lished  at  Pleasant  Grove  with  a member- 
ship of  62.  J.  G.  Miller  is  keeper  of  records. 
The  value  of  the  lodge  property  and  moneys 
on  hand  amount  to  $770.69. 

Maynard. — There  are  but  two  voting  pre- 
cincts in  the  township,  viz : Maynard  and 
Farmington,  and  the  vote  cast  at  the  last  elec- 
tion in  1900  for  Secretary  of  State  was  431  in 
Farmington  and  227  in  Maynard  precinct. 

THE  MINING  INDUSTRY. 

Maynard,  or  New  Pittsburg  as  it  is  famil- 
iarly now  called,  has  become  one  of  the  fore- 
most mining  towns  in  Belmont  County.  The 
population  in  1900  was  upwards  of  400,  large- 
ly miners  employed  by  the  Lorain  Coal  & Dock 
Company. 

In  the  immediate  vicinity,  the  Troll  and 
Purseglove  mines  are  preparing  to  open,  and  it 
is  thought  the  operation  of  these  mines  will  add 
from  800  to  1,000  additional  population  to  the 
town. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


157 


Tlie  coal  shipped  from  the  mines  at  present 
in  operation  amounts  to  between  30  and  40 
car-loads  per  day.  The  M.  P.  Church  is  the 
only  house  of  worship  in  the  village.  Its  pas- 
tor is  Rev.  Mr.  Murphy  and  the  congregation 
is  largely  composed  of  farmers.  As  elsewhere 
stated,  Catholic  services  are  held  hy  the  pastor 
of  Bridgeport. 

The  school  was  conducted  by  B.  H.  Murphy 
last  year  with  one  assistant  teacher,  but  a new 
room  is  recpiired  to  accommodate  the  increased 
numlier  of  scholars.  Charles  Ewing,  Edwin 
Holtz  and  James  B.  Mowry  constitute  the 
board  of  school  directors. 

The  town  supports  two  secret  organizations, 
viz : Knights  of  Pythias  and  Order  of  United 
American  Mechanics,  and  a large  hall  has  re- 
cently been  constructed  for  their  accommoda- 
tion. The  Knights  of  Pythias  have  a member- 
ship of  70.  The  officers  for  1902  are:  C., 

Clyde  Higgins;  V.  C.,  Herbert  Donnelly;  pre- 
late. Willis  Ishmael ; M.  N.,  William  Easton; 
M.  of  A.,  Bert  Applegarth;  I.  G.,  Charles  Ew- 
ing; O.  G.,  Worth  Bruce.  The  American  Me- 
chanics have  a membership  of  80.  The  presid- 
ing officers  are  : Counsellor,  Lon  Beck ; vice 

counsellor,  William  Morton ; senior  X,  Jona- 
than Knight  ; Junior  X,  William  Harie;  re- 
cording secretary,  J.  O.  Graham ; financial  sec- 
retary, D.  Morton. 

Barton  is  a village  of  a few  hundred  inhabi- 
tants on  the  Cleveland,  Lorain  & Wheeling 
Railway,  near  the  junction  of  the  St.  Clairs- 
ville  branch.  It  sustains  a school,  two  churches 
and  post  office.  One  of  the  churches  is  a branch 
of  the  Methodist  Protestant  with  Rev.  B.  L. 
Murphy  as  pastor.  The  other  as  elsewhere 
stated  is  a Catholic  Church,  conducted  by  Rev. 
Mr.  Weigand  of  Bridgeport.  The  school,  which 
is  largely  attended,  is  conducted  by  Wilson 
Dungan  assisted  by  Olive  Mitchell.  The  pop- 
ulation is  largely  mining  and  the  new  mines 
now  being  opened  at  Barton  by  the  Osborn 
people  will  employ  800  men  when  they  are  in 
full  operation.  The  tipple  will  he  located  up 
the  Run  about  half  a mile  from  the  station  and 
special  tracks  will  have  to  be  run  to  it.  This 
will  increase  the  population  of  Barton  very 


greatly.  The  Maple  Hill  mines  have  already 
given  contracts  for  35  new  houses  for  the  use 
of  the  men  and  many  more  will  be  built  in  the 
near  future. 

PIKES. 

There  are  three  pikes  maintained  in  Colerain 
township,  viz : the  Bridgeport  & Colerain 
Pike.  Martin’s  Ferry  & Colerain  Pike  and  the 
National  Road.  The  two  pikes  first  named 
extend  from  the  river  front  to  the  center  of 
the  township  and  the  latter  to  the  southern  part 
of  the  township.  The  township  pikes  are  main- 
tained by  tolls. 

CHURCHES. 

The  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. — Two 
years  after  the  erection  of  Farmington,  a 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  was  established 
and  among  its  zealous  ministers  we  might 
number  Revs.  Scott,  Jones  and  Lovman. 

Scccders’  and  Covenanters’  churches.- — This 
church  organization  was  preceded  by  a 
small  congregation  of  Seceders  whose  meet- 
ings were  held  on  the  farm  of  Rev.  Hugh 
Parks.  But  it  disbanded  in  1835.  In  1842  a 
church  of  Covenanters  was  organized  on 
Sloaii’s  Run,  which  existed  less  than  a quarter 
of  a century. 

The  Methodist  Protestant  Church.- — Ten 
years  after  the  establishment  of  the  Covenant- 
ers’ church,  the  Methodist  Protestants  organ- 
ized a church  at  Pleasant  Grove,  that  was  for 
years  presided  over  hy  Rev.  Slater  Brown.  It 
is  now  under  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  B.  L.  Mur- 
phy, who  also  ministers  to  the  churches  at 
Barton  and  Maynard.  The  stewards  at  Pleas- 
ant Grove  are  B.  S.  Boyd  and  Katherine  Simp- 
son. 

The  Presbyterian  Church  of  Farmington 
>vas  organized  in  1872  through  the  efforts  of 
Rev.  Robert  Alexander  of  St.  Clairsville. 
There  was  a membership  of  hut  14  at  the  or- 
ganization with  Rev.  James  Day  as  pastor. 

The  elders  were  John  Theaker  and  James 
Wiley.  The  membership  was  subsequnently 
increased  to  upwards  of  150.  At  present  the 
congregation  is  without  a pastor.  The  present 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


158 


bench  of  elders  are  David  Cowen,  G.  A.  P. 
Tlieaker  and  Washington  Kennedy. 

'Fhere  are  two  Catholic  churches  in  the 
township,  one  located  at  Barton,  and  the  other 
at  Maynard. 

Church  of  “Our  Lady  Qtiecn  of  Angels,” 
Barton. — This  congregation  was  first  organ- 
ized in  the  year  1893  hy  Father  Weigand  of 
Bridgeport  with  about  four  families  of  a mem- 
bership. From  that  time  on  until  the  fall  of 
1901  services  were  regularly  held  once  a month 
in  the  private  houses  of  one  of  these  families. 
On  acount  of  the  constant  growth  of  the  little 
flock,  it  was  then  decided  that  larger  and  better 
quarters  must  be  provided  for  divine  service, 
and  accordingly  in  Septemlier  of  1901  a neat 
frame  church  was  begun  which  was  dedicated 
l)y  Rt.  Rev.  Henry  Moeller,  Bishop  of  Colum- 
bus, Ohio,  on  the  15th  of  June,  1902.  The 
congregation  of  Barton  numbers  now  about 
250  souls,  about  150  of  whom  are  men  enjoy- 
ing the  right  of  franchise.  In  order  that  these 
people  might  have  services  every  Sunday,  an 
assistant  priest  has  been  placed  at  St. 
-Vnlbony’s  Church  in  Bridgeport  since  August, 
1901,  Rev.  Father  R.  A.  McEachen,  who  in 
July,  1902,  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Joseph 
Wittmann. 


St.  Stanislaus’  Church,  Maynard. — This 
congregation  was  organized  about  the  same 
time  as  that  of  Bridgeport  by  Father  Touhy  of 
Martin’s  Ferry,  but  its  pi'ogress  was  not  quite 
as  rapid.  Until  September,  1901,  it  had  ser- 
vices only  once  or  twice  a month  in  a hall 
rented  for  this  purpose,  though  as  early  as 
September,  1898,  a parochial  school  with  an 
attendance  of  about  60  children  had  been  or- 
ganized there  by  the  pastor  of  Bridgeport. 
Two  Sisters  of  Charity  go  from  Bridgeport 
daily  to  Maynard  to  teach  the  pupils  of  this 
school.  The  same  hall  that  served  for  divine 
worship  was  also  used  during  the  week  days 
for  school  purposes.  But  now  a handsome 
frame  building  is  under  way  of  construction, 
with  a large  auditorium  for  church  purposes 
and  two  spacious  school  rooms.  The  new 
building  will  be  ready  for  occupancy  by  the 
spring  of  1903.  Services  are  held  here  every 
Sunday,  and  the  parish  is  now  in  a very  prom- 
ising condition.  It  numbers  about  350  mem- 
bers with  about  200  voters.  A new  congrega- 
tion is  also  about  to  be  organized  in  Flushing 
with  a membership  of  about  150  souls  under 
the  title  of  “St.  Mary’s  Help  of  Christians.” 


CHAPTER  XV. 


PULTNEY  TOWNSHIP. 

Population  and  Township  Officials  — Organization  of  the  Township  and  the 
First  Settlers — The  Mining  Industry— Rock  Hill  Presbyterian  Church — 
High  Ridge  United  Presbyterian  Church — The  Towns:  Steel,  West  Wheel- 
ing AND  Shadyside — The  City  of  Bellaire — Increase  in  Population — City 
Officials — The  First  Settlers — A Tribute  to  Colonel  Sullivan — Change 
FROM  Bell  Air  to  Bellaire — The  City’s  Growth — The  Post  Office — The 
Town  Incorporated — The  First  Mayor  and  His  Successors — The  Water- 
Works  AND  Electric  Power — The  Banks  and  Loan  Companies — The  Manu- 
facturing Interests — The  Physicians — The  Railroads  Entering  the  City 
— The  Schools  — The  Churches  — Secret  and  Fraternal  Organizations  — 
Spangler  Post,  G.  A.  R.— The  Newspapers  of  Bellaire — The  Bellaire  Cem- 
ETARY  Association, 


population  and  township  officials. 

The  population  of  Pultney  township  at  the 
loth  census  was  13,833  as  against  12,857  in 
1890,  showing  a gain  of  976  in  the  decade. 

The  tax  duplicate  for  1902  shows  a gain  of 
personal  property  amounting  to  $103,586  in 
Bellaire  alone,  while  the  tax  levy  in  the  town- 
ship is  2.08  as  against  2.18  in  1901  and  2.48 
in  Bellaire  as  against  2.66  in  1901. 

The  township  officers  in  1902  are  as  follows  : 
Trustees — William  M.  Moore,  J.  M.  Paul, 
Irwin  Baker,  John  W.  Morrell,  J.  M.  Richard- 
son and  Frank  S.  Mason;  clerk, — B.  W.  Hop- 
kins ; treasurer, — George  Pracht. 

Pultney  is  one  of  the  original  townships  of 
Belmont  County  and  before  its  divisions  and 
subdivisions  was  one  of  the  largest.  Its  pres- 
ent boundaries  are  as  follows : On  the  north 

by  Pease  township,  on  the  east  by  the  Ohio 
River,  on  the  south  and  the  west  by  Richland 
township. 


ORGANIZATION  OF  THE  TOWNSHIP  AND  THE 
FIRST  SETTLERS. 

The  township  was  organized  in  1801,  and 
the  first  election  was  held  at  the  house  of  Jacob 
Repshire,  one  of  the  judges  of  the  court  in 
the  same  year,  and  this  same  court  had  Joseph 
Lashley  and  Philip  Dover  as  constables  for 
Pultney  township. 

One  of  the  first  settlers  was  Andrew  Dixon, 
who  came  from  West  Liberty,  (West)  Vir- 
ginia, in  1796,  and  his  son,  James  Dixon,  born 
in  1797,  was  the  first  male  child  born  in  the 
township. 

Following  Mr.  Dixon  were  Charles  Eckles, 
'in  1800:  Abraham  Workman.  George  Neff, 
Andrew  Neff,  Samuel  Morley,  Matthew  How- 
ell, James  Hutchinson,  John  King,  Jacob  Wor- 
ley, Jacob  Davis,  William  Merritt,  James  Mc- 
Ouirk  and  Robert  Alexander.  Mr.  Alexander 
at  that  time  had  no  neighbors  nearer  than 
Bridgeport. 


i6o 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


'Fhe  first  place  for  public  worship  was  built 
on  McMecbeii’s  Creek,  a short  distance  south 
of  the  tunnel,  and  the  preacher  was  Rev.  John 
Scott. 

The  first  grist  mills  were  Eckles,’  Neff’s  and 
Wallace’s  on  McMechen’s  Creek,  a few  miles 
fmm  Bellaire. 

THE  MINING  INDUSTRY. 

For  years  the  coal  works  north  and  south  of 
Bellaire  and  the  great  limestone  and  sandstone 
quarries  on  Indian  Run  west  of  tlie  city  were 
leading  industries.  Today  the  coal  industry 
is  ])aramount. 

■ The  Empire  Company,  which  owns  the 
30,000-acre  tract  south  and  west  of  Bellaire, 
contemplates  opening  three  new  mines  to  be 
as  large  or  larger  than  the  three  they  already 
have.  While  no  definite  statement  regarding 
the  new  mines  has  been  made  by  officials,  it  is 
presumed  the  additional  openings  will  be  some- 
where along  the  river  front,  for  it  is  evidently 
their  purpose  in  time  to  do  a great  deal  of 
shipping  by  the  river.  More  than  likely  the 
most  important  development  by  the  company 
in  the  near  future  will  be  from  mines  to  be 
opened  below  Wegee. 

Tbe  leading  churcbes  of  the  township  out- 
side of  Bellaire  are  the  Rock  Hill  Presbyterian 
Church  and  the  High  Ridge  United  Presby- 
terian Church. 

ROCK  HILL  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH. 

The  following  interesting  history  of  the 
Rock  Hill  Church  is  furnished  the  author  by 
P.  A.  Wise: 

According  to  the  best  information  now  at 
hand.  Rock  Hill  Presbyterian  Churcb  was  or- 
ganized in  the  summer  of  1812,  the  actual  date 
lieing  unknown.  As  the  early  records  are  lost 
we  must  draw  from  the  most  approved  tradi- 
tion for  the  story  of  29  years  of  the  church’s 
existence.  The  place  of  organization  was  un- 
der the  spreading  branches  of  an  elm  tree  near 
the  north  bank  of  McMechen’s  Creek  on  the 
farm  then  owned  by  John  Cunningham.  The 
same  authority  gives  us  the  following  persons 


as  charter  members,  viz. : John  Moore,  William 
Moore  and  wife,  John  Cunningham  and  wife, 
William  Merritt  and  wife,  John  Simpson  and 
wife,  Mrs.  McKimmons,  Mrs.  Paxton,  Mrs. 
Elizabeth  McAllister,  Mrs.  Kelsey,  James 
Simpson,  and  there  may  have  been  others 
whose  names  are  forgotten.  Two  men,  John 
Moore  and  John  Cunningham,  were  chosen  to 
the  office  of  ruling  elder.  The  minister  in 
charge  was  Rev.  Abram  Scott,  an  evangelist 
of  the  Presbytery  of  Ohio,  who  served  the 
church  for  eight  years  until  he  saw  it  com- 
fortably housed  in  a neat,  hewn-log  church 
30  by  40  feet  in  size,  built  in  1817.  This  build- 
ing was  a fine  one  for  that  time,  but  was  said 
to  possess  neither  floor  nor  ceiling  at  first. 
But  these  proofs  of  advancing  civilization  were 
afterward  added,  as  was  also  a stove  for  heat- 
ing the  house.  The  pews  were  each  the  work 
of  its  owner  and  were  of  various  lengths  and 
shapes,  those  of  George  Wise,  Sr.,  and  James 
McMillen  being  the  best,  as  cabinetmakers 
could  turn  out  better  work  than  an  ordinary 
farmer  with  only  an  augur  and  ax  to  work 
with.  But  aside  from  appearance,  the  occu- 
pant of  the  slab  pew  could  enjoy  the  sermon  of 
the  preacher  as  well  as  his  better  provided 
neighbor. 

This  log  church  served  as  the  gathering 
place  of  the  Presbyterians  for  the  eastern  part 
of  Belmont  County  for  29  years  as  the  nearest 
Presbyterian  churches  were  at  St.  Clairsville 
and  at  Mount  Pleasant,  in  Jefferson  County. 
There  are  only  two  older  Presbyterian 
cburches  in  the  county  than  Rock  Hill, — St. 
Clairsville,  founded  in  1798,  and  Crab  Apple 
in  1800. 

Our  Scotch  and  Scotch-Irish  fathers  builded 
better  than  they  knew,  for  they  founded  a 
church  that  has  lived  90  years  and  has  had  an 
unbounded  influence  in  molding  the  char- 
acter of  the  people  who  have  lived  within  its 
bounds  in  all  these  years.  The  sons  and  daugjj- 
ters  of  the  Rock  Hill  Church  have  traversed 
much  of  the  world  and  in  many  occupations 
seem  to  be  first  and  best.  She  has  given  12 
manly  sons  to  the  Gospel  ministry  and  has  one 
more  in  training  for  the  same  sacred  calling. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


i6i 


In  1845  the  second  church  building  was 
erected,  and  here  the  church  saw  its  maximum 
growth.  But  its  growth  was  seriously  checked 
l)y  the  rapid  formation  of  other  Presbyterian 
churches  in  its  original  held ; beginning  with 
Martin’s  Ferry  in  1841  and  following  rapidly 
were  founded  Wegee,  Kirkwood,  Bethel,  Bel- 
laire  ist,  Farmington,  Coal  Brook,  Bellaire 
2nd,  and  last,  Pleasant  Valley.  Each  have 
drawn  on  the  territory  or  population  of  Rock 
Hill  until  only  a small  part  of  the  lordly  her- 
itage of  the  fathers  remains  to  the  old  church. 
Notwithstanding  the  forming  of  these  new 
churches  and  the  constant  stream  of  emigrants 
going  forth,  the  old  church  yet  retains  117 
communicants,  slightly  more  than  the  average 
for  the  60  years  past. 

In  1890,  finding  that  the  church  building 
was  almost  beyond  repair,  the  congregation 
decided  to  tear  it  down  and  erect  a new  one 
near  the  old  site.  This  was  done  and  the  new 
church  was  dedicated  June  3,  1891.  The 
building  was  cruciform  in  shape  and  cost 
$7,000  when  complete,  being  the  neatest  coun- 
try church  in  Eastern  Ohio.  It  was  solidly 
built  and  might  have  lasted  a century  had  no 
mishap  befallen  it.  But  during  a severe  elec- 
trical storm  on  the  evening  of  June  25,  1902, 
it  was  struck  by  lightning  and  burned.  VVhen 
the  pastor  saw  the  fire,  he  started  for  the  scene 
rousing  the  people  on  the  way.  Presbyterian, 
United  Presbyterian,  and  the  stranger  within 
our  gates  made  heroic  efforts  to  put  out  the 
fire,  but  the  means  were  not  sufficient  and  the 
beautiful  sanctuary  was  consumed.  Within  a 
few  days  the  congregation  decided  without  dis- 
sent to  rebuild  and  we  hope  in  the  fullness  of 
time  to  see  a new  church,  the  fourth  temple 
to  the  Lord  our  God,  rise  upon  the  sacred  hill. 

Rock  Hill  has  been  served  by  tbe  following 
supplies  and  pastors : Revs.  Abram  Scott, 

eight  years;  Dr.  McMillen,  Jacob  Lindley, 
James  Arbuthnot,  Joseph  Anderson,  Benjamin 
Mitchell  and  Mr.  Reed.  The  first  pastor  served 
23  years.  R.  FI.  Holliday  organized  Bellaire 
First  Church,  to  which  Rock  Hill  gave  41 
members.  John  Moffat,  J.  D.  Fitzgerald,  D. 
H.  Laverty  and  John  Jay  Lane,  who  organized 


Coal  Brook  Church,  giving  it  half  the  territory 
and  many  members,  served  1 1 years ; John  G. 
Black,  six  years ; J.  A.  Bower  and  W alter  L. 
Alexander,  the  present  pastor,  12  years. 

The  following  persons  served  the  church  as 
ruling  elders:  John  Cunningham,  John  Moore, 
William  Keyser,  James  Milligan,  John  Rankin, 
James  Greenlee,  Joshua  Keyser,  Robert  Mer- 
ritt, A.  W.  Anderson,  J.  S.  Cratty,  J.  W.  Milli- 
gan, Matthew  Wallace,  William  Thomas,  John 
Giffin,  John  S.  Keyser,  P.  A.  Wise,  E.  E.  Tar- 
bet.  It  has  also  given  for  the  evangelization  of 
the  world  the  following  sons  as  ministers  of  the 
Gospel : Revs.  William  Wallace,  Richard  Mer- 
rill, Thomas  Merrill,  James  Merritt,  Robert 
Alexander,  James  Alexander,  George  W.  Mc- 
Millan, Robert  A.  Criswell,  J.  W.  Allen,  A.  G. 
Lane,  Edgar  S.  Robinson;  together  with  these 
we  may  associate  two  others  who  began  their 
life's  work  here, — Rev.  James  Alofifat,  now 
president  of  Washington-Jefferson  College, 
and  Bishop  James  Thoburn,  Methodist  Epis- 
copal missionary  to  India,  taught  their  first 
schools  here. 

Rock  Hill  is  not  and  has  not  been  a large 
church,  the  largest  membership  being  174  and 
the  average  for  60  years  since  1842  is  no. 
Neither  has  it  been  a wealthy  church  as  the 
public  has  believed.  The  great  hulk  of  its 
membership  is  and  has  been  for  many  years 
composed  of  the  tillers  of  small  farms  and 
laborers,  yet  the  average  gifts  per  member  for 
the  60  years  of  which  we  have  account  is  $7.19 
per  annum.  This  certainly  is  an  excellent 
showing  for  a strictly  rural  church,^  as  country 
churches  are  supposed  to  be  very  poorly  organ- 
ized for  work. 

During  tbe  past  year  this  church  of  117 
members  has  given  for  benevolences  $450,  and 
for  congregational  expenses  $655,  a total  of 
$1,115  or  $9.53  per  member. 

HIGH  RIDGE  UNITED  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH. 

The  following  history  of  the  High  Ridge 
Church  is  furnished  by  Isaiah  Nichols : 

The  F^nited  Presbyterian  congregation  of 
High  Ridge  formerly  belonged  to  the  Re- 
formed Dissenting  Church. 


162 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY 


In  the  year  1851  the  Reformed  Dissenting 
Church  united  with  the  Associate  Church  and 
in  1858  the  Associate  Church  united  with  the 
Reformed  Associate  Church,  thus  forming  the 
United  1 ’resl)yterian  Church. 

The  High  Ridge  congregation  was  organ- 
ized at  h'lat  Run,  Belmont  County,  Ohio.  The 
earliest  records  are  oldained  from  the  minutes 
of  the  Reformed  Dissenting  Presbytery.  From 
these  we  learn  that  in  1809  the  meeting  place 
was  ‘‘the  tent  at  Flat  Run,”  while  in  1811  the 
records  mention  the  “meeting  house  of  Flat 
Run.”  This  meeting  house  was  a log  building 
located  a little  south  of  the  present  village  of 
Farmington. 

In  the  minutes  of  the  Presbytery  of  1825  we 
find  “d'he  Presbytery  adjourned  to  meet  at  the 
High  Ridge  meeting  house,  McMechen’s 
Creek  in  1826.”  This  is  all  the  available  in- 
formation in  reference  to  the  change  from  Flat 
Run  to  High  Ridge. 

1'he  house  of  worship  at  High  Ridge  was  a 
small  brick,  built  perhaps  in  1824  or  1825.  The 
date  of  the  deed  conveying  the  property  from 
John  and  William  I^eeley  to  Christopher 
Hinkle,  Robert  Alexander  and  George  Giffen 
was  December  7,  1825.  This  building  served 
until  ah(.)ut  1846  when  the  walls  were  taken 
down  and  replaced  by  a frame,  the  roof,  foun- 
dation, and  even  the  seats  and  pulpit  being  the 
same  as  in  the  former  house. 

Tn  1874  a new  building  was  erected  on  the 
site  of  the  former  building  at  a cost  of  about 
$3,000.  On  the  19th  of  April,  1893,  this 
building  was  destroyed  by  fire.  The  church 
members  had  collected  in  large  numbers  with 
a view  of  giving  the  church  building  a thor- 
ough cleaning  when  in  some  unaccountable 
way  a fire  was  started  and  the  building  was 
completely  destroyed.  Nothing  daunted  by  the 
loss,  a movement  was  inaugurated  for  rebuild- 
ing and  on  May  i,  1894,  the  present  comfort- 
able church  edifice  was  dedicated. 

This  new  building  is  but  a short  distance 
from  the  site  of  the  old  one. 

The  first  record  we  have  of  a pastor  was 
that  of  Rev.  John  Patterson  at  Flat  Run  in 


1815.  Pie  served  until  1851  and  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Rev.  John  Anderson. 

Since  that  time  the  congregation  has  been 
served  by  the  following  pastors : Rev.  Josiah 

Alexander,  1853-55,  connection  with  Bel- 
mont. Rev.  William  Grimes,  1858-71.  Rev. 
Mr.  Grimes  resigned  to  give  all  his  time  to 
Belmont.  Rev.  Thomas  Love,  1876-84;  Rev. 
W.  R.  Thompson,  1887-98;  and  Rev.  Morris 
Watson,  who  has  been  pastor  since  1900.  The 
following  persons  have  served  as  elders : 
Christopher  Hinkle,  Robert  Alexander,  George 
Giffen,  William  Giffen,  John  Johnson,  John 
Eckles,  -Andrew  J.  Keyser,  James  Johnson, 
John  DuBois,  and  John  McFarland.  The 
present  elders  are:  William  Nichol,  James 

Hinkle,  Samuel  Gordon  and  James  Wise. 

THE  TOWNS, STEEL,  WEST  WHEELING  AND 

SHADYSIDE. 

Steel  P.  O.  or  St.  Clairsville  Junction  is  a 
village  of  a few  hundred  inhabitants,  princi- 
pally miners  employed  in  the  coal  mines  of 
Troll  Brothers.  It  has  two  large  stores  and  a 
church. 

West  Wheeling  in  Pultney  township  is 
midway  between  Bridgeport  and  Bellaire.  The 
old  town  was  laid  out  in  1838  by  Martin  S. 
Todd,  and  contains  a population  today  of  574. 
The  principal  industry  is  the  paper  mill  of 
David  Wagner,  but  many  of  the  employees  of 
the  mills  and  factories  in  the  city  of  Wheeling 
opposite  make  their  homes  in  West  Wheeling, 
crossing  and  recrossing  the  river  upon  the  old 
ferry  that  was  established  in  the  early  history 
of  the  village.  For  years  the  leading  industry 
of  West  Wheeling  was  coal  mining  and  flat- 
boat  building  as  conducted  by  Redick  McKee. 
It  was  a profitable  industry. 

West  Wheeling  was  the  home  of  one  of 
Pultney  township’s  oldest  citizens,  the  vener- 
able 'Sciuire  Kelsey,  who  served  as  ,squire  for 
nearly  half  a century. 

SiiADYSiDE,  a suburb  of  Bellaire,  is  about 
one  and  a half  miles  south  of  the  city,  upon  a 
high  plateau  beyond  the  reach  of  high  water. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


163 


and  has  thereby  become  a safe,  healthful  and 
pretty  site  for  homes. 

It  has  grown  rapidly  within  a few  years, 
and  now  contains  no  houses  with  a population 
of  over  618. 

A successful  canning  factory  is  conducted 
by  C.  W.  Rodefer  & Company  that,  at  this 
writing,  is  in  full  operation.  Harvey  Broth- 
ers also  conduct  a profitable  soap  factory,  and 
John  Futhy  is  the  proprietor  of  the  largest  Jer- 
sey dairy  in  the  county. 

This  enterprising  people  have  established 
a Board  of  Trade  with  Col.  C.  L.  Boorman  as 
president  and  J.  B.  Milhoan  as  secretary.  The 
right  of  way  for  the  new  motor  line  between 
Bellaire  and  Marietta  is  now  being  secured  and 
a franchise  for  an  electric  light  plant  is  also 
being  applied  for.  Recently  a movement  was 
inaugurated  to  unite  Shadyside  with  the  cor- 
poration of  Bellaire,  but  the  movement  is  not 
as  yet  successful. 

THE  CITY  OF  BELLAIRE 

Is  the  commercial  and  manufacturing  metro- 
polis of  Belmont  County  and  has  entered  upon 
an  era  of  prosperity  unsurpassed  in  its  history. 

INCREASE  IN  POPULATION. 

The  population  of  the  city  at  the  loth  cen- 
sus was  9,912,  viz. : 


First  ward 1,649- 

Second  “ 2,170 

Third  “ 1,534 

Fourth  “ 2,461 

Fifth  “ 2,098 


This  population,  because  of  the  introduction 
of  several  new  factories,  has  been  increased 
within  the  past  year  to  a figure  exceeding 
10,000,  and  the  industrial  enterprises  have 
never  been  established  upon  as  substantial  a 
basis. 

The  assessor’s  returns  for  1902  show  a net 
gain  in  the  wealth  of  the  city  of  $103,586.  The 
tax  levy  for  the  corporation  is  2.48,  a reduc- 
tion of  18  cents  on  the  year  previous. 

CITY  OFFICIALS. 

The  present  city  officials  are  as  follows : 


Charles  W.  Rodewig,  mayor;  F.  A.  Jackson, 
city  clerk;  C.  AY.  Dickens,  city  treasurer;  Cook 
Danford,  city  solicitor;  A.  J.  Norton,  city  en- 
gineer; Albert  Mahone,  city  marshal. 

The  members  of  the  City  Council  are : Emil 
Shmidt,  president;  Dr.  Joseph  Piersol,  vice- 
president  ; L.  AY.  Gilcher,  Thomas  Powers, 
Clarence  Simpson,  Charles  H.  AYise,  L.  G.  Bat- 
telle,  J.  H.  Murray,  H.  C.  Fnhr  and  T.  C. 
Nicholson. 

The  commercial  advantages  of  Bellaire  are 
not  surpassed  by  those  of  any  city  on  the  Ohio 
south  of  Pittsburg. 

In  addition  to  its  fine  harbor,  and  facilities 
for  river  transportation,  Bellaire  is  the  ter- 
minus of  the  Cleveland,  Lorain  & AAdieeling, 
the  Cleveland  & Pittsburg,  the  Bellaire,  Zanes- 
ville & Cincinnati  and  the  Ohio  Afalley  rail- 
roads, and  is  likewise  on  the  main  line  of  the 
Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad  east  and  west,  thus 
affording  double  connection  with  the  lakes  and 
the  seacoast  and  the  great  railway  system  con- 
trolled by  the  Pennsylvania  and  Baltimore  & 
Ohio  companies,  east,  west,  north  and  south. 

THE  FIRST  SETTLERS. 

The  first  settlement  was  effected  by  Jacob 
Davis,  Sr.,  who  emigrated  from  Maryland  in 
1802.  However,  the  old  town  was  not  laid  out 
until  1834. 

Five  years  previous,  Jacob  Davis,  Jr.,  built 
a log  house  with  the  aid  of  the  militia  who  had 
collected  there  to  muster,  and  this  building  was 
only  removed  in  1870  to  give  way  to  an  imple- 
ment and  machine  factory. 

The  land  upon  which  the  city  proper  was 
built  was  a government  grant  to  John  Duer 
in  1792. 

Duer  sold  to  John  Buchanan  and  Buchanan’s 
sons  in  turn  sold  to  Davis  as  above  narrated. 
John  Rodefer  in  1832  also  purchased  from 
Buchanan’s  sons  133  acres  just  south  of  Indian 
Run. 

The  same  year  Capt.  John  Fink  purchased 
all  the  tract  south  of  the  creek  from  Jacob 
Davis  for  $1,400;  this  included  the  land  sub- 
sequently owned  and  operated  for  mining  pur- 
poses by  Jacob  Heatherington,  and  from  which 


164 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


thousands  of  l)usliels  of  coal  were  shipped  an- 
nually hy  C'a])tain  Fink  and  others  to  Southern 
markets. 

In  .April,  1S34,  Mr.  Davis  laid  out  six  acres 
of  the  remaining  land,  on  the  beautiful  plateau 
embraced  in  his  purchase,  in  town  lots,  calling 
the  ])lace  Bell  Air,  after  his  home  town  in 
Maryland. 

,\  TKII!L-TE  TO  COLONEL  SULLIVAN. 

The  town  made  hut  little  progress  until  after 
the  coni])letion  of  the  Central  Ohio  Railroad, 
which  was  built  largely  through  the  tireless 
efforts  of  Col.  J.  H.  Sullivan. 

The  city  of  Bellaire  owes  a debt  of  gratitude 
to  this  invincible  spirit  wbich  it  can  never  re- 
pay. 

With  a tact  and  courtesy  that  few  possess 
and  a command  of  words  that  was  positively 
irresistible.  Colonel  Sullivan  overcame  what  to 
others  would  have  been  insurmountable  diffi- 
culties in  obtaining  rights  of  way  and  promot- 
ing every  scheme  looking  to  the  upbuilding  of 
the  town. 

He  was  connected  with  every  new  enterprise, 
and  indefatigalde  in  his  day  and  generation  in 
promoting  every  effort  for  the  prosperity  and 
growth  of  the  city. 

A'et  today  Bellaire  does  not  associate  his 
name  with  that  of  an  avenue  or  park. 

CHANGE  FROM  BELL  AIR  TO  BELLAIRE. 

In  1S52  Colonel  Sullivan  with  others  laid 
out  the  new  city  by  tbe  purchase  of  that  portion 
of  the  Davis  farm  owned  by  Harris,  and  on 
tbe  14th  day  of  November  the  first  sale  of  lots 
occurred.  About  the  same  time  the  name  Bell 
• \ir  was  changed  at  the  suggestion  of  Afoses 
Sarchett,  one  of  the  directors  of  the  Baltimore 
•S:  Ohio  Railroad,  to  Bellaire,  in  order,  primar- 
ily, to  avoid  confusion  in  the  distribution  of 
freights  and  mail,  and,  secondly,  as  more  de- 
scriptive of  the  site  occupied. 

THE  city’s  growth. 

.As  illustrating  the  rapid  growth  of  the  city 
the  following  additions  are  noted  in  the  order 


made.  In  January,  1856,  Rodefer  made  his 
first  addition,  and  in  the  July  following  his 
second  addition,  and  in  November,  1859,  his 
third  addition.  Sullivan,  Barnard  & Cow- 
en’s  first  addition  in  1866.  Butte’s  addition  in 
186S;  bdnk’s  addition  in  1868,  his  second  addi- 
tion in  1869.  Sullivan,  Barnard  & Cowen’s 
second  addition  in  1869  and  Mrs.  Sullivan’s 
Rose  Hill  addition,  and  Cummins’  first  addition 
in  1870,  his  second  addition  in  1872,  his  third 
addition  in  1873  fourth  addition  in 

3874.  Heatherington’s  first  addition  in  1871; 
Bates’  in  1871;  Barnard,  Cummins  & Ham- 
mond’s in  1871  ; Carroll,  Armstrong  & Com- 
pany’s addition  in  1872;  Fink’s  third  addition 
in  1872;  Heatherington’s  second  and  third  ad- 
ditions in  1872:  Barnard’s  first  addition  in 
1873;  Austin’s  addition  in  1873;  Horn’s  addi- 
tion in  1874;  Austin’s  second  addition  in 
1874;  Barnard’s  second  addition  in  1876; 
Cummins’  addition  in  1878;  Sullivan,  Barnard 
& Cowen’s  addition  in  1878  and  Sheets’  addi- 
tion in  1879. 

Among  the  first  lot  purchasers  we  note  the 
names  of  H.  B.  Cunningham,  John  Wallace, 
R.  Wallace,  William  Frasier,  George  Wheat- 
ley,  Adam  Long,  Francis  Hollingshead,  Hiram 
AfcAfechen,  C.  S.  Baron,  Amos  Worley, 
Thomas  Davis,  Harrison  Porter  and  John 
Christian. 

Jesse  Bailey  built  a bouse  in  1837;  R.  H. 
O’Neill  built  tbe  O’Neill  House  near  tbe  pres- 
ent site  of  the  bridge  on  Union  street. 

The  first  tradesmen  were  Amos  Worley,  a 
cabinetmaker;  Joseph  Rine,  a coal  merchant; 
Joseph  AfcColloch,  a shoemaker.  Mr.  Wake- 
field was  the  first  carpenter;  John  Archer,  Sr., 
was  the  first  cooper,  and  was  succeeded  by  his 
son.  Long  & Archer  built  tbe  first  ware- 
house on  the  river  Ijank  in  1837  and  were  suc- 
ceeded by  Afuth  & Aduth.  William  Hunter 
was  the  first  brick  manufacturer.  The  Longs 
were  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  flatboats. 
John  Rees  was  the  first  blacksmith,  and  J.  M. 
Beard  the  first  wagon-maker. 

The  following  is  a partial  list  of  the  first 
merchants  : /Francis  Hollingshead  was  the  first 
grocer.  Judge  Anderson  in  1847  opened  the 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


165 


first  dry  goods  store.  Among  the  other  early 
grocers  we  may  mention  the  names  of  Gales- 
pie,  Cunningham,  Spronl  and  Fulton.  A disas- 
trous fire  destroyed  the  Sproul  property  in 
1847.  but  he  started  anew  opposite  the  old  Bel- 
laire  House.  Joseph  Gorby  started  in  in  1853, 
then  followed  Morgan  Cowen  & Company, 
wholesale  grocers,  and  Sheets,  Hogue  & Com- 
pany. 

Among  the  prominent  citizens  of  Bellaire  in 
those  early  days  were  John  Archer,  John  A. 
Gallagher,  Anderson  Fulton,  Benjamin  West- 
lake,  Amos  Worley,  Dr.  Junkins,  Dr.  Bird- 
song, William  Clark,  John  Muth,  John  Kelley, 
E.  G.  Morgan  and  Jacob  Heatherington. 

THE  POST  OFFICE. 

The  first  post  office  was  established  in  1841 
with  John  Archer,  Sr.,  as  postmaster.  At  that 
time  only  a weekly  mail  was  received,  the  car- 
rier riding  on  horseback  from  Wheeling  to 
Woodsfield.  A few  years  thereafter  a tri- 
weekly mail  service  was  established  by  boat 
between  Wheeling  and  Parkersburg. 

Mr.  Archer  was  succeeded  as  postmaster  by 
Dr.  Andrews,  who  was  followed  by  John  An- 
derson. When  Anderson  was  elected  sheriff 
of  the  county  in  1858,  A.  W.  Anderson  was 
pointed  postmaster  in  his  stead.  Upon  his 
resignation,  William  Dunn  obtained  the  posi- 
tion through  the  instrumentality  of  Congress- 
man Lawrence.  There  was  considerable  fric- 
tion throughout  the  administration  of  Dunn 
because  of  the  location  of  the  office.  Robert 
Harper  followed  Dunn  and  he  in  turn  was  fol- 
lowed by  Mrs.  H.  A.  Birdsong.  Then  fol- 
lowed George  A.  Wise,  D.  W.  Cooper,  D.  H. 
Darrah,  W.  C.  Warnock  and  John  R.  Gow, 
the  present  incumbent. 

TFIE  TOWN  INCORPORATED. 

Because  of  the  rowdyism  and  intemperance 
prevailing  in  1856-57,  the  good  citizens  of  Bell- 
aire petitioned  the  county  commissioners  that 
the  village  be  incorporated,  but  lacking  a ma- 
jority of  citizens  in  support  of  the  measure  the 
whole  project  was  overthrown. 

Three  years  later,  however,  another  petition 


was  presented,  signed  by  a large  majority  of 
the  citizens  and  the  village  was  permanently 
incorporated. 

THE  FIRST  MAYOR  AND  HIS  SUCCESSORS. 

At  the  first  election  for  mayor  the  “whiskey 
question”  was  made  an  issue  and  there  was 
some  bitterness  manifested,  but  John  Kelley, 
the  temperance  candidate,  was  elected  by  a 
large  majority.  He  served  two  3^ears  and  was 
followed  by  A.  W.  Anderson,  1861-63;  E.  B. 
Winans,  1863-68;  A.  O.  jNIellott,  1868-70; 
George  Criswell,  1870-74;  George  Strahl, 
1874-78.  ( It  was  during  the  administration 

of  Mr.  Strahl  the  village  charter  was  changed 
to  a city  charter.)  Levi  Castle,  1878-80;  D. 
W.  Cooper,  1880-84;  W.  H.  Brown,  1886-90; 
S.  McGowan,  1890-92;  D.  W.  Cooper,  1892- 
96;  Frank  Williams,  1896-98;  John  DuBois, 
1898-1900;  Isaac  Freese,  1900-02;  Charles 
Rodewig,  the  present  incumbent. 

The  old  City  Hall  and  police  court  was  es- 
tablished in  1868.  Today  a new  and  modern 
city  building  is  in  course  of  construction  at  the 
corner  of  32nd  and  Belmont  streets,  and  it  is 
expected  the  work  will  be  completed  by  May 
1st.  The  cost  was  fixed  at  $40,000,  but  that 
figure  has  been  reached  and  it  will  require 
$15,000  additional  to  finish  the  structure. 

THE  WATER-WORKS  AND  ELECTRIC  POWER. 

In  1872  the  present  water-works  were  voted 
for,  and  the  proposition  was  carried.  A com- 
mittee consisting  of  E.  G.  Morgan,  A.  W. 
Anderson,  C.  C.  Kelley,  George  Kern,  H.  M. 
Ingler,  H.  Bute,  and  Civil  Engineer  J.  W. 
Yost,  with  E.  B.  Winans,  secretary,  was  ap- 
pointed to  superintend  the  construction  and 
the  work  was  completed  in  1873. 

The  reservoir  has  a capacity  of  3,000,000 
gallons  and  the  water  supply  is  obtained  from 
the  Ohio  River  and  is  distributed  throughout 
the  city  in  pipes. 

The  works  are  wholl}"  inadequate  to  the 
needs  of  the  people  today,  and  several  projects 
are  on  foot  to  construct  a new  system,  one  of 
which  is  a proposition  to  unite  with  Bridgeport 


i66 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


and  Martin’s  Ferry  in  constructing  a reservoir 
large  enough  to  supply  the  three  cities,  the 
water  to  he  obtained  at  Boggs’  Run  two  miles 
above  Martin’s  h'erry,  and  thereby  receive  a 
liberal  su])idy  of  soft  water  free  from  the  filth 
of  the  cities  named. 

d'he  electric  light  power  for  the  supply  of  the 
city  is  furnished  by  two  corporations,  viz. : The 
Bellaire  Gas  Electric  Company,  and  the  Bel- 
mont Electric  Light  & Power  Company.  The 
Bellaire  Street  Railway  Company  was  organ- 
ized in  1874  with  a capital  stock  of  $50,000 
with  John  Link,  Jacob  lieatherington,  John 

M.  Criswell,  Anthony  Sheets,  A.  M.  Anderson, 
Isaac  Booth,  d'.  A.  Cummins  and  G.  W.  Hogue 
as  incorporators.  The  cost  of  building  the 
road  was  $21,700.  A few  years  later  it  was 
merged  into  the  present  system  of  electric 
motor  lines  uniting  Bellaire  with  Bridgeport, 
Martin’s  Eerry  and  Wheeling. 

THE  BANKS  AND  LOAN  COMPANIES. 

The  first  bank  established  in  Bellaire  was  a 
private  banking  institution  organized  by 
Hogue,  Cowen  & Company  in  1867.  The 
firm  name  was  changed  in  1870  to  Hogue, 
Sheets  & Company.  This  company  ceased  to 
do  business  in  1878. 

The  First  National  Bank.- — The  next  bank- 
ing bouse  was  known  as  the  City  Bank  of  Bel- 
lairc,  which  was  founded  December  26,  1870, 
by  A.  W.  Anderson,  Isaac  Booth,  A.  O.  Mel- 
lott,  J.  T.  Mercer,  C.  C.  Kelley  and  A.  P.  Tail- 
man,  with  A.  W.  Anderson,  president,  and  A. 
P.  Tallman,  cashier.  The  capital  stock  was 
$18,000.  It  was  changed  to  the  First  National 
Bank  in  January,  1872,  with  a capital  of 
$50,000,  the  above-named  gentlemen,  including 

N.  W.  Junkins,  being  directors,  and  the  same 
])resident  and  cashier  being  continued.  Its  cap- 
ital has  since  been  increased  to  $200,000.  Its 
deposits  are  now  about  one  million  dollars,  and 
its  aggregated  assets  about  $1,400,000. 

The  following  gentlemen  have  served  as 
presidents  in  the  order  named : A.  W.  Ander- 
son. J.  T.  Mercer,  Flerman  Roemer,  and 
George  W.  Yost.  A.  P.  Tallman  has  been 
cashier  and  active  manager  since  the  bank  was 


organized.  James  T.  Kelley  was  elected  assist- 
ant cashier  in  1888  and  William  J.  Morrison 
in  1902,  both  still  holding  these  positions. 
The  bank  has  never  missed  a semi-annual  divi- 
dend since  it  began  business.  The  present 
directors  are;  George  W.  Yost,  William  Har- 
vey, A.  O.  Mellott,  John  R.  Gow,  A.  P.  Tail- 
man,  J.  T.  Kelley  and  George  Robinson.  In 
addition  to  the  above,  Jacob  Maser,  James  B. 
Gorrell,  James  Kelsey,  Andrew  Smith,  Owen 
Mehan,  and  John  Stewart  have  acted  as  direc- 
tors, the  most  of  them  for  a long  time  prior  to 
and  up  to  their  death. 

The  Dollar  Savings  Bank. — The  next  bank- 
ing institution  in  order  was  the  Dollar  Savings 
Bank,  organized  in  1889,  with  J.  A.  Gallagher, 
president  and  C.  C.  Kelley,  secretary  and 
cashier.  The  capital  stock  is  $50,000,  with  a 
surplus  of  $10,000.  The  additional  liability  of 
stockholders  is  $50,000. 

The  present  officers  are  A.  Klotz,  president ; 
Dr.  J.  P.  West,  vice-president;  C.  W.  Dickens, 
cashier  and  W.  C.  Warnock,  treasurer.  Direc- 
tors— A.  Klotz,  M.  L.  Blackburn,  Jacob  Rietz, 
Alex.  Nef¥,  C.  Rumbach,  J.  P.  West,  John 
Parks,  Robert  McKelvey  and  C.  W.  Dickens. 

The  Farmers’  & Merchants’  Bank  Company 
was  organized  in  October,  1901.  President, 
C.  Dawson;  vice-president,  H.  W.  Hermann; 
cashier,  R.  L.  Bowman;  assistant  cashier,  W. 

G.  Simpson.  Directors — C.  Dawson,  August 
Schick,  John  Schick,  W.  G.  Simpson,  R.  L. 
Bowman,  H.  W.  Hermann,  Dr.  J.  A.  Clark,  J. 
M.  McDonald,  S.  J.  Rockershousen.  Capital 
fully  paid,  $50,000.  Stockholders’  liability, 
$50,000. 

The  Belmont  Sazangs  & Loan  Company 
was  organized  March  3,  1885.  The  capital 
stock  of  the  company  at  the  beginning  was 
$1,000,000,  divided  into  5,000  shares  of  $200 
each.  The  names  of  the  incorporators  are  as 
follows : James  B.  Darrah,  William  J.  Mc- 
Clain, John  Coulson,  Patrick  Whealan,  David 

H.  Darrah,  John  E.  Robinson,  James  F. 
Anderson.  At  a mee.ting  of  the  directors  on 
the  17th  day  of  March.  1890,  the  capital  stock 
of  the  company  was  increased  to  $2,000,000. 
The  present  officers  are : James  F.  Anderson, 


I 


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BEI;LAIRE  STEEL  WORKS. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


169 


president;  John  H.  McGraw,  vice-president; 
George  Kern,  secretary;  John  H.  Hopkins, 
assistant  secretary;  James  T.  Kelley,  treasurer. 

The  Buckeye  Saruings  & Loan  Company  of 
Bellaire,  Ohio,  was  incorporated  May  7,  1890, 
by  Tliomas  J.  Boyce,  Richard  Heslop,  William 
Moorehouse,  Phillipe  Brailly  and  Samuel 
Moore,  with  an  authorized  capital  of  $5,000,- 
000,  the  purpose  of  the  company  being  the 
raising  of  money  to  be  loaned  to  its  members 
and  others,  only  on  real  estate  security. 

The  securities  owned  by  the  Buckeye  Build- 
ing & Loan  Company  were  purchased  by  the 
new  company,  as  the  Buckeye  Savings  & Loan 
Company  offered  greater  advantages  to  both 
borrowers  and  depositors,  owing  to  the  privi- 
leges granted  in  the  laws  under  which  the  new 
company  was  organized.  Some  smaller  com- 
panies also  found  it  to  their  advantage  to 
combine  with  the  Buckeye  Savings  & Loan 
Company. 

On  December  31,  1890,  the  net  assets  of  the 
new  company  amounted  to  $150,000.  Since 
that  time  the  growth  of  the  Buckeye  Savings 
& Loan  Company  has  been  steady  and  con- 
tinued, the  last  statement  of  the  company  show- 
ing loans  of  two-thirds  of  a million,  with  a 
reserve  fund  of  $35,000. 

The  increasing  business  of  the  company  de- 
manded more  room,  which  was  secured  by  re- 
moval from  the  first  quarters  in  the  Central 
Block  to  a room  on  32nd  street,  and  later,  by 
removal  to  a new  building  on  the  corner  of 
32nd  and  Belmont  streets,  which  is  the  pres- 
ent location  of  the  company. 

The  “Buckeye  Block,”  the  only  real  estate 
owned  by  the  Buckeye  Savings  & Loan  Com- 
pany, is  directly  east  of  the  new  city  building, 
and  is  one  of  the  best  locations  in  the  city. 
Thomas  Garrett,  the  first  president  of  the 
company,  died  soon  after  his  election  to  that 
office.  His  successor,  W.  C.  Bergundthal  occu- 
pied the  position  until  his  election  as  county 
treasurer  and  his  removal  from  the  city.  He 
was  succeeded  by  George  Walters,  who  is  now 
the  president  of  the  company.  Both  Mr. 
Moorehouse  as  vice-president  and  Luke  Gavin 


as  treasurer  have  held  their  offices  since  the 
organization  of  the  company. 

William  Parks,  the  first  secretary  of  the 
company,  and  to  whose  effort  and  ability  the 
success  of  the  Buckeye  Savings  & Loan  Com- 
pany is  chiefly  due,  died  in  1893.  He  was 
succeeded  by  B.  C.  Tyler,  who  resigned  the 
position  one  year  later  and  was  succeeded  by 
W.  G.  McClain,  the  present  secretary.  The 
office  of  assistant  secretary  has  been  filled  by 
John  Parks  since  the  death  of  his  son,  William 
Parks,  in  1893.  Miss  Jennie  Smith  is  book- 
keeper. 

The  present  officers  of  the  company  are : 
President,  George  Walters;  vice-president, 
William  Moorehouse;  secretai-y,  W.  G.  Mc- 
Clain; assistant  secretary,  John  Parks;  treas- 
urer, Luke  Gavin;  directors, — George  Wal- 
ters, John  Parks,  William  Moorehouse,  Rich- 
ard Heslop,  Luke  Gavin,  C.  M.  Wyrick, 
Charles  H.  Dankworth,  W.  N.  Brailly  and  L. 
G.  Battelle. 

THE  M.-VNUFACTURING  INTERESTS, 

Perhaps  the  first  large  manufacturing  in- 
dustry in  the  city  was  the  Bellaire  Nail  Works, 
incorporated  in  November,  1866,  with  B.  R. 
Cowen,  president,  and  D.  J.  Smith,  secretary. 
The  original  capital  was  $155,000,  which  was 
subsequently  increased  to  $375,000  by  the 
erection  of  a blast  furnace  with  a capacity  of 
TOO  tons  of  pig  iron  daily,  and  a steel  plant 
with  a capacity  of  275  tons  in  24  hours  and 
200,000  kegs  of  nails  annually. 

Today  the  Carnegie  Steel  Company,  which 
has  been  absorbed  by  the  National  Steel  Com- 
pany. operates  the  Bellaire  Steel  Works,  and 
the  officers  are  : W.  E.  Corey,  president ; H.  B. 
Bope,  vice-president,  both  located  in  Pittsburg 
and  N.  M.  Peterson,  division  superintendent 
of  this  district.  The  tin  plant  employs  1,100 
men  and  produces  annually 

Bessemer  pig  iron 202,000  gross  tons 

Bessemer  steel  ingots 300,000  “ “ 

Soft  steel  bloom  billets 250,000  “ 

Slabs,  sheets  and  plate  bars.  .250,000  “ 

Their  pay  roll  averages  $50,000  per  month. 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


170 


The  next  large  manufacturing  enterprise 
])ut  in  ojjeration  in  Bellaire,  other  than  glass, 
was  the  Bellaire  Implement  & Machine  Works, 
(Wganized  in  November,  1870,  as  a joint  stock 
company,  with  Col.  C.  L.  Poorman,  president 
and  11.  .\.  Waddell,  secretary. 

This  company  was  obliged  to  face  the  busi- 
ness and  hnancial  dej)ression  of  1873-74,  and, 
failing  to  meet  their  bonds  when  due  in  1878, 
were  compelled  to  suspend  business  at  a time 
when  their  wares  were  in  good  demand. 

Bellaire  deservedly  gained  the  title  of  the 
“Glass  City”  by  the  number  of  glass  factories 
ill  ojieration  from  1870  to  1885,  and  the  vast 
capital  invested  in  the  business. 

The  first  Hint  glass  works  was  the  Belmont, 
organized  in  1861,  with  W.  G.  Barnard,  H. 
h'auple,  H.  Over,  John  Robinson,  and  David 
Carr,  as  directors.  The  next  in  order  was  the 
Bellaire  Window  Glass  Company,  organized 
in  1870-71,  with  John  W.  Sanders,  president, 
and  h'.  M.  Sheets,  secretary.  Then  came  the 
Star  Glass  Works  conducted  by  J.  H.  Sullivan 
& Sons.  It  was  followed  by  the  National  in 
1869.  Then  the  Bellaire  Goblet  Works  was 
organized  in  1876  with  W.  B.  Gorby,  presi- 
dent, and  If.  G.  Morgan,  secretary.  The  next 
in  order  was  the  Union  Window  Glass  Com- 
pany, organized  in  1S80  with  D.  J.  Smyth, 
jiresident.  and  C.  C.  Kelley,  seci'etary.  The 
Enterprise  Window  Glass  Company,  a co- 
operative concern,  was  established  in  1884. 
The  Bellaire  Stamping  Company  was  estab- 
lished by  C.  S.  S.  Barron,  J.  T.  Mercer  and  A. 
P.  Tallman.  This  organization  was  subse- 
quently removed  to  Harvey,  Illinois. 

The  factories  now  in  operation  are  the  Bel- 
laire Bottle  Company,  G.  S.  Armstrong,  presi- 
dent and  Mr.  Sheldon,  secretary.  The 
National  Glass  Manufacturing  Company, 
organized  by  Crangle,  Dalzell  & Co.,  of  Wheel- 
ing, which  is  now  operated  and  known  as  the 
Rodefer  Glass  Company.  The  Novelty  Stamp- 
ing Company,  the  Century  Glass  Company, 
the  Enterprise  Enamel  Company,  organized 
I)y  Dorer  and  Smith. 

And  last,  but  by  no  means  least,  the  Imperial 
Glass  Company,  now  in  course  of  construction. 


which  when  completed  will  be  one  of  the  finest 
factories  in  the  country,  and  will  give  employ- 
ment to  upwards  of  500  men. 

Its  managers  are  among  the  most  experi- 
enced capitalists  in  Bellaire  and  Wheeling. 
The  company  is  organized  under  the  laws  of 
West  Virginia,  and  the  incorporators  are:  J. 
E.  Anderson,  of  Bellaire;  and  J.  N.  Vance, 

L.  E.  Sands,  Morris  Horkheimer  and  Ed. 
Muhleman,  of  Wheeling.  The  directors  are : 
A.  P.  Tallman  and  J.  F.  Anderson,  of  Bellaire; 
and  J.  N.  Vance.  L.  E.  Sands,  Morris  Hork- 
heimer, Frank  C.  Hoffman,  Lawrence  Schenk, 
Joseph  Speidel  and  Ed.  Muhleman,  of  Wheel- 
ing. The  authorized  capital  stock  is  $500,000, 
and  the  amount  subscribed  is  $488,900.  The 
officers  are:  President,  J.  N.  Vance;  secre- 
tary, Ed.  Muhleman;  treasurer,  L.  E.  Sands; 
executive  committee, — James  F.  Anderson, 
A.  P.  Tallman  and  Ed.  Muhleman. 

Among  the  many  other  enterprises  other 
than  glass  now  in  operation  are  the  Enameled 
Steel  Tile  Company,  with  J.  F.  BuBois,  presi- 
dent; J.  A.  Fawcett,  secretary;  E.  J.  A. 
Drennen,  J.  A.  Fawcett,  H.  W.  Hermann, 
Charles  Grella  and  W.  G.  Simpson,  directors. 
This  corporation  employs  100  hands. 

The  Mason  Pleater  Company  has  a capital 
of  $50,000.  Its  officers  are:  August  Schick, 
president;  Chalmers  Trimble,  secretary.  The 
directors  are : August  Schick,  J.  H.  McDon- 
ald, H.  W.  Hermann,  S.  J.  Rockershousen, 
Emil  Schmidt,  R.  L.  Bowman,  O.  P.  Mason, 

M.  K.  Beazel  and  Chalmers  Trimble.  It  also 
gives  employment  to  about  100  hands. 

The  Anderson  U.  McGregor  Company,  the 
Suburban  Brick  Company,  the  Standard  Stone 
& Brick  Company,  the  Bellaire  Stove  Com- 
pany, the  Bellaire  Boiler  & Bridge  Company, 
the  C.  L.  Dorer  Foundry  Company,  the  Ander- 
son Brothers’  foundry,  and  the  two  flour  mills 
of  Stewart  & Ward,  and  T.  Ault  & Son  are 
also  among  the  important  manufacturing  con- 
cerns of  Bellaire. 

Since  writing  the  above,  the  Belmont  Stamp- 
ing & Enameling  Company  was  organized 
September  23,  1902,  by  the  election  of  John  T. 
Troll  as  president,  Alex.  Neff,  vice-president. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


and  U.  G.  Fletcher,  secretary.  A charter  has 
been  taken  out  under  the  laws  of  West  Vir- 
ginia with  $100,000  capital,  $50,000  of  which 
has  been  paid  in.  The  board  of  directors  is 
constituted  as  follows:  Alex.  Neff,  U.  G. 

Fletcher,  John  T.  Troll,  Albert  Troll,  Samuel 
Campbell,  John  Jamison  and  J.  Reynolds. 

THE  RAILROADS  ENTERING  THE  CITY. 

The  first  railroad  entering  into  Bellaire  and 
indeed  into  Belmont  County  was  the  Central 
Ohio  Railroad.  This  great  thoroughfare  now 
known  as  the  Western  Division  of  the  Balti- 
more & Ohio  Railroad  was  chartered  by  the 
General  Assembly  of  Ohio  in  1848. 

The  original  charter  provided  primarily  for 
the  construction  of  a railroad  from  Columbus 
to  the  Ohio  River  by  Newark  and  Zanesville 
and  eventually  to  be  extended  westward  to  the 
Indiana  line.  The  capital  stock  was  fixed  at 
$1,500,000,  with  the  privilege  of  increasing  it 
to  $2,500,000. 

At  the  organization  of  the  company,  the  fol- 
lowing gentlemen  were  elected  directors,  viz : 
Solomon  Sturgiss,  John  Hamm,  William  Den- 
nison, Jr.,  George  James,  Albert  Cherwood, 
Charles  B.  Goddart,  Daniel  Marble,  Levi  Clay- 
pool,  Daniel  Brush  and  Stephen  R.  Hosmar. 

The  road  had  a very  feeble  beginning.  The 
first  hoard  of  directors  effected  an  organiza- 
tion but  little  more.  At  the  second  election  of 
directors  in  i8.|8.  Col.  J.  H.  Sullivan  was 
chosen  as  president  and  from  that  time  for- 
ward the  road  was  pushed  with  great  vigor  and 
energy,  though  many  embarrassments  and  dis- 
couragements were  encountered. 

Columbus,  Newark  and  Zanesville  were 
asked  for  subscriptions  to  the  stock  and,  as 
heretofore  stated,  through  the  tireless  efforts 
of  Colonel  Sullivan  the  prejudice  against  the 
road  was  overcome  and  the  necessary  stock 
subscribed  by  city  and  county. 

The  road  rvas  completed  from  Zanesville  to 
Newark  in  1849;  from  Newark  to  Columbus 
in  1850;  from  Zanesville  to  Cambridge  in 
1853  ; from  Cambridge  to  Bellaire  in  1854. 

Upon  the  completion  of  the  road.  Colonel 


171 


Sullivan  retired  from  the  presidency  and  Mr. 
Fassett  succeeded  him.  After  two  years  of 
service,  IMr.  Fassett  resigned,  and  Judge  Hugh 
J.  Jewett  of  Zanesville  was  appointed  receiver, 
and  subsequently  chosen  as  president. 

In  1865,  road  became  a lessee  of  the 
Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad  Company,  and  has 
been  operated  by  the  latter  with  great  success 
ever  since. 

The  great  stone  railroad  bridge  that  spans 
the  Ohio  at  this  point  was  built  by  the  Balti- 
more & Ohio  and  Central  Ohio  roads  con- 
jointly at  the  ratio  cost  of  two-thirds  by  the 
Baltimore  & Ohio  and  one-third  by  the  Central 
Ohio.  The  span  of  this  great  stone  struc- 
ture, not  including  the  approaches,  is  three- 
fourths  of  a mile,  and  the  approaches  are  doubt- 
less of  equal  length.  The  two  spans  over  the 
channel  of  the  river  alone  measure  700  feet. 
The  liridge  is  of  the  highest  architectural  de- 
sign, and  cost  a million  and  a quarter  of  dol- 
lars. 

In  order  to  accommodate  the  rapidly  in- 
creasing intercourse  between  the  two  cities,  a 
company  has  been  organized  to  construct  a 
foot  and  wagon  bridge  between  Bellaire  and 
Benwood.  But  owing  to  some  differences  as 
to  the  point  of  location,  the  Council  has  not  yet 
granted  the  charter  and  the  work  is  in  abey- 
ance. 

The  Cleveland  & Pittshurg  Railroad,  extend- 
ing from  Cleveland  to  Bellaire  on  the  south 
and  Cleveland  to  Beaver  on  the  north,  was 
chartered  in  1836.  It  progressed  slowly  for 
want  of  money  and  active  work  did  not  begin 
for  II  years  thereafter.  In  1849  1^^  work  on 
the  main  line  was  begun  and  completed  to  the 
river  under  the  supervision  of  Joseph  and  Silas 
Chamberlain. 

In  1853  the  Bellaire  and  Beaver  divisions  of 
the  road  following  the  course  of  the  river  were 
put  under  contracts  and  were  completed  and 
opened  for  business  in  1856.  After  the  panic 
of  1857  the  value  of  the  stock  ran  down,  when 
the  road  passed  under  the  control  of  the 
Pennsylvania  Company,  by  whom  it  is  still 
operated  on  the  basis  of  6 per  cent  interest  on 
1 the  par  value  of  the  stock,  viz:  147. 


172 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


There  was  a period  in  the  history  of  this 
road,  when  its  maintenanee  was  largely  due 
to  the  tireless  efforts  of  W.  W.  Holloway  of 
l!ridge])ort.  Hut  for  the  financial  aid  ren- 
dered by  Hr.  Holloway  during  the  panic  of 
1856-57,  the  road  would  inevitably  have  been 
o!)liged  to  suspend.  This  road  also  terminates 
in  llellaire  and  since  it  passed  into  the  hands 
of  the  Pennsylvania  Coinj)any  it  has  been  very 
successfully  operated. 

.\s  a local  road,  it  is  ])robably  one  of  the 
most  profitable  in  the  State,  touching  as  it 
does  all  the  mining  and  manufacturing  towns 
bordering  upon  the  Ohio  River  from  Bellaire 
to  Pittsburg. 

The  Pellaire,  Zanesville  & Cincinnati  Rail- 
way was  organized  in  1875.  purpose  of 

the  company  was  to  build  a railroad  from  Bel- 
laire to  Athens,  Ohio,  through  altogether  the 
roughest  country  in  the  State,  viz:  Belmont, 
Honroe,  Washington  and  Athens  counties. 
'I'he  work  of  raising  the  necessary  funds  was 
entrusted  to  Col.  J.  H.  Sullivan,  the  builder 
of  the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad. 

The  road  was  completed  to  Woodsfield  as 
a narrow  gauge  at  a cost  of  $11,500  per  mile 
and  in  1882  it  was  extended  to  Caldwell  in 
Noble  County  and  Zanesville  in  Muskingum 
County. 

It  passed  into  the  hands  of  a receiver  in 
1887.  In  1890  was  re-organized  and  Hon. 
S.  L.  Mooney  of  Woodsfield  was  elected  presi- 
dent. 

The  road  changed  hands  in  1902  and  is  now 
known  as  the  Ohio  River  & Western  Railroad. 
This  road  is  a valuable  tril)utary  to  the  stream 
of  trade  entering  into  Bellaire. 

The  Cleveland,  Lorain  & Wheeling  Rail- 
way.— One  of  the  most  important  roads  in  the 
county  is  the  Cleveland,  Lorain  & Wheeling 
Railway,  extending  from  Lorain  on  the  north 
to  Bellaire  on  the  south,  a distance  of  161 
miles. 

Thi.s  road  passes  through  one  of  the  richest 
mining  and  agricultural  districts  in  the  State. 
It  was  constructed  from  Dennison  in  Tusca- 
rawas County  to  Bridgeport  in  1876,  following 


the  line  of  Wheeling  Creek  through  Belmont 
Count}^ 

The  road  was  then  known  as  the  Cleveland, 
Tuscarawas  Valley  & Wheeling  Railway. 
But  for  the  efforts  of  prominent  citizens  and 
directors  in  vigorously  pushing  the  work  of 
construction,  the  road  would  not  have  been 
extended  to  the  river. 

Its  capital  stock  is  $5,600,000  and  funded 
indebtedness,  $1,170,000.  Millions  of  tons  of 
coal  mined  in  Belmont  County  are  shipped  over 
this  road  annually,  and  new  coal  organizations 
are  created  almost  monthly  for  the  develop- 
ment of  new  territory.  Within  two  years  the 
Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad  has  obtained  a 
controlling  interest  in  the  Cleveland,  Lorain  & 
Wheeling  and  it  is  today  operated  by  that  com- 
pany. This  road  is  also  a valuable  tributary 
to  the  trade  of  Bellaire. 

The  Ohio  Valley  Railroad  was  organized  in 
1889  with  a view  of  penetrating  the  undevel- 
oped territory  bordering  the  Ohio  River  south 
of  Bellaire  and  has  been  completed  to  Pow- 
hatan in  York  township. 

THE  SCHOOLS. 

The  first  school  house  in  Bellaire  was 
erected  in  1839  Ptdtney  street;  this  build- 
ing was  afterward  converted  into  a residence. 

In  i86o  the  School  Board  purchased  the  old 
shoe  factory,  and  fitted  it  up  for  a school  house. 
This  continued  in  use  until  1871,  when  the 
large  and  costly  school  building  was  con- 
structed, just  west  of  the  old  building  at  a 
cost  of  $21,000,  exclusive  of  furniture.  Some 
of  the  first  teachers  were  Vincent  Milligan, 
Jacob  Davis,  Richard  Merrill  and  Thomas 
Munnell. 

The  superintendent  in  1865-69  was  William 
R.  Gooderl.  Upon  entering  the  new  building, 
H.  N.  Mertz  was  chosen  superintendent.  His 
successors  were:  R.  S.  Page,  1871-72;  I.  C. 
Tuttle,  1873 ; A.  W.  Melville,  1874-75 ; A.  P. 
White,  1875-76;  J.  T.  Duff,  1876-80;  E.  S. 
Cox,  1880-82;  B.  T.  Jones,  1883-85.  The 
superintendent  in  1902  is  James  R.  Anderson. 


BELLAIRE  HIGH  SCHOOL. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


175 


The  first  Board  of  Education  we  have  a rec- 
ord of  was  organized  in  1874-75,  and  was 
composed  of  John  S.  Cratty,  president;  John 
Archer,  Josephus  Gorby,  Isaac  Booth,  Uriah 
Venning,  George  W.  Hogue,  clerk. 

Today  there  are  seven  school  buildings  that 
cost  an  aggregate  of  $24,015.78.  There  are 
41  teachers  employed,  with  an  enrollment  of 

I, 725  scholars. 

The  salary  of  the  superintendent  of  schools 
is  $1,500;  that  of  high  school  principals,  $720. 
The  average  wages  of  the  lady  teachers  are 
$39.84;  average  wages  of  gentlemen  teach- 
ers, $67.50.  The  cost  of  education  per  capita 
on  the  total  enrollment  is  $9.49.  Between 
$1,500  and  $2,000  have  been  expended  in  the 
maintenance  of  the  library. 

- The  present  Board  of  Education  consists  of 

J.  H.  Heatherington,  president;  George  Wal- 
ters, vice-president ; H.  A.  Lichtenberger,  sec- 
retary; and  H.  P.  Rodewig,  C.  M.  Wyrick, 
D.  Walker  and  I.  Dean. 

THE  CHURCHES. 

The  following  is  a brief  history  of  the  vari- 
ous churches  in  Bellaire: 

The  Christian  Church. — Date  of  organiza- 
tion of  the  Ghristian  Ghurch  in  Bellaire  is  July 
4,  1840.  John  Archer,  Sr.,  and  Adam  Long 
Avere  elected  elders  and  John  Archer,  Jr.,  and 
Richard  Gosney,  deacons.  The  original  mem- 
bers were : 

John  Archer,  Sr.,  Rudolph  W.  Archer,  Ben- 
jamin Archer,  James  G.  Archer,  John  Archer, 
Jr.,  Adam  Long,  Philip  Long,  Jacob  Heath- 
erington, Richard  Gosney,  Jesse  Bailey,  David 
Bates,  Lewis  Workman,  Elijah  Workman, 
John  A.  Gallagher,  James  Gill,  Robert  Rus- 
sell, Ibba  Starkey,  Nancy  Archer,  Gynthia  A. 
Archer,  Mary  A.  Long,  Thirsey  Nelson,  Mar- 
garet Nelson,  Mary  A.  Rodefer,  Martha 
Bailey,  Elizabeth  Bailey,  Eliza  Heatherington, 
Olive  Austin,  Sarah  Bates,  Mary  Marling, 
Rachel  Marling,  Elizabeth  Marling,  Elizabeth 
Gallagher,  Abbey  Rodefer,  Nancy  Wakefield, 
Joanna  Wakefield,  Mary  Reid,  Melinda  Chris- 
ten, Mary  Workman  and  Ellen  Eitch. 


John  Archer,  Sr.,  was  a cooper  by  trade  and 
carried  on  this  business  in  his  shop  which  stood 
on  the  bank  of  the  Ohio  River  and  near  the 
mouth  of  McMechen’s  Creek  in  what  is  now 
Bellaire.  In  this  shop  the  organization  of  this 
church  was  effected  and  meetings  for  worship 
were  held  for  several  years  or  until  a church 
building  was  erected.  Here,  on  the  12th  day 
of  March,  1841,  J.  H.  Jones,  a preacher  from 
the  Western  Reserve,  preached.  The  cooper- 
shop  overflowed.  “VVliere  shall  I stand?” 
said  the  preacher.  “There,”  said  Mr.  Archer, 
turning  up  a half-bushel  measure,  “stand  on 
that.”  And  there  on  that  narrow  pulpit  he 
preached  the  Gospel  with  eloquence  and  power. 

The  church  soon  outgrew  the  narrow  limits 
of  the  coopershop  and  in  1843  a meeting  was 
held  to  consider  the  question  of  building  a 
house  of  worship.  In  1846  the  work  of  build- 
ing began  and  the  house  was  completed  in  the 
same  year.  This  church  building  stood  on  the 
ground  noAv  occupied  by  the  Second  Ward 
school  house  in  Bellaire.  The  opening  services 
in  the  new  building  were  held  by  Alexander 
Campbell  and  Robert  Graham  on  the  second 
Sunday  in  the  month  of  December,  1846. 
Here  the  congregation  continued  to  worship 
until  the  present  church  building  was  erected 
in  1870.  Erom  1840  to  1862  many  ministers, 
some  of  them  prominent  among  the  Disciples, 
preached  occasional  discourses  or  conducted 
meetings,  but  during  this  time  there  was  no 
settled  pastor.  Dating  from  1862  the  list  of 
preachers  in  charge  and  the  terms  served  is 
as  follows:  1862-66,  H.  S.  Glasier;  1866-69, 
H.  D.  Carlton;  1870-72,  Jesse  H.  Berry; 
1872-77,  I.  J.  Spencer;  1878-82,  B.  S.  Dean; 
1883-86,  J.  M.  Monroe;  1887-92,  A.  B. 
Williams:  1893-96,  R.  G.  White;  1896-97, 
W.  P.  Walden;  1897-1902,  Charles  M.  Wat- 
son. The  elders  of  the  church  at  present  are 
as  follows : W.  J.  Morrison,  Leroy  Hopkins, 
Theobald  Klee  and  Joseph  Mertz.  The 
deacons  are : George  Mertz,  J.  W.  klorrell, 
Robert  Anderson,  David  Walker,  Thomas 
Strong,  D.  T.  Anderson  and  Robert  Lawrence. 
There  are  about  .450  members. 

The  First  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. — 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


1 76 


Rev.  C.  D.  Ijattelle,  pastor  of  St.  Clairsville 
circuit,  in  183c)  preached  in  a wareroom  the 
hrst  Methodist  sermon  in  the  then  village  of 
Rellaire,  and  a few  weeks  later  organized  a 
class  of  I I meinliers:  Garrett  Jones,  Joseph 

J.ong,  Macca  Long,  Jacob  Davis,  Rebecca 
Da\'is,  Mary  Davis,  Robert  Patterson,  Polly 
Patterson,  James  Robinson,  Jane  Robinson 
and  Jacol)  Davis.  Garrett  Jones  was  appointed 
leader  and  chosen  Sunday-school  superintend- 
ent. Soon  10  more  united  and  the  planting  was 
of  the  Lord.  A lioard  of  trustees  was  appoint- 
ed: Joseph  Long,  Joseph  Wilson,  Jacob 

Davis,  Tbomas  Crozier,  James  Robinson, 
I'homas  P.  Hunter,  Robert  Id.  O’Neill. 

'I'he  hrst  churcb  building  was  erected  on 
27th  street  in  the  winter  of  1839-40,  in  which 
the  peo])le  worshiped  until  1857,  when  the  pres- 
ent site  was  secured  and  then  the  struggle  of 
building  a two-story,  brick  structure  began. 
In  t86o  the  basement  was  hnished  at  a cost  of 
$4,000  and  dedicated.  In  1863  tbe  auditorium 
was  com])leted  and  dedicated  January  24,  1864. 
About  this  time  it  became  a station.  Thus  far 
it  had  been  in  St.  Clairsville  circuit,  Martins- 
ville circuit,  Centreville  circuit  and  then  be- 
came a circuit  of  its  own  with  only  two  outly- 
ing points. 

In  1889  a handsome,  commodious,  new 
church  was  built  at  a cost  of  $20,000  or  more. 
The  laity  who  toiled  through  these  years  are 
worthy  of  mention,  but  they  are  too  many  and 
records  are  too  brief.  Many  have  their  re- 
wards ; many  remain,  honored  and  respected. 

The  ministry  that  served  has  been  among  the 
worthy  of  God’s  chosen  heralds.  Some  of 
these  are  not,  some  are. 

The  first  presiding  elder  was  Samuel  R. 
Brockunier;  then  Robert  Hopkins,  Wesley 
Kenney,  Gideon  G.  Kinnear,  John  Coil,  J.  W. 
Baker,  J.  Moffit,  J.  L.  Deens,  J.  S.  Brockin,  S. 
Burt,  J.  M.  Carr,  G.  W.  Gray,  Louis  Paine, 
J.  R.  Mills,  D.  C.  Osborne  and  M.  J.  Slutz. 

The  pastors  : C.  D.  Battelle,  William  Knox, 
William  Summers,  John  Hare,  John  W. 
Minor,  I.  N.  McAfee,  J.  G.  Sansom,  Israel 
Dallas,  James  C.  Taylor,  John  W.  Flowers, 
Peter  McGowan,  Alfred  A.  Reger,  James 


Montgomery,  William  A.  Ruter,  L.  Petty,  C. 
H.  Jackson,  W.  A.  Davidson,  Pardon  Cook, 
J.  J.  Mclllgar,  John  W.  Baker,  David  Cross, 
M.  W.  Dallas,  AT  L.  Weekly,  P.  G.  Edmonds, 
J.  L.  Deens.  J.  D.  Vail,  W.  K.  Marshall,  J. 

F.  Jones,  Wkdter  Brown,  I.  A.  Pierce,  Josiah 
Mansell,  J.  FI.  Rogers,  T.  S.  Hodgson,  J.  W. 
Toland,  A.  R.  Chapman,  A.  W.  Butts,  John 
Williams,  R.  F.  Keeler,  Thomas  W.  Lane,  D. 
W.  Chandler,  O.  W.  Holmes,  E.  A.  Simons 
and  D.  W.  Knight. 

Official  board:  President,  George  Walters; 

secretary.  Robert  C.  Meyer ; treasurer,  FI.  A. 
Licbtenberger ; stewards, — Robert  Anderson, 
L.  G.  Battelle,  T.  S.  Bickerton,  Tbomas  Cum- 
mins, J.  W.  Jones,  W.  G.  McClain,  Robert  C. 
Meyer,  William  Piper,  M.  D.,  James  Stewart 
and  W.  C.  Stewart ; recording  steward, — W. 

G.  McClain ; district  steward, — T.  S.  Bicker- 
ton. 

The  trustees  are:  D.  T.  Cowen,  C.  H.  Dank- 
worth, William  Dougherty,  J.  W.  Garber,  J. 
T.  Kelley,  FI.  A.  Licbtenberger,  Dr.  J.  S.  Mc- 
Clellan, John  Parks  and  George  Walters. 
The  class  leaders  are : A.  T.  Keyser,  Stephen 
Flipkins  and  Elias  Williams.  The  Sunday- 
school  superintendent  is  L.  G.  Battelle.  The 
Epworth  League  president  is  Dr.  J.  S.  Mc- 
Clellan. The  salary  has  ranged  from  $300  to 
$1,500, — the  present  salary.  The  benevolences 
for  tbe  past  conference  year  were  as  follows : 


Missions  $500 

Freedmen’s  Aid  50 

Board  of  Church  E.xtension 35 

Education  41 

Tract  Society  8 

Sunday  School  Union  8 

American  Bible  Society 8 

Total  $650 

Necessities  52 

Bishops  22 

Total  $724 


The  Second  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. — 
The  church  was  organized  about  the  year  1881 
by  T.  H.  y\rmstrong,  Pb.  D.,  who  was  its  first 
pastor  and  under  whose  supervision  the  build- 
ing was  erected  on  its  present  site,  and  dedi- 
cated October  23,  1881.  Among  its  first  of- 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


177 


ficial  members  were : Isaac  L.  Fawcett,  M.  J. 

Brand,  Thomas  Strong,  Robert  Hemphill, 
John  Workman,  Jonathan  Huffman,  John 
Camp,  W.  K.  Long  and  B.  F.  Morgan.  A 
Sunday-school  was  organized  several  years 
earlier,  about  1876,  of  which  Jonathan  Huff- 
man was  the  first  superintendent.  Rev.  A.  R. 
Chapman,  who  was  the  pastor  of  the  First 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  Bella  ire, 

preached  the  dedicatory  sermon. 

The  church  is  valued  at  $3,000.  There  is  iro 
parsonage  belonging  to  it.  There  are  at  the 
present  time  about  250  members  and  seven 
probationers.  There  is  an  enrollment  of  Sun- 
day-school scholars  of  225,  of  which  school 
George  Deitritch  is  the  efficient  superintendent. 

The  present  official  board  of  the  church  is  as 
follows:  Stewards, — James  M.  Weeks,  J.  W. 

Grooms,  George  Deitritch,  Marion  Huffman, 
L.  E.  Wilson,  William  Diday  and  John  Askew. 
Weeks  is  president  and  Huffman  secretary  of 
the  board.  Trustees:  J.  M.  Coffield,  John 

Askew,  Edwin  Sutton,  John  Boyer,  James  L. 
Ery,  W.  S.  Glasgow  and  William  Diday. 
Leaders  of  church  classes  : James  W.  Grooms, 
John  Askew,  John  Boyers,  L.  E.  Wilson  and 
William  S.  Glasgow. 

It  is  asserted  that  the  site  of  the  church  was 
presented  to  the  original  trustees  hy  the  father 
of  Rev.  T.  H.  Armstrong.  It  is  situated  at 
the  corner  of  Guernsey  and  19th  streets. 

The  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bellaire 
was  organized  August  27,  i860,  with  John  S. 
Cratty,  John  W.  Milligan  and  A.  W.  Ander- 
son, chosen  as  ruling  elders.  At  the  same  time 
a suitable  brick  church  was  erected  as  a house 
of  worship. 

Upon  October  i,  i860.  Rev.  John  Moffat, 
D.  D..  Avas  chosen  pastor  of  the  church  and  en- 
tered upon  his  duties  the  second  Sabbath  of 
January.  1861.  On  February  3,  1863,  Dr. 
Moffat  accepted  a call  to  the  Second  Presby- 
terian Church  of  Wheeling,  West  Virginia,  and 
upon  August  30,1863,  Rev.  J.  D.  Fitzgerald 
became  pastor  as  supply  for  six  months  and 
served  the  church  until  April,  1864,  when  he 
was  released. 


In  June,  1866,  Rev.  William  Gaston  was 
chosen  pastor  of  the  church  and  continued  to 
serve  the  congregation  until  December  i,  1881. 
In  the  interim,  it  was  found  necessary  to  erect 
a new  house  of  worship  to  accommodate  the 
increasing  number  of  members,  and  a second 
church  was  built  in  1871. 

The  church  has  had  five  changes  of  pastors 
since  its  organization,  but  its  pulpit  is  now  va- 
cant. 

The  members  of  the  session  are  as  follows : 
A.  T.  Stewart,  Dr.  J.  P.  West,  A.  J.  McClel- 
land and  E.  W.  Cooper.  In  connection  with 
the  church  there  is  a prosperous  and  well  con- 
ducted Sabbath-school.  The  present  member- 
ship of  the  church  numbers  250. 

The  United  Presbyterian  Church. — The 
Presbytery  of  Wheeling  at  a meeting  in  St. 
Clairsville,  Ohio,  March  12,  1872,  having 

granted  the  recjuest  of  certain  persons  that  a 
church  should  be  organized  in  Bellaire,  ap- 
pointed a session  for  that  purpose,  consisting 
of  the  pastor  and  elders  of  the  church  in 
Wheeling  and  the  elders  of  the  High  Ridge 
congregation. 

In  pursuance  of  this  direction,  the  following 
.persons  met  in  Bellaire  on  April  29th:  Rev. 

J.  T.  McClure.  Messrs.  A.  Taylor.  M.  W.  Mil- 
ler, John  Johnson  and  J.  S.  Keyser.  The  or- 
ganization Avas  then  effected  Avith  24  members. 
The  first  elders,  Alexander  DuBois  and  Robert 
Walker,  were  ordained  and  installed  May  8, 
1872.  Rev.  R.  G.  Wallace,  now  of  San  Diego, 
California,  Avas  the  first  pastor,  beginning  AAmrk 
in  1873  continuing  as  pastor  until  1887. 

Rev.  W.  F.  McLaugblin  became  pastor  in 
1887  and  resigned  in  1889,  being  succeeded 
bv  Rev.  William  Wallace  Avhose  pastorate  in- 
cluded from  1890  to  April,  1893.  Rev.  H.  S. 
Boyd  became  pastor  in  1894  and  Avas  released 
. in  October.  1898. 

The  present  pastor,  ReAo  Charles  P.  Proud- 
fit,  Avas  ordained  and  installed  pastor  of  this 
church  September  12,  1899.  The  elders  are: 
John  DuBois,  Joseph  Clemesto  and  Robert 
Johnston : trustees, — M.  List,  Alex.  DuBois. 
and  John  H.  McGraAV,  Avith  W.  C.  Warnock. 


178 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


treasurer.  I'he  congregation  worships  in  the 
original  church  structure,  which  is  valued  at 
$2,500.  The  present  memhership  is  118. 

W'hile  not  large  in  numbers,  the  congrega- 
tion includes  among  its  members  many  of  the 
most  reliable  business  men  of  Bellaire. 

Trinity  Protestant  Episcopal  Church. — Rev. 
J.  K.  Rogers  of  Steubenville,  Ohio,  was  the 
first  clergyman  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  to  olheiate  regularly  at  Bellaire. 

He  held  services  once  each  month  in  the 
Presbyterian  Church  during  the  year  1861. 
Rev.  M.  Coleman,  of  East  Liverpool,  officiated 
for  a few  months  in  1866,  on  alternate  Sun- 
days. Rev.  John  Long  of  Wellsville  organ- 
ized the  church  under  the  name  “Trinity  Mis- 
sion” in  1872,  with  eight  communicants.  He 
held  services  on  alternate  Sundays  in  a hall. 
In  August  of  this  year  a framework  shop  on 
the  corner  of  Belmont  and  36th  streets  was 
leased  for  five  years  at  $144  a year.  It  was 
fitted  up  at  an  expense  of  $280.  Mr.  Long 
resigned  in  1873.  Rev.  T.  O.  Tongue  of 
Moundsville,  West  Virginia,  officiated  from 
April  to  September  in  1873. 

Rev.  Jacob  Rambo,  formerly  missionary  to 
.Tfrica,  took  charge  in  October,  1873,  preach- 
ing every  Sunday  until  March,  1874,  from 
which  for  15  months  he  preached  morning  and 
evening  on  three  Sundays  each  month.  Lrom 
July  I,  1875,  he  preached  twice  a day,  on  al- 
ternate Sundays,  going  to  Cross  Creek,  Jef- 
ferson County,  on  the  other  Sundays.  July  i, 
1878,  a lot  was  purchased  on  Noble  street  near 
42nd  street  for  $650.  Mr.  Rambo  resigned 
in  December,  1879.  Rev.  John  S.  Gibson  took 
charge  in  December,  1880,  and  resigned  in 
1882. 

September  i,  1883,  Rev.  AV.  W.  Walker 
took  charge  of  the  work  and  remained  until 
June,  1886.  During  his  time,  steps  were  taken 
toward  organizing  a church  at  Martin’s  Lerry. 
He  officiated  there  every  other  Sunday  in  the 
afternoon. 

Rev.  W.  S.  Campbell  took  charge  of  Trinity 
Church,  Bellaire,  and  St.  Paul’s,  Martin’s 
Lerry,  m November,  1886,  officiating  at  Bel- 
laire m the  morning  and  Martin’s  Lerry  in  the 


afternoon.  Mr.  Campbell  died  at  Bellaire  in 
1888.  In  1890,  Rev.  C.  O’Meara  took  charge 
of  the  church  and  resigned  in  1891.  He  was 
succeeded  in  1892  by  Rev.  W.  H.  Burbank, 
who  remained  in  charge  about  a year.  In  1895 
Rev.  John  P.  Lrayter  took  charge  of  the  work 
and  remained  until  December,  1898.  While 
Mr.  Lrayter  was  in  charge,  a Sunday-school 
room  was  erected  in  the  rear  of  the  church. 
Rev.  D.  W.  Cox  took  charge  of  the  church  in 
July,  1900,  and  is  in  charge  at  this  date  (Oc- 
tober, 1902).  The  church  has  a membership 
of  50. 

The  Catholic  Church. — The  history  of  Cath- 
olicity in  this  city  dates  back  to  the  early  “fif- 
ties” and  “forties.”  A few  Catholic  families, 
mostly  of  Irish  origin,  settled  in  the  little 
country  village  then  occupying  the  present  site 
of  Bellaire.  The  missionary  fathers  from  Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio,  would  occasionally  pass  through 
the  region  and  minister  to  the  spiritual  wants, 
of  the  people.  Notable  amongst  the  early  mis- 
sionary fathers  was  the  Rev.  Lrench  Lather 
Tinpant,  who  later  on  made  Steubenville  his 
headquarters.  In  1854  Rev.  Lather  Bloomer 
from  Beaver,  Ohio,  later  Batesville,  made  reg- 
ular monthly  visits  to  Bellaire.  Lather  Bloom- 
er said  mass  in  the  houses  of  private  individu- 
als and  gathered  about  him  the  few  families, 
in  number  about  40  persons.  Lather  Bloomer 
was  followed  by  Lather  Kennedy,  who,  how- 
ever, remained  only  a short  time.  About  1856, 
Rev.  Lather  Jacquett,  pastor  of  St.  Mary’s 
Church  in  Beaver,  assumed  charge  of  the  little 
Catholic  community  in  Bellaire.  Lather  Jac- 
quett made  regular  monthly  visits,  and  was  ac- 
companied on  these  by  a little  altar  hoy  from 
one  of  the  best  families  in  Batesville.  This 
little  altar  boy  in  after  years  became  a priest 
himself,  and  after  the  death  of  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop 
Rosecrans  was  made  administrator  of  the  Co- 
lumbus Diocese.  After  the  appointment  of 
Bishop  Watterson  to  the  vacant  see,  the  young 
man  was  elected  by  the  Sovereign  Pontiff  to 
the  bishopric  of  Galveston  in  Texas,  and  is 
now  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Gallagher  of  that  see. 
About  the  year  1857  Lather  Jacquett  bought 
the  first  property  owned  by  the  Catholics  in 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


179 


Bellaire.  The  property  consisted  of  two  lots 
situated  on  Guernsey  street  near  the  Baltimore 
& Ohio  Railroad  bridge,  which  at  that  time, 
however,  was  not  yet  built.  A certain  Mr. 
Sullivan  made  tlie  struggling  little  congrega- 
tion a present  of  a third  lot.  On  this  prop- 
erty Father  Jacquett  built  the  first  church  in 
Bellaire.  The  structure  was  a little  brick  edi- 
fice. At  that  time  the  Columbus  Diocese  had 
not  yet  been  erected  by  the  Holy  Father  and 
Bellaire  was  a portion  of  the  Archdiocese 
of  Cincinnati,  presided  over  by  Archbishop 
Purcell.  It  was  this  archbishop  that  dedicated 
the  little  church  upon  its  completion.  Father 
Jacquett  also  took  steps  to  gather  the  children 
of  the  few  Catholic  families  into  a school.  All 
told,  there  were  an  even  dozen  of  children. 
This  school  was  placed  in  charge  of  secular 
teachers.  In  1868  a certain  Father  Daly  was 
made  the  permanent  pastor  of  the  Catholic 
community  in  Bellaire.  Father  Daly  built  the 
first  parochial  residence,  which  was  a brick 
structure  and  is  still  standing.  Father  Daly 
also  built  the  first  school  house  for  the  parish, 
the  former  school  occupying  a small  room  at 
the  corner  of  what  are  now  Belmont  and  31st 
streets.  Father  Daly,  dying  in  1870,  was  fol- 
lowed by  Father  INIaher,  who,  however,  re- 
mained only  a very  short  time,  and  was  fol- 
lowed by  Rev.  Father  Philip  Steyle  in  1871  as 
permanent  pastor.  In  1872  Father  Steyle 
bought  two  more  lots  adjoining  the  property 
already  owned  by  the  congregation  and  en- 
larged the  school  building.  This  pastor  also 
introduced  the  Sisters  of  the  Humility  of  Mary 
as  teachers  in  the  school.  Father  Steyle  also 
built  an  addition  to  the  brick  church,  enlarging 
the  same  both  toward  the  front  and  rear.  The 
Sisters  of  the  Humility  of  Mary,  having  been 
withdrawn  by  their  superioress  after  faithful 
service,  were  succeeded  by  the  Sisters  of  St. 
Joseph. 

In  1881  Rev.  Father  Daniel  Cull  was  ap- 
pointed to  the  pastorate  of  Bellaire,  Father 
Steyle  taking  charge  of  a large  parish  in  Ports- 
mouth whence  he  was  afterward  transferred  to 
Delaware,  where  he  built  a magnificent  church 
and  is  now  an  irremovable  rector.  During 


Father  Cull’s  administration,  the  parish  ac- 
quired new  property  located  at  the  head  of 
Guernsey  street.  The  property  consisted  of 
four  lots,  two  lying  on  each  side  of  the  street, 
and  are  bounded  on  the  north  by  37th  street. 
The  .Sisters  of  St.  Joseph  having  been  with- 
drawn were  replaced  by  the  Sisters  of  Charity 
from  Nazareth,  Kentucky,  who  are  at  this 
writing  still  the  teaching  faculty  in  the  schools. 
Father  Cull  died  in  January.  1888.  The  parish 
was  placed  in  charge  of  Rev.  Father  W.  H. 
McDermitt  pending  the  appointment  of  a per- 
manent pastor.  Father  Richard  Fitzgerald, 
rector  of  the  Cathedral  in  Columbus,  rvas  ap- 
pointed as  pastor  after  three  months.  During 
the  rectorship  of  Father  Fitzgerald,  the  school 
buildings  were  enlarged  and  in  the  year  1894  a 
new  and  magnificent  brick  structure  was  begun 
by  reason  of  the  increased  parish.  The  new 
building  was  designed  to  furnish  accommoda- 
tions both  for  the  schools  of  the  parish  and  to 
serve  for  a time  as  a church.  The  building 
was  erected  at  the  head  of  Guernsey  street  on 
the  east  side  of  the  street. 

Father  Fitzgerald,  falling  sick  of  a virulent 
cancer  that  was  gnawing  the  vitals  of  his 
throat,  resigned  in  January,  1896.  and  was  fol- 
lowed by  Rev.  Joseph  M.  Wehrle,  then  pastor 
of  the  Catholic  Church  in  Wheelersburg,  Ohio. 
Father  Wehrle  took  possession  of  the  parish 
in  February  of  the  same  year  and  completed  the 
brick  structure  begun  by  bis  predecessor.  In 
1897  the  parochial  residence  was  removed  to 
the  building  opposite  tbe  new  school  building 
at  the  heacl  of  Guernsey  street,  and  all  the 
former  property  owned  by  the  congregation 
below  the  railroad  bridge  was  disposed  of. 
The  old  church  was  torn  down  and  tenement 
houses  now  occupy  the  site.  In  1899  the  con- 
gregation purchased  more  property,  consisting 
,of  two  lots  lying  to  the  south  of  the  property 
owned  by  the  parish  at  th.e  head  of  Guernsey 
street.  A large'  tract  of  land  lying  outside  of 
the  city  limits  was  also  purchased  in  order  to 
enlarge  the  cemetery.  In  1901  property  was 
again  purchased,  this  time  at  the  head  of  Bel- 
mont street  and  bounded  by  37th  street  on  the 
south.  The  property  consisted  of  four  very 


i8o 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


desiral)le  lots  and  large  brick  mansion.  This 
[)roperty  was  designed  as  a home  for  the 
Sisters  who  teach  the  parochial  school,  the 
commnnity  of  Sisters  being  now  more 
than  double  the  nnmber  of  those  who  first 
came  to  llcllaire  in  order  to  teach  the  schools 
of  the  parish.  At  this  writing  preparations  are 
making  by  the  congregation  to  build  a magni- 
ficent ])arochial  residence.  Architects  have 
been  invited  to  submit  plans  and  specifications 
for  the  new  building,  which  will  be  begun  next 
sjM'ing.  The  new  residence  will  be  Gothic  in 
architecture  and  large  and  commodious  in 
every  respect.  The  residence  is  intended  to 
be  the  home  of  at  least  three  permanent  priests 
in  the  ])arish,  one  of  whom  will  be  the  pastor. 

'Phe  congregation  has  grown  from  the  first 
40  individuals  to  a membership  at  this  writing 
of  more  than  4,000  persons.  The  Catholic 
community  is  made  up  largely  of  Irish,  Ger- 
mans, Slovak  and  Italians,  while  also  some  few 
Poles,  Kriners,  Croatians,  Syrians  and  Bohe- 
mians are  numbered  amongst  the  parishioners. 
Besides  the  ])resent  large  parish  in  the  city, 
P'ather  Wehrle  has  also  charge  of  several  mis- 
sions at  which  large  numbers  of  Catholics  are 
settling.  'Phe  jurisdiction  of  the  pastor  ex- 
tends on  the  south  to  the  Monroe  County  line 
and  on  the  west  comprises  Washington,  Smith 
and  a portion  of  Richland  townshi])s,  and  ex- 
tends on  the  north,  with  the  exception  of  two 
sections,  to  the  Pease  townshi]:)  line.  While 
preparations  are  making  for  the  building  of 
the  commodious  and  magnificent  parochial 
residence,  ])lans  will  also  be  submitted  by  the 
architects  and  accepted  for  the  future  church 
that  will  be  built  in  the  parish.  It  is  the  inten- 
tion of  Father  Wehrle  to  build  the  future 
church  after  the  design  of  the  Cathedral  of 
Xotre  Dame  in  Rheims,  France.  The  building 
will  involve  an  outlay  of  over  $100,000,  and 
will  be  of  French  Gothic  architecture. 

Phe  number  of  children  now  attending  the 
schools  of  the  parish  is  over  400.  Besides  the 
high  school  department,  there,  is  also  instruc- 
tion given  in  vocal  and  instrumental  music  and 
fine  needle  work. 

St.  Paul\'\  A.  M.  E.  CJnircJi  in  Bellaire  w'as 


organized  in  1866  by  Rev.  Dudley  Asbury  and 
Rev.  W.  H.  Brown.  The  latter  is  now  a mem- 
ber of  the  Pittsburg  Conference.  The  former 
died  last  February, — he  was  a member  of  the 
Tennesse  Conference.  There  are  but  three 
members  living  now  who  were  among  the  first 
in  the  organization  of  the  church,  namely, 
George  W.  Peters,  Mrs.  George  W.  Peters  and 
Rebecca  Jacobs,  all  quite  aged  people. 

The  following  named  pastors  have  had 
charge  of  St.  Paul's  A.  AI.  E.  Church  of  Bel- 
laire, Ohio,  from  1866  to  1902 : Rev.  Dudley 
Asbury,  1866-67;  Howell,  1868-69; 
Jenkins,  1870-71  ; Rev.  Ferguson,  1872-73; 
Rev.  II.  W.  Toney,  1874-75;  Rev.  Isaac  Dil- 
lon; 1876;  Rev.  Alfred  March,  1877-78;  Rev. 
J.  W.  Lewis,  1879:  Rev.  George  W.  Stephens, 
1880-81;  Rev.  J.  M.  Griffin,  1882-83;  Rev.  J. 
H.  Bell,  1884-85;  Rev.  B.  H.  Lee,  1886-88; 
Rev.  W.  PL  Coleman,  1889;  Rev.  C.  S.  Gee 
and  George  H.  Davis,  1890;  Rev.  M.  M.  Pon- 
ton, 1891;  Rev.  W.  D.  Alitchell,  1892;  Rev. 
Charles  Coleman,  1893-95 1 Rev.  John  M. 
Wilkes,  1896-97;  Rev.  A.  R.  Palmer,  1898; 
Rev.  R.  B.  P.  Wright,  1899;  Rev.  J.  H.  Smith, 
1900:  Rev.  J.  D.  Singleton,  1901-02. 

The  beautiful  church  edifice,  in  which  pub- 
lic worship  is  held,  has  a seating  capacity  of 
270,  and  is  all  paid  for.  The  membership  of 
the  church  is  35.  The  value  of  the  church 
projierty  is  $8,000. 

SECRET  AND  FRATERNAL  ORGANIZATIONS. 

Masonic  Lodges. — Bellaire  has  two  Masonic 
lodges,  viz. — Bellaire  and  Ionic,  as  well  as  Bel- 
laire Chapter. 

Bellaire  Lodge  No.*  267,  F.  & A.  M.,  was 
organized  October  25,  1855.  The  charter 

members  rvere  G.  W.  Anderson,  Joel  Strahl,  J. 
Johnson,  J.  M.  Spangler,  Thomas  Fulton,  J. 
A.  Porterfield,  Robert  Darrah,  R.  E.  Neal, 
lolin  Kellev,  E.  P.  Birdsong,  W.  H.  Allen  and 
H.  AI.  Dolby. 

It  has  today  a membership  of  130,  and  the 
officers  for  1902  are:  J.  W.  Overman,  W.  M. ; 
George  E.  Morgan,  S.  W. ; R.  W.  Archer,  J. 
W. ; J,  T.  Kelley,  treasurer;  Cyrus  Strahl,  sec- 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


i8i 


retary ; E.  C.  Goodman,  S.  D. ; Charles  W. 
Thomas,  J.  D. ; Thomas  S.  Fish,  tyler;  Wil- 
liam E.  Nelson,  steward;  Gny  W.  Dankworth, 
junior  steward;  Will  Doherty,  chaplain; 
hnance  committee,  John  R.  Gow,  Frank  A. 
Jackson  and  S.  J.  Rockershousen. 

Ionic  Lodge  No.  438,  F.  & A.  M.,  was 
organized  October  19,  1870.  The  following 
are  the  charter  memhers : B.  R.  Cowen,  J.  S. 

Smith,  M.  N.  Mercer,  David  Rankin,  J.  T. 
Mercer,  James  B.  Darrah,  G.  R.  Greer,  M,  W, 
Jnnkins,  A.  Grafton,  T.  K.  Crosier,  George  W. 
Hogue,  D.  Westlake  and  N.  B.  Scott, 

It  has  a membership  of  71,  and  the  follow- 
ing are-the  officers  for  1902:  Martin  Weller- 

ton,  W.  M. ; M.  J.  Schick,  S.  W. ; J.  H.  Sin- 
clair, J.  W, ; A.  Schick,  treasurer ; J.  M.  King, 
secretary;  J.  M.  Covert,  S.  D. ; J,  F.  Covert, 
J.  D. ; George  H.  Harris,  chaplain;  Louis 
Grant,  tyler ; J,  W.  Stewart,  senior  steward ; 
Peter  Kern,  junior  steward;  finance  commit- 
tee,— H.  W.  Burrows,  Charles  McCroby  and 
J.  G.  Crawford. 

Bellaire  Chapter  No.  107,  R.  A.  M.,  was  or- 
ganized October  17,  1868.  Its  present  mem- 
bership is  1 13.  The  following  are  the  charter 
members : E.  G.  Morgan,  John  Kelley,  W.  J. 
Kelley,  J.  S.  Lockwood,  J.  H.  Coleman,  N. 
Venning,  J.  C.  Shimmons,  William  Greenfield, 
B.  R.  Cowen  and  M,  P.  Smith. 

The  officers  for  1902  are : George  E.  Mor- 
gan, M.  E.  H.  P. ; Will  Doherty,  excellent 
king;  Chalkley  Dawson,  excellent  scribe; 
James  T.  Kelley,  treasurer;  J.  A.  Greenfield, 
secretary;  H.  A.  Thompson,  C.  of  H.;  Will 
Parks,  P.  S. ; C.  S,  Starkweather,  R.  A,  S. ; 
E.  C.  Goodman,  G.  M.  third  veil;  W,  E.  Nel- 
son, G.  M.  second  veil;  W.  H.  Burrows,  G,  M. 
first  veil ; J.  T.  Rowles,  guard  ; finance  commit- 
tee,— J,  W.  Overman,  C.  H.  Strahl  and  W.  S. 
Carroll. 

/.  O.  O.  F.  Lodges. — For  a number  of  years 
there  had  been  considerable  interest  manifested 
by  members  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  residing  in  Bel- 
laire, relative  to  the  organization  of  a lodge 
here. 

Finally,  Ralph  Heatherington,  Christian 
Bipjms,  Joseph  Mercer,  George  Kern,  Thomas 


Archil)ald,  Wilbur  Kriter,  John  Muth,  and 
Hiram  IM.  Ingler  effected  a preliminary  organ- 
ization on  July  10,  1865,  by  electing  Joseph 
Mercer,  chairman;  John  IMuth,  secretary;  and 
George  Kern,  treasurer.  This  organization 
took  immediate  action  toward  organizing  a 
lodge  of  I.  O.  O.  F.,  but  it  was  not  until  the 
spring  of  1866  that  they  were  successful  in  se- 
curing a charter. 

On  Tuesday,  April  26,  1866,  their  efforts 
were  crowned  with  success  and  Bellaire  Lodge 
No.  378,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  was  instituted  with  broth- 
ers John  Muth,  Christian  Bippus,  D.  K.  San- 
ford, H.  M.  Ingler,  George  Kern,  Joseph  Mer- 
cer, George  H.  Muth,  W.  H.  Thurber,  Ralph 
Heatherington  and  Elias  Dew  as  charter  mem- 
bers; and  John  Muth,  noble  grand;  Christian 
Bippus,  vice  grand;  D.  K.  Sanford,  secretary; 
and  George  Kern,  treasurer.  The  lodge  was  at 
once  popular  with  the  public,  soon  taking  a 
leading  place  among  the  fraternal  societies  of 
the  city. 

In  the  spring  of  1869  German  members 
decided  that  they  would  prefer  to  have  a lodge 
which  used  a German  ritual,  accordingly  they 
withdrew  from  Bellaire  Lodge.  On  the  8th 
of  July,  1869,  they  instituted  Kern  Lodge  No. 
428,  I.  O.  O.  F.  This  lodge  thrived  from  its 
start,  enlisting  as  it  did  Germans  who  have 
ever  taken  a just  pride  in  their  lodge.  This 
lodge  meets  every  Saturdav  evening  at  7 130 
in  the  I.  O.  O.  F.'  Hall. 

About  the  year  1872,  Bellaire  Lodge  pur- 
chased two  lots  on  the  corner  of  33rd  and  Bel- 
mont streets  on  which  they  erected  a two-story 
frame  business  house.  This  Inulding  remained 
until  the  spring  of  1890  when  it  was  torn  down 
and  a fine  three-story  brick  building,  40  feet 
front  and  no  feet  depth,  was  erected  at  a 
cost  of  .$20,000.  The  first  and  second  stories 
are  rented  as  business  rooms  and  the  third 
storv  is  fitted  up  as  a lodge  hall,  making  one  of 
the  finest  halls  for  lodge  purposes  in  Eastern 
Ohio.  Here  Bellaire  Lodge  No.  378,  I.  O.  O. 
F.,  meets  every  Tuesday  evening  at  7 130. 

Since  its  organization,  over  500  members 
have  l)een  initiated  into  Bellaire  Lodge,  and  it 
now  has  a membership  of  over  150.  The  dues 


i82 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


arc  ])cr  year  with  no  assessments  and  a 
funeral  hendil  of  $JOO  is  paid. 

In  iSdp  tlie  inenil)ers  decided  to  organize  a 
liiglicr  l)ranch  of  the  I.  ().  ().  I',  and  on  the 
i4tli  of  jnh’,  tS6(y  they  instituted  Bellaire  En- 
canipincnt  i\'o.  i_’2.  1.  6.  O.  h.,  with  patriarchs 
I.  1).  Sinners,  C.  S.  S.  Baron,  W.  S.  Lane,  W. 

tfnchran,  William  A.  Lilly,  John  B.  Gorhy, 
\i.  II.  Williams,  A.  L.  Baron,  William  Hip- 
k'ins,  A.  (irafton,  J.  W.  Janes  and  I.  N.  Graf- 
ton as  charter  mcmhers.  d'his  proved  to  he 
\-ery  jxtpnlar  with  the  memhers  of  the  order 
a,nd  it  is  today  in  a most  flourishing  condition. 
It  meets  the  flrst  and  third  Fridays  of  each 
month  at  7 130  p.  m.,  in  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  Hall. 

.\l)ont  1880  a ladies  T.  O.  O.  F.  lodge  Avas 
organized  known  as  the  Daughters  of  Rebekah, 
hut  for  some  unex])lained  reason  was  allowed 
to  lapse.  Nothing  further  was  done  in  the 
matter  of  Rehekah  Lodge  until  the  spring 
of  1902,  when  a new  Daughters  of  Rebekah 
lodge  was  organized  with  42  memhers,  which 
will  he  instituted  the  flrst  or  second  week  of 
October,  1902. 

Black  Prince  Lodge,  Ah).  57,  Knights  of 
Pythias,  was  chartered  March  12,  1874. 

Names  of  charter  memhers:  J.  B.  Darrah,  E. 
Id  Satterfield,  W.  A.  McLaughlin,  C.  Bippus, 
Alex.  Clohan,  A.  Roeder,  J.  H,  Hahn,  J.  J. 
Powell,  F.  Bickle,  J.  S.  Carter,  O.  T.  Black- 
burn, A.  Schick,  R.  Criswell,  William  Wheel- 
er, 1'homas  S.  Cooper,  D.  S.  Criswell,  A.  John- 
-son,  E.  L.  Feelev,  W.  S.  Carroll,  T.  M,  God- 
frey, O.  C.  Bray,  A.  Ault,  A.  S.  Feeley,  H. 
Landkrohn,  H.  Ulrich,  J.  Dunning,  J.  Hipkins, 
P.  O.  Criswell,  A.  AfeCiain,  Henry  Ditwiler. 

The  present  officers  are:  C.  C.,  Clarence 

Simpson;  V.  C,  Will  McClellan;  P„  E.  E. 
Workman;  M.  A.,  Miles  T.  Carnes;  I.  G.,  Ed 
.\lthar;  O.  G.,  George  Odhert ; M.  of  W„  Ed- 
gar Luke;  A'l.  of  F.,  f-  W.  Obermann;  M.  of 
E.,  C.  W.  Dickens;  K.‘ of  R.  and  S.,  R.  W.  AIc- 
Vay ; Id.  G.  C.,  Charles  Culbertson.  The  pres- 
ent membership  is  307. 

When  the  foundation  of  the  new  city  build- 
ing at  Bellaire  was  completed,  an  invitation 
was  extended  the  order  of  Knights  of  Pythias 
of  Bellaire  flo  perform  the  ceremony.  When 


this  fact  became  known,  some  citizens  of  Bel- 
laire who  did  not  approve  of  such  proceedings 
asked  the  court  through  P'ather  Wehrle  of  the 
Catholic  Church  to  enjoin  the  Knights  of 
Pythias  until  the  case  could  be  tried.  This  the 
court  granted,  lint  regardless  of  the  injunction 
the  Knights  of  Pythias  proceeded  with  the  cor- 
ner stone  laying, 

zAfter  the  ceremonies  were  completed,  the 
parties  who  took  active  part  in  the  ceremonies 
were  arrested  for  contempt  of  court.  The 
Knights,  however,  asked  for  a hearing  before 
another  court.  This  request  Judge  Hollings- 
ivorth  granted  and  the  case  was  heard  by  Judge 
Frasier  of  Lanesville,  who  dismissed  the  de- 
fendants u])on  technical  grounds. 

With  regard  to  this  celebrated  case,  the  sec- 
retary of  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  R.  W.  Mc- 
V ay,  makes  the  following  statement : 

“In  regard  to  the  corner  stone  matter,  Black 
Prince  Lodge  had  nothing  to  do  with  it.  The 
honor  of  laying  the  stone  w'as  accorded  to  the 
Arlington  Company,  No.  92,  U.  R.,  K.  of  P., 
of  Bellaire  (which  is  a military  company  com- 
posed of  Knights  of  Pythias,  most  of  its  mem- 
bers also  belonging  to  Black  Prince  Lodge,  but 
some  belonging  to  other  lodges)  by  the  City 
Council,  on  May  13,  1902.  Some  time  after- 
Avard  Arlington  Company  found  that  they 
could  not  lay  the  stone  because  they  had  no 
ritual  for  that  kind  of  work.  They  then  visit- 
ed the  grand  chancellor  of  the  State,  and  after 
consulting  with  him  they  turned  the  matter 
over  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  K.  of  P.,  of  the  State 
of  Ohio.  This  ivas  on  May  25,  1902.  On  the 
night  of  the  29th,  the  Arlington  Company  was 
enjoined  from  laying  the  stone  or  permitting  it 
to  he  laid.  On  the  next  day  the  Grand  Lodge 
laid  the  stone.  Shortly  afterward  the  parties 
who  had  been  enjoined  were  cited  to  appear 
and  shoAV  cause  why  they  should  not  be  pun- 
ished for  contempt.  After  a hearing,  they  were 
found  not  guilty  and  dismissed.  Black  Prince 
Lodge  had  no  part  in  the  matter  other  than 
that  some  of  their  members  acted  as  Grand 
Lodge  officers  at  tbe  layng  of  the  stone,  being 
specially  deputized  by  the  grand  chancellor.” 

Bellaire  Hk’e,  No.  2Q2,  Ladies  of  the  Mac- 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


cabccs,  was  organized  May  9,  1900.  The  char- 
ter officials  were  : Commander,  Flora  DuBois  ; 
lieutenant  commander,  Lucinda  Jackson;  past 
commander,  Penelope  Dean;  record  keeper, 
Lida  Heatherington ; finance  keeper,  Luella 
Jeffers;  mistress  at  arms,  Maude  Rofelty; 
sergeant,  Mabel  Long;  chaplain,  Alice  J.  Wil- 
son ; sentinel,  Lottie  Hart ; picket,  Annie 
Strong.  The  number  of  charter  members  was 

46. 

The  present  officials  are:  Commander,  Nel- 
lie LaRoche;  past  commander,  Penelope  Dean; 
lieutenant  commander,  Mary  A.  Wagoner; 
record  keeper,  Alice  J.  Wilson;  finance  keeper. 
Ora  Z.  Weeks:  mistress  at  arms,  Luella  Jef- 
fers ; sergeant,  Sarah  Buress ; chaplain,  Louisa 
LaRoche;  sentinel,  Regina  IMeyer;  picket, 
Margaret  Strahl.  The  number  of  members  at 
present  is  82. 

This  organization  is  one  of  the  best  of  tbe 
assessment  societies  in  the  State,  and  the  order 
is  the  only  independent  order  of  ladies  in  the 
world,  at’present  controlled  entirely  by  women 
from  the  highest  to  the  lowest  official. 

BcUaire  Lodge  No.  2,  Shield  of  Honor,  was 
organized  in  1899,  the  date  of  its  charter  be- 
ing November  2nd.  Tbe  following  were  the 
charter  members : J.  M.  King,  D.  Robinson, 

T.  C.  Ward,  W.  C.  Joseph,  C.  W.  Swisher,  E. 

A.  Shoen,  F.  Morgan,  T.  J.  Murphy,  J.  M. 
Swartz,  William  Johnson,  Sr.,  T.  Eberling,  W. 
S.  Anderson,  S.  Keindlar,  H.  A.  Shukman,  W. 

B.  Kimes,  L.  W.  Franke,  D.  Gulley,  S.  Haney, 

I\I.  W.  Johnston  and  W.  C.  Howard.  The  first 
officers  of  the  lodge  were  as  follows:  S.  M., 

J.  Joseph;  W.  M^,  D.  Gulley;  J.  M.,  T.  Eb- 
erling; recording  and  fiiuincial  secretary,  J.  M. 
King:  treasurer,  D.  Robinson;  chaplain,  Wil- 
liam Johnston  ; conductor,  T.  B.  IMurphy;  trus- 
tees, W.  B.  Anderson,  W.  B.  Kimes  and  J.  M. 
Swartz. 

The  officers  of  the  lodge  for  1902  are  as  fol- 
lows : S.  M..  Henry  Smith;  W.  M.,  Gus.  A. 
Stephens;  J.  M.,  Walter  Smith;  recording  and 
financial  secretary,  William  Lockwood ; treas- 
urer, D.  Robinson:  conductor,  J.  A.  Malone; 
chaplain,  H.  Burkhart ; trustees,  E.  Pickett,  J. 
M.  King  and  W.  Smith. 


183 


hinior  0.  U.  A.  M.  Band,  Ohio  Valley 
Council,  Ah).  21. — This  organization,  which 
has  87  members,  was  organized  April  30,  1867, 
and  is  open  for  concerts,  excursions,  ebautau- 
c|uas,  parades,  etc.  Its  charter  members  were 
as  follows:  James  Moorehouse,  George  W. 

Bell,  S.  Ames,  John  Best,  Samuel  Brown,  A. 
L.  Thomas,  W.  E.  Love,  George  IMiller, 
Thomas  Clegg,  Alexander  V.  Smith,  John 
Lappart,  F.  Schick,  William  H.  Fr}',  Joseph  B. 
Cheeseman,  Thomas  Fay,  J.  E.  l\Ioorehouse, 
Charles  Ambler,  A.  Steubenracb  and  L.  Pang- 
ratz. 

The  present  officials  are : Councilor,  Ross 

Logan:  vice  councilor,  H.  Dunfee:  recording 
secretary,  Gus.  A.  Stephens : assistant  record- 
ing secretary,  T.  G.  Alonroe ; financial  secre- 
tary, John  Thurn : treasurer,  A.  Grafton;  con- 
ductor, James  IMoffat ; warden,  D.  D.  Ogle; 
inside  sentinal,  James  Hadley:  outside  sentinel, 
Samuel  Leach:  chaplain,  S.  Workman:  trus- 
tees, Gus.  A.  Stephens,  C.  A.  Keyser  and  E.  J. 
Day : representative  to  State  Council,  J.  E. 
IMoorehouse : junior  past  councilor,  E.  J.  Day. 

SPANGLER  POST,  G.  A.  R. 

Spangler  Post,  No.  99,  G.  A.  R.,  of  Bellaire, 
was  organized  July  9.  1881.  Two  preliminary 
meetings  were  held  to  make  all  the  necessary 
arrangements.  On  i\Iay  30th  preceding,  a 
meeting  was  held  in  the  Loan  Exhibition 
Building  and  Comrade  Erederick  Eberle  was 
called  to  the  chair  and  Comrade  S.  H.  Lee  was 
appointed  secretary.  At  this  meeting  83  ap- 
plications were  made  for  membership.  On 
lime  13th,  the  executive  committee,  consisting 
of  Levi  Cassell  chairman,  J.  IM.  Richardson,  S. 
H.  Lee.  W.  H.  Little  and  Thomas  Keyser  re- 
ported the  methods  of  procedure  to  effect  an 
organization  and  on  July  6th  at  a meeting  held 
in  the  Citv  Hall  the  following  officers  were 
duly  elected:  Post  commander.  Frederick  Eb- 

erle: senior  vice  commander,  S.  H.  Lee;  junior 
vice  commander.  Mb  C.  Grafton : quarter- 
master, P.  S.  Osborne;  surgeon,  S.  C.  Gerrard; 
chaplain.  J.  IM.  Richardson : officer  of  the  day, 
Levi  Cassell : officer  of  the  guard.  Henry  Crim- 
mel. 


184 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


On  jul}'  yth,  Comrade  C.  E.  Irwin  of  Tho- 
hnrn  I’ost,  Xo.  y2,  of  Marlin’s  I'erry,  formally 
nmsiercd  in  these  ofheers  and  likewise  33  mem- 
hers.  Comrades  Irwin  and  Meek  of  Martin's 
h'erry  and  I we  llellaire  made  appropriate 

remarks  and  tlie  officers  l)eing  duly  installed 
Spangler  entered  upon  its  work, — a work  that 
has  eontinned  for  21  years. 

'Phe  ]>ast  commanders  at  present  connected 
with  the  Cost  are:  W.  i).  Jones,  II.  C.  Kem- 

ple,  James  Lancaster,  August  Haas,  J.  W. 
.Morrell.  \V.  11.  Thompson,  J.  B.  Gibson  and 
A.  Bortcrtield.  The  present  officers  (Novem- 
ber I,  iyo2)  are:  Post  commander,  A.  Port- 

erfield; adjutant,  .Vugust  Haas;  quarter- 
master. W.  H.  Thompson:  chaplain,  John 
King;  officer  (M  the  day,  IT.  C.  Kemple;  of- 
licer  of  the  guard,  James  Lancaster;  surgeon, 
• \.  Boeder;  guard,  L.  Schram.  The  trustees 
for  1902  are  H.  C.  Kemple,  August  Haas  and 
Henry  Rolls. 

d'he  following  is  a list  of  the  members  upon 
the  roster  in  1902  : 

y\l)bott.  Jacol). 

Bickoll,  Fred. 

Raker.  Martin. 

Beck,  John. 

Beverage,  John. 

Bennington,  Samuel. 

Brown,  James. 

Bennington,  Martin. 

Criswell,  P.  O. 

Copito,  Jacob. 

Carr,  Edward. 

Criswell.  Isaac. 

Dorsey,  Robert. 

Fulton,  James. 

Gibson,  James  B. 

Gorby,  Isaac. 

Hadley,  John. 

Holland,  James. 

Heatberington,  John  T. 

Haas,  August. 

Huffman,  Joseph. 

Hagernian,  Joseph. 

Heath,  Isaac  K. 

Kemple,  Henry  C. 

King,  John. 

Long,  Robert. 

Lancaster,  James  L. 

THE  NEW.SPAPERS  OF  BELLAIRE. 

.'\  half  century  has  elapsed  since  the  first 
newspaper  enterprise  was  launched  in  Bellaire, 


The  editor  and  proprietor  was  Robert  Duncan, 
and  The  Times  was  conducted  under  his  man- 
agement for  a year,  when  two  prominent  phy- 
sicians,— Dr.  Milton  W.  Junkins  and  Dr. 
Joseph  Gaston, — assumed  control.  These  gen- 
tlemen sought  to  make  The  Times  pre-eminent- 
ly a local  ])aper. 

Between  1857  and  1859,  two  other  news- 
paper organizations  were  formed,  viz  ; — the 
Bellaire  Intelligencer,  and  the  Democratic  Era. 
The  latter  paper  is  said  to  have  been  a newsy, 
spicy  sheet  that  met  with  much  public  favor; 
but  all  these  enterprises  failed  for  want  of  suf- 
ficient patronage,  as  did  also  The  Advertiser, 
issued  in  1870. 

The  Independent  was  first  issued  in  1870  by 
a joint  stock  company  with  J.  B.  Longley  as 
manager  and  editor.  Subsequently  Air.  Long- 
ley  obtained  entire  control  of  the  paper,  a posi- 
tion he  held  until  1871  when  he  was  elected 
county  auditor. 

LTpon  entering  the  auditor’s  office,  Mr. 
Longley  temporarily  sundered  his  connection 
with  the  paper,  and  Dr.  Junkins  and  James  F. 
Anderson  acted  as  editors  and  managers.  Aft- 
er a few  months  Dr.  Junkins  retired  from  the 
pajier,  and  Mr.  Anderson  assumed  the  editorial 
chair. 

In  1873  Air.  Longley’s  term  of  office  ex- 
pired. and  he  again  took  editorial  charge  of  the 
paper  for  three  years,  when  Mr.  Anderson  as- 
sumed entire  control,  a position  that  he  has 
filled  with  great  acceptability  for  a quarter  of 
a century. 

In  1S79  a daily  edition  was  first  published 
and  has  been  issued  regularly  until  this  day. 

As  its  name  implies  The  Independent  has 
lieen  “independent  in  all  things  but  neutral  in 
none’’  and  while  advocating  the  doctrines  of 
the  Republican  party  it  is  free  in  its  criticisms 
of  ipublic  men  and  public  measures  of  all 
parties,  if  in  the  editor’s  judgment  they  are 
unworthy  of  public  support.  It  is  an  earnest 
advocate  of  retrenchment  and  economy  in  the 
management  of  public  affairs. 

Air.  Anderson  wields  a trenchant  pen  and 
his  ably  conducted  paper  is  devoted  to  the  de- 
velopment of  the  material  interests  of  the 


Mason,  F.  S. 

Morrell,  J.  W. 
McFarland,  W.  W. 
McLellan,  Tbomas. 
McGratb,  Jobn. 
Kramer,  Lewis. 

Norce,  William. 
Porterfield,  Alonzo. 
Paul,  J.  M. 

Petticord,  J.  A. 
Patterson,  William. 
Rolls,  Henry. 
Rcaderer,  Andrew. 
Robertson,  Francis  L. 
Strong,  James  H. 
Sebram,  Lewis. 

Sa.ger,  Harvey. 
Sluickman,  Jobn. 
Stotsberry,  ,Wm. 
Llppcnnan,  Henry. 
Larr,  Benjamin  F. 
Tbompson,  W.  H. 
Wise,  George  M. 
Wyrick,  Joseph. 
Yankc,  Charles. 

Wilks,  J.  W. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


185 


whole  county  and  it  is  liberally  supported  by 
the  people. 

The  Democrat  issued  the  initial  number 
March  23,  1888.  VV.  C.  Warnock  was  its 
founder  and  he  continued  as  editor  and  pub- 
lisher until  April,  1901,  when  he  disposed  of 
the  plant  to  Prof.  D.  W.  Shields,  the  present 
proprietor. 

The  paper  was  originally  a five-column 
eight-page  journal  but  was  in  a few  years  en- 
larged to  its  present  size, — eight  pages  of  six 
columns  each. 

The  paper  is  Democratic  in  politics.  Under 
its  present  management,  it  is  one  of  the  most 
infiuential  papers  in  the  county  in  advocacy  of 
the  political  principles  of  the  party  it  espouses. 
It  has  always  been  courteous  and  manly  in  its 
treatment  of  men  and  measures  and  has  main- 
tained the  respect  of  its  political  opponents. 

Mr.  Warnock  says;  “Home  news  has  been 
its  special  feature.  It  does  not  advocate  pro- 
hibition of  the  liquor  traffic  as  a political  meas- 
ure, yet  a line  of  whiskey  advertisements  nev- 
er appeared  in  its  columns.” 

The  BcUaire  Daily  Hcrald-Tribunc  is  the 
only  Democratic  paper  ever  published  in  Bel- 
mont County.  The  Weekly  Herald  was  estal> 
fished  in  1885  by  E.  M.  Lockwood  and  was 
purchased  from  him  January  i,  1890,  by  R.  C. 
Meyer.  The  Tribune  was  established  by  Col. 
C.  L.  Poorman  in  1879. 

Colonel  Poorman  bad  been  prominent  in 
county  affairs  for  many  years  previous  to  and 
after  his  service  in  the  army.  He  was  for  10 
years  editor  of  the  Belmont  Chronicle,  and  to 
this  fact  was  largely  due  his  success  in  the 
management  of  The  Tribune.  In  1879-81,  he 
started  the  daily  edition  of  The  Tribune.  Upon 
October  i,  1899,  R.  C.  Meyer  purchased  The 
Tribune  from  Colonel  Poorman  and  combined 
the  two  papers  as  the  Herald-Tribune  and 
since  then  it  has  been  successful  in  the  publica- 
tion of  the  daily  and  weekly  Herald-Tribune. 

The  Tribune  during  the  administration  of 
Colonel  Poorman  was  intensely  Republican, 
but  in  the  Greeley  campaign  it  supported  the 
veteran  editor  of  the  Nezv  York  Tribune  for 


the  Presidency  and  for  a time  thereafter  lost 
the  support  of  the  Republican  organization. 
However,  in  1885,  Colonel  Poorman  was  elect- 
ed to  represent  Belmont  County  in  the  General 
Assembly  of  Ohio,  a position  that  he  filled  with 
marked  ability  for  two  terms. 

Subsec[uently  The  Tribune  supported  W.  J. 
Bryan,  the  Democratic  candidate  for  President 
upon  the  “silver”  issue,  but  always  claimed  to 
be  Republican. 

Under  the  management  of  R.  C.  Meyer,  the 
Daily  Herald-Tribune  is  regarded  as  the  fore- 
most Democratic  daily  in  the  eastern  and 
southeastern  sections  of  the  county.  Its  editor, 
R.  C.  Meyer,  is  one  of  the  most  practical  and 
promising  newspaper  men  in  Eastern  Ohio. 
He  is  familiar  with  the  work  in  all  its  details 
and  while  earnest  in  the  support  of  the  political 
faith  which  his  paper  advocates  he  will  resort 
to  no  unfair  or  dishonest  means  to  achieve 
party  success.  He  is  a young  man  of  upright- 
ness and  integrity  and  the  success  which  his 
paper  has  achieved  attests  the  appreciation  of 
the  public.  Mr.  Meyer  is  an  active  member  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  and  especially 
interested  in  the  religious  welfare  of  the  young 
people. 

Other  newspaper  enterprises. — In  addition 
to  the  three  papers  at  present  published  in  Bel- 
laire  there  have  been  issued  at  various  times 
other  newspaper  enterprises  that  were  short 
lived;  viz., — The  Standard  in  1870  by  Leet  & 
Nuzum;  The  Belmont  City  Commercial  in 
1872  with  Miss  Mary  Hoover  as  editor.  Dur- 
ing the  administration  of  Miss  Hoover,  W.  S. 
Faris  served  as  local  editor  and  there  began  his 
short  but  brilliant  career  as  a journalist. 

In  1875  J-  J-  Clarkson  purchased  The  Com- 
mercial, but  in  a few  months  disposed  of  his 
interests  to  Miss  Cochran  and  Gow.  In  1876 
John  R.  Gow  assumed  control  and  added  a new 
press  and  other  material  improvements  and 
called  the  new  paper  the  JVeekly  Leader. 

In  1875  ERc-a-Brac  was  issued  for  a 
few  montfis. 

In  1878  W.  S.  Faris  edited  a spicy  paper 
called  The  Phonograph,  but  discontinued  it  in 
1879. 


i86 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


THE  BELLAIRE  CEMETERY  ASSOCIATION. 

Greenwood  Cemetery  was  set  apart  as  a 
l)urying  ground  in  1859.  Previous  to  this,  the 
“Daris  P)nr)-ing  Ground,”  located  near  the  Sul- 
livan coal  mines,  had  been  used  as  a graveyard 
since  j8io.  After  the  establishment  of  Green- 
wood Cemetery,  many  of  the  dead  buried  in  the 
old  graveyard  were  removed  there. 

(jreenwood  Cemetery  is  only  about  a half 
mile  from  the  city  and  is  beautifully  located, 
d'he  pro])erty  originally  consisted  of  but  four 
acres  that  was  purchased  for  $800.  The  first 
officers  were:  President,  James  Nicoll;  clerk, 

E.  G.  Morgan:  treasurer,  Alex.  Hammond; 
trustees,  B.  R.  Cowen,  Joseph  McMurray,  R. 
1 1.  Long,  George  Criswell  and  John  Hattery. 
d'he  cemetery  continues  a joint  stock  associa- 
tion and  is  maintained  with  great  care.  Today 
it  is  veritable  garden  spot.  As  to  the  value  of 
the  property  held,  a stockholder  says : 

‘‘Each,  purchaser  of  a lot  in  the  cemetery  be- 
comes a member  of  the  association  and  is  en- 
titled to  a vote  at  the  annual  meeting  of  lot 
owners.  The  by-laws  provide  that  trustees 
shall  he  elected  by  the  lot  owners  at  their  am 


nual  meeting.  The  only  source  of  income  is 
from  the  sale  of  lots,  and,  up  to  the  present 
time,  it  is  said,  the  money  received  has  all  been 
applied  in  the  purchase  of  grounds,  improve- 
ments, and  the  salary  of  the  sexton ; so  that 
the  association  has  no  assets  except  the  unsold 
portion  of  the  cemetery  grounds.  The  best 
part  of  the  grounds  have  already  been  sold  and 
the  value  of  the  remainder  would  he  very  diffi- 
cult to  determine.  I would  guess  that  it  would 
be  worth,  at  least,  $10,000;  that  is,  for  ceme- 
tery ]nirposes  it  would  ultimately  bring  that 
amount.  If  sold  at  public  sale  and  for  other 
purposes,  it  would  not  bring  one-c|uarter  of  that 
amount.  The  cost  of  the  entire  cemetery,  in- 
cluding all  the  improvements,  public  and 
private,  would  probably  run  into  the  hundreds 
of  thousands  of  dollars. 

“I  had  a talk  with  some  of  the  trustees  and 
the  above  was  as  near  as  they  could  inform  me 
as  to  the  values  you  encjuire  about.  The  board 
of  trustees,  as  at  present  constituted,  is  as  fol- 
lows : Thomas  Ault,  William  S.  Carroll, 

Jacoli  Rietz,  George  S.  Jennings,  C.  M.  Wy- 
rich  and  A.  J.  Norton.  Thomas  Ault  is  presi- 
dent of  the  board  and  A.  J.  Norton  is  secre- 
tary.” 


CHAPTER  XVI 


PEASE  TOWNSHIP. 

Township  Organization — Increase  in  Population  and  Wealth — The  First,  Set- 
tlements— The  Old  Mills  and  Meeting  Houses — Coal  Mining — Fruit — 
Township  Officers  — The  City  of  Martin’s  Ferry  — Its  Population  — A 
Sketch  of  Ebenezer  Martin — The  Post  Office — Incorporation,  and  List 
of  Mayors  and  Officials — The  Churches — The  Schools — The  Banks — The 
Manufactories — -Secret  Societies — Thoburn  Post,  G.  A.  R. — The  Press 
— The  Bridge  Over  the  Ohio — A Notable  Character — The  City  of  Bridge- 
port— The  First  Bridge — The  Incorporation — The  AIayors  and  City  Offi- 
cials— The  Postmasters — The  Aetnaville  Bridge — The  Manufacturing 
Interests— The  Banks — Dr.  Affleck  and  Dr.  Todd — The  Churches — The 
Schools — Secret  Societies — Branum  Post,  G.  A.  R. 


township  organization. 

The  first  legal  settlement  in  what  is  now 
known  as  Pease  township  was  made  by  Captain 
Kirkwood  in  the  village  of  Kirkwood  adjoin- 
ing Bridgeport,  in  1789.  There  were  some 
tomahawk  claims,  made  as  early  as  1785,  on 
ground  now  embraced  in  Martin’s  Ferry,  but 
these  could  not  be  held  after  the  bloody  attack 
upon  the  Kirkwood  home,  by  the  Indians  in 
1791,  as  heretofore  related.  Immigration  was 
suspended  for  a few  years.  After  the  treaty  of 
1795,  the  Indians  were  peaceful  for  a time,  and 
immigrants  began  to  pour  in  from  all  sections 
of  the  country.  The  township  was  organized 
in  1806,  and  was  called  after  Judge  Pease,  of 
the  early  courts. 

It  borders  on  the  Jefferson  County  line  on 
the  north  and  the  Ohio  River  on  the  east,  with 
Pultney  township  on  the  south  and  west,  and 
Colerain  and  Richland  on  the  north  and  north- 
west. 


increase  in  population  and  wealth. 

Its  population  in  1900  was  15,158,  as  against 
12,994  in  1890,  a gain  of  2,164  decade. 

The  increase  of  personal  property  upon  the 
tax  duplicate  in  1902  over  the  returns  in  1901 
was  $18,052  in  the  First  Ward  of  Bridgeport, 
$7,690  in  the  Second,  and  $2,949  in  the  Third, 
making  a total  gain  of  $28,691  in  the  city 
alone,  while  the  corporation  tax  levy  was  re- 
duced from  2.94  in  1901  to  2.92  in  1902. 

tite  first  settlements 

Were  made  near  the  Jefferson  County  line  by 
the  family  of  Joseph  Tilton  in  1796. 

In  rapid  succession  cames  the  Moores, 
Clarkes,  Mitchells,  Alexanders  and  Pickens,  all 
of  whom  had  effected  settlements  before  1800 
on  what  is  now  known  as  Scotch  Ridge,  so 
named  because  the  early  settlers  were  from 
Old  Scotland.  William  Wiley  came  from  Penn- 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


1 88 


sylvania  in  1801,  and  Benjamin  Steel  from 
Xortli  Carolina  in  1800;  William  Brown  from 
Maryland  in  1802,  and  Robert  Finney  from 
Bennsylvania  in  1803.  The  Griffins,  Johnsons, 
Scotts,  boosts,  Worleys  and  Allens  came  be- 
tween 1800-05,  and  an  old  soldier  of  the  War 
of  1812,  named  James  Smith,  located  in  the 
township  in  1815. 

TIIIC  OLD  MILLS  AND  MEETING  HOUSES. 

Wheeling  Creek  and  Glenn’s  Run  furnished 
excellent  water  power  for  the  first  grist  mills, 
some  of  which  are  substantial  stone  structures, 
in  a fair  state  of  preservation.  This  is  notably 
true  of  the  great  Oglebay  stone  mill,  about 
three  miles  west  of  the  river,  and  the  old  Kin- 
sey mill  at  the  foot  of  the  “big  hill,”  which  only 
recently  disappeared.  The  Oglebay  mill  has 
served  as  a landmark  for  half  a century. 
Its  crumbling  stone  walls  and  bastions  look  like 
an  old  world  fortress  in  decay. 

Tbe  Scott’s  meeting  bouse  is  probably  the  old- 
est Methodist  meeting  house  in  the  county,  and 
one  of  the  oldest  of  any  denomination.  The 
date  of  its  establishment  is  not  clearly  known, 
but  preaebing  was  beld  at  the  house  of  Andrew 
Scott,  where  the  church  organization  was  ef- 
fected, over  a century  ago.  The  first  church 
huilding  was  erected  in  1834,  but  previous  to 
that  the  circuit  rider  visited  it  regularly,  hold- 
ing divine  service.  Among  some  of  the  dis- 
tinguished ministers  who  filled  appointments  in 
this  old  charge  were  Bishop  Simpson,  James  B. 
Finle}L  Archibald  McElroy,  Wesley  Browning 
and  David  Merryman. 

Revs.  Finley  and  McElroy  were  among'  the 
pioneer  ])reachers  of  distinction.  The  lineal 
descendants  of  Father  Scott  still  reside  in  the 
old  home  adjoining  the  church. 

The  present  substantial  brick  structure  was 
built  by  Joseph  McConnaughy. 

COAL  MINING 

Flas  been  an  important  industry  in  Pease  town- 
ship for  half  a century.  Coal  veins  No.  8,  ii 
and  12,  are  all  successfully  operated,  the  two 


latter  veins  for  local  purposes  mainly,  but  the 
No.  8 vein  is  mined  in  immense  quantities  for 
commercial  purposes  and  shipped  over  the  C., 
L.  & W.,  C.  & P.,  and  W.  & L.  E.  railroads  to 
distant  markets. 

In  1880  W.  J.  Rainey  was  probably  the 
largest  shipper  in  the  township,  forwarding  to 
other  markets  30,000  tons  annually.  In  1902 
the  coal  mined  by  the  Lorain  Coal  & Dock 
Company,  in  Pease  township  alone,  amounts 
to  thousands  of  tons  daily. 

FRUIT. 

The  hills  of  Pease  township  are  crowned 
with  valuable  orchards  of  apples,  peaches,  cher- 
ries, plums  and  pears,  which  find  an  excellent 
home  market  among  the  mill  and  mine  workers 
in  the  valley. 

Twenty-five  years  ago  there  were  over  300 
acres  of  the  hill  slopes  set  apart  for  grape  cul- 
ture, and  the  industry  was  successfully  con- 
ducted, but  at  the  opening  of  the  20th  century 
grape  growing  is  practically  abandoned,  and 
more  attention  is  given  to  orchard  fruits,  ber- 
ries, live  stock  and  grain. 

TOWNSHIP  OFFICERS. 

The  township  officers  in  1902  are  as  follows : 
Trustees, — A.  G.  Moore,  C.  W.  Webb,  and 
George  Pitner ; clerk,  W.  G.  Morgan ; treas- 
urer, A.  T.  Enlow. 

Township  Board  of  Education. — There  are 
13  school  districts  in  Pease  township,  outside 
of  Bridgeport  and  Martin’s  Ferry,  namely: 
Third  District,  Robert  Applegarth ; Fourth,  E. 
B.  Lilly ; Fifth,  J.  H.  Blackford ; Sixth,  H.  R. 
Gibbins : Eighth,  A.  R.  Jordan;  Ninth,  E.  A. 
Berry:  Eleventh,  E.  G.  Krauter;  Twelfth,  A. 
R.  Sterling;  Thirteenth,  William  Kerg;  Four- 
teenth, Charles  Somers ; Fifteenth,  R.  A.  Ring. 

THE  CITY  OF  MARTIN’S  FERRY. 

ITS  POPULATION. 

The  leading  city  of  Pease  township  is  Mar- 
tin’s Ferry,  with  a population  at  the  opening 
of  the  20th  century  of  7,760,  namely : 


MARTIN’S  FERRY  TOWN  HALL. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


191 


First  Ward  1,254 

Second  Ward  1,808 

Third  Ward  1,632 

Fourth  Ward  ' 1,483 

Fifth  Ward  1,583 

This  is  an  increase  over  the  census  of  1890 
of  1,510.  This  is  the  largest  increase  in  popu- 
lation acquired  by  any  town  in  the  county,  in 
the  same  period,  and  is  due  largely  to  the  mar- 
velous growth  of  the  industries  of  the  town- 
ship. 

A SKETCH  OF  EBENEZER  MARTIN. 

The  city  was  laid  out  by  Ebenezer  Martin 
on  the  13th  of  March,  1835,  and  was  very  ap- 
propriately named  Martin’s  Ferry. 

However,  the  first  settlement  was  effected  in 
1787  by  Capt.  Absalom  Martin,  the  father  of 
Ebenezer,  and  an  old  Revolutionary  soldier 
from  New  Jersey,  whose  mother  was  a sister 
of  Col.  Ebenezer  Zane,  one  of  the  defenders  of 
Fort  Henry.  The  original  patent  of  the  United 
States  government  to  Absalom  Martin  was 
granted  March  5,  1788.  Seven  years  later  he 
laid  out  the  requisite  number  of  lots,  streets 
and  alleys  to  form  a town,  which  he  called 
“Jefferson.” 

And  in  1801,  upon  the  erection  of  Belmont 
County,  he  entered  into  competition  with  Pult- 
ney  and  Newellstown  for  the  establishment  of 
the  county  seat,  and  when  Pultney  secured  the 
prize  he  abandoned  the  town,  and  returned  to 
the  cultivation  of  his  broad  acres,  which  he 
pursued  until  his  death. 

Forty-five  years  later  Ebenezer  Martin  sold 
100  lots  and  called  tbe  town  first-  “Martins- 
ville,” and,  upon  learning  there  was  already  a 
Martinsville  in  Ohio,  he  changed  the  title  to 
“Martin’s  Ferry.” 

In  1836  the  second  sale  of  lots  occurred,  and 
again  in  1837.  This  included  the  territory 
from  Walnut  street  on  the  north,  to  Washing- 
ton street  on  the  south,  and  from  the  river  to 
5th  street  on  the  west.  Subsequently  25  addi- 
tions were  made  to  the  city,  within  a period  of 
half  a century. 

The  ferry,  which  was  for  years  the  only 


means  of  communication  between  Ohio  and 
Virginia  at  this  point,  was  established  in  1785, 
and  soon  became  noted  by  travelers  and 
drovers.  Two  taverns  were  built  for  their  en- 
tertainment, where  genuine  pioneer  hospitality 
was  dispensed  with  a liberal  hand. 

The  first  steam  ferry  arrived  in  1841  and 
was  called  the  “Isaac  Martin,”  in  honor  of 
Mr.  Martin’s  son. 

Ebenezer  Martin  died  January  15,  1876,  uni- 
versally mourned.  He  was  a man  of  generous 
impulses,  liberal  in  his  entertainment  of  all 
who  came  to  him,  whether  white  or  red  men. 
He  was  a man  of  high  education,  having  ob- 
tained a classical  education  at  college,  and  a 
devout  and  sincere  Christian,  a Methodist  of 
the  old  school,  but  without  a taint  of  sectarian 
prejudice. 

THE  POST  OFFICE 

Was  established  in  1835,  with  William  Beasle 
as  postmaster.  He  was  succeeded  in  turn  by 
James  Martin,  John  Zane,  Ebenezer  Martin, 
Elijah  Woods,  S.  F.  Dean,  James  Patterson, 
M.  C.  Mitchell,  John  W.  Terrill  and  the  pres- 
ent incumbent,  G.  G.  Sedgivick. 

Martin’s  Ferry  of  today  is  a city  of  “mag- 
nificent distances,”  for,  outside  of  the  central 
or  business  districts,  the  houses  are  separated 
by  broad  lots.  The  location  is  decidedly  the 
best  in  the  county  for  a large  city.  From  the 
lower  plain  to  the  higher  level,  the  work  of 
construction  is  going  forward. 

So  rapid  has  been  the  increase  of  population, 
that  houses  cannot  be  built  fast  enough  to  sup- 
ply the  demand.  During  the  past  year  152 
buildings  were  constructed,  and  the  cry  is  for 
more.  As  an  evidence  of  the  rapid  growth  of 
the  cit}^  in  wealth  and  prosperity,  it  is  only  nec- 
essary to  add  that  the  increase  of  the  tax  dupli- 
cate, based  upon  the  assessor’s  returns  last  year, 
is  between  $160,000  and  $175,000,  and  the  city 
treasury  is  in  such  a healthy  condition  that 
after  all  liabilities  have  been  met,  $23,000  are 
left  in  tbe  treasury,  and  ample  provision  is 
made  for  all  maturing  obligations. 


192 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


INCORPORATION,  AND  LIST  OF  MAYORS  AND 
OFFICIALS 

The  town  was  incorporated  by  the  county 
commissioners  August  5,  1865,  and  the  follow- 
ing is  the  list  of  mayors  that  have  been  elected 
since,  viz.:  1865-67,  D.  Rice;  1867-69,  W. 
II.  Orr;  1869-70,  James  Eagleson ; 1870-72, 
J.  W.  Buckingham;  1872-74,  James  Kerr; 
1874-76,  James  Dean;  1876-78,  J.  W.  Buck- 
ingham; 1878-80,  James  Kerr;  1880-82,  W. 
M.  Lupton;  1882-86,  M.  C.  Mitchell;  1886-88, 
'Fheodore  Keller;  1888-90,  M.  C.  Mitchell; 
1890-92,  M.  R.  Smiley;  1892-94,  M.  C.  Mit- 
chell; 1894-98,  Theodore  Keller;  1898-1900, 
James  Shipman;  1900-02,  John  Goodhue. 

The  present  city  officials  are:  Isaac  Newland, 
mayor;  Samuel  Westwood,  marshal;  W.  T. 
Dixon,  solicitor;  Ellis  Lash,  clerk;  George  C. 
Strain,  treasurer;  Isaac  Cecil,  Frank  ITeinrich, 
Roger  .‘Vshton,  IT.  G.  Wood,  William  Hilton, 
John  Metzger,  Thomas  Williams,  R.  G.  Hes- 
lop,  M.  Cropper  and  Thomas  Robbins,  coun- 
cilmen. 

THE  CHURCHES. 

The  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. — There 
were  Methodists  in  Martin’s  Ferry  prior  to 
1821.  As  early  as  1814  a class  was  organized 
by  the  mother  of  Ebenezer  Martin,  whereat  the 
few  scattering  Methodists  would  weekly  as- 
semble, but  the  class  did  not  survive  this  good 
woman’s  efforts  beyond  1816. 

The  history  of  the  church  proper  dates  from 
the  first  camp  meeting,  held  in  Walnut  Grove, 
in  1821,  at  which  time  many  w^ere  converted, 
and  among  the  number  Rebecca  Hadsell,  who 
later  walked  to  Scott’s,  on  the  St.  Clairsville 
road,  in  midwinter,  to  urge  the  preacher  to 
come  to  her  neighborhood  and  preach.  He 
came  at  the  appointed  time,  and  after  an 
earnest  and  impressive  discourse  a class  was 
formed,  as  follows:  Obadiah  Barnes,  leader; 

Absalom  Ross  and  Anna  Ross,  John  Buriss 
and  wife.  Father  Hadsell  and  family  number- 
ing eight  in  all,  making  a total  of  21,  and  from 
this  humble  beginning  Methodism  in  Martin’s 
Ferry  grew. 


The  church  for  many  years  was  an  appoint- 
ment on  the  Cadiz  circuit,  and  the  first  circuit 
riders  were  Revs.  John  Graham  and  Zara  Cos- 
ton.  As  there  was  no  church  building,  preach- 
ing was  held  in  different  farm  houses,  locating 
finally  at  Joseph  Hadseh’s,  near  Burlington, 
but  the  flood  of  1832  carried  the  farm  house 
away. 

This  year  (1832)  is  noted  in  local  church 
history  for  the  wonderful  revivals  that  attended 
the  Drummond  camp  meetings,  resulting  in  a 
great  gain  to  the  church.  Among  the  converts 
was  the  late  John  Fennimore,  who  was  a main- 
stay of  the  church  until  his  death. 

Prayer  meetings  continued  to  be  held  in  log 
school  houses  and  homes  until  1837,  when 
during  the  ministry  of  Rev.  C.  D.  Battelle,  the 
following  trustees  were  appointed : Daniel 

Zane,  Hugh  McGregor,  James  Turner,  James 
Moore,  James  AlcConnaughy.  Under  their  su- 
pervision money  was  collected  and,  a lot  hav- 
ing been  donated  by  Ebenezer  Martin,  a church 
was  erected  upon  the  site  of  the  present  struc- 
ture. 

Martinsville  became  a station  in  1853.  In 
1859  the  old  church  was  destroyed  by  fire  and 
for  a year  the  congregation  worshiped  in  the 
Baptist  and  Presbyterian  churches.  In  i860  the 
present  structure  was  erected  and  during  the 
administration  of  Rev.  J.  S.  Winter,  in  1888, 
the  building  was  enlarged  but  the  society  is 
again  confronted  by  the  problem  of  additional 
room,  and  a new  building  has  become  a neces- 
sity. 

From  a membership  at  the  beginning  of  13, 
the  church  today  enrolls  650. 

Of  the  many  who  have  won  distinction  in 
this  field  of  lalior,  we  might  mention  Ebenezer 
Martin  and  John  Fennimore.  Rev.  Dr.  De- 
Haas,  heretofore  referred  to,  was  recommend- 
ed for  license  to  preach  from  this  church,  and 
Revs.  Turner,  McGuire  and  Rider  have  also 
gone  out  from  this  charge.  The  superintend- 
ent of  the  Sunday-school,  Benjamin  Exley,  has 
filled  that  position  for  16  consecutive  years. 

Some  of  the  ministers  that  have  served  this 
congregation  for  nearly  four  score  years  are : 
John  Graham,  Zara  Coston,  James  McMehan, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


193 


James  Cunningham,  J.  C.  Taylor,  William  M. 
Tipton,  Thomas  Drummond,  William  Knox, 
C.  D.  Battelle,  I.  N.  McLabee,  John  Minor,  P. 
M.  McGowan,  S.  Cheney,  James  Drummond, 
William  Cox,  Thomas  McClery,  J.  M.  Rankin, 
S.  R.  Brockunier,  S.  Y.  Kennedy,  E.  D.  Holtz, 
J.  S.  Winters,  A.  W.  Butts,  J.  W.  Robins,  J.  T. 
Martin,  W.  J.  Wilson  and  Dr.  F.  Phillips.  The 
present  pastor  is  A.  R.  Custer. 

The  board  of  stewards  is  thus  constituted : 
E.  O.  Padelford,  C.  S.  Helsley,  Ephraim 
Brown,  Robert  Slaughter,  Gardner  Hysell,  W. 
S.  Palmer,  J.  A.  Wilson,  George  W.  Burton, 
J.  R.  Williams,  Robert  Beavon,  Samuel  Hus- 
kins,  Lee  Morris  and  J.  O.  Jones.  The  trustees 
are:  W.  H.  Woods,  W.  M.  Cattell,  John  M. 
Henderson,  Theodore  Snodgrass  and  M.  E. 
Coyle. 

The  Presbyterian  Church  was  organized 
March  31,  1841,  with  16  members,  a majority 
of  whom  had  been  members  of  the  Mount 
Pleasant  Church.  Joseph  Blackford,  James 
Wiley  and  Moses  Porter  were  the  first  elders. 
During  the  first  year  there  was  no  stated 
preaching.  After  that  Revs.  Nicholas,  Mur- 
ray, Samuel  Hare  and  James  Stewart  each 
served  the  church  for  a short  period. 

In  June,  1846,  Rev.  James  Alexander,  D.  D., 
began  his  labors  and  was  installed  pastor  for 
one-half  his  time.  He  labored  faithfully  and 
successfully.  During  his  pastorate  the  Kirk- 
wood Church  was  organized,  principally  from 
members  of  this  church.  Rev.  J.  D.  Fitzgerald 
was  pastor  from  i860  to  1863.  In  June,  1864, 
Rev.  G.  W.  Chalfant  was  installed  over  this 
and  the  Kirkwood  Church.  December  4,  1869, 
Rev.  H.  G.  Blayney  was  installed  and  served 
the  church  until  April  17,  1872.  A year  was 
spent  under  supplies,  when  Dr.  Chalfant  again 
served  as  pastor  in  connection  with  Kirkwood 
until  June,  1881. 

In  June,  1882,  Dr.  J.  J.  McCarrell — now 
pastor  in  McKeesport — was  installed.  The 
parsonage  was  built  under  his  ministry.  He 
was  called  and  accepted  his  present  pastorate 
in  June,  1884.  In  1885  Rev.  E.  F.  Walker, 
now  an  evangelist,  began  a successful  pastorate, 
which  terminated  in  1889.  Rev.  Howard  N. 


Campbell,  now  pastor  in  New  Philadelphia, 
was  installed  and  served  the  church  with  suc- 
cess until  1893. 

The  present  pastor,  S.  J.  Bogle,  was  installed 
November,  1893. 

The  ruling  elders  have  been:  Joseph  Black- 
ford, Moses  Porter,  James  Wiley,  John  Mit- 
chell, Henry  Wells,  J.  G.  Wiley,  Robert  Black- 
ford, James  H.  Drennen,  Hamilton  Blackford, 
Thomas  J.  Holliday,  William  Strong,  A.  A. 
Smith,  James  Smiley,  W.  N.  Holliday,  Samuel 
Sharpless,  William  St.  Clair,  J.  A.  Mitchell, 
Thomas  G.  Culbertson,  John  Armstrong,  Will- 
iam Clark,  John  M.  Kinslow,  George  Matheny, 
Dr.  W.  H.  Hall,  now  of  Denver,  and  Dr.  W. 

E.  Hervey,  of  Pittsburg.  The  present  elder- 
ship consists  of  Capt.  H.  W.  Smith,  R.  C. 
Swartz,  James  A.  Dickson,  G.  W.  Reece,  Dr. 
A.  R.  Ong,  and  Thomas  W.  Shreve. 

There  have  been  large  ingatherings,  the  most 
noted  of  which  was  in  1886  under  Rev.  Mr. 
Walker,  in  which  80  were  added  to  the  roll. 

The  first  building  was  erected  in  1841,  re- 
modeled in  1866,  enlarged  in  1875  again 
in  1886.  The  old  building  was  taken  down  in 
1897,  that  the  present  beautiful  and  commodi- 
ous building  might  be  erected  on  the  original 
site. 

The  Catholic  Churches. — Forty-eight  years 
ago  there  were  but  two  Catholics  in  Martin’s 
Ferry.  No  church  had  yet  been  built,  and  the 
few  Catholics  of  Burlington  and  Martin’s  Fer- 
ry had  to  journey  to  Wheeling  to  attend  mass. 
A few  years  later  Father  Maher  of  Bellaire  vis- 
ited the  little  village  and  the  few  Catholics 
assembled  for  worship  in  a small  room  on  the 
corner  of  ist  and  Washington  streets.  At 
this  time  there  were  eight  families,  and  serv- 
ices were  held  once  every  month.  Desirous 
of  having  a place  of  worship,  they  began  to 
look  aliout  for  a lot  on  which  to  erect  a church. 
Their  first  place  was  purchased  by  Messrs. 

F.  O’Neil  and  B.  Corcoran  on  ist  street,  and 
through  the  efforts  of  Mrs.  Arbaugh,  Mrs.  Mc- 
Donough, Mrs.  Maul  and  Mrs.  Lacey,  a little 
church  was  Ixiilt  and  services  were  held  in  it  for 
the  first  time,  38  years  ago,  and  Rev.  P.  Style 
of  Bellaire  visited  the  small  congregation  once 


194 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


a month.  On  the  other  Sundays  of  the  month 
the  i)eo])le  journeyed  to  Wheeling,  where  they 
attended  divine  service  at  the  Wheeling  Hos- 
pital. From  time  to  time,  Catholic  families 
found  their  way  to  Martin’s  Ferry,  and  the  lit- 
tle church  on  ist  street  was  found  to  be  too 
small,  and  they  began  to  look  about  for  a new 
site  upon  which  to  erect  a larger  church. 

d'he  present  site  was  ])urchased  by  the  then 
resident  pastor.  Father  Marooney.  After  a 
few  years'  labor,  failing  health  obliged  him  to 
resign  his  charge,  and  F'ather  Touhy  was  ap- 
l)ointed  in  his  place.  By  him  the  adjoining 
property  was  purchased,  and  ste[)s  were  taken 
for  th.e  building  of  the  present  church.  About 
this  time  Father  Mattingly  succeeded  Father 
'Foully,  and  the  present  church  was  begun.  G. 
W.  Arhaugh,  who  had  built  the  little  church  on 
1st  street,  drew  the  plans  for  the  present 
church,  which  was  completed  14  years  ago,  and 
dedicated  by  Bishop  Watterson.  Since  that 
time  the  Catholic  ])opulation  has  increased,  and 
today  numbers  196  families,  or  about  1,300 
])eople. 

h'our  years  ago,  the  death  of  Father  Mat- 
tingly made  vacant  the  parish  of  Martin’s 
Ferry,  and  the  present  pastor.  Rev.  C.  A.  Mul- 
hearn,  was  appointed.  The  work  of  his  prede- 
cessors has  been  ably  carried  on.  During  his 
pastorate  the  church  has  been  newly  frescoed, 
handsome  stained  glass  windows  have  been 
placed  in  the  church  and  a new  pipe  organ,  at 
a cost  of  $J,6oo,  has  been  added  to  the  church. 
The  parochial  school  has  19 1 pupils  under  the 
direction  of  five  teachers. 

The  Baptist  Church  was  organized  in  the 
year  1836  with  six  members,  through  the  la- 
bors of  Thomas  M.  Erwin,  a missionary  of 
the  Ohio  Baptist  Convention. 

The  recognition  of  the  church  took  place  in 
the  old  public  school  building,  where  the  church 
had  its  first  meeting  place,  in  December,  1836. 
The  following  ministers  were  present  at  the 
service:  George  G.  Sedgwick,  Sr.,  R.  H.  Sedg- 
wick and  Thomas  M.  Erwin. 

Elder  G.  C.  Sedgwick  was  chosen  moderator 
and  preached  the  recognition  sermon.  The 
following  are  the  names  of  the  constituent 


members  of  the  church : William  Callahan, 

Anna  Callahan,  John  Davis,  Elizabeth  Davis, 
John  Dakin  and  Mary  Dakin,  none  of  whom 
are  now  living. 

The  first  meeting  house  was  built  and  en- 
tered for  worship  in  1840.  This  old  building, 
made  sacred  by  many  blessed  memories,  was 
used  as  the  meeting  place  of  the  church  for 
52  years. 

During  the  57  years  since  the  church  was 
organized  the  following  have  served  as  pastors  : 
Thomas  M.  Erwin,  from  1836;  William  Wads- 
worth, from  1842 ; William  Callahan,  from 
1842;  Daniel  Cell,  from  1844;  Edward  Jones, 
from  1849;  William  R.  Mayberry,  from  1852; 
G.  C.  Sedgwick,  from  1854;  C.  H.  Gunter, 
from  1869;  G.  C.  Sedgwick,  from  1876;  P. 
Martin,  from  1885;  J.  T.  Bradford,  from 
1887;  C.  M.  Conway,  from  1889;  L.  D.  Morse, 
from  1891 ; W.  B.  Hartzog,  W.  C.  D.  Bond 
and  E.  A.  Read,  the  present  incumbent,  from 
November,  1900. 

The  records  of  the  church  show  that  during 
the  pastorate  of  these  16  pastors  there  have 
been  added  to  the  church  over  650  members,  a 
large  number  of  them  by  baptism.  God  has 
thus  richly  blessed  the  faithful  labors  of  pas- 
tors and  people  during  these  many  years. 

At  a meeting  of  the  church  early  in  1892  it 
was  unanimously  voted  to  erect  a new  meeting 
house  on  the  site  of  the  old  building.  Plans  • 
were  adopted  at  a subseciuent  meeting,  and 
work  was  begun  about  the  middle  of  August. 
This  new  and  beautiful  building  was  entered 
for  the  first  service  of  praise  Wednesday  even- 
ing, March  8th,  and  was  formally  dedicated  to 
God,  Sunday,  March  26,  1893.  The  follow- 
ing named  gentlemen  served  as  the  building 
committee  of  the  church,  and  gave  most  faith- 
ful and  arduous  labor  in  prosecuting  the  work 
laid  upon  them.  George  L.  Spence,  chair- 
man : Leroy  C.  Sedgwick,  E.  Koerber,  and  Jo- 
seph B.  Larue. 

The  present  membership  of  the  church  is  366. 
J"he  present  deacons  are:  Joel  Hobensack,  W. 
D.  Reid,  G.  L.  Spence,  Ed  Koerber,  Hugh 
McGlumphrey,  William  M.  Jones  and  Henry 
Koehrsen. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


195 


The  German  Lutheran  Church  was  organ- 
ized in  1864,  in  the  room  of  the  United  Presby- 
terian Church,  and  the  first  pastor  was  Rev. 
Frederick  Fredericks.  Previous  to  this,  the 
German  Lutherans  of  Martin’s  Ferry  were 
obliged  to  cross  over  to  Wheeling,  in  order  to 
worship  with  the  Christians  of  their  own 
creed.  The  pastors  in  succession  were  Revs. 
Berkenmeyer,  Eastermeyer,  Walters,  Fritz, 
Baker,  Knnkle,  Merwyn.  The  church  building 
was  erected  in  1867.^  Some  of  the  charter  mem- 
bers were:  Henry  Helling,  Louis  Myers, 

Frederick  Kanapp,  Charles  Swartz,  August 
Rothermuncl,  Henry  Juyger,  Charles  Sea- 
bright,  Henry  Floto  and  Jacob  Brown. 

The  English  Lutheran  Church  was  organ- 
ized as  a mission  in  1865  by  Rev.  Mr.  Oehl- 
schlager  in  the  opera  hall.  The  present  pastor 
is  Rev.  E.  E.  Schillinger,  and  the  present  mem- 
bership is  35.  This  organization  has  just  com- 
pleted a new  and  neat  brick  church.  The  board 
of  deacons  consists  of  George  Dursh,  elder; 
Casper  Dursh,  treasurer,  and  Frederick 
Daumme,  Jr. 

The  United  Presbyterian  Church. — Thomas 
Sweeney,  James  Waddell  and  J.  R.  Dickie, 
with  Rev.  T.  L.  Speer,  composed  the  session 
that  organized  the  first  United  Presbyterian 
Church  of  Martin’s  Ferry  in  1851.  The  mem- 
bership numbered  but  16  at  the  beginning  and 
of  this  number  Samuel  Giffin,  John  Lawrence, 
Andrew  Ralston  and  Thomas  Mitchell  were 
elected  elders. 

Rev.  Mr.  Bradford  was  the  first  pastor  that 
supplied  the  pulpit,  and  this  position  he  re- 
tained for  nearly  two  years,  in  conjunction 
with  an  appointment  at  West  Alexander. 

The  first  church  edifice  was  constructed  upon 
the  corner  of  4th  and  Flanover  streets,  at  a 
total  cost  of  $22,050.  The  building  was  a neat 
and  commodious  brick  structure. 

After  Rev.  Mr.  Bradford  removed  to  Alle- 
gheny, the  church  encountered  many  disap- 
pointments, and  for  years  it  seemed  as  if  the 
congregation  would  become  hopelessly  scat- 
tered without  a leader.  But  in  1863  Rev.  R. 
Y.  Campbell  accepted  the  appointment  of  pas- 
tor in  connection  with  Centreville,  Ohio,  and 


the  small  appointment  in  West  Virginia.  Un- 
der his  leaclership,  the  church  took  on  new 
life  and  additional  members  were  added  to  the 
congregation.  In  1867  Rev.  Mr.  Campbell  ac- 
cepted a position  in  Franklin  College,  and  the 
church  was  again  without  a leader.  In  1869 
Rev.  Mr.  Slentz  accepted  the  pastorate,  and,  al- 
though feeble  in  body,  worked  perseveringly 
for  the  upbuilding  of  the  congregation,  and 
was  very  successful  until  September,  1873, 
when  he  dropped  dead  in  St.  Louis  from  heart 
trouble,  while  visiting  in  the  West.  Rev.  Mr. 
Weir  succeeded  him  in  1874,  and  in  1880  the 
board  consisted  of  James  Kerr,  A.  G.  Camp- 
bell and  David  Thorburn.  The  deacons  were 
J.  M.  Blackford,  Robert  Kerr  and  J.  P.  Prowl. 
Rev.  Mr.  Weir  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  A.  E. 
Brownlee. 

In  Alarch,  1901,  the  congregation  completed 
a new  and  handsome  brick  edifice,  capable  of 
accommodating  their  increased  numbers,  at  a 
cost  of  $15,500,  to  which  should  be  added 
$7,000  for  the  lot. 

The  presGit  pastor  is  Rev.  A.  R.  Robinson, 
who  accepted  the  charge  in  1899.  The  ses- 
sion in  1902  is  thus  constituted:  James  Kerr, 
David  Thorburn,  Edwin  C.  Boyd,  Dr.  J.  M. 
Blackford  and  Isaac  Giffen.  Rev.  Mr.  Kerr 
has  served  the  congregation  in  that  capacity 
for  nearly  45  years,  and  Mr.  Thorburn  for 
upwards  of  25  years.  The  trustees  are : J.  S. 
Mitchell,  A.  W.  Kerr,  George  Ralston,  How- 
ard Stewart  and  W.  W.  Crowl.  The  superin- 
tendent of  the  Sunday-school  is  Edwin  C. 
Boyd,  who  has  served  in  that  capacity  for  10 
successive  years.  The  present  membership  is 
LS2. 

THE  SCHOOLS 

Of  Martin’s  Eerry  are  among  the  foremost  in 
t-lTe  state.  President  McCombs  says  the  cur- 
riculum of  studies  is  in  advance  of  any  public 
school  in  Eastern  Ohio. 

Graduates  from  the  Martin’s  Eerry  High 
School  are  admitted  to  all  the  leading  colleges 
in  the  land  today,  without  being  subjected  to 
a preparatory  course.  Scholars  enter  the  High 
School  of  Martin’s  Ferry  from  the  Wheeling 


196 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


and  Steubenville  schools,  as  well  as  all  the 
surrounding  towns  in  order  to  fit  themselves 
for  college  without  being  compelled  to  go  far 
from  home. 

The  first  school  of  Martin’s  Ferry  was  built 
in  1823,  on  a lot  donated  by  Capt.  Absalom 
Martin.  It  is  pictured  as  a comfortable  little 
frame  building,  set  upon  props,  with  a large 
old-fashioned  chimney,  and  a window  on  either 
side  of  a center  door. 

The  first  teacher  was  a gentleman  called 
Livingston.  At  this  time  there  were  hut  three 
houses  within  what  are  now . the  corporate 
limits  of  the  citv,  so  that  many  scholars  walked 
as  much  as  three  miles  in  order  to  attend 
school.  In  1828  the  school  was  removed,  in 
order  to  erect  a large  packing  establishment. 
The  school  directors  chosen  in  that  year  were 
Samuel  Zane,  Ebenezer  Martin  and  William 
Barnes,  and  these  gentlemen  authorized  a new 
school  to  be  opened  upon  the  farm  of  Ebenezer 
Martin,  and  this  school  was  long  used  as  a 
church  and  . Sabbath-school  by  the  Baptists, 
Methodists  and  Presbyterians.  Rev.  Mr.  Er- 
win has  described  it  as  “a  dirty,  dingy  little 
building.”  Among  the  early  teachers  were 
Ilezekiah  Brown,  Thomas  Harvey,  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Groves,  Mr.  Watterson,  P.  Bailey  and 
Mr.  Murphy. 

In  1837  the  school  house  was  burned,  and 
numerous  private  schools  were  started  in  vari- 
ous parts  of  the  town,  and  these  were  sup- 
ported by  subscriptions,  mainly. 

In  1847  ^ brick  building  was  erected, 
with  two  rooms,  and  the  teacher  was  Thomas 
Elarvey.  This  building  was  used  until  1853. 
The  teachers  from  1850  were  Mr.  Kerr,  Mr. 
McCormick  and  John  Edwards.  In  1857  Al- 
fred Kirk  of  Steubenville  was  chosen  superin- 
tendent, and  a year  later  he  was  succeeded  by 
Prof.  Charles  R.  Shreve. 

In  1878  $4,000  was  expended  for  the  erec- 
tion of  a new  modern  building  to  be  known  as 
the  Central  School,  and  two  years  later, 
another  building  was  in  demand  to  accommo- 
date the  increasing  number  of  school  children, 
and  $14,250  was  appropriated  for  the  erection 
of  a large  new  school  building,  with  all  modern 


appointments,  to  be  known  as  the  North 
School.  In  1890  there  was  a demand  for  more 
room,  and  additional  facilities,  wherefore  the 
School  Board  constructed  another  large  three- 
story  building  at  a cost  of  $19,340,  and  this 
school  is  known  as  the  South  School. 

The  board  of  directors  in  1853,  when  the 
public  school  system  of  Martin’s  Perry  was 
fairly  inaugurated,  consisted  of  James  Alex- 
ander, Joel  Woods,  David  Park,  J.  D.  McCoy, 
IT.  W.  Smith  and  Charles  Ensel.  A half  cen- 
tury later  the  School  Board  was  composed  of 
E.  E.  McCombs,  president;  S.  E.  Dean,  clerk; 
and  Dr.  J.  W.  Darrah,  John  W.  Vickers,  E. 
H.  Rider,  J.  E.  Springer  and  Thomas  R. 
Lloyd. 

The  enrollment  for  1902  is  1,496  and  the 
schools  are  so  overcrowded  that  a new  High 
School  has  become  a necessity,  and  the  pres- 
ent school  board  has  ordered  the  construction 
of  a new  High  School  at  a cost  of  $60,000. 

The  present  superintendent  is  Prof.  J.  H. 
Snyder ; principal  of  the  Eligh  School,  Prof. 
M.  D.  Morris ; superintendent  of  the  Central 
School,  T.  E.  Mitchell ; superintendent  of  the 
North  School,  J.  E.  Ring;  superintendent  of 
the  South  School,  C.  S.  Eaton.  The  total  num- 
ber of  teachers-  is  35  and  the  cost  of  maintain- 
ing the  schools  during  1901  was  $16,500. 

The  schools  of  Martin’s  Eerry  have  been  no 
small  factor  iir  building  up  the  community  and 
have  always  had  the  support  of  the  churches. 

THE  BANKS. 

Martin’s  Eerry  maintains  three  banking  in- 
stitutions that  enjoy  the  confidence  of  all  the 
people. 

The  Comincrcial  Bank  Company. — The  first 
of  these  in  the  order  of  establishment  is  the 
Commercial  Bank  Company,  which  was  found- 
ed by  James  A.  Gray  and  H.  W.  Smith,  as  a 
private  bank,  in  January  1872,  with  a capital 
of  $50,000.  In  1886  George  H.  Smith  and 
James  A.  Dickson  were  admitted  as  partners 
to  the  company,  the  former  serving  as  cashier 
and  the  latter  as  assistant  cashier. 

In  1898  the  bank  was  incorporated,  with  an 
authorized  capital  of  $50,000. 


MARTIN’S  FERRY  HIGH  SCHOOL. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


199 


The  People’s  Savings  Bank  Company  was 
organized  in  1891,  with  a capital  of  $50,000. 
It  is  a State  incorporation,  and  its  first  direc- 
tors were  A.  D.  Seamon,  B.  F.  Brady,  J.  S. 
Harrison,  Henry  Floto,  AVilliam  Liphardt,  F. 
R.  Sedgwick,  James  Kerr,  F.  H.  Eick  and  J. 
B.  Montgomery.  Its  present  officers  are : L. 
Spence,  president ; F.  R.  Sedgwick,  vice-presi- 
dent ; M.  E.  Cole,  cashier. 

The  German  Bank  is  also  a State  bank,  or- 
ganized in  1902,  with  a paid-up  capital  of  $25,- 
000.  Its  officers  are  E.  E.  McCombs,  presi- 
dent ; J.  E.  Reynolds,  vice-president ; W.  C. 
Bergundthal,  ca.shier;  and  W.  H.  Woods,  as- 
sistant cashier. 

THE  MANUFACTORIES. 

The  advantages  of  Martin's  Ferry  as  a com- 
mercial and  manufacturing  center  were  early 
recognized,  and  m 1836  a threshing  machine 
factory  was  operated  by  Thomas  Wiley  and 
Griffith  McMillen.  A year  later  a pottery  for 
the  manufacture  of  earthern  and  stoneware  was 
established  by  William  Callahan,  Joseph  Ste- 
phens, Joseph  Hans  and  John  Dakin. 

In  1845  Benjamin  Hoyle  began  to  manufac- 
ture agricultural  machinery  on  an  extensive 
scale.  About  five  years  later  L.  Spence  estab- 
lished the  Ohio  Valley  Agricultural  Works. 

Then  followed  foundries  and  sawmills  and 
keg  factories,  until  in  1857  Mendenhall  Broth- 
ers and  George  K.  Jenkins  built  the  first  blast 
furnace  in  the  Upper  Ohio  Valley  on  grounds 
rich  in  coal  and  iron  ore,  three  miles  from  the 
town.  Subsequently  the  furnace  was  removed 
to  its  present  location,  east  of  the  railroads  and 
near  the  river,  and  it  is  successfully  operated 
today  with  all  modern  appliances  by  the 
Wheeling  Steel  & Iron  Company,  producing 
30,000  tons  of  Bessemer  iron  annually,  and 
employing  70  men,  with  a monthly  pay  roll 
amounting  to  $1,200  per  month. 

The  Laughlin  Nail  Company. — In  1873 
William  Clark  donated  21  acres  of  ground  for 
the  establishment  of  a nail  mill,  and  with 
others  organized  the  Ohio  City  Iron  & Nail 
Works,  which  began  operations  in  1874  with 
50  nail  machines. 


Because  of  the  stringency  of  the  money  mar- 
ket, the  mill  was  compelled  to  suspend  in  1876, 
when  it  was  leased  and  operated  by  the  Ben- 
wood  Nail  Company. 

In  1878  the  Laughlin  Nail  Company  became 
the  purchasers,  with  Alexander  Laughlin, 
president;  W.  S.  Glessner,  secretary;  W.  L. 
Wetherald,  superintendent. 

Lender  the  new  management  the  mill  was 
known  as  the  Laughlin  Nail  & Steel  Company. 
Their  capacity  for  production  has  been  in- 
creased from  50  to  192  nail  machines,  making 
it  one  of  the  largest  cut  nail  factories  in  the 
world.  The  product  is  now  steel,  and  steel 
nails  are  made,  instead  of  iron  nails,  as  for- 
merly. 

The  mill  is  conducted  as  an  independent 
company,  with  W.  L.  Glessner  as  president, 
and  W.  T.  Dixon  as  secretary,  and  gives  em- 
ployment to  350  men,  who  produce  10,000 
kegs  of  steel  cut  nails  per  week  and  12,000  tons 
of  black  and  galvanized  sheets  of  steel  roofing, 
siding,  ceiling,  etc.,  annually.  Their  monthly 
pay  roll  will  amount  to  about  $22,000. 

The  Laughlin  Tin  Plate  Company  is  oper- 
ated today  by  the  American  Tin  Plate  Com- 
pany, with  W.  T.  Graham  as  president;  War- 
ner Arms  as  vice-president;  and  Cecil  Robin- 
son, district  manager.  This  great  tin  plate  fac- 
tory employs  1.750  hands  and  produces  46,000 
tons  of  black  plates  for  tinning,  and  1,000,000 
boxes  tin  and  terne  plate,  and  their  pay  roll  has 
reached  about  $85,000  per  month. 

In  addition  to  the  great  iron  and  steel  facto- 
ries above  mentioned,  there  are  also  in  opera- 
tion the  Riverside  Bridge  Company,  William 
Miami’s  foundry,  Spence-Baggs  Stove  Com- 
]iany,  the  Stanton  Heater  Company,  the  Mc- 
Dermott Tool  Company,  the  Hipkins  Mold 
Works,  the  Lhieeda  Tool  AVorks,  the  Acme 
Sheet  Metal  Company,  the  Novelty  Mold 
AAMrks,  the  Scott  Lumber  Company.  IMartin’s 
Ferry  Barrel  & Box  Company,  the  Bettis  Stave 
& Barrel  AA-^orks,  Belmont  Brewery,  the  Avon- 
dale Stone  Company,  the  Belmont  Brick  Com- 
pany, the  National  Glass  Company,  the  Beau- 
mont Glass  Company,  and  AA^ilson’s  laundry. 


2 00 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


employing  an  aggregate  of  5,600  operators, 
with  a monthly  pay  roll  of  about  $250,000. 

The  glass  industry  in  ]\Iartin’s  Ferry  had  a 
small  beginning  in  1849,  when  Ensell  and  Wil- 
son erected  the  first  furnace  in  the  county. 

In  1861  Michael  Sweeney  and  James  Phil- 
lil)S  erected  a new  furnace,  but,  lacking  means, 
Col.  James  McCluny  and  Joseph  Bell  of 
Wheeling  became  partners,  and,  with  added 
capital,  tlie  enterprise  was  rushed  with  so  much 
vigor  that  in  1868  it  had  three  lo-pot  furnaces 
and  was  run  with  great  success.  This  company 
was  afterward  known  as  the  West  Virginia 
Glass  Company,  and  is  now  operated  by  the 
National  Glass  Company. 

The  next  glass  organization  was  known  as 
the  Elson  Glass  Company.  It  was  organized 
in  1882  with  a capital  of  $120,000,  with  W. 
K.  Elson  as  president  and  M.  Sheets  as  secre- 
tary. It  employed  175  hands  and  was  operated 
with  great  success. 

SECRET  SOCIETIES. 

Ohio  City  Lodge,  No.  486,  F.  & A.  M. — 
Before  the  organization  of  a lodge  in  Martin’s 
Eerry,  the  Masons  of  this  city  were  obliged  to 
attend  lodge  at  Bridgeport,  and  as  there  were 
no  convenient  methods  of  intercommunication 
between  the  two  then  villages,  it  was  for  a con- 
siderable time  felt  desirable  to  have  a home 
lodge  in  Martin’s  Eerry.  While  this  seemed 
desirable  to  the  Martin’s  Eerry  members,  the 
Bridgeport  memliers  were  not  fully  satisfied 
to  lose  the  membership  of  the  former  place 
and  the  territory  that  a new  lodge  would  nec- 
essarily cut  off.  However,  after  much  talk 
and  the  discussion  of  many  plans  and  propo- 
sitions, and  the  conceding  of  certain  territorial 
jurisdiction,  the  consent  of  the  lodge  at  Bridge- 
port was  obtained,  and  after  many  discour- 
agements and  delays  a dispensation  was  ob- 
tained from  the  Grand  Mlaster  of  Ohio,  to  es- 
tablish and  constitute  a lodge  at  Martin’s  Eerry. 
On  the  22nd  day  of  April,  1874,  the  constitu- 
tion of  the  new  lodge  occurred,  and  was  con- 
ducted by  Most  Worshipful  Grand  Master 
Asa  H.  Battin.  J.  Potter  Jordan  was  installed 


as  the  first  worshipful  master,  L.  W.  Ingle- 
bright  as  the  first  senior  warden  and  Hiram 
Prazier  as  the  first  junior  warden. 

Near  the  close  of  the  meeting,  Ross  J.  Al- 
exander, on  behalf  of  Samuel  Irwin,  the  young- 
est member  of  the  new  organization,  presented 
the  lodge  with  a fine  copy  of  the  Biljle.  His 
presentation  speech  was  clothed  in  beautiful 
language,  and  the  precious  boon  was  accepted 
on  behalf  of  the  lodge  by  Rev.  Dr.  Sedgwick 
in  a very  earnest  and  appropriate  manner.  The 
charter  members  were : L.  C.  Sedgwick,  L. 

W.  Inglebright,  L.  C.  Wells,  Erancis  Wright, 
Samuel  Young,  George  W.  Medill,  A.  M.  Ship- 
man,  L.  L.  Smith,  Ross  J.  Alexander,  Jesse  M. 
Ruggles,  Hiram  Erazier,  Alexander  Rose, 
Joseph  A.  Major,  McGruder  Selby,  James  A. 
Crossley,  G.  G.  Sedgwick,  John  Z.  Cochran, 
George  E.  Rider,  James  Dean,  Edward  Will- 
iams and  J.  Potter  Jordan. 

The  first  lodge  room  was  located  in  Medill’s 
Hall,  on  Hanover  street,  near  the  Cleveland 
& Pittsburg  Railroad,  and  the  new  organiza- 
tion immediately  began  to  grow  rapidly  in 
membership,  and  its  influence  began  to  be  felt 
in  the  then  village  of  about  2,000  population. 
The  lodge  membership  now  numbers  about  115 
and  the  membership  takes  an  active  interest 
in  the  work,  and  the  present  cjuarters  in  Com- 
mercial Block  are  roomy  and  pleasant. 

The  following  is  a list  of  those  who  have 
served  the  lodge  as  worshipful  masters : J. 
Potter  Jordan  (deceased),  L.  W.  Inglebright, 
Abram  Lash,  McGruder  Selby  (deceased), 
Humphre)^  Williams,  C.  H.  Morris,  Rev.  A. 
W.  Harris,  James  Y.  Patterson,  Dr.  A.  R. 
Ong,  Thomas  E.  Mitchell  and  Dr.  J.  W.  Dar- 
rah.  The  present  officers  are : E.  E.  McCombs, 
W.  M. ; J.  G.  Parr,  S.  W. ; J.  E.  Springer, 
J.  W. : Ideyward  Long,  secretary;  J.  W.  Dar- 
rah,  treasurer;  J.  B.  Earnell,  S.  D. ; Harry 
Greer,  J.  D.;  and  James  Miskell,  tyler. 

JVaiicta  Tribe  No.  75,  I.  0.  R.  M.,  was  in- 
stituted April  12,  1873,  by  District  Great  Chief 
Alexander  Clohan  of  Bellaire,  assisted  by  mem- 
bers of  the  trihe  located  at  Bellaire,  Bridge- 
port and  Wheeling. 

The  charter  members  were:  Robert  Apple- 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


201 


garth,  David  Applegarth,  William  Applegarth 
J.  T.  Craig,  James  Craig,  Thomas  Charlton, 
George  Criswell,  Jacob  Diehl,  J.  K.  Eddie, 
William  A.  Hogue,  Robert  Hays,  J.  N.  Hays, 
Thomas  J.  Irwin,  James  Miskell,  J.  C.  Moore, 
W.  H.  Moore,  R.  O’Beirne,  Jacob  Pence,  Fred 
Ritter,  Benjamin  Renard,  J.  S.  St.  Clair, 
George  Sterling  and  J.  Stahl. 

The  membership  of  the  order  has  increased 
25  per  cent,  since  its  organization. 

Thomas  J.  Irrvin,  one  of  the  charter  mem- 
bers of  this  lodge,  has  been  re-elected  great 
chief  of  records.  Those  who  have  held  con- 
tinuous membership  since  the  organization  of 
the  lodge  are:  Robert  Applegarth,  James 

Craig,  Jacob  Diehl,  Thomas  J.  Irwin,  James 
Miskell,  W.  H.  Moore  and  John  Sterling. 

Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellozvs. — Bel- 
mont City  Lodge  No.  221,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  Mar- 
tin’s Ferry,  was  instituted  March  30,  1853, 
with  the  following  charter  members : Shan- 
non Bigger,  James  Smith,  Charles  Schwartz, 
James  Bane,  Daniel  Morgan,  Henry  Snod- 
grass, James  Haines,  J.  M.  Woodcock,  Har- 
vey Pratt,  Robert  Cottrell,  Charles  H.  Turner, 
George  Geiger,  John  Watkins,  Peter  Beasle, 
John  Fisher.  Of  these  none  remain,  the  last 
one  (J.  M.  Woodcock  of  Bridgeport)  having 
died  a short  time  ago. 

Owing  to  the  fact  that  the  records  of  the 
lodge  were  destroyed  by  fire  in  April,  1885,  it 
is  impossible  to  give  the  names  of  the  officers 
at  the  time  of  the  organization,  and  possibly 
other  items  of  interest  are  omitted. 

On  September  15,  1887,  Onward  Lodge, 
No.  758,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  was  instituted  with  23 
meml)ers  and  continued  in  existence  until  Jan- 
uary 4,  1889,  when  the  two  lodges  consoli- 
dated, the  name  and  number  of  Belmont  City 
Lodge  being  retained. 

Naturally  there  has  been  much  sickness  and 
many  deaths  among  the  membership,  but  the 
lodge  is  in  a fairly  prosperous  condition  with 
1 17  members. 

The  present  officers  of  the  lodge  are:  John 
Jump,  noble  grand;  Thomas  H.  Jones,  vice 
grand;  Theodore  Snodgrass,  secretary;  Fred 
Strickling,  treasurer. 


Hebron  Encampment,  No.  149,  I.  O.  O.  F., 
was  instituted  at  Bridgeport,  Ohio,  April  14, 
1851,  with  William  Alexander,  hliller  Chal- 
fant,  Elias  Dew,  James  Magill,  Goodwin  Hall, 
E.  W.  Martin  and  William  P.  Baggs  as  char- 
ter members. 

The  meetings  were  held  in  that  village  until 
about  1870  when  it  was  decided  to  locate  the 
encampment  in  Martin’s  Ferry,  as  many  of 
the  members  resided  there. 

Like  Belmont  City  Lodge,  many  of  its  rec- 
ords and  paraphernalia  were  destro}'ed  by  fire. 
It  is  now  in  good  condition  with  a membership 
of  44. 

The  charter  bears  date  of  January  18,  1851, 
Irut  the  encampment  was  not  instituted  until 
almost  three  months  later.  The  present  offi- 
cers of  the  encampment  are : C.  P.,  Robert 
Ldrick;  senior  warden,  Sutton  Palmer; 
junior  warden,  Robert  Slaughter;  H.  P.,  John 
Vickers;  scribe,  George  W.  Burton;  treasurer, 
William  Sloan. 

Welcome  Lodge,  No.  lop,  A.  O.  U.  W., 
was  instituted  at  klartin’s  Ferry,  December  15, 
1891,  with  29  charter  members  present.  Out 
of  this  number,  only  six  remain — H.G.  Woods, 
John  W.  Reed,  B.  F.  Brady,  Nicholas  Beck, 
George  B.  Barr  and  George  W.  Reece — the 
others  having  died  or  dropped  out.  The  lodge 
gained  in  membership  for  a short  time  and 
then  began  to  decrease  because  of  lack  of  in- 
terest among  the  members.  In  1897  Lewis  O. 
Rothermund  and  Alex.  T.  Frazier  died,  and  in 
1899  R.  F.  Allender,  Harry  C.  Jump  and  J.  B. 
iMontgomery  also  passed  away,  leaving  a mem- 
bership of  13.  About  two  years  ago  interest 
was  aroused  in  the  order,  and  the  lodge  noAV 
lias  a membership  of  57,  representing  insur- 
ance to  the  amount  of  $77,000.  The  present 
officers  are : P.  M.  W.,  William  T.  Dixon,  Jr. ; 
AI.  W.,  William  R.  Pitner;  foreman,  Robert 
W.  Matter;  overseer.  William  L.  King; 
recorder,  George  B.  Barr ; financier,  Robert 
G.  Heslop : receiver,  Alatthew  Williams; 
guide,  J.  Glenn  Alorton;  I.  AV.,  John  F.  Dar- 
rah;  O.  W.,  George  W.  Reece. 


202 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


TlIOI’.rRN  I’OST,  A.  R. 

At  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  War,  many  of 
the  brave  volunteers,  who  entered  the  United 
.States  sendee  from  Pease  township,  enlisted  in 
the  1st  and  2nd  Virginia  (Loyal)  Infantry, 
and  upon  the  rcorganizati(ni  of  the  regiments 
for  three  vears  thev  eontinued  in  the  same  or- 
ganization and  fought  under  the  leadership  of 
Col.  josei)h  Thohurn,  who  was  killed  in  the 
bloody  battle  of  Cedar  Creek.  When  the  war 
was  ended,  and  the  first  G.  A.  R.  post  was  or- 
ganized in  1873,  the  old  soldiers  who  had 
fough.t  under  Colonel  Thohurn,  who  was  him- 
self a brave  son  of  Belmont  County,  called  their 
organization  “Thohurn  Post.” 

d'he  organization  is  still  maintained,  hut 
their  ranks  ha\’e  gradually  been  reduced,  un- 
til today  they  number  hut  31.  The  officers  for 
1902  were;  William  Sloan,  commander;  Levi 
Dax'is,  senior  vice-commander;  John  Mc- 
Knight,  junior  vice-commander;  James  Mis- 
kel,  chajdain ; George  Barr,  quartermaster; 
W.  G.  Morgan,  adjutant;  Albert  Liphardt,  of- 
ficer of  the  day;  and  James  Green,  officer  of 
the  guard. 

THE  PRESS. 

The  Martin's  Ferry  Evening  Times  was 
established  IMarch  2,  1891,  l)y  Leroy  C.  Sedg- 
wick and  George  B.  Barr  under  the  firm  name 
of  Sedgwick  & Barr,  and  made  its  first  appear- 
ance as  a six-column  folio.  The  paper  was 
issued  from  the  Parker  building,  corner  of 
Hanover  street  and  the  Cleveland  & Pittsburg 
Railroad,  for  about  two  years  when  the  office 
was  removed  to  the  McDonough  building,  on 
the  ojqiosite  side  of  Hanover  street.  In  Octo- 
ber, 1893,  Barr  disposed  of  his  interest 
to  Alvin  L.  Sedgwick,  and  the  firm  name  was 
changed  to  L.  C.  Sedgwick  & Son.  Two 
} ears  later  Ira  B.  Sedgwick  was  taken  into  the 
firm.  Li^p  to  1894  The  Times  was  issued  as  a 
daily  only,  but  in  that  year  a weekly  was  added 
in  the  form  of  a nine-column  folio,  which  has 
since  been  changed  to  eght  pages.  Increase  in 
business  demanded  more  room,  and  in  1898 
the  proprietors  purchased  a site  and  erected  a 


two-story  brick  building  on  4th  street,  moving 
into  it  in  August  of  that  year.  In  1899  the 
form  of  the  daily  was  changed  to  eight  pages, 
in  which,  shape  it  is  still  issued. 

In  ])olitics  The  Times  has  always  been  Repub- 
lican, but  its  fairness  in  the  discussion  of  politi- 
cal issues,  as  well  as  the  firm  stand  taken  upon 
the  right  side  of  all  public  c|uestions  affecting 
the  interests  of  the  people,  is  evidenced  by  the 
large  patronage  received  from  those  of  a dif- 
ferent political  faith.  The  circulation  of  both 
daily  and  weekly  has  increased  steadily,  until 
now  it  is  the  leading  paper  in  the  county,  both 
in  point  of  circulation  and  influence.  W.  G. 
Creamer  is  at  the  head  of  the  reportorial  staff. 

In  connection  with  the  newspaper.  The 
Times  has  a job  department  second  to  none  in 
this  ])art  of  the  State.  From  a small  begin- 
ning it  has  grown  to  its  present  proportions 
through  strict  attention  to  business  details  and 
a disposition  to  deal  honorably  toward  all  its 
patrons,  and  today  its  reliability  and  the  excel- 
lence of  the  work  turned  out  are  unsurpassed. 
Its  facilities  for  turning  out  job  printing  are 
ample — its  equipment  embracing  the  latest  type 
faces,  five  presses,  folder,  gas  engine,  power 
cutter,  stitching  machine,  perforator,  ruling 
machine,  etc.,  with  workmen  of  experience. 
This  department  is  in  charge  of  George  B. 
Barr,  who.  although  disposing  of  his  financial 
interest  in  The  Times,  has  remained  in  its  ser- 
vice since  its  beginning. 

The  matter  in  The  Times  is  set  by  a Mer- 
genthaler  Standard  Linotype,  and  is  the  only 
machine  of  its  kind  in  the  county. 

The  Ohio  VaUey  Nczi^s. — Attempts  were 
made  to  establish  a newspaper  in  Martinsville 
as  far  back  as  1849.  This  publication  was 
called  The  Enterprise,  and  was  issued  at  alter- 
nate periods  in  Martinsville  and  Bridgeport. 

This  entei']jrise  was  short  lived,  as  was 
another  publication  established  a few  years 
thereafter.  No  further  efforts  were  put  forth 
until  1872  when  Mr.  Barr  of  Wheeling  organ- 
ized a joint  stock  company  for  the  publication 
of  The  Commercial,  with  Mr.  Barr  as  editor. 
This  company  soon  failed,  when  Mr.  Ashen- 
hurst  and  Mr.  Clauser  purchased  the  paper, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


203 


and,  making  some  needed  improvements,  be- 
gan its  publication. 

Mr.  Clauser  sold  his  interest  to  Mr.  Ashen- 
hurst  who  changed  the  paper  to  a seven-column 
folio,  and  changed  its  name  to  the  one  it  bears 
today:  The  Ohio  Valley  Neuv.  Mr.  Ashen- 
hurst  soon  withdrew  from  Martin’s  Ferry  and 
is  now  the  editor  of  The  Corner  Stone  at 
Columbus  and  James  H.  Drennen  and  John 
R.  Gow  succeeded  him  as  editors  and  publish- 
ers of  The  Ncii’s. 

In  1876  Mr.  Gow  withdrew  to  engage  in 
the  newspaper  work  in  Bellaire  and  Mr.  Dren- 
nen continued  its  publication  until  his  death 
in  1896.  This  veteran  editor  was  one  of  the 
original  Republicans  of  Belmont  County  and 
his  paper  was  ever  regarded  as  the  stanch 
exponent  of  Republican  principles.  After  his 
death  his  son,  R.  P.  J.  Drennen,  conducted  the 
business  for  font  years  when  upon  May  i, 
1900,  R.  D.  and  James  H.  Robinson,  grand- 
sons of  the  late  James  H.  Drennen,  purchased 
the  paper  and  are  conducting  it  with  great 
success. 

THE  BRIDGE  OVER  THE  OHIO. 

One  of  the  marked  improvements  in  the  de- 
velopment of  Martin’s  Ferr}^  was  the  comple- 
tion of  the  Wheeling  Bridge  & Terminal  Com- 
pany’s bridge  over  the  Ohio,  under  the  man- 
agement of  Judge  Robert  H.  Cochran,  a 
former  Belmont  County  man,  who  as  presi- 
dent of  the  company  and  managing  director 
of  the  Wheeling  & Lake  Erie  Railroad,  was 
mainly  instrumental  in  its  construction.  The 
first  engine  was  run  over  the  bridge  December 
31,  1899.  bur  the  bridge  was  not  completed 
until  1900. 

The  bridge  is  entirely  of  stone  and  steel, 
and  is  a double  track  railway  structure,  with 
an  extensive  terminal  system  on  both  sides  of 
the  river,  including  three  double-track  tun- 
nels in  Wheeling  aggregating  4,200  feet  in 
length. 

The  cost  of  the  bridge  was  upwards  of  two 
million  dollars.  It  is  now  under  the  control  of 
the  Pennsylvania  Railroad.  The  city  of 
Wheeling  voted  $700,000  for  the  construction 


of  the  bridge  during  the  administration  of 
Judge  Cochran,  but  the  act  was  afterward 
nullified  by  constitutional  amendment. 

A NOTABLE  CHARACTER. 

We  have  elsewhere  alluded  to  the  fact  that 
Martin’s  Ferry  was  the  birthplace  of  America’s 
greatest  living  novelist,  William  Dean  How- 
ells. 

Perhaps  it  will  be  a surprise  to  many  to 
know  that  in  a humble  farm  home,  adjoining 
the  city,  there  was  horn  of  “canny”  Scotch- 
Irish  parents  a lad  named  W.  J.  Rainey,  who 
possessed  in  remarkable  degree  the  keenness 
and  foresight  of  a trader. 

When  still  in  his  “teens,”  he  became  noted 
as  a purchaser  of  live  stock,  and  could  guess 
with  the  accuracy  of  a long  experienced  dealer 
the  weight  of  all  live  stock.  A few  years 
thereafter,  he  added  wheat  and  wool  to  the 
farm  products  he  handled  and  with  added 
gains. 

When  the  Clei'eland  & Pittsburg  stock 
dropped  to  10  and  15  cents  per  share,  he  pur- 
chased largely  and  held  the  stock  in  confidence 
until  it  advanced  to  86  when  he  sold. 

He  had  now  accumulated  considerable 
wealth  and  when  his  father  gave  him  the  coal 
underlying  his  farm,  of  which  he  had  come 
into  possession  after  a long  legal  contest,  Mr. 
Rainey  associated  with  him  a company  of 
capitalists,  to  operate  the  mines  upon  an  ex- 
tensive scale. 

In  the  prosecution  of  this  enterprise  he  be- 
came a millionaire.  A few  years  ago  when 
this  humble  farmer’s  lad  died,  he  had  accu- 
mulated a fortune  of  $25,000,000. 

THE  CITY  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 

x\s  elsewhere  stated,  the  first  legal  settlement 
in  the  county  was  made  within  the  corporate 
limits  of  Bridgeport  by  Captain  Kirkwood  in 
1789. 

Seventeen  years  later  Col.  Ebenezer  Zane 
had  come  into  possession  of  all  the  lands  on 
either  side  of  Indian  Wheeling  Creek,  west  to 


204 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Scolts  and  Ijordering  the  Ohio  on  its  west 
l)anks  to  what  is  now  Ikirlington.  On  May 
9,  i8of),  he  laid  out  the  town  of  Canton,  now 
l)ridgei)ort. 

At  this  time  the  Zane  road,  now  the  National 
Road,  extended  east  and  west,  and  a State  road 
rnnning  north  and  south  from  AVellsville  to 
Marietta  jiassed  th.rongh  the  town  near  Flem- 
ing's Run, 

A deseriptif)!!  of  Canton  or  Bridgeport  at 
this  time  is  j)resented  l)y  F.  Cummings  in 
“'Four  Down  the  Ohio,”  published  in  1807, 

“On  the  hanks  of  the  Ohio  is  a new  town 
called  Canton,  laid  out  by  Mr.  Zane  last  year 
which  has  now  13  houses.  We  here  crossed  a 
ferry  of  a cpiarter  of  a mile  to  Zane’s  Island, 
which  we  walked  across  upwards  of  a half  a 
mile  through  a fertile,  extensive  and  well  cul- 
tivated farm,  the  ])i'operty  of  Mr.  Zane,  some 
of  whose  ap])les  pulled  from  the  orchard  in 
passing  were  veiy  refreshing,  while  we  sat  on 
the  hank  near  by  awaiting  the  ferry  boat. 

“At  last  the  boat  came,  and  we  crossed  the 
ferry  of  another  quarter  of  a mile  to  Wheeling. 

“Cuiining  the  top  of  the  hill  immediately 
over  AVdieeling,  we  olAained  a handsome  birds’- 
eye  view  of  that  town,  Zane’s  Island  m fine 
cultivation,  the  two  ferries  across  the  Ohio, 
and  the  pretty  little  village  of  Canton  (Bridge- 
port) beyond.” 

In  the  work  of  improvement.  Colonel  Zane 
associated  with  him  his  son-in-law,  Elijah 
AVoods,  who  was  very  prominent  in  the  early 
history  of  the  connty.  Elijah  AVoods  served 
as  clerk  of  the  first  courts,  and  became  an 
active  and  influential  member  of  the  first 
Constitutional  Convention  which  met  in  Chil- 
licothe  in  1802.  After  building  a home  on 
block  No.  2,  he  operated  a ferry  across  the 
hack  river.  Mr.  AAMods  was  likewise  a sur- 
veyor and  spent  much  of  his  time  in  !the 
surveying  of  newly  acquired  lands,  both  in 
Pease  township  and  in  adjoining  States. 

For  the  accommodation  of  the  many  emi- 
grants passing  through  the  settlement,  Thomas 
Thompson  built  a tavern  and  conducted  a 
ferry  on  the  north  side  of  Fleming’s  Run.  This 
was  known  as  the  “upper  ferry”  and  the  tav- 


ern was  probably  the  first  in  the  county.  Mr. 
Thompson’s  descendants  are  prosperous  farm- 
ers and  honored  citizens  of  Pease  township 
today. 

Among  the  early  settlers  are  mentioned : 
Moses  Rhodes,  Samuel  Fitch,  Joseph  AVorley, 
John  Reed,  S.  Z.  Sawyer,  Capt.  Richard  Craw- 
ford, a courtly  gentleman  of  the  old  school, 
who  conducted  a tanyard ; and  M.  K.  Durant, 
a hatter. 

Between  1825  and  1830  Bridgeport  became 
a very  important  shipping  point.  Vast  c|uan- 
tities  of  flour  manufactitred  by  the'  30  grist 
mills  in  Pease  township  and  vicinity  with  great 
quantities  of  farm  produce  and  live  stock  were 
shipped  on  flatboats  to  the  Southern  markets. 

THE  FIRST  BRIDGE. 

The  first  bridge  spanning  the  Ohio  and  con- 
necting Bridgeport  with  AVheeling  was  begun 
in  1836.  The  contractor,  AVilliam  LeBarron, 
abandoned  the  work  before  it  was  completed 
and  the  Zane  Brothers  finished  it  in  1838. 

The  old  “covered  bridge”  as  it  was  familiarly 
known  subsequent!}^  became  the  property  of 
the  AVheeling  & Belmont  Bridge  Company. 
This  old  bridge  rendered  service  for  55  years, 
when  it  was  replaced  by  the  present  handsome 
modern  steel  bridge,  at  a cost  of  $65,974.04. 

THE  INCORPORATION. 

Bridgeport  was  incorporated  March  14, 
1836.  Prior  to  the  exercise  of  corporate 
authority,  Peter  Cusick  and  Hugh  McNeely 
were  mayors  and  James  D.  Calligan  was  mayor 
from  1838  to  1840.  Between  1840  and  the 
outbreak  of  the  Civil  AVar  in  1861,  business 
greatly  increased,  and  such  prominent  profes- 
sional men  and  merchants  as  Rhodes  & 
Ogleby,  Warfield  & Holloway,  Junkins  & 
Branum,  Anderson  & Dewey,  Atkinson  & 
Company,  T.  C.  Rowles  and  Dr.  J.  M.  Todd 
were  conspicuous  characters.  Today  Mr.  Jun- 
kins also  remains  of  this  historic  circle. 

In  1873  the  incorporate  limits  were  extended 
to  the  north  line  of  Aetnaville,  including  the 


BRIDGEPORT  TOWN  HALL, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


207 


Aetnaville  Mill  property,  and  south  to  the  La 
Belle  Glass  Works,  including  Kirkwood. 

The  population  of  Bridgeport  at  the  loth 
census  was  3,963,  viz  ; 


First  Ward  1,529 

Second  Ward  1,526 

Third  Ward  908 


This  shows  an  increase  of  1,573  over  the 
census  of  1880,  and  as  an  evidence  of  the 
growth  of  Bridgeport  in  wealth  as  well  as  in 
population  we  note  an  increase  in  the  assess- 
or’s returns  in  the  three  wards  over  those  of 
the  year  previous  of  $28,691.  The  tax  levy 
for  Pease  township  for  1902  is  1.56  and 
Bridgeport  corporation,  2.92. 

THE  MAYORS  AND  CITY  OFFICIALS. 

The  mayors  of  Bridgeport  after  the  cor- 
porate election  of  1847  were  elected  at  irregu- 
lar times  and  for  irregular  terms.  For  ex- 
ample : Moses  Rhodes  was  mayor  from 

October  6,  1847;  B.  T.  Brow,  from  Novem- 
ber 17,  1847;  S.  E.  Francis,  from  April  i, 
1848;  John  Gilbert,  from  Alay  12,  1848; 
Louis  Smith  from  April  9,  1849,  to  April 
16,  1851;  John  Gilbert,  from  April  16,  1851; 
John  Allison,  from  June  12,  1852;  William 
Gill,  from  December,  1852;  W.  W.  Halstead, 
from  April  6,  1853;  William  Gill,  from  April 
3,  1854,  to  April  7,  1856;  William  Alexan- 
der, from  April  7,  1856,  to  December  ii,  1857; 
A.  J.  Lawrence,  from  December  ii,  1857,  to 
April  4,  1859:  John  Gilbert,  from  April  4, 
1859;  Grubb,  from  April  2,  i860;  William 
Alexander,  from  April  i,  1861,  to  June  4, 
1864:  A.  Goudy,  from  June  14,  1864,  to  April, 
1866;  William  Alexander,  from  April,  1866; 
A.  Goudy,  from  May,  1866;  Israel  Phillips, 
from  April,  1867,  to  April,  1869:  William 
Gill,  from  April,  1869; ‘Israel  Phillips,  from 
April,  1870,  to  April,  1873 ; William  Gill, 
from  April,  1873,  to  April,  1875;  Milton  Mc- 
Connaughy,  from  April,  1875,  to  1878;  F.  C. 
Robinson  from  April,  1878,  to  April,  1884; 
M.  V.  Junkins,  to  1888;  R.  Mitchell,  to  April, 
1890.  Then  followed  in  succession  George  P. 
Hathaway,  T.  W.  Williams,  and  F.  Neininger. 


The  present  city  officials  are : Charles  Jun- 
kins, mayor  ; Thomas  Thompson,  marshal ; 
Frank  Rice,  clerk;  George  C.  McKee,  solicitor; 
and  James  McHugh,  treasurer.  The  Council 
is  composed  of  six  members,  namely : C.  Win- 
terhalter, Grove  Stephenson,  E.  J.  Stephens, 
Joseph  Meister,  IMichael  hliller  and  Jack 
Baugh. 

THE  POSTMASTERS. 

Peter  Yost  says  he  thinks  Moses  Rhodes 
was  the  hrst  postmaster,  who  was  appointed 
during  the  administration  of  James  Madison 
in  1815. 

The  present  postmaster  is  Dr.  A.  J.  Hein- 
lein — some  of  his  predecessors  were;  John 
Anderson,  about  1850;  David  Howells,  from 
1856  to  1861;  Hugh  hlcNeely,  from  1861 
to  1865  ; and  then  in  succession  there  followed 
John  Crosby,  Dr.  J.  M.  Todd,  Dr.  John  Cook, 
Johnson  Brown  and  R.  B.  Mitchell. 

THE  AETNAVILLE  BRIDGE. 

The  Aetnaville  steel  bridge,  which  connects 
iVetnaville  and  Wheeling,  was  constructed  in 
1890  and  1891  at  a cost  of  $150,000.  The 
bridge  was  built  primarily,  to  afford  the  elec- 
tric cars  speedier  communication  between 
Wheeling  and  hlartin’s  Ferry.  It  has  like- 
wise proved  very  serviceable  as  a foot  and 
wagon  bridge  across  the  “back  river.”  The 
bridge  is  operated  by  a AMieeling  company. 

THE  MANUFACTURING  INTERESTS 

Of  Bridgeport  did  not  develop  until  1872  and 
1873.  Previous  to  that,  there  were  the  Smith 
& Son  flour  mill,  the  Diamond  IMills,  the  Bel- 
mont foundry,  Baggs  & Sons’  sawmills,  em- 
ploying an  aggregate  of  probably  200  hands. 

Then  the  La  Belle  Glass  Works  was  incor- 
porated, with  E.  P.  Rhodes,  president,  W.  H. 
Brinton,  secretary,  and  A.  J.  Baggs,  manager. 
The  capital  stock  was  $100,000,  and  the  num- 
ber of  hands  employed  was  1 50.  The  annual 
product  amounted  to  $135,000. 

The  year  following  the  Aetna  Iron  & Nail 


2o8 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Works  were  established  with  a capital  of 
$200,000;  W.  W.  Idolloway  was  president, 
with  W.  11.  Tallnian,  secretary,  and  Louis 
Jones,  manager.  The  directors  were;  W.  W. 
llolloway,  Louis  Jones,  A.  G.  Robinson,  L. 
Spence,  A.  J.  Baggs,  T.  R.  Moffat,  W.  B. 
Simpson.  The  number  of  hands  employed  at 
the  beginning  was  between  200  and  250  and 
the  annual  product  was  10,000  tons  of  T-rails 
and  bar  iron. 

The  mill  has  been  so  successfully  managed 
that  today  it  is  the  greatest  steel  plant  in  the 
Upper  Ohio  Valley.  The  mill  is  now  oper- 
ated by  the  United  States  Steel  Corporation, 
with  E.  G.  McMurtric,  of  New  York,  as 
president,  and  J.  A.  Topping  of  Bridgeport, 
vice-president.  H.  L.  Cooke  is  division  super- 
intendent of  the  district,  and  has  personal 
supervision  of  the  mill.  When  in  full  opera- 
tion, the  mill  employs  2,500  men,  and  pro- 
duces 88,400  net  tons  annually  of  black  sheets 
and  painted  and  formed  roofiing.  The  pay 
roll  averages  $75,000  per  month. 

The  Crystal  Class  Company  of  Bridgeport 
was  organized  the  31st  day  of  August,  1888. 
The  fir.st  hoard  of  directors  consisted  of  J. 
N.  Vance,  W.  T.  Burt,  Thomas  Mears,  Ed. 
Muhleman  and  N.  Kuhn.  The  officers  were: 
J.  N.  Vance,  president,  and  Ed.  Muhleman, 
secretary.  The  present  officers  are : A.  W. 
Tlerron,  vice-president;  G.  Roy  Boyd,  secre- 
tary ; and  W.  Pomeroy,  treasurer.  Idie  direc- 
tors are : E.  L.  Stephenson,  L.  B.  Martin,  L. 
W.  Ilerron,  A.  L.  Strashurger  and  Addison 
1 homjvson.  The  stock  outstanding  is  $146,- 
880;  the  approximate  output  is  about 
$450,000  per  annum ; and  the  number  of 
employees  is  600. 

In  addition  to  the  above  there  is  the  Scott 
Lumber  Com])any,  which  is  probably  the  larg- 
est factory  of  the  kind  in  the  county.  It  oper- 
ates a branch  house  in  Martin’s  Eerry  and 
employs  nearly  100  hands  and  keeps  from  15 
to  t8  teams  constantly  employed. 

The  leading  flour  mill  today  is  the  Aetna, 
the  successor  of  the  Diamond  mill,  and  is  ex- 
tensively operated  with  all  the  modern  appli- 
ances for  the  manufacture  of  flour. 


THE  BANKS. 

The  First  National  Bank  was  among  the 
first  national  hanks  organized  in  Ohio.  It 
was  the  successor  of  the  Belmont  branch  of 
the  State  Bank  of  Ohio,  which  was  organized 
in  1847,  with  a capital  stock  of  $100,000.  The 
directors  of  this  branch  of  the  old  State  Bank 
were  Jacob  Holloway,  Ezekiel  Harris,  Henry 
Kennon,  John  Warfield,  John  Kinsey,  James 
Y.  Patterson,  John  K.  Newland,  James  A. 
Cray  and  Llugh  McNeely,  with  John  C.  Tail- 
man  as  cashier. 

Under  the  efficient  management  of  these 
officials,  the  bank  withstood  the  crash  of  1857. 
Its  affairs  were  wound  up  by  limitation  in 
1863,  and  the  Eirst  National  Bank  took  its 
place,  with  a capital  of  $200,000. 

The  original  directors  of  the  First  National 
Bank  were  Crispan  Oglehay,  W.  W.  Holloway, 
Finley  B.  McGrew,  Hiram  W.  Smith  and 
Ebenezer  P.  Rhodes.  W.  W.  Holloway  was 
chosen  president  and  J.  C.  Tallman  was  re- 
tained as  cashier,  a position  he  held  during  his 
life,  with  W.  H.  Tallman,  assistant  cashier. 
The  capital  stock  was  subsequently  reduced  to 
$100,000.  The  present  officers  are:  William 
Alexander,  president;  L.  Spence,  vice-presi- 
dent ; and  F.  W.  Henderson,  cashier.  The 
hoard  of  directors,  January,  1902,  was  as  fol- 
lows : L.  Spence,  J.  J.  Holloway,  Samuel  A. 
Junkins,  William  McComas,  J.  C.  Heinlein, 
N.  Kuhn,  N.  K.  Kennon,  William  Mann  and 
William  Alexander.  The  deposits  of  the  bank, 
on  November  25,  1902,  when  a report  was 
made  to  the  Comptroller  of  the  Currency, 
amounted  to  $506,681.31. 

Since  the  above  was  written  it  has  been 
announced  that  the  charter  of  the  First 
National  Bank  will  expire  early  in  1903,  and 
the  hank  will  he  re-organized  under  the  name 
of  the  Bridgeport  National  Bank  without  any 
interruption  in  business.  The  officers  of  the 
new  organization  will  he : J.  J.  Llolloway, 
pre.'iident ; J.  C.  Heinlein,  vice-president ; and 
F.  W.  Henderson,  cashier. 

The  Dollar  Saroirigs  Bank  of  Bridgeport 
was  organized  February  14,  1891,  with  a capi- 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


209 


tal  of  $50,000.  The  first  officers  were  : George 
C.  McKee,  president;  Thomas  T.  Frasier, 
vice-president ; R.  R.  Barnett,  cashier ; and 
Fred  Fox,  teller.  The  directors  were  George 
C.  McKee,  John  T.  Scott,  Thomas  T.  Frasier, 
Eli  Bailey,  John  Stewart,  William  Koehnlein, 
C.  W.  Apenzeller,  Eli  Gilmore  and  R.  B. 
Mitchell. 

The  present  oflicers  are:  John  T.  Scott, 
president;  Thomas  T.  Frasier,  vice-president; 
Flenry  Fox,  cashier;  and  J.  O.  Perry,  teller. 

DR.  AFFLECK  AND  DR.  TODD. 

Among  the  physicians  of  Bridgeport  of  a 
past  generation  were  two  noted  men,  viz. — Dr. 
J.  G.  Affleck  and  Dr.  J.  M.  Todd. 

Dr.  J.  G.  Aflteck  was  a genial,  generous 
hearted  Scotchman  of  great  literary  ability. 
Fie  was  said  to  possess  the  finest  library  in  the 
county,  and  knew  inore  of  its  contents  than  any 
other  man  in  the  State.  The  Doctor  at  dif- 
ferent times  published  four  newspapers  and 
while  pursuing  his  medical  practice  was  a reg- 
ular contributor  to  many  papers  and  magazines. 
His  literary  work  continued  until  his  death. 

Dr.  J.  M.  Todd  was  a man  of  strong  con- 
victions and  pronounced  views  upon  all  ques- 
tions of  public  policy.  While  engaged  in  the 
_ practice  of  his  profession,  he  took  an  active 
part  in  municipal  affairs  and,  while  foremost 
in  advocating"  every  policy  looking  to  the  ad- 
\'ancement  of  the  town  or  county,  he  was  an 
intense  partisan  and  uncompromising  in  his 
hostility  to  the  opposition.  Like  his  colleague 
Dr.  Affleck,  Dr.  Todd  was  a man  of  superior 
literary  ability,  and  was  a constant  contributor 
to  the  local  and  medical  press  upon  all  historic, 
economic,  or  professional  questions. 

THE  CHURCHES. 

The  First  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. — 
Before  there  was  an  organized  Methodist  Epis- 
copal Church  in  Bridgeport,  different  ministers 
visited  and  preached  in  the  place,  among  whom 
were  William  Lamden,  Wesley  Browning,  S. 
R.  Brockunier,  Thomas  Drummond,  C.  D. 


Battelle  and  the  celebrated  Lorenzo  Dow.  It 
is  prol)able  that  the  first  Methodist  sermon 
preached  in  Bridgeport  was  delivered  in  an 
old  log  tavern  located  at  the  north  end  of  the 
town  and  kept  by  a Mr.  Thompson.  The  home 
of  Elijah  Woods  was  opened  also  to  these  men 
of  God  as  a preaching  place.  The  first  men  to 
unite  with  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  in 
these  early  days  were  Noah  Scott  and  John 
Bailey.  The  first  Methodist  class  was  organ- 
ized in  Bridgeport  in  1833  with  Noah  Scott 
as  leader,  appointed  by  Rev.  Mr.  Kent.  This 
class  met  at  the  home  of  Scjuire  Bloomfield  and 
consisted  of  seven  members : Squire  Bloom- 

field and  wife,  John  Graham,  Thomas  Hukill, 
and  wife,  and  James  and  Jane  Putnam.  The 
next  preaching  place  was  in  a small  brick  build- 
ing near  the  National  Pike,  built  by  Joseph 
McConnaughy. 

In  1835  Bridgeport  was  taken  up  as  a regu- 
lar appointment  by  Revs.  David  Merriman  and 
J.  C.  Taylor,  pastors  on  the  St.  Clairsville 
circuit.  In  1842  it  was  made  a part  of  the 
Martinsville  circuit  and  remained  a part  of  that 
circuit  until  1853  when  Martin’s  Ferry  was 
made  a station  and  Bridgeport  became  the  head 
of  Bridgeport  circuit  wdth  Scotts  and  West 
Wheeling.  It  was  made  a station  in  1870. 

In  1839  a lot  was  purchased  from  Joseph 
Kirkwmod  to  which  a warehouse  w-as  moved 
and  fitted  up  for  a place  of  worship.  The  trus- 
tees of  this  first  church  property  were  : Joseph 
McConnaugh}L  Joseph  Wilson,  David  True- 
man, Thomas  J.  Flukill,  Walker  Hunter,  Noah 
Scott  and  Henry  McGregor. 

In  1849  brick  building  now^  owned  by  the 
colored  Ba])tists  of  Bridgeport  was  erected  and 
continued  the  ])lace  of  worship  until  1892.  At 
that  time  a beautiful  site  on  the  corner  of  Ben- 
nett and  DeKalb  streets  was  secured,  upon 
which  a church  edifice  and  parsonage  were 
erected.  This  property,  now  valued  at  $25,- 
000,  is  clear  of  debt. 

The  following  ministers  have  been  appointed 
pastors  of  Bridgeport  since  it  was  taken  up  as 
a regular  preaching  place : I.  N.  McAbee,  John 
W.  Minor,  P.  M.  McGowen,  S.  Cheney,  James 
Drummond,  AVilliam  Cox.  Thomas  McCleary, 


210 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


J.  ]\1.  Rankin,  David  S.  Welling,  John  D. 
Knox,  N.  C.  Worthington,  R.  Hamilton,  W. 
Darby,  R.  W.  Vertical!,  J,  N.  Ekey,  John  D. 
V'ail,  John  Stephens,  A.  B.  Castle,  T.  M.  Hud- 
son, W.  F.  Lanck,  T.  McCleary,  Joseph  Gud- 
hill,  B.  F.  lulgell,  John  D.  Vail,  J.  R.  Keyes, 
R.  h'.  Killer,  J.  S.  Winters,  J.  H.  Rogers,  C. 
B.  Henthornc,  W.  H.  Dickerson,  W.  L.  Dixon 
and  J.  S.  Secrist. 

'I’lie  following  constitute  the  official  board : 
d'rustees, — S.  A.  Clemens,  George  H,  Groves, 
William  Fox,  F,  C.  Robinson,  H.  E.  Wood- 
cock, Walter  Hewitson,  J,  C.  Dent,  H.  G. 
Branum,  J.  B.  Driggs;  Sunday-school,  super- 
intendent,— J.  C.  Mace;  Epworth  League  pres- 
ident,— Miss  Ida  Davis;  stewards, — T.  W. 
Williams,  T,  C.  Farmer,  E.  H.  Stevens,  C. 
B.  Loe,  Charles  Woodcock,  John  Kidney,  John 
'rurner,  T.  B.  Smith,  Ralph  Bethel,  J.  T. 
Davis,  W,  E.  Riggs,  H.  M.  Crawford  and 
James  Cofflance. 

I Vest  Bridgeport,  Scott’s  and  West  Wheel- 
ing Methodist  Episcopal  Churches. — The  West 
Bridgeport  charge  is  presided  over  by  Rev. 
John  A.  Wright. 

It  consists  of  three  appointments : namely. 
West  Bridgeport,  Scotts  and  West  Wheeling. 
The  West  Bridgeport  Church  was  built  in  1872 
under  the  ministry  of  Rev.  William  Peregoy. 
It  is  a brick  structure  worth  about  $2,500.  It 
was  dedicated  Novemlier  10,  1872,  by  Rev. 
\Y.  B.  Watkins.  There  is  also  a parsonage  at 
West  Bridgeport,  the  rental  value  of  which  is 
S900.  The  ]iastor’s  salary  is  $750.  The  fol- 
lowing preachers  have  served  the  charge  since 
its  formation : namely,  David  E.  Howell,  Wil- 
liam Peregoy,  J.  O.  A.  Miller,  W.  P.  Rob- 
ins, H.  Appleton,  George  B.  Smith,  T.  J. 
Baker,  N.  C.  Worthington,  J.  S.  Secrist,  T.  J. 
Curts,  W.  Meek,  D.  A.  Pierce,  A.  J.  Lane,  E. 
I.  Sweeney,  W.  D.  Stephens,  R.  S.  Strahl,  D. 
E.  Holtz  and  John  A.  Wright.  The  church  is 
lighted  by  electricity  and  is  heated  by  a fur- 
nace. There  is  no  debt  of  any  kincl  on  the 
church. 

Scott’s  Church  is  also  a brick  edifice,  and  is 
located  in  the  village  of  Lansing  three  miles 
west  of  Bridgeport  on  the  National  Road.  It 


was  built  in  1834.  There  was  a preaching 
place  here  for  many  years  before  the  church 
was  built.  J.  B.  Einley  preached  here  when  it 
was  called  Scott’s  appointment. 

The  West  Wheeling  Church  is  also  brick, 
and  was  built  in  1845  and  rebuilt  in  1879,  and 
remodeled  in  1888.  In  this  year  gas  was  put 
into  the  church  both  for  illuminating  and  heat- 
ing purposes. 

Tlie  official  members  of  the  West  Bridgeport 
Church  are  as  follows  : Stewards, — W.  S.  Kid- 
ney, Ralph  Simpson,  Mrs.  J.  D.  Wilson  and 
Mary  J.  Conaway;  trustees, — John  D.  Wil- 
son, Robert  Simpson,  John  Porter  and  James 
McConnaughy ; class  leaders, — Otho  Kid- 
ney, Ralph  Simpson  and  Edward  Wilson;  Sun- 
day-school superintendent,  Otho  Kidney.  The 
official  members  of  the  Scott’s,  or  Lansing 
Church  are  as  follows : Class  leader,  John  B. 

Pyle;  Sunday-school  superintendent,  Christo- 
pher Giffin;  stewards, — John  B.  Pyle,  J.  C. 
Bell  and  L.  Liston ; trustees, — same  as  above 
with  the  addition  of  Ebenezer  Worley  and  E. 
T.  Kinsey.  The  officials  of  the  West  Wheel- 
ing Church  are  as  follows : Class  leader.  Rev. 
A.  E.  Eortney ; Sunday-school  superintendent, 
Joseph  A.  Pyle;  stewards, — Rev.  A.  E.  Eort- 
ney, J.  S.  Pyle  and  Emma  Dixon;  trustees, — 
A.  E.  Eortney,  W.  E.  Eortney,  J.  S.  Pyle,  Em- 
ma Dixon  and  Harry  Lyle. 

The  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bridge- 
port was  organized  August  9,  1850,  by  Rev. 
Benjamin  Mitchell  and  Rev.  James  Alexander. 
The  following  persons  united  with  the  church 
upon  certificates  from  other  churches : Henry 

Wells,  Mrs.  Margaret  Wells,  Miss  Eliza 
McConahey,  Mrs.  Margaret  Kirkwood,  Vin- 
cent Mitchell,  Mrs.  Barbara  Campbell,  Mrs. 
Barbara  Thompson,  Mrs.  Sarah  Large,  Miss 
Adeline  Large,  Stephen  Laughran,  Mrs.  Jane 
Laughran,  Robert  Theaker,  Mrs.  Mary  S. 
Theaker.  Miss  Rebecca  Newland,  William 
Alexander,  Nelson  Theaker,  Mrs.  Kitty  A. 
Theaker,  Thomas  C.  Theaker,  Mrs.  Mary 
Theaker,  Edward  W.  Martin, — 20  in  all.  Nel- 
son Theaker  and  Henry  Wells  were  elected  rul- 
ing elders,  and  Robert  P.  Theaker  and  William 
Alexander  were  elected  deacons. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


211 


Rev.  James  Alexander  was  pastor  of  the 
Martin’s  Ferry  Church  from  which  most  of 
these  members  brought  certificates.  He  con- 
tinued as  pastor  of  the  two  churches  for  some 
time,  and  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Samuel  Boyd. 
He  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  G.  W.  Chalfant  who 
remained  pastor  for  17  years.  He  in  turn  was 
succeeded  by  Rev.  C.  C.  Hayes  as  pastor  for 
six  years.  Rev.  J.  A.  Donahey  is  the  present 
pastor,  and  William  Alexander,  John  I.  Scott 
and  Thomas  J.  Davis  are  the  elders.  The  trus- 
tees are:  George  C.  McKee,  Thomas  Frasier, 
Thomas  Duncan,  Fred  Fox,  A.  J.  Blackford 
and  William  Clark;  treasurer,  Charles  Enlow. 

St.  Anthony’s  Catholic  Church. — The  Cath- 
olic congregation  in  the  village  of  Bridgeport 
was  first  organized  by  Rev.  Joseph  Touhy  in 
the  year  1885,  then  pastor  of  St.  Mary’s 
Church  in  Martin’s  Ferry.  At  this  time  there 
could  be  found  br;t  about  one  dozen  of  Catho- 
lic families  in  Bridgeport.  Nevertheless,  though 
but  few  in  number  under  the  leadership  of 
their  wise  pastor  they  soon-  acquired  two  lots 
on  Whitly  street  in  Kirkwood  and  soon  erected 
there  a modest  little  frame  building  where  they 
might  gather  for  religious  worship.  Father 
Touhy  held  services  here  for  these  few  faith- 
ful ones  on  one  Sunday  of  each  month.  But 
after  about  two  years  from  the  time  of  its  first 
organization,  the  membership  had  grown  suf- 
ficiently large  that  they  should  have  more  fre- 
quent service  and  consequently  an  arrangement 
was  agreed  upon  by  Bishop  Watterson  of  Co- 
lumbus, Ohio,  Bishop  Kain  of  Wheeling,  West 
Virginia,  and  the  superior  of  the  Cappucian 
Fathers  at  St.  Alphonsus’  Church  in  Wheel- 
ing, by  which  these  latter  Fathers  promised  to 
send  a priest  from  their  church  in  Wheeling 
every  Sunday  to  Bridgeport  to  give  the  people 
religious  services.  For  two  years  Father  Mar- 
tin, O.  M.  Cap.,  filled  this  office.  When  scar- 
city of  priests  did  no  longer  permit  these 
Fathers  to  continue  this  work.  Bishop  Watter- 
son of  Columbus  assigned  Father  Joseph  A. 
Weigand  as  pastor  of  Bridgeport,  and  he  con- 
tinues there  to  this  day, — since  January  21, 
1890.  Under  the  direction  of  Father  Martin 
a new  site  for  a church  had  been  purchased. 


located  on  the  National  Road,  now  known  as 
Main  street. 

In  the  same  year  in  which  Father  Weigand 
was  assigned  as  the  first  resident  pastor  of  St. 
Anthony’s  Church,  a new  frame  building  was 
erected  on  the  newly  acquired  church  property, 
which  was  temporarily  used  for  a church  until 
two  years  later,  when  it  was  found  expedient 
to  build  the  large  and  beautiful  brick  edifice 
in  which  the  congregation  has  now  been  wor- 
shiping since  September,  1892.  During  this 
same  month  and  year,  the  temporary  church 
was  converted  into  a school  building  and  the 
Sisters  of  Charity  from  Nazareth,  Kentucky, 
were  introduced  to  teach  the  children  attending 
the  parochial  school.  Since  that  time  the  con- 
gregation has  been  steadily  on  the  increase  so 
that  it  numbers  at  present  about  100  families 
with  about  an  equal  number  of  children  attend- 
ing the  parochial  school.  Besides  the  100  fam- 
ilies there  belong  to  the  congregation  about 
125  single  men  employed  in  the  various  pub- 
lic works;  so  that  the  congregation  numbers 
from  200  to  250  voting  members.  As  to  na- 
tionality, the  membership  consists  of  American 
born,  'of  Irish,  Germans,  French,  Italians,  Hun- 
garians, Polish,  Slovak,  Krainars,  Bohemians, 
Croatians  and  Syrians,  but  nearly  all  natura- 
lized citizens  of  the  United  States, 

The  church  property  of  the  congregation 
consists  of  a handsome  brick  church,  adjoining 
which  is  a commodious  pastoral  residence,  a 
sufficiently  commodious  school  building  and  a 
convent  to  accommodate  the  Sisters  teaching 
the  parochial  school. 

Connected  with  the  church  are  the  following- 
organizations  : The  C.  M.  B.  A.,  a beneficial 
and  insurance  society  for  the  men;  the  St.  Bar- 
bara Society,  also  fof  men,  but  especially  for 
the  miners,  being  likewise  of  a beneficial  char- 
acter, and  mostly  composed  of  Slavonian 
speaking  men ; the  Knights  of  St.  George,  an- 
other organization  of  similar  nature  and  to  a 
large  extent  made  up  of  Tyrolese  Italians; 
finally,  the  kloeller  Club,  intended  principally 
for  the  younger  men  of  the  parish  and  designed 
to  give  them  a place  for  mutual  enjoyment  and 
recreation  while  at  the  same  time  supplying 


2 12 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


them  with  good  literature  and  other  means  of 
encouragement  to  cultivate  a taste  for  what 
is  noble  and  dignihed,  and  thus  to  keep  them 
away  from  more  dangerous  places.  Each  of 
these  organizations  numbers  from  25  to  75 
members. 

The  church  at  Bridgeport  is  also  attended 
by  all  the  Catholic  families  living  north  on  the 
Cleveland,  Lorain  & Wheeling  Railway  as  far 
as  Holloway  and  west  as  far  as  the  County  In- 
hrmary. 

THE  SCHOOLS. 

District  schools  were  maintained  as  early 
as  1835.  A young  Dr.  Stone  from  the  East 
and  John  Sterling  were  teachers  previous  to 
that  time.  Dr.  McCoy,  Moses  Rhodes  and  Dr. 
J.  G.  Aflleck  were  trustees. 

Ehenezer  Zane  gave  a lot  on  which  a brick 
school  house  was  erected.  Uriah  Halstead 
taught  in  this  building  until  the  outbreak  of  the 
Civil  War,  when  he  enlisted  in  the  Eirst  Vir- 
ginia Cavalry  and  was  killed  in  one  of  the  bat- 
tles in  West  Virginia. 

Dr.  W.  B.  Watkins  also  taught  here  and  was 
a very  successful  teacher,  inspiring  his  schol- 
ars and  constantly  pointing  them  to  higher  at- 
tainments as  well  as  instilling  a desire  among 
parents  for  better  schools  and  accommodations 
for  higher  education.  He  afterward  became 
an  eloquent  minister  of  the  Methodist  Episco- 
pal Church,  having  appointments  in  Pittsburg 
and  other  cities.  He  died  in  the  midst  of  a 
very  useful  life,  honored  by  all  who  knew  him. 

When  Kirkwood  was  separate  and  apart 
from  Bridgeport,  a district  school  was  held 
there  in  the  basement  of  the  Methodist  Episco- 
pal Church  and  other  places.  J.  C.  Tailman, 
John  Warfield  and  W.  W.  Holloway  were  then 
serving  as  directors.  J.  C.  Tailman  from  the 
time  he  first  came  to  Bridgeport  was  an  intelli- 
gent and  untiring  worker  for  every  educational 
interest.  He  did  much  for  the  advancement 
of  higher  education  for  the  masses.  Kirkwood 
was  taken  into  the  incorporated  village  of 
Bridgeport  and  immediately  a school  building 
was’  advocated.  It  was  sucessfully  carried  out 
amid  strong  opposition.  The  primary  object 


in  getting  Kirkwood  into  the  corporation  was 
to  secure  a school  building  and  better  schools. 

A site  was  selected  in  Kirkwood  and  imme- 
diate action  taken  for  the  erection  of  a com- 
modious school  building.  The  school  district 
was  then  working  under  what  was  known  as 
the  Akron  law.  W.  W.  Holloway,  John  C. 
Tailman,  W.  W.  Atkinson,  E.  P.  Rhodes  and 
J.  G.  Affleck  were  members  of  the  School 
Board  in  1866.  The  new  building  was  com- 
pleted in  1867,  and  Captain  Griffith  of  Colum- 
bus was  chosen  superintendent,  with  his  wife, 
a trained  and  most  efficient  primary  teacher,  as 
assistant.  Some  differences  in  regard  to  teach- 
ing languages  caused  Captain  Griffith  to  re- 
sign, much  to  the  regret  of  the  great  majority 
of  the  patrons  of  the  school,  who  recognized 
in  him  an  excellent  organizer  and  proficient 
superintendent. 

Rev.  yV.  B.  Castle  of  the  Methodist  Episco- 
]jal  Church  then  took  charge  of  the  school  for 
a time  and  was  succeeded  by  John  Taylor  for 
two  years. 

D.  P.  Pratt  followed  him  as  superintendent 
for  two  years. 

The  Board  of  Education  at  this  time  con- 
sisted of  Hon.  Ross  J.  Alexander,  Dr.  John 
Cook,  Dr.  J.  M.  Todd,  Burget  McConnaughy, 
W.  W.  Holloway  and  William  Alexander.  T. 
E.  Orr  was  employed  as  superintendent,  and 
under  his  management  the  schools  were 
brought  up  to  a standard  equaled  by  few  in  the 
county.  With  the  building  of  the  Aetna  iron 
mills  and  a large  increase  in  population,  an  ad- 
ditional building  was  needed  in  Aetnaville. 
Soon  another  was  required  in  the  west  end  of 
Bridgeport  for  primary  grades.  These  new 
schools  were  well  established  by  Superintend- 
ent Orr,  when  he  gave  notice  to  the  Board  that 
he  would  tender  his  resignation  at  the  end  of 
the  school  year  to  go  into  other  business. 
James  Duncan  was  employed  in  his  place  and 
remains  superintendent  at  this  writing. 

Brookside  district  was  taken  into  Bridgeport 
special  school  district  and  a large  and  commo- 
dious school  building  erected  there. 

For  the  past  35  years  Bridgeport  has  pro- 
vided ample  buildings  and  every  facility  for  the 


BRIDGEPORT  HIGH  SCHOOL. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


215 


education  of  her  youth  and  continues  to  fur- 
nish every  equipment  for  her  schools  and 
maintains  and  supports  teachers  of  ability  and 
aptness  to  teach. 

The  present  Board  of  Education  is : John 

T.  Scott,  president;  Thomas  Hill,  treasurer; 
William  Koehnline,  Elias  McConneghy,  Capt. 
E.  A.  Thomas  and  Thomas  McGoff. 

When  the  first  school  building  was  opened 
for  use,  the  old  school  house  was  set  apart  by 
the  Board  for  the  education  of  the  colored 
children  of  the  township.  The  Bridgeport 
School  Board  saw  that  they  received  their  full 
share  of  the  public  money;  they  made  appro- 
priations to  keep  that  school  open  as  long  as 
the  other  school  and  employed  good  teachers. 

When  the  law  was  passed  giving  the  col- 
ored children  a place  with  the  white  children 
in  all  schools,  W.  W.  Holloway  introduced  a 
resolution  to  admit,  them  to  equal  rights  in  our 
public  schools,  which  was  finally  adopted. 
Bridgeport  was  the  first  place  in  the  county  to 
provide  schools  for  the  colored  children  and 
the  first  to  admit  them  to  the  public  schools 
after  the  passage  of  the  law.  Many  colored 
children  have  since  graduated  with  credit  to 
themselves. 

In  the  Bridgeport  district  today  there  are 
four  schools  with  21  rooms  and  an  average 
daily  attendance  of  799.  Twenty-four  teach- 
ers are  recqfired  for  instruction  in  the  various 
departments.  The  expenditures  for  1901 
amounted  to  $16,532.65. 

SECRET  SOCIETIES. 

Bridgeport  Lodge ^ No.  18 1,  F.  & A.  M., 
was  organized  in  1849  with  a membership  of 
19,  all  of  whom  are  believed  to  be  dead.  Their 
names  were : William  Stewart,  Townsend 

Frasier,  John  Amrine,  Zachariah  Bell,  Robert 
Hardin,  Platoff  McNeely,  Arthur  Higgins, 
G.  W.  Anderson,  Albert  Rice,  James  M.  Smith, 
W.  F.  Crawford,  James  McConnaughy,  Reub- 
en Miller,  Jeremiah  Fields,  Ezekiel  Harris,  A. 
McSwords  and  James  Hicks. 

The  blue  lodge  was  organized  in  1879;  the 


officers  at  organization  were  as  follows ; 
George  Giffin,  W.  kl. ; George  Pitney,  S.  W. ; 
Peter  Hathaway,  J.  W. ; James  Cox,  S.  D.; 
Robert  Howell,  J.  D.;  Henry  Crawford,  sec- 
retary; R.  J.  Alexander,  treasurer,  and  W.  T. 
Steadman,  tyler. 

The  officers  of  the  lodge  in  1902  are  as 
follows  : John  Shane,  W.  M. ; Joseph  Burtoft, 
S.  W. ; Joseph  kloore,  J.  W. ; Charles  Enlow, 
S.  D. ; Charles  Marsh,  J.  D. ; James  Cox,  sec- 
retary; Frank  Henderson,  treasurer,  and 
Robert  Giffin,  tyler.  The  membership  of  this 
lodge  is  100. 

Clement  Lodge,  I.  0.  0.  F.,  was  organized 
March  23,  1849,  with  a membership  of  six  not 
including  the  officers,  and  the  first  officers 
were ; Edward  Heatherington,  N.  G. ; Elias 
Dew,  V.  G. ; W.  H.  Robinson,  secretary  and 
J.  D.  Sterling,  treasurer.  The  order  had  no 
permanent  lodge  room  until  1859  when  a hall 
was  properly  fitted  up  in  the  First  National 
Bank  building.  Its  membership  in  1879  was 
50.  Today  it  is  75.  Its  officers  for  1902  are: 
Walker  Hinesman,  N.  G. ; H.  J.  H.  Spencer, 
V.  G. ; James  Burtoft,  secretary;  Park  Loe, 
chaplain ; F.  Zeiglehofer,  warden ; Albert 
Young,  treasurer;  A.  T.  Mandry,  R.  S.  N.  G. ; 
J.  R.  Williams,  R.  S.  V.  G. ; W.  A.  King,  V. 
S.  N.  G. ; and  Charles  Milburt,  L.  S.  V.  G. 

Belmont  Lodge,  K.  of  P.  of  Bridgeport  has 
a membership  of  175  in  1902.  Its  officers  are: 
Frank  Stone,  P.  C. ; Thomas  Hill,  C.  C. ; F. 
Neininger,  V.  C. ; George  Smith,  prelate;  John 
Morris,  M.  F. ; Fred  Goss,  W.  M.,  and  L.  H. 
Harrison,  I.  G. 

BRANUM  POST,  G.  A.  R. 

Branum  Post,  No.  22,  G.  A.  R.,  of  BridgCr 
port  was  named  after  a brave  comrade  who 
gave  his  life  in  the  defense  of  his  country  dur- 
ing the  War  of  the  Rebellion.  The  post  now 
numbers  about  40,  and  the  officers  for  1902 
are : Post  commander,  A.  E.  Fortney ; senior 

vice  commander,  B.  McConnaughy;  adjutant, 
R.  H.  Clayland;  chaplain.  Rev.  J.  A.  Wright, 
and  officer  of  the  day,  Robert  Giffen. 


CHAPTER  XVII 


WARREN  TOWNSHIP. 


The  First  Settlers — The  First  Mills — The  First  Child — Wild  Game — The  Society 
OF  Friends — The  First  Churches  and  Schools — Organization  of  the  Town- 
ship— Tobacco  and  Berry  Culture — The  Population  and  Township  Offi- 
cers— The  City  of  Barnesville — A Sketch  of  the  Founder — Municipal 
Officers — The  Post  Office — The  Manufactories — The  Banks — Dr.  Carolus 
Judkins — Hon.  John  Davenport — The  Churches — The  Schools — Secret  So- 
cieties— Robert  Hilles  Post,  G.  A.  R. — The  Press — The  Cemeteries — The 
Belmont  County  Children’s  Home — The  Board  of  Charities. 


Seven  years  before  the  organization  of  War- 
ren township,  emigrants  began  to  enter  into  the 
territory  from  Pennsylvania  and  Maryland, 
and  large  caravans  of  Quakers  arrived  from 
the  Southern  States. 

The  country  was  almost  an  unbroken  wil- 
derness, and  the  labors  and  hardships  and  dan- 
gers to’  which  these  early  emigrants  were  sub- 
jected are  scarcely  understood  by  their  descen- 
dants today. 

THE  first  settlers. 

Among  the  first  settlers  are  mentioned  the 
names  of  George  Shannon,  father  of  Governor 
Shannon,  John  Dougherty,  John  Grier,  who 
emigrated  from  Maryland  in  1800,  and  built 
their  rude  cabins  on  section  9 and  12. 

The  year  following,  Robert  Plummer,  the 
first  Quaker  to  settle  in  the  township,  built 
his  humble  cabin  of  poles  on  section  10,  not  far 
distant  from  the  settlers  above  mentioned.  Mr. 
Plummer  was  a devoted  Friend,  and  set  apart 
land  at  the  very  outset  for  the  establishment  of 
a Friend’s  Meeting  House  and  graveyard.  In- 
deed until  1806  the  pioneers  of  Warren  town- 


ship were  largely  Quakers  from  the  States 
above  mentioned. 

The  winter  of  1802-03  remarkable  for 
the  intensity  of  the  cold,  causing  the  pioneers 
the  utmost  distress.  It  was  during  a violent 
snow  storm  in  January  that  Governor  Shan- 
non’s father,  who  had  gone  off  upon  a hunt- 
ing expedition  to  supply  the  family  with  game, 
was  buried  in  a snow  drift  and  perished  be- 
fore his  body  was  recovered. 

In  1804  Henry  Grier  located  west  of  Barnes- 
ville, near  the  line,  and  John  Kennon,  father  of 
Judge  William  Kennon,  Sr.,  camped  upon  a 
tract  adjoining  Alexander  Campbell’s,  who 
had  settled  on  the  land  just  over  the  line  in 
Guernsey  County. 

THE  FIRST  mills. 

In  1806  Joseph  Middleton  erected  the  first 
horse  mill  for  grinding  grain.  Prior  to  that 
time  the  corn  was  ground  on  hand  mills  or 
cracked  on  hominy  blocks.  A year  later  Cam. 
Thomas  built  the  first  water  mill,  three  and 
one-half  miles  south  of  Barnesville,  and  in 
connection  with  this  grist  mill  a sawmill  was 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


operated,  the  first  in  the  township.  Between 
grinding  grain  and  sawing  lumber,  this  mill 
was  kept  constantly  employed. 

Some  of  the  deprivations  of  the  early  settlers 
are  little  understood  today.  As  only  small 
tracts  of  land  were  open  to  the  cultivation 
of  wheat,  white  flour  was  a luxury,  and  what 
little  was  used  was  carried  upon  pack  horses 
from  Wheeling.  Salt  that  today  is  worth  but 
25  or  35  cents  per  bushel  was  then  sold  for 
$6  per  bushel,  and  like  flour  was  also  trans- 
ported on  pack  horses  from  the  East. 

Blacksmithing  was  then  hard  to  obtain,  and 
shops  were  frequently  six  or  eight  miles  apart. 
The  few  nails  used  in  early  days  were  ham- 
mered out  by  the  blacksmith  and  sold  at  35  or 
40  cents  per  pound. 

Numerous  children  composed  the  pioneer 
families,  and  these  hardy  boys  and  girls  spent 
much  time  in  digging  ginseng,  which,  when 
dried,  was  hauled  to  St.  Clairsville  and  ex- 
changed for  groceries  wherewith  to  support 
the  family. 

THE  FIRST  CHILD. 

The  first  child  born  in  Warren  township  was 
Wilson  Shannon,  afterward  Governor  of  Ohio, 
and  Governor  Shannon  thought  it  not  un- 
worthy of  him  in  after  years,  to  boast  of  hav- 
ing spent  his  childhood  days  in  digging  and 
drying  ginseng  wherewith  to  aid  in  the  sup- 
port of  his  widowed  mother. 

WILD  GAME. 

All  kinds  of  game  were  plentiful,  and  the 
pioneers  killed  large  numbers  of  bears,  deer, 
wild  cats,  panthers  and  wolves.  iVnd,  incredi- 
ble as  it  may  seem,  wild  turkeys  were  so  abun- 
dant that  flocks  containing  as  many  as  a thou- 
sand turkeys  were  not  an  uncommon  sight. 

A noted  hunter  in  those  days  was  a pioneer 
named  Otho  French,  whose  skill  in  trapping 
wolves,  fighting  wild  cats,  killing  bears  and 
deer,  and  gathering  wild  honey,  are  still  lis- 
tened to  with  entire  credulity  and  enthusiasm 
by  the  younger  generation. 

French  was  a zealot  in  the  cause  of  tem- 


217 


perance,  and  in  those  days  of  universal  indul- 
gence in  the  strong  drink,  refused  to  enter- 
tain in  his  cabin  those  carrying  liquor  about 
their  persons,  or  shelter  the  drovers’  hogs  that 
were  fattened  at  a distillery. 

THE  SOCIETY  OF  FRIENDS. 

We  are  indebted  to  Edwin  and  Sarah  D. 
Sears  of  Warren  township  for  this  interesting 
history  of  the  Society  of  Friends  in  the  west- 
ern section  of  the  county.  As  one  of  the  mold- 
ing influences  in  the  early  history  of  Warren, 
WGyne  and  Somerset  townships,  we  give  a 
brief  acount  of  the  settlements  made  by  the 
Society  of  B'riends,  some  of  the  improvements 
with  which  they  have  been  connected  and  items 
of  history  thought  worthy  of  preservation  as 
being  of  general  interest,  together  with  some 
of  the  characteristics  of  that  people. 

The  eastern  half  of  Warren  township  was 
settled  mainly  by  Friends,  who  came  princi- 
pally from  the  South,  leaving  comfortable 
homes,  to  become  pioneers  in  the  forest  wilds 
north  of  the  Ohio.  “Their  main  object  was 
to  remove  their  children  and  themselves  from 
the  blighting  influences  of  human  slavery, 
against  which  their  religious  principles  re- 
quired them  to  bear  a faithful  testimony.” 

Robert  Plummer  and  family,  from  Maryland 
— ancestors  of  the  Plummers  now  living  near 
the  Children’s  Pfome — were  the  first  “Friend” 
settlers  and  were  the  fourth  family  in  the  town- 
ship, coming  about  1801.  There  was  then  no 
open  road  from  the  site  of  Morristown  to  these 
parts  and  it  required  five  days  to  make  the  road 
before  them  and  perform  the  journey — about 
six  miles.  In  1802,  William  Hodgin  and  Will- 
iam Patten  came  prospecting,  from  Georgia, 
and  were  so  favorably  impressed  with  Belmont 
and  Jefferson  counties  that  they  arranged  with 
Jonathan  Taylor  to  secure  a section  of  land 
for  each  of  them — that  being  the  smallest 
amount  then  subject  to  entry.  As  they  re- 
turned to  Georgia,  they  had  to  swim  their 
horses  through  all  unfordable  streams  this  side 
of  Cincinnati. 

In  1803,  they  came  again,  accompanied 


2i8 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


by  Stephen  Hoclgin,  Joseph  Stubbs  and 
daughter,  Deborah,  and  others.  After  this, 
the  settlers  came  in  companies,  so  in  the 
next  five  years  the  exact  date  of  arrival  of 
certain  families  is  not  now  known;  but  (glean- 
ing from  a list  very  carefully  prepared  by 
Jonathan  T.  Scofield  for  the  Belmont  and 
Jefferson  County  History,  to  which  able  ar- 
ticle recourse  has  been  had  for  valuable  in- 
formation) we  find  many  in  that  time  and 
later,  whose  descendants  remain  in  this  and 
adjoining  neighhorhoods  as  useful  and  hon- 
ored citizens.  There  were  the  Vernons,  Wil- 
liamses and  Thomases  from  Georgia;  the 
Starhucks,  then  but  recently  from  Nantucket; 
the  Pattersons,  Bundys,  Stantons  (ancestors  of 
Secretary  of  War  Edwin  M.  Stanton),  Edger- 
tons,  Doudnas,  Boswells,  Outlands,  Halls,  Mid- 
dletons and  Hansons  from  North  Carolina ; the 
Baileys  from  Southeastern  Virginia,  and  the 
Smiths  from  Pennsylvania.  Soon  after  came 
Mary  Hicks,  Peter  Sears,  Sr.,  the  Parkers, 
Wilsons,  Joel  and  Carolus  Judkins,  Joseph  Gar- 
retson,  the  Crews  and  Nicholsons,  Abisha 
Thomas,  James  Barnes  (the  founder  of  Barnes- 
ville),  Issachar  Scofield,  William  Dewees, 
Daniel  Strahl,  and  later  the  Kennards,  Francis 
Davis,  Samuel  Walton,  James  Steer  and  many 
others. 

Dr.  Ephraim  Williams — for  many  years  one 
of  Barnesville’s  ablest  physicians — was  of 
Welsh  descent,  and  came  here  when  but  eight 
years  of  age.  He  was  for  more  than  40  years 
a resident  of  Barnesville. 

Friends  assembled  for  divine  worship  at  the 
home  of  Robert  Vernon,  until  a meeting 
house  could  be  built,  which  was  in  1803  or 
1804.  This  was,  and  still  is  known  as  “Still- 
water Meeting,’’  and  was  a hranch  of  Concord 
Monthly  Meeting  in  Colerain  township.  The 
house  was  a single  “log  pen.”  to  which  an  ad- 
dition was  made  in  1805.  This  was  the  first 
house  built  for  religious  service  in  Warren 
township,  and  Ruth  Boswell  preached  the  first 
sermon  there.  It  served  as  both  meeting  and 
school  house  for  a number  of  years  and  Avas 
replaced  by  a larger,  better  one  in  1812,  which, 
in  turn  Avas  enlarged  about  1823  and  stood. 


serving  the  meeting  Avell  till  1878,  when  it 
was  replaced  by  the  Yearly  Meeting  with  a 
plain,  substantial  brick  building,  60  by  100  feet, 
at  a cost  of  $9,000.  Its  seating  capacity  is 
500.  The  Yearly  Meeting  convenes  there  each 
autumn  and  is  composed  of  subordinate  meet- 
ings in  Pennsylvania,  Ohio,  Iowa  and  Cali- 
fornia, from  all  of  Avhich  places  members  at- 
tend, beside  many  visiting  Friends  from  other 
Yearl}^  meetings.  We  c|uote  the  words  of  one, 
not  a Friend,  who,  in  referring  to  these 
grounds  having  been  thus  occupied  for  nearly 
100  years,  and  to  the  meetings  held  there,  said  : 
“Out  from  its  influence  has  come  the  greater 
part  of  the  moral  dignity  of  the  township  and 
throughout  the  West  its  power  for  good  has 
been  felt.” 

Other  settlements  Avere  soon  made;  one  in 
Wayne  township  in  1808,  another  at  Leather- 
Avood  in  Guernsey  County  in  1809  (where  a 
meeting  is  still  held),  one  at  “Ridge,”  near 
three  miles  south  of  Barnesville,  in  1811,  one 
at  Somerton  and  one  at  Jerusalem  in  Monroe 
County, — all  being  branches  of  Stillwater 
Meeting.  David  and  Christiana  Grey,  parents 
of  Elisha  Grey,  inventor  of  the  telephone,  Avere 
members  of  Ridge  Meeting  and  Warren  town- 
ship is  glad  to  claim  him  as  one  of  her  sons. 
The  first  religious  services  in  Somerset  and 
Goshen  tOAvnsbips  Avere  held  by  Friends, — the 
former  near  Somerton  in  1818,  the  latter  in 
Belmont  in  1818,  Avhere  they  also  built  the  first 
school  house  in  the  tOAvnship,  Joseph  Wright 
being  the  first  teacher.  In  Warren  also  the 
first  school  was  established  by  Friends  in  1806; 
it  Avas  on  the  farm  noAV  owned  by  Daniel  E. 
Stanton,  three  miles  southeast  of  Barnesville. 
Samuel  Berry  was  the  first  teacher.  As  a 
people,  the  Society  has  ahvays  maintained  a 
zealous  care  on  the  subject  of  education — it 
being  one  of  their  religious  tenets  to  “assist 
pecuniarily  those  members  Avho  are  unable  to 
defray  the  expenses  of  their  children’s  tui- 
tion.” Thus  Ave  find  them  establishing  schools 
in  the  different  neighborhoods  soon  after  their 
settlement ; sometimes  in  buildings  for  the  pur- 
pose, sometimes  in  the  meeting  house  or  part 
of  a clAvelling,  until  other  arra'^gements  could 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


219 


be  made,  and  always,  then  as  now,  maintained 
by  private  subscription — no  part  of  the  public 
funds  being  used  to  defray  their  expenses. 

When  the  Boarding  School  was  built  in 
1875,  the  necessary  funds — approximately 
$45,000 — were  raised  by  subscriptions  of  the 
members  composing  the  Yearly  Meeting,  to-, 
gether  with  a generous  donation  from  Philadel- 
phia Friends.  Addison  Hutton  of  that  city 
planned  the  building,  Francis  Davis  was  ap- 
pointed general  superintendent  of  the  work, 
and  different  divisions  were  assigned  to  care- 
ful, experienced  foremen.  Three-fourth  of  a 
million  brick,  burned  on  the  farm  (which  had 
just  been  bought  for  the  location  of  the  School) 
were  used  in  the  walls ; as  evidence  of  the  care 
exerted  that  the  work  be  of  good  materials  and 
thoroughly  done,  these  bricks  were  three  times 
carefully  selected  before  being  used.  The 
School  was  opened  New  Year’s  Day,  1876.  It 
is  located  a short  ’distance  south  of  the  Yearly 
Meeting  House  and  is  composed  of  a center 
building,  120  by  68  feet,  and  two  wings,  each 
40  by  58  feet — all  four  stories  high.  It  will 
accommodate  75  to  80  pupils ; one  term  opened 
with  108,  but  the  usual  number  is  from  60  to 
70  in  winter,  while  the  spring  term  is  quite 
small,  owing  largely  to  the  fact  that  a large 
per  cent  of  the  pupils  are  farmers’  children  who 
wish  to  be  at  home  during  the  spring  and  sum- 
mer. An  observatory,  containing  a telescope, 
is  located  on  the  grounds,  and,  together  with 
some  chemical,  physiological  and  other  appar- 
atus, greatly  aids  in  thoroughness  of  work, 
which  is  aimed  to  be  one  of  the  chief  charac- 
teristics. Necessary  improvements  have  been 
made  from  time  to  time ; at  present  we  note 
the  installation  of  a new  “low-pressure”  steam 
heating  plant,  at  a cost  of  $1,800.  Barclay  and 
Hannah  Stratton  were  the  first  superintendents 
and  Jesse  and  Susan  Edgerton  are  the  present 
incumbents.  In  the  history  of  the  institution, 
only  two  deaths  have  occurred  there.  A regular 
course  of  study  was  adopted  some  years  ago, 
and  there  is  now  a small  class  of  graduates 
each  winter  session — the  total  number  being 
12 1.  During  the  26  years  the  Boarding  School 
has  been  in  successful  operation,  many  hun- 


dreds of  pupils  have  obtained  a portion  of  their 
education  there,  and  it  is  rare  to  find  any  who 
do  not  in  after  years  regard  the  lessons  there 
learned,  both  from  books  and  the  larger  school 
of  life,  as  some  of  its  best  discipline. 

As  illustrations  of  the  hardships  of  pioneer 
life,  we  give  two  authentic  incidents.  George 
and  Elizabeth  Starbuck,  who  came  to  Warren 
township  ni  the  spring  of  1805,  erected  a tent, 
covered  it  with  canvas,  drove  forked  stakes  in 
the  ground,  upon  which  they  fixed  their  beds, 
to  protect  themselves  from  rattlesnakes  and 
other  venomous  reptiles,  and  lived  in  this  way 
until  four  acres  were  cleared  and  planted  in 
corn,  after  which  they  built  a cabin.  Jesse 
Bailey  and  family  arrived  too  late  in  1806  to 
build  before  winter  set  in.  He  found  a pro- 
jecting rock,  along  whose  outer  edge  he  stood 
puncheons  upright,  enclosing  a space  15  to  20 
feet  wide.  In  one  corner  the  rocks  formed  a 
natural  chimney ; four  puncheons  made  a fun- 
nel-shaped top ; he  daubed  the  sides  with  clay 
mud.  Here,  in  comparative  comfort,  they  win- 
tered, while  by  day,  timid  deer  bounded  away, 
and  by  night,  wolves  howled,  bears  clawed  at 
the  door  and  panthers  screamed  from  trees 
near-by.  Before  1806,  the  pioneers  ground 
their  corn  in  hand-mills  or  cracked  it  on  hom- 
iny blocks.  In  that  year,  Joseph  Middleton 
built  the  first  horse-power  grist  mill  in  War- 
ren township,  where  also  the  first  water  mill 
and  sawmill  were  built  by  Camm  Thomas, — 
the  former  in  1807,  and  it  was  for  eight  years 
the  only  one  in  the  township.  The  first  fulling 
mill  in  Wayne  township  was  built  in  1824  by 
Samuel  Berry.  Throughout  the  dark  days  of 
slavery,  Eriends  felt  and  manifested  warm 
sympathy  for  the  slaves : it  found  expression 
here  in  making  some  of  their  homes  stations  on 
the  “Underground  Railroad,”  and  in  helping 
them  in  their  escape  by  night  to  the  North. 

On  the  subject  of  temperance,  Eriends’  dis- 
cipline requires  its  members  to  abstain  from 
“the  unnecessary  use  of  spirituous  liquors,” 
and  it  is  rare  to  find  any  rvho  make  use  of 
them. 

The  Society  in  this  and  other  sections  has 
suffered  from  two  divisions — one  in  1828, 


220 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


known  as  the  “Hicksite  Division”  and  one  i 
aljout  1850,  known  as  the  “Guerney  Separa- 
tion,” caused  respectively  by  teachings  of  Elias 
Hicks  and  Joseph  John  Guerney  at  variance 
with  the  principles  of  early  Friends. 

The  last  official  statement  as  to  the  number 
now  in  this  section  is  400.  The  question  may 
arise  why  so  many  of  the  early  settlements 
have  decreased  in  numbers  or  entirely  disap- 
peared ; in  addition  to  the  “Separation,”  this 
is  in  part  explained  by  tbe  fact  that  Friends, 
although  not  an  unsettled  people,  are  enterpris- 
ing, industrious,  and,  owing  to  simplicity  in 
manner  of  living,  well  adapted  to  pioneer  life, 
very  many  emigrated  to  Indiana,  Iowa,  Kansas 
and  California,  where  they  are  now  thriving 
communities.  The  zeal  of  these  early  pioneers 
in  establishing  and  attending  their  religious 
meetings  is  worthy  of  imitation  by  all.  Un- 
der adverse  circumstances  as  to  distance  and 
modes  of  travel,  they  were  faithful  in  attend- 
ance twice  a week.  Their  meeting  houses 
were  humble  structures,  warmed  by  charcoal 
fires,  built  on  a raised  hearth  near  the  center 
of  the  room.  As  they  had  no  matches,  the 
fires  were  sometimes  kindled  by  means  of  a 
flint  and  steel,  powder  and  tow.  At  other  times 
a chunk  of  fire  was  carried  from  some  dwell- 
ing; an  instance  is  recorded  of  one  woman  who 
frequently  rode  horseback,  with  a little  child 
behind  her,  and  carried  fire  nearly  two  miles. 

Orthodox  Friends  believe  in  the  use  of  the 
Scriptural  language,  thee  and  thou.  They  do 
not  feel  it  right  to  uncover  the  head  as  a mark 
of  respect  or  superiority  to  fellow  men,  realiz- 
ing that  “One  is  our  Father,  even  Christ,”  to 
Avhom  alone  such  deference  is  due.  Their  min- 
isters preach  without  compensation  from  the 
hearers,  remembering  the  example  of  Him  who 
said:  “Freely  ye  have  received,  freely  give,” 
and  that  the  apostle  wrote : “I  have  showed  you 
all  things,  how  that  so  laboring  ye  ought  to 
support  the  weak ; and  to  remember  the  words 
of  the  Lord  Jesus,  how  He  said.  It  is  more 
blessed  to  give  than  to  receive.” 

The  following  are  some  of  the  prominent 
ministers  of  the  Society  who  have  resided  here 
a part  or  all  of  their  lives  ; Ruth  Boswell,  Eliza- 


beth Patterson,  Hugh  Judge,  Jared  Patterson, 
Jehu  Middleton,  James  Edgerton,  William 
Planner,  Sarah  Mott,  Joseph  Edgerton,  Mary 
Jones,  Ann  Langstaff,  William  Kennard, 
Rachel  E.  Patterson,  Benjamin  Hoyle,  Eliza- 
beth Smith,  Asenath  Bailey,  Hanna  H.  Strat- 
ton, James  Flenderson  and  Jesse  Edgerton. 

While  fully  believing  that  the  principles  of 
the  Society  are  primitive  Christianity  revived, 
and  that  for  them  this  zuay  is  best,  still  with 
the  broad-mindedness  that  should  characterize 
all  followers  of  Christ,  Friends  believe  there 
are  good  people  in  other  religious  denomina- 
tions as  well,  and  that  the  Fatherhood  of  God 
extends  to  all  His  faithful  children  and  will  at 
last  gather  into  His  fold  of  rest  and  peace  “all 
the  children  of  God,  who  are  scattered  abroad.” 

THE  FIRST  CHURCHES  AND  SCHOOLS 

1 n the  township  were  erected  outside  of  Barnes- 
ville.  The  first  church  was  built  in  1804  on 
section  9.  It  was  a Quaker  meeting  house,  and 
the  first  sermon  was  preached  by  a woman, 
Ruth  Boswell. 

The  first  school  house  was  likewise  built  by 
the  Friends  on  section  i,  on  the  ridge,  near  the 
present  school  house  in  District  No.  i,  and  the 
teacher  was  Hezekiah  Bailey. 

There  are  ii  district  schools  and  12  teach- 
ers employed  in  Warren  township,  outside  of 
Barnesville. 

The  following  teachers  for  Warren  town- 
ship schools  have  been  elected  for  1902:  Dis- 
trict No.  I,  Elmer  Hoge;  No.  2,  E.  Grace  Por- 
terfield; No.  3,  H.  G.  Finley;  No.  4,  Nora  Bai- 
ley; No.  5,  Charley  Dew;  No.  6,  Katherine 
Murphy;  No.  7,  Cleve  E.  Warrick;  No.  8,  J. 
H.  Chaney;  No.  9,  Mary  E.  Udell;  No.  10, 
Sadie  Erasher;  No.  ii,  Lucinda  Nabb;  No.  4, 
primary,  Dessie  Galloway. 

ORGANIZATION  OF  THE  TOWNStllP. 

Warren  township  was  organized  in  1806-07, 
and  the  first  justices  were  John  Grier,  Jacob 
Myer,  David  Smith,  John  Dougherty  and  Jesse 
Bevan.  These  gentlemen  were  elected  in  the 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS 


221 


order  named.  The  first  election  was  held  in  the 
cabin  of  John  Grier,  at  which  time  Mr.  Grier 
was  chosen  the  first  justice  of  the  peace. 

TOBACCO  AND  BERRY  CULTURE. 

While  the  soil  of  Warren  township  is  adapt- 
ed to  farming,  it  is  peculiarly  adapted  to  to- 
bacco and  to  berry  culture. 

The  cultivation  of  tobacco  in  Ohio  was  be- 
gun in  AVarren  township,  Belmont  County,  in 
1819,  by  a Methodist  preacher  named  John  D. 
Price,  who,  desirous  of  escaping  the  baneful 
influences  of  slavery,  removed  to  Ohio  and  lo- 
cated in  AA^arren  township,  near  what  is  now 
known  as  Bethel.  Persuaded  that  the  soil  which 
surrounded  him  would  successfully  grow  to- 
bacco, he  sent  back  to  his  old  home  in  Calvert 
County,  Maryland,  for  seed,  and  planted  the 
first  tobacco  grown  in  the  State  in  1819. 

The  yield  was  so  profitable  that  thenceforth 
tobacco  culture  became  a specialty  in  that  sec- 
tion of  the  county.  Since  1820  Barnesville  has 
been  one  of  the  principal  centers  of  the  tobacco 
trade  in  Ohio. 

Beause  of  the  exhausting  nature  of  the  crop 
upon  the  soil,  tobacco  is  not  grown  to  the 
same  extent  today  it  was  25  years  ago,  though 
]\Ir.  Bradfield  of  Barnesville,  who  is  perhaps 
one  of  the  largest  purchasers  of  tobacco,  says 
the  annual  output  of  Barnesville  and  vicinity 
is  a thousand  hogsheads  per  annum. 

Berry  culture  for  years  was  the  leading  in- 
dustry with  the  farmers  residing  near  Barnes- 
ville, and  the  fame  of  the  Barnesville  straw- 
berry became  national.  Today,  because  of  un- 
satisfactory returns,  the  business  is  practically 
abandoned  and  the  farms  are  largely  devoted  to 
grain  growing  and  stock  raising.  One  of  the 
foremost  Jersey  cattle  stock  farms  in  Eastern 
Ohio  is  conducted  by  L.  P.  Bailey,  near  Ta- 
coma. Here  annual  sales  are  held  that  attract 
large  gatherings  from  all  parts  of  the  country. 
In  connection  with  stock  raising,  Mr.  Bailey 
also  conducts  an  extensive  creamery. 

THE  POPUL.VTION  AND  TOWNSHIP  OFFICERS. 

The  population  of  Warren  township,  as  re- 


vealed by  the  loth  census,  is  5,881,  an  increase 
of  425  over  the  census  of  1890. 

However,  the  tax  duplicate  for  1902  shows 
a loss  of  ,^2,366,  as  compared  with  the  returns 
of  1901.  The  falling  off  is  largely  in  the  rural 
districts.  In  one  ward  in  the  city  of  Barnes- 
ville there  is  an  increase  of  $33,293. 

The  tax  levy  for  1902  in  the  township  is 
1.67,  as  against  1.92  in  1901,  and  2.84  in 
Barnesville  corporation,  as  against  3.02  in 
1901. 

TOWNSHIP  OFFICERS. 

The  present  township  trustees  are  Smiley 
Bernard,  Otho  Duval  and  John  Howard;  town- 
ship clerk,  S.  B.  Piper;  township  treasurer,  F. 
L.  Harrison:  township  justices, — Joseph  AV. 
Chappell,  James  , A.  AVhite  and  AV.  F.  Out- 
land. 

THE  CITY  OF  BARNESVILLE. 

Barnesville  is  the  only  city  in  the  township, 
and,  in  fact,  is  the  foremost  city  in  the  western 
section  of  the  county.  Built  at  an  elevation  of 
1,265  above  sea  level,  the  air  is  salubrious 
and  the  surrounding  country  is  attractive  and 
pleasing.  The  business  streets  are  well  paved, 
and  bordered  by  many  modern  business  blocks, 
and  the  residence  districts  are  veritable  gar- 
dens. 

The  population  of  the  city  at  the  loth  census 
was  3,721,  viz.:  First  AAHrd,  1,006;  Second 
AA'arcl,  940;  Third  AVard,  845;  Fourth  AAHrd, 
930. 

Since  the  census  was  taken,  however,  it  is 
estimated  that  upwards  of  500  new  residents 
have  come  to  the  city  and  are  employed  in  the 
new  Eastern  Ohio  Glass  Company’s  works 
and  other  new  industries,  so  that  it  would  be 
safe  to  place  the  population  in  1902  at  up- 
wards of  4,000. 

The  city  was  incorporated  as  a village  by 
an  act  of  the  General  Assembly  in  1S35  and 
1836,  and  its  first  mayor  was  Isaac  Barnes,  a 
son  of  the  founder  of  the  town. 


222 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


A SKETCH  OF  THE  FOUNDER. 

lames  I Janies,  the  foiimler  of  IJarnesville, 
was  a notable  man.  Like  the  majority  of  the 
early  settlers,  Mr.  Barnes  was  a member  of  the 
Society  of  h'riends,  who  emigrated  from  the 
South  in  1803.  locating  at  St.  Clairsville. 

In  i<Si2  he  removed  to  Barnesville,  where  he 
had  jireviously  entered  large  tracts  of  land, 
then  entirely  in  forest.  In  1806  he  associated 
himself  with  Rev.  James  Rounds  in  the  tan- 
iiing  business,  and  in  i(8o8  he  laid  out  the 
town,  reserving  one  block  on  Chestnut  street, 
fronting  on  Main  and  Church  streets,  for  his 
family. 

Mr.  Barnes  was  active  and  enterprising  in 
advancing  the  business  interests  of  the  com- 
munity, and  was  personally  engaged  in  clear- 
ing lands,  planting  orchards,  cultivating  farms, 
Inlying  anil  clarifying  ginseng,  shipping  as  high 
as  3,000  pounds  of  the  root  in  a single  year. 

In  18 r 4 he  organized  companies  for  build- 
ing flour  mills,  woolen  mills  and  sawmills,  and 
in  1823-26  be  engaged  in  the  tobacco  trade  very 
extensively  and  built  an  immeense  packing 
house  on  the  site  of  the  old  Presbyterian 
Church. 

Mdiile  Mr.  Barnes  was  engaged  in  multifa- 
rious ]Hirsuits,  he  was  never  nervous  or  con- 
fused, but  always  calm  and  deliberate. 

In  personal  a])pearance  he  was  tall  and  port- 
ly, and  always  attired  in  the  simple  garb  of  tbe 
Quaker. 

He  was  generous  to  a fault,  and  ever  help- 
ful to  the  poor.  While  in  the  pursuit  of  the 
tobacco  business,  he  sustained  heavy  losses, 
from  1828-38,  from  which  he  never  recovered. 

In  an  effort  to  regain  his  lost  fortunes,  his 
overtaxed  body  and  brain  collapsed,  and  he 
drojiped  dead  in  the  mountains  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, while  returning  to  his  home. 

MUNICIPAL  OFFICERS. 

The  municipal  officers  for  1902  are:  Mayor, 
J.  A.  White:  solicitor,  Hon.  C.  J.  Howard; 
marshal,  C.  E.  Fogle;  clerk,  E.  W.  Wilkies; 
and  treasurer,  J.  W.  Nichols.  The  members 


of  the  Council  are:  First  Ward,  Elmer  J.  Hut- 
chison, B.  C.  Patterson;  Second  AVard,  Dr. 
AAhlliam  L.  Judkins,  Wheat  Bell;  Third  AVard, 
J.  J.  Kirk,  Elmer  Galloway;  Fourth  AVard, 
AVilliam  Hides,  AVilliam  H.  Barlow. 

TtlE  POST  OFFICE. 

The  first  post  office  in  Barnesville  was  estab- 
lished in  1810  with  AAhlliam  Philpot  as  post- 
master, a position  he  held  for  20  years.  Benja- 
min 11.  McCall  succeeded  him  and  held  the  po- 
sition until  his  death  in  1835,  when  Col.  Ben- 
jamin McCall  was  appointed  his  successor,  a po- 
sition he  retained  until  his  election  for  Senator 
in  1845,  when  Joseph  Fry  was  appointed  to 
succeed  him,  a position  he  held  for  four  years, 
when  he  was  removed  and  James  R.  Laws  was 
appointed.  Two^  years  later  Mr.  Laws  re- 
signed, and  Edward  D.  Barnes  was  appointed. 

Upon  the  change  of  administration  in  1853, 
Mr.  Barnes  resigned,  and  Colonel  McCall  was 
again  appointed,  a position  he  held  until  1861, 
when  he  was  removed,  and  John  H.  Piper  was 
appointed  in  his  place.  Mr.  Piper  was  removed, 
and  John  AV.  Hays  succeeded  him.  Five 
years  later  Mr.  Hays  was  removed  and  Col. 
John  Milton  Lewis  received  the  appointment, 
a position  he  held  until  1875,  when  he  was 
succeeded  by  Samuel  B.  Piper,  who  was  suc- 
ceeded in  turn  by  J.  AAk  Hingley  in  1886.  Mr. 
Hingley  was  followed  by  AV.  H.  Anderson  in 
1890,  and  Hamilton  Eaton  succeeded  Ander- 
son in  1894.  Capt.  Samuel  Hides  was  next 
in  order  in  1898.  The  present  incumbent, 
Thomas  G.  Moore,  took  charge  in  1900. 

THE  MANUFACTORIES. 

Barnesville  being  an  inland  city,  her  facili- 
ties for  the  estahlishment  of  mining  and  manu- 
facturing industries  are  not  equal  to  those  of- 
fered by  the  cities  along  the  river  front.  Nev- 
ertheless, her  factories  and  mills  are  numerous, 
and  are  not  surpassed  by  any  in  the  county. 

The  oldest  industrial  establishment  in  the 
city  is  the  AAHtt  foundry  and  car  factory, 
which  was  established  by  Joseph  and  James  H. 


BARNESVILLE  CITY  HALL. 


A 


1 


■ 


ft 


i 


V 


,."<!&  .. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


225 


Watt  in  1862.  A year  later,  because  of  the 
addition  of  two  brothers,  Stewart  and  John 
W.  Watt,  the  firm  name  was  changed  to  James 

H.  Watt  & Brothers.  At  this  time  a sawmill 
was  successfully  operated  in  connection  with 
the  foundry. 

In  1878  the  first  mining  car  wheel  patent 
was  taken  out,  which  was  the  joint  production 
of  James  H.  and  Stewart  Watt.  This  was 
further  improved  by  another  patent  in  1880 
and  numerous  patents  since. 

The  car  wheel  industry  was  so  successfully 
conducted  that  the  company  began  the  manu- 
facture of  the  cars  complete,  and  on  January 

I,  1882,  the  company  was  organized  as  a joint 
stock  company,  under  the  name  of  the  Watt 
Mining  Car  Wheel  Company,  with  a capital 
of  $53,000.  Its  first  officers  were  James  H. 
Watt,  president;  E.  J.  Gantz,  vice-president; 
R.  Ross  Watt,  secretary;  and  Stewart  Watt, 
superintendent. 

This  industry  is  the  only  one  of  the  kind  in 
the  State,  and  one  of  the  largest  in  the  world. 
Its  cars  and  car  wheels  are  shipped  to  all  na- 
tions. The  number  of  men  at  present  em- 
ployed is  135,  and  additions  to  the  foundry  are 
in  course  of  construction. 

The  present  officers  are  R.  Ross  Watt,  presi- 
dent and  general  manager;  John  W.  Watt, 
vice-president  and  treasurer;  P.  H.  Laughlin, 
secretary;  and  Stewart  Watt,  superintendent. 
Much  of  the  success  of  this  great  industry  is 
due  to  the  energy,  inventive  genius  and  busi- 
ness ability  of  the  late  James  H.  Watt. 

The  next  industry  in  the  order  of  time  is 
that  conducted  by  the  Barnesville  Window 
Glass  Company,  which  was  organized  and 
chartered  in  April,  1883,  with  a capital  stock  of 
$60,000,  $59,000  of  which  is  paid  in.  This 
was  the  first  window  glass  factory  in  the  State. 
The  original  board  of  directors  was  thus  con- 
stituted ; C.  J.  Buchanan,  J.  W.  Bradfield,  G. 
E.  Bradfield,  R.  T.  Chaney,  James  H.  Watt, 
Arthur  Rogers,  John  Milton  Lewis.  The  first 
officers  were:  T.  J.  Buchanan,  president;  John 
Milton  Lewis,  secretary;  and  J.  L.  Jordan, 
manager. 

When  the  factory  is  in  full  blast,  it  operates 


two  furnaces — one  of  eight  pots  and  one  of 
ten  pots — and  gives  employment  to  120  hands. 
The  average  length  of  the  blast  year  is  nine 
months,  and  the  factory  has  never  been  entirely 
closed  down,  except  during  the  depression  of 
1S93-94.  The  output  of  the  factory  since  its 
organization  has  been  900,000  boxes,  valued 
at  $2,500,000.  The  present  board  of  directors 
is  constituted  as  follows : J.  W.  Bradfield,  A. 
Rogers,  G .E.  Bradfield,  F.  M.  Melton,  R.  H. 
Piper.  R.  Ross  Watt.  John  Milton  Lewis  and 
the  present  officers  are  : J.  W.  Bradfield,  presi- 
dent; John  hlilton  Lewis,  secretary;  and  W.  D. 
Jordan,  manager.  Colonel  Lewis  has  held  the 
position  of  secretary  for  nearly  20  consecutive 
years. 

The  Eastern  Ohio  Glass  Company  was  or- 
ganized July  21,  1899,  with  a paid  up  capital 
of  $96,800.  The  charter  members  were  Josiah 
W.  Doudna,  Arthur  Rogers,  George  E.  Hunt, 
Clarkson  H.  McKeever,  David  McVey,  Charles 
Livesey,  Thomas  J.  Buchanan,  J.  W.  Brad- 
field, Otho  P.  Norris  and  William  E.  Emer- 
son. 

When  running  full,  the  mill  employs  215 
men  and  produces  575  boxes  of  glass  daily.  The 
present  officers  are;  Arthur  Rogers,  president; 

J.  W.  Doudna,  secretary;  T.  J.  Buchanan,  vice- 
president  ; and  the  directors  are : W.  E.  Emer- 
son, G.  E.  Hunt,  J.  W.  Bradfield  and  Charles 
Livesey. 

The  Barnesville  Shoe  Factory  was  organ- 
ized in  July.  1900,  with  a capital  of  $80,000, 
which  has  since  been  increased  to  $100,000.  It 
occupies  a large  four-story  brick  factory,  and 
gives  employment  to  150  hands.  It  is  manu- 
facturing at  this  time  1,200  pairs  of  shoes 
daily,  but  has  a capacity  for  making  2.500 
pairs.  The  factory  is  operated  by  natural  gas 
and  illuminated  by  electric  lights  and  is  oper- 
ated by  all  modern  appliances.  Its  officers  are : 
H.  O.  Barber,  president;  R.  D.  Hood,  treas- 
urer; P.  C.  Patterson,  secretary;  C.  F.  Hays, 
superintendent  and  manager. 

There  are  two  planing  mills  in  operation. 
One  conducted  by  Hague  & AAModward  for  the 
manufacture  of  sash,  doors,  etc.,  was  estab- 
lished in  1891  and  employs  about  20  hands. 


226 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


"I'hc  Rogers  ])laning  mill,  which  has  l)een  in 
o])cration  for  many  years,  also  mannfactnres 
all  kinds  of  hnilders'  materials.  This  estab- 
lishment also  employs  between  20  and  30 
hands. 

'There  are  also  two  box  factories.  One  con- 
ducted by  E.  J.  Hutchison,  for  the  manufacture 
of  boxes  e.xclusively,  gives  employment  to  20 
hands,  with  an  annual  output  amounting  to 
$5,000.  After  many  changes  since  the  organ- 
ization, the  factory  is  now  in  successful  op- 
eration. 

'The  Barlow  Ikxx  and  crate  factory  for  the 
manufacture  of  strawberry  crates,  fruit  and 
vegetable  baskets,  was  estaldished  by  Barlow 
Brothers  in  1884,  hut  is  now  operated  by  James 
\V.  Wise  and  Samuel  W.  Dewees.  They  em- 
ploy  35  hands  through  the  summer,  but  a less 
number  during  the  winter.  Their  wares  are 
shipped  to  all  parts  of  the  country. 

The  Hanlon  ])aper  factory  is  one  of  the 
new  enterjudses  for  the  manufacture  of  paper, 
'idle  mill  is  just  completed  and  has  entered  upon 
a career  of  prosperity.  The  factory  is  fur- 
nished with  every  modern  appliance  for  the 
manufacture  of  paper  and  the  firm  is  conducted 
by  Hanlon  Brothers,  formerly  publishers  of 
The  RcIuNicaii. 

Idle  Barnesville  Gas  & Electric  Light  Com- 
pany has  a capital  of  >$28,000,  and  supplies  the 
munici])ality  and  all  citizens  with  the  gas  and 
electricity  used  for  illuminating  purposes.  Its 
officers  are : J.  W.  Bradfield,  president  and 

treasurer;  Fred  Elunt,  secretary;  and  H.  D. 
ddmmons,  superintendent. 

There  are  likewise  in  operation  the  Hides 
flour  mill  and  the  city  flour  mill  conducted  by 
Williams  & Rohitzer ; the  Crescent  laundry, 
conducted  by  Futhey  Brothers,  and  two  cigar 
factories, — one  conducted  l)v  Barlow  & Com- 
]iany,  for  the  extensive  manufacture  of  ci- 
gars, and  the  other  enterprise  managed  by 
Heed  & Company.  There  is  also  a large  can- 
ning factory  now  in  full  operation  and  conduct- 
ed by  Flaccus  Brothers,  of  Wheeling. 

THE  BANKS. 

The  First  National  Bank  of  Barnesville  was 


organized  February  ii,  1865,  with  a capital  of 
$ 100,000.  John  Bradfield  was  elected  presi- 
dent, and  William  C.  Wilson  was  chosen  as 
cashier.  'I'he  following  is  the  list  of  the  first 
directors:  John  Bradfield,  Francis  Davis,  John 
B.  Ward,  G.  M.  Jones,  Asa  Garretson  and 
J.  W.  Frasier.  February  12,  1866,  John  F. 
Davis  was  elected  cashier,  Mr.  Wilson  having 
resigned  on  account  of  ill  health.  On  April 
3,  1874,  John  F.  Davis  resigned  as  cashier,  and 
IT.  P.  Lee  was  appointed  to  fill  this  vacancy. 
On  June  7,  1875,  E.  P.  Lee  resigned  as  cashier 
and  G.  E.  Braclfield  was  elected  to  fill  the  po- 
sition. On  June  7,  1875,  John  Bradfield  re- 
signed as  president,  and  Francis  Davis  was 
elected  to  fill  the  vacancy.  On  January  14, 
1885,  Asa  Garreton  was  elected  president.  On 
January  13,  1891,  John  Milton  Lewis  was 
elected  president. 

The  capital  of  the  bank  is  $100,000  in  U.  S. 
bonds,  with  a surplus  of  $50,000.  The  follow- 
ing are  the  officers  in  1902  : John  Milton  Lewis, 
president;  G.  E.  Bradfield,  cashier;  directors, — 
Elwood  Phillips,  B.  F.  Bowen,  R.  H.  Piper,  T. 

S.  Bradfield,  R.  H.  Howard  and  Charles  P. 
Dobbins. 

The  People’s  National  Bank  was  organized 
in  1883  with  a capital  stock  of  $100,000.  The 
officers  at  organization  were : Dr.  J.  S.  Ely, 
president ; G.  E.  Hilles,  vice-president ; and 
A.  F.  Dent,  cashier. 

The  directors  of  the  bank  at  the  time  of  or- 
ganization were:  J.  A.  Judkins,  John  K.  Reed, 
J.  W.  Judkins,  J.  W.  Laughlin,  M.  S.  Wilson, 
W.  Thornberry,  Thomas  Parker,  Isaac  Beard- 
more.  'fhe  bank  has  a surplus  of  $25,000,  and 
there  are  100  responsible  stockholders.  The 
officers  for  1902  are:  Dr.  J.  S.  Ely,  president; 

T.  J.  Buchanan,  vice-president ; and  Otho  P. 
Norris,  cashier.  The  directors  -are  J.  W. 
Doudna,  J.  B.  Giffen,  J.  A.  Judkins,  J.  D.  Mc- 
Keever,  John  K.  Reed  and  J.  W.  Judkins. 

DR.  CAROLUS  JUDKINS. 

In  the  practice  of  medicine,  as  of  law,  the 
first  representatives  of  the  profession  came 
from  the  Southern  States.  Dr.  Carolus  Jud- 
kins was  a member  of  the  Society  of  Friends, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


227 


and  engaged  in  the  practice  of  medicine  in 
Virginia.  But  his  detestation  of  slavery  im- 
pelled him  to  seek  a home  in  Ohio.  In  1810 
he  came  to  Barnesville  and  entered  upon  a ca- 
reer as  a physician  and  surgeon  that  won  him 
a widespread  reputation. 

The  circuit  of  his  practice  extended  over  a 
radius  of  20  miles,  in  the  pursuit  of  which  he 
traveled  over  dangerous  bridle-paths  and 
through  dense  forests,  carrying  his  medical 
case  in  his  saddle  bags. 

In  1820  Dr.  Judkins  associated  with  him 
Dr.  James  Stanton,  the  father  of  the  eminent 
Secretary  of  War.  Subsec[uently  his  two  sons, 
Joel  and  Nicholas,  became  associated  with  him 
in  practice.  The  children  and  grandchildren 
of  this  illustrious  physician  have  been  and  are 
today  prominent  and  successful  in  the  practice 
of  medicine  in  Barnesville. 

HON.  JOHN  DAVENPORT 

Was  one  of  the  most  notable  men  of  Barnes- 
ville. As  merchant,  statesman  and  jurist,  he 
was  foremost  in  his  day  and  generation. 

Migrating  from  the  Valley  of  Virginia  in 
i8i8,  Mr.  Davenport  entered  upon  a success- 
ful business  career  in  Barnesville.  Eight  years 
later  he  entered  the  field  of  politics,  and  was 
elected  to  Congress,  where  he  became  a warm 
personal  and  political  friend  of  Henry  Clay. 
In  1830  he  was  elected  to  the  General  Assem- 
bly of  Ohio,  where  his  vigilance  in  the  joint 
convention  corrected  an  error  that  secured  the 
election  of  Hon.  Thomas  Ewing  as  United 
States  Senator.  The  following  year  the  Legis- 
lature elected  Mr.  Davenport  associate  judge 
for  Belmont  County  for  the  fidl  term.  Not- 
withstanding his  activity  in  county  and  State 
affairs,  Vlr.  Davenport  was  also  intensely  en- 
ergetic in  the  cause  of  education  and  religion. 
He  was  a pillar  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  and  the  first  superintendent  of  the  first 
Sabbath-school  in  the  township. 

THE  CHURCHES. 

The  First  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. — 

While  the  first  settlers  of  Warren  township 


were  Friends  and  the  first  church  erected  in 
the  township  was  a Friends’  Meeting  House, 
the  first  resident  of  Barnesville  was  a Metho- 
dist preacher.  Rev.  James  Rounds.  The  first 
religious  services  held  in  the  village  were 
‘.‘Methodists’  Vleetings,”  conducted  by  this  pio- 
neer preacher  in  his  humble  log  home  at  the 
corner  of  what  are  now  Main  and  Chestnut 
streets. 

These  meetings  continued  until  1810,  when 
the  first  Methodist  log  church  was  erected  and 
dedicated  to  the  service  of  God.  In  the  con- 
struction of  this  old  church,  the  members  and 
friends  contributed  the  hewn  logs  and  two 
great  stone  chimneys  were  built  upon  the  out- 
side of  the  building  with  immense  fire-places 
within.  The  seats  were  slabs  without  backs, 
and  the  walls  were  ceiled  and  a little  circular 
pulpit  stood  between  tbe  great  open  fire-places. 

In  this  humble  place  of  worship  Methodism 
was  planted  and  it  grew  with  such  rapidity 
that  in  1824  the  head  of  every  family  in  the 
town  but  five  were  members  of  the  church. 

In  this  pioneer  church  the  first  wedding 
in  the  village  was  celebrated, — that  of  Robert 
Mills  to  Patience  Shaw,  which  was  performed 
by  Rev.  James  Rounds. 

Some  of  the  prominent  Methodists  of  those 
pioneer  days  were : William  Philpot,  a local 
preacher  named  Rev.  Avery  West.  Robert 
Ogg,  Philip  Dyer.  Archibald  Cole,  William 
Harper,  Jacob  Snyder,  Nathan  Riley  and  Rev. 
Z.  Barnes. 

Between  1812  and  1820  many  valuable  addi- 
tions were  made  to  the  church.  Prominent 
among  these  were  Panter  Laws;  Benjamin  H. 
McCall,  father  of  Colonel  McCall ; Hon.  John 
Davenport,  the  prominent  statesman  and  ju- 
rist heretofore  referred  to : John  Gibson,  the 
wealthy  merchant,  who  contributed  lavishly 
to  the  support  of  this  feeble  chuch ; Nathan 
John,  a noted  character  and  an  intense  Meth- 
odist of  the  old  school,  who  conducted  the 
Sabbath-school  through  a session  of  three 
hours  without  any  intermission;  John  Brown; 
Charles  Scurr,  John  Price,  who,  as  heretofore 
noted,  was  the  local  preacher  who  introduced 
the  cultivation  of  tobacco  into  Eastern  Ohio 


228 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


(today  Methodist  preachers  are  prohibited 
from  the  use  of  tobacco)  ; William  Price,  John 
Reed  and  William  Hill. 

In  j820  the  little  log  meeting  house  was  too 
small  to  hold  the  large  congregation  and  a 
more  commodious  brick  church  was  ei'ected  on 
the  same  site.  In  the  winter  of  1835-36  a re- 
vival was  conducted  during  the  ministry  of 
Rev.  Mr.  Waddell,  the  celebrated  orator  of 
whom  a writer  has  said,  “So  powerful  was  his 
oratory  upon  the  people  that  the  whole  congre- 
gation seemed  a mass  of  mourners  and  nothing 
was  heard  but  prayers  and  shouts  and  excla- 
mations of  praise.”  Two  hundred  probation- 
ers were  received  during  the  revival,  which 
spread  to  every  Methodist  society  within  a 
radius  of  20  or  30  miles.  Another  memorable 
revival  was  held  in  1848,  conducted  by  Revs. 
Best,  Flowers  and  Wolf.  The  continued  in- 
crease in  membership  necessitated  the  erection 
of  a larger  church.  So  in  1856  a new  and 
capacious  brick  church,  with  a seating  capacity 
of  256,  was  erected.  The  cost  of  this  structure 
was  S.pooo.  This  church  was  built  during  the 
ministry  of  Rev.  John  Coil. 

Thirty-three  years  later  when  the  member- 
ship had  reached  700  the  corner  stone  of  the 
present  beautiful  and  costly  church  edifice  was 
laid  with  most  impressive  ceremonies.  Upon 
September  28,  1890,  this  church  was  dedicated 
to  the  service  of  God  by  Bishops  Thoburn  and 
Joyce.  The  cost  of  this  new  church  complete 
was  $25,935.83.  The  pastor  of  the  church 
during  the  erection  of  tlie  building  was  Rev. 
C.  E.  Manchester.  The  membership  of  the 
church  today  is  ujjwards  of  950.  The  pastor 
in  charge  is  Dr.  A.  J.  Hiatt,  and  the  Sabbath- 
school  superintendent  is  T.  J.  Rogers.  The 
trustees  are  Charles  P.  Dobbins,  T.  G.  Wilson, 
J.  W.  Judkins,  Ross  Dent,  C.  H.  McKeener, 
*E.  P.  Lee,  E.  E.  Coburn,  J.  W.  Doudna  and 
A.  P.  Hicks.  The  parsonage  trustees  are: 
G.  E.  Hunt,  B.  C.  Patterson,  Joseph  Knox,  J. 
R.  Price,  A.  T.  Warrick,  Joseph  Leap,  E.  R. 
Yocum,  W.  E.  Sharp  and  S.  E.  Hague.  The 
stewards  are:  J.  S.  Howard,  J.  W.  Cassells,  J. 
A.  White,,  J.  L.  Woodward,  J.  W.  Fowler,  J. 
W . Hingley,  J.  A.  Judkins,  E.  L.  Cunnard,  E. 


C.  Morbon,  B.  P.  Reed,  W.  S.  Hobbs,  Abel 
Williams  and  D.  O.  Shepherd. 

The  Presbyterian  Church. — The  early  his- 
tory of  Presbyterianism  in  Barnesville  is 
unique,  in  that  a commodious  house  of  worship 
was  erected  before  an  organization  had  been 
formed.  Prior  to  1840  Mr.  and  Mrs.  James 
McLeish  were  the  only  Presbyterians  in  the 
community.  The  number  gradually  increased 
until  in  1857  they  felt  themselves  strong 
enough  to  build  a church.  A committee  was 
selected,  consisting  of  David  McCartney,  John 
Bradfield,  Dr.  Hoover,  H.  R.  Brown  and  Will- 
iam Alders.  They  decided  to  raise  $1,600. 
The  amount  was  subscribed  in  one  day  and  the 
work  of  construction  began  the  same  fall.  The 
total  cost  of  the  property  when  completed  was 
$2,000. 

The  organization  of  the  church  took  place 
January  15,  in  1859,  with  23  members,  and 
was  supplied  with  preaching  by  the  presbytery 
until  June,  1862,  when  Rev.  William  R.  Kirk- 
wood was  installed  pastor.  He  was  followed 
by  Rev.  J.  P.  Caldwell  in  1866;  Rev.  Charles 
H.  McClelland  in  1871 ; Rev.  D.  H.  Lafferty  in 
1875;  Rev.  Alexander  St.  Clair  in  1877;  Rev. 
W.  E.  Mack  in  1879;  Rev.  Samuel  H.  Wallace 
in  1881  ; Rev.  J.  L.  Reed  in  1886;  Rev.  J.  A. 
Donahey  in  1891 ; Rev.  Allan  Krichbaum  in 
1893:  and  the  present  pastor.  Rev.  E.  A.  Cul- 
ley,  in  December  of  1899. 

The  eldership  has  been  as  follows : William 
Alders  and  John  George,  elected  in  1859;  R. 
E.  Frasier,  in  1862;  Joseph  Harper,  in  1864; 
J.  W.  Kennon,  in  1865 ; Isaac  T.  Woods,  in 
1869;  E)aniel  J.  Speer  and  James  Jeffrey,  in 
1874;  Dr.  W.  J.  McCalvin,  G.  W.  Sheppard 
and  J.  W.  Laughlin,  in  1881 ; Dr.  A.  Trimmer, 
J.  M.  Yarnell  and  William  Tidball,  in  1887; 
Peter  Giffen,  D.  C.  Kennon,  C.  J.  Howard,  Dr. 
G.  W.  Riddile  and  Samuel  Hilles,  in  1892; 
J.  S.  Harrison,  Arthur  Rogers  and  Isaac  R. 
Lane,  in  1898. 

The  congregation  has  grown  steadily  until 
now,  in  1902,  it  numbers  325  members.  It 
has  a well  organized  Sabbath-school,  with  Hon. 
C.  J.  Howard  as  superintendent;  a Junior 
Christian  Endeavor  Society,  a Westminster 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


229 


League  of  100  members,  and  two  ladies’  so- 
cieties,— the  Missionary  and  the  Christian 
Circle. 

The  present  house  of  worship,  now  ap- 
proaching completion,  is  a stone  structure,  with 
all  modern  conveniences,  costing  $30,000. 
Work  was  begun  on  it  in  August  of  1901. 

Dr.  Doddridge,  an  eminent  Episcopalian  di- 
vine of  the  pioneer  period,  speaking  of  the 
work  of  the  primitive  churches,  says : 

“To  the  Presbyterians  alone  we  are  in- 
debted for  almost  the  whole  of  our  literature. 

“They  began  their  labors  at  an  early  period 
in  the  settlement  of  our  country  and  have  ex- 
tended their  ecclesiastical  and  educational  es- 
tablishments so  as  to  keep  pace  with  the  ex- 
tension of  our  population — with  a Godly  care 
which  does  them  honor. 

“And  were  it  not  for  the  herculean  labors 
of  the  Methodist  Society  many  of  our  remote 
settlements  would  have  been  at  this  day  almost 
in  a state  of  barbarism. 

“There  is  scarcely  a single  settlement  in 
the  whole  extent  of  the  Western  Country  which 
has  not  been  blessed  with  the  ministry  of  this 
people — and  to  this  ministry  the  public  moral- 
ity and  piety  are  immensely  indebted.” 

The  African  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 

was  organized  in  1873.  ^^s  first  pastor  was 

Rev.  C.  E.  Green,  who  was  an  itinerant,  and 
the  first  elder  was  Rev.  Mr.  Thompson.  At 
the  time  of  organization,  there  was  a member- 
ship of  25.  A machine  shop  on  South  street, 
near  the  railroad,  was  fitted  up  for  a church  at 
a cost  of  $1,100. 

The  pastor  serving  the  congregation  in  1902 
is  Rev.  G.  J.  Cotton,  and  the  official  board  is 
as  follows : Stewards, — William  King,  Joseph 
Wilson,  James  Earley,  F.  H.  Jackson,  Prof. 
B.  O.  McMichael,  Jessie  Lynn  and  Addison 
Lee;  trustees, — Robert  Cowen,  Ross  Cowen,  F. 
H.  Jackson,  B.  O.  McMichael  and  Thomas 
Simmons ; class  leaders, — William  King  and 
Albert  Shipp.  The  membership  of  the  church 
at  present  is  71. 

THE  SCHOOLS. 

The  first  public  school  in  Barnesville  was 


opened  in  the  fall  of  1828  by  Enoch  Thomas. 
Before  this  date,  subscription  schools  had  been 
taught  by  Messrs.  McKay,  Folke  and  Brook. 

For  20  years  succeeding  1830,  “The  Little 
Brick  School  House”  was  the  seat  of  learn- 
ing for  Barnesville  youth.  In  1854  the  people 
voted  to  erect  a union  school  house  of  five 
rooms. 

The  first  superintendent  was  I.  T.  Woods. 
Following  him  were  J.  A.  McEwen,  W.  H. 
Kennon,  et  ah  The  list,  beginning  in  1873,  is 


as  follows : 

J.  M.  Yarnell 1873 — 1882 

H.  L.  Peck 1882 — 1887 

C.  S.  Richardson 1887 — 1888 

Arthur  Powell 1888 — 1890 

Joseph  Rea 1890 — 1892 

E.  M.  Van  Cleve 1892 — 1899 

S.  PI.  Layton 1899 — 1901 

C.  E.  Shimp 1901 — 1902 

L.  E.  York 1902 — 


Since  1870  the  following  have  been  presi- 
dents of  the  Board  of  Education : J.  S. 
Bracken,  R.  C.  Graves,  A.  C.  Hague,  S.  B. 
Piper,  E.  J.  Gantz,  William  Hides,  C.  J.  How- 
ard, Dr.  J.  i\.  Judkins,  G.  E.  Hunt,  J.  S.  Har- 
rison, Otho  P.  Norris,  Charles  P.  Dobbins. 

The  members  of  the  Board  at  present  are : 
Charles  P.  Dobbins,  president;  J.  W.  Wellons, 
clerk;  Otho  P.  Norris,  R.  H.  Howard,  J.  A. 
White  and  S.  B.  Piper. 

The  library  of  1,200  volumes  is  well  stocked 
with  choice  literature,  representing  the  best  in 
poetry,  biography,  history,  travel,  fiction  and 
science. 

SECRET  SOCIETIES. 

Friendship  Lodge,  No.  8p,  F.  & A.  M. — 
About  the  year  1826  a few  Masons  of  Barnes- 
ville and  vicinity  began  to  agitate  the  cpiestion 
of  organizing  a lodge  of  Free  and  Accepted 
Masons  in  this  place.  A room  was  procured 
on  the  southeast  corner  of  Main  and  Arch 
streets,  now  owned  by  William  Kinney,  a part 
of  said  building  being  occupied  as  a grocery. 
Samuel  P.  Hunt,  a clerk  in  Davenport’s  store, 
was  appointed  to  prepare  the  necessary  papers 
and  draw  up  a petition  to  the  Grand  Master  of 
the  State,  praying  for  a dispensation  author- 
izing the  establishment  of  a lodge.  The  peti- 


230 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


lion  was  signed  l)v  the  following  Master  Ma- 
sons, viz. : William  Clark,  Zadoc  Davis,  Charles 
Scurr  and  John  Hance,  of  Barnesville;  James 
Cilliland  and  Henry  Tillett,  of  Fairview;  and 
William  Mason,  Cornelius  Okey,  Daniel 
O'Connor  and  Levi  Johnson,  of  Monroe 
County,  Ohio.  A recommendation  from  Bel- 
mont Lodge,  No.  i6,  F.  & A .M.,  of  St.  Clairs- 
ville,  Ohio,  was  also  secured.  The  petition, 
with  all  the  accompanying  papers  and  the  fee 
of  $40,  was  enclosed  and  forwarded  to  Samuel 
Wheeler,  the  Grand  Master  of  the  State.  After 
waiting  a reasonable  time,  he  was  written  to, 
and  in  due  time  an  answer  was  received  from 
him  in  which  he  stated  that  he  had  not  received 
the  said  petition  nor  the  enclosed  fee  of  $40. 
This  was  quite  a serious  matter  for  the  breth- 
ren at  that  day,  hut  having  made  up  their 
minds  that  a lodge  was  needed  in  Barnesville, 
they  immediately  proceeded  to  prepare  the  pa- 
pers a second  time.  Belmont  Lodge,  No.  16, 
furnished  another  recommendation.  To  in- 
sure the  safe  conveyance  of  the  fee  of  $40 
when  sent  the  second  time,  they  divided  or  cut 
two  $20  hills  into  equal  parts  and  enclosed  two 
of  these  parts  with  the  petition  to  the  Grand 
Master.  On  hearing  from  him  that  he  had 
received  the  application  and  remittance,  they 
enclosed  the  remaining  parts  of  the  hills  in  a 
second  communication. 

Owing  to  the  anti-Masonic  excitement  that 
l)revailed  throughout  the  State,  they  were 
doomed  to  a further  disappointment.  The 
flrand  Master,  instead  of  forwarding  the  dis- 
])ensation  for  a new  lodge,  wrote  them  that  on 
account  of  the  feeling  that  was  arising  against 
the  order,  he  would  prefer  not  to  grant  the 
prayer  of  the  petitioners,  hut  would  refer  the 
matter  to  the  Grand  Lodge  at  its  next  annual 
communication.  The  time  fixed  for  this  meet- 
ing was  “the  second  Monday  of  January, 
1827.” 

At  the  fall  election  of  the  year  1826,  the 
])eople  of  Belmont  County  elected  John  Daven- 
port as  State  Senator.  A request  was  made 
of  the  IMaster  of  Belmont  Lodge,  No.  16,  Mr. 
Carothers,  that  he  would  give  his  proxy  to 
Senator  Davenport  that  he  might  sit  as  a mem- 


ber of  the  Grand  Lodge  and  he  in  position  to 
look  after  the  interests  of  the  petitioners  for  a 
new  lodge.  This  request  was  readily  granted 
by  Mr.  Carothers,  and  he  at  once  forwarded 
his  proxy  to  Senator  Davenport  at  Columbus, 
Ohio.  The  petitioners  for  the  new  lodge  for- 
warded to  Senator  Davenport  an  order  on  the 
Grand  Master,  asking  him  to  hand  over  to  Sen- 
ator Davenport  all  the  papers  referring  to  the 
matter.  On  January  8,  1827,  Senator  Daven- 
port, in  the  Grand  Lodge,  presented  the  petition 
from  sundry  Masons  in  the  county  of  Belmont, 
praying  for  a dispensation  to  hold  a lodge  in 
Barnesville,  under  the  name  of  Friendship 
Lodge,  which  petition  was  referred  to  the  com- 
mittee on  charters  and  dispensations.  On  Jan- 
uary 9,  1827,  Mr.  Sherman,  from  the  said  com- 
mittee, reported  that  they  were  of  the  opinion 
that  it  was  expedient  to  grant  the  petitioners 
a dispensation  as  by  them  prayed  for.  The 
Grand  Lodge  thereupon  passed  a resolution 
that  a dispensation  he  granted  for  the  estab- 
lishment of  Friendship  Lodge  in  Barnesville, 
Ohio. 

On  February  i6th  Benjamin  Bloomfield, 
who  was  the  first  master  of  Friendship  Lodge, 
was  notified  that  Grand  Master  John  M.  Good- 
now  would  visit  Barnesville  on  or  about  Febru- 
ary 27,  1827,  for  the  purpose  of  instituting  the 
new  lodge  and  the  latter  asked  that  all  the  nec- 
essaiw  arrangements  be  made  for  that  purpose. 
He  stated  that  owing  to  the  bad  roads  it  would 
take  him  about  two  days  to  reach  the  place, 
and  that  he  would  come  by  the  way  of  St. 
Clairsville  and  bring  the  jewels  of  Belmont 
Lodge,  No.  16,  F.  & A.  M.,  along  with  him 
and  as  many  of  the  brethren  as  could  be  per- 
suaded to  come  from  there  to  assist  in  the 
ceremonies  of  instituting  the  new  lodge.  An 
invitation  was  sent  to  Cambridge  Lodge,  No. 
66,  to  come  on  that  occasion.  On  the  day  ap- 
pointed Grand  Master  Goodnow,  with  six  or 
eight  of  the  brethren,  came  in  from  the  west. 
At  an  early  hour  in  the  evening,  the  brethren 
repaired  to  their  lodge  room,  where  Grand 
Master  Goodnow,  with  the  assistance  of  the 
visiting  brethren,  instituted  Friendship  Lodge, 
with  Benjamin  Bloomfield  as  W.  M. ; Samuel 


BARNESVILLE  PUBLIC  SCHOOL. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


233 


P.  Hunt,  as  S.  W. ; Zadoc  Davis,  as  J.  W. ; 
John  McCune,  as  treasurer;  Benjamin  McCall, 
as  secretary;  John  Hance,  as  S.  D. ; Charles 
Scurr,  as  J.  D.;  and  Nathan  Riley,  as  tyler, 
with  full  power  to  initiate,  pass  and  raise. 

x'Vbout  January  i,  1828,  a copy  of  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  new  lodge  were  drawn  off  the 
minutes  and  properly  attested  and  forwarded 
to  William  B.  Hubbard,  delegate  from  Belmont 
Lodge,  No.  16,  to  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Ohio. 
On  January  14,  1828,  the  papers  were  referred 
to  the  committee  on  charters  and  dispensations, 
and  on  January  15,  1828,  the  chairman  of 
said  committee.  Mr.  Fielding,  reported  that 
the  by-laws  and  proceedings  of  Friendship 
Lodge  being  in  perfect  accordance  with  the 
principles  of  Freemasonry,  etc.,  they  would 
lecommend  that  a charter  be  granted,  which 
report  was  adopted  and  a charter  issued  to 
Friendship  Lodge,  No.  89,  under  date  of  Jan- 
uary 15,  1828.  For  some  four  or  five  years 
the  lodge  maintained  itself  fairly  well  up  to 
the  year  1833,  when  the  excitement  that  had 
arisen  against  Freemasonry  became  so  strong 
that  the  lodge  found  itself  unable  to  properly 
sustain  itself.  For  various  causes  many  of  the 
brethren  absented  themselves  from  the  meet- 
ings of  the  lodge,  and,  hence,  failed  in  giving 
it  the  necessary  support.  After  considerable 
discussion,  a motion  was  made  at  one  of  the 
stated  communications,  that  the  lodge  would 
surrender  its  charter  and  cease  meeting  as  a 
lodge.  The  motion  was  carried,  and  Friend- 
ship Lodge,  No.  89,  was  stricken  from  the  rolls 
of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Ohio.  For  a period  of 
about  eight  years,  Friendship  Lodge  was  dor- 
mant, and,  during  this  time  the  members  be- 
came so  scattered  over  the  country  that  only 
a few  of  the  faithful  ones  were  left  in  the  town. 
Among  those  who  were  left,  we  refer  ta  Robert 
Happer,  Robert  Hodgen,  John  McCune,  Va- 
chel  Barnes,  Nathan  Riley,  John  Koontz,  J.  W. 
Harris,  John  Hance,  Kelion  Hager  and  Col. 
B.  McCall,  also  T.  C.  Parker,  late  of  Wheeling, 
West  Virginia.  These  brethren  were  in  the 
habit  of  meeting  occasionally  as  a lodge  of  in- 
struction. It  was  during  the  progress  of  one 
of  these  meetings  held  in  October,  1842,  that 


John  A.  Weyer  of  Moriah  Lodge,  No.  105, 
while  on  his  way  to  Grand  Lodge,  stopped  off 
in  Barnesville  to  remain  over  night.  Inquir- 
ing for  Col.  Benjamin  McCall,  he  was  informed 
by  Mrs.  McCall  that  he  was  attending  a lodge 
meeting  and  directed  him  to  go  to  a certain 
room  in  town,  where  he  would  no  doubt  find 
him  and  a few  of  the  brethren  assembled  in 
the  interests  of  Freemasonry.  Repairing  to 
the  designated  place,  he  found  the  brethren  as- 
sembled and  he  was  accorded  a pleasant  recep- 
tion. After  spending  a good  portion  of  the 
night  in  consulting  with  each  other  in  regard 
to  the  principles  and  tenets  of  the  order,  of 
which  he  was  a most  zealous  adherent,  the 
brethren  agreed  that  application  might  be  made 
at  this  meeting  of  the  Grand  Lodge  for  the 
return  of  the  old  charter,  under  which  they 
might  again  re-organize  Friendship  Lodge,  No. 
89,  and  have  the  same  again  placed  on  the  roll 
of  Masonic  lodges  of  the  State  of  Ohio. 
During  one  of  the  sessions  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 
Mr.  Weyer  arose  and  made  a statement  of  the 
visit  he  had  just  made  with  the  brethren  in 
Barnesville.  He  very  feelingly  referred  to  the 
faithful  brethren,  whom  he  had  the  pleasure 
of  meeting  in  that  place  and  how  earnestly 
they  had  besought  him  to  ask  the  Grand  Lodge 
to  restore  to  them  the  old  charter.  He  stated 
that  during  all  these  years  a few  of  the  faith- 
ful at  Barnesville  had  assembled  together  from 
time  to  time  and  kept  alive  their  knowledge 
of  the  principles  and  ritual  of  Freemasonry, 
and  closed  his  remarks  by  making  a motion 
that  the  charter  of  Friendship  Lodge,  No.  89, 
be  restored  to  the  brethren  at  that  place  that 
they  might  again  organize  and  do  the  work  of 
a Masonic  lodge.  It  is  needless  to  say  that  the 
motion  was  passed  amidst  the  greatest  excite- 
ment. A dispensation  was  issued  by  Grand 
Master  W.  J.  Reese,  directing  the  brethren  to 
meet  and  elect  officers  and  prepare  for  work. 
He  also  issued  his  proxy  to  Wilmeth  Jones,  of 
Belmont  Lodge,  No.  16,  F.  & A.  M.,  of  St. 
Clairsville,- Ohio,  authorizing  him  to  install  the 
officers-elect  of  Friendship  Lodge,  which  was 
properly  done  in  due  form.  On  September  6, 
1843,  Col.  Benjamin  McCall  was  elected  as  del- 


234 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


egale  to  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Oliio.  The  old 
charter  not  having  been  found,  it  was  proposed 
to  issue  a duplicate,  l)ut  to  this  Colonel  McCall 
would  not  agree.  While  at  the  Grand  Lodge, 
he  spent  several  hcjurs  in  the  basement  of  the 
Capitol  building,  searching  among  the  old  rec- 
ords for  the  original  charter  and  just  when  he 
began  to  feel  that  he  must  give  up  the  search, 
lie  found  it,  and  it  was  brought  home  on  his  re- 
turn. On  November  i,  1843  a stated  com- 
munication of  Friendship  Lodge  he  made  a re- 
])ort  of  the  visit  he  had  made  to  the  Grand 
Lodge  and  concluded  liy  presenting  to  the 
hretliren  the  old  original  charter  under  which 
the  lodge  was  first  organized.  It  is  said  that 
the  lirethren  were  so  rejoiced  on  its  reception 
that  the  master  of  the  lodge  could  scarcely  keep 
them  within  proper  bounds  during  the  evening. 
On  account  of  its  history,  the  brethren  who  re- 
ceived it  at  that  time,  as  well  as  the  brethren 
who  hold  it  in  their  keeping  today,  all  have  a 
high  regard  for  this  old  charter.  Another  rea- 
son that  makes  it  of  so  much  interest  to  the 
brethren  is  the  fact  that  it  is  signed  by  one  of 
Ohio's  most  illustrious  and  distinguished  sons, 
Hon.  Thomas  Corwin,  who  was  the  acting 
Grand  Master  during  the  sessions  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  that  were  held  in  the  year  1828.  It  has 
Iieen  hanging  in  a prominent  place  on  the  walls 
of  the  lodge  room  since  that  time,  and  so  far 
as  may  he  known,  it  will  hang  there  for  many 
yeai's  to  come.  It  is  beginning  to  look  old 
and  faded,  and  has  suffered  some  mutilation, 
but  the  brethren  would  not  part  with  it  under 
any  consideration. 

About  the  year  1863  the  lodge  and  chapter 
purchased  what  was  known  as  the  old  “Acad- 
emy Building”  on  East  Main  street,  and  after 
making  some  necessary  repairs,  the  Masonic 
bodies  of  Barnesville  at  once  moved  into  it, 
where  they  remained  for  many  years.  Finally 
a movement  was  made  looking  toward  enlarg- 
ing the  boundaries  of  Masonry  in  Barnesville. 
A better  location  was  desired  and  more  room 
was  needed.  Having  by  economical  manage- 
ment secured  a surplus  fund  of  some  $3,000 
to  $4,000,  the  lodge  decided  that  a new  loca- 
tion should  be  secured.  A committee,  consist- 


ing of  James  H.  Watt,  J.  W.  Hingley,  T.  E. 
Frasier,  J.  H.  Reed,  J.  A.  Howard  and  W.  H. 
Anderson  for  the  lodge  and  James  H.  Watt,  J. 
W.  Hingley,  J.  H.  Reed  and  A.  E.  Dent  for 
the  chapter,  was  appointed  by  each  of  these 
l)odies  to  select  and  recommend  a property  that 
could  be  purchased.  In  due  time  an  opportu- 
nity appeared  for  the  purchase  of  a lot  on  the 
south  side  of  Main  street,  which  belonged  to 
the  estate  of  John  FI.  Piper.  After  some  dis- 
cussion of  the  matter,  this  lot  was  finally  se- 
cured. y\  large  three-story  stone  and  brick 
building  was  erected  in  1890-91,  arranged  with 
a view  to  accommodate  the  Masonic  bodies  of 
Barnesville  for  years  to  come.  The  first  floor 
is  occupied  as  a shoe  store  by  John  W.  Cas- 
sells. The  second  story  was  built  for  a ban- 
queting room,  with  kitchen  and  pantries  at- 
tached, and  the  third  floor  is  occupied  as  lodge 
and  chapter  rooms,  with  tyler’s  room  and  prep- 
aration room  adjoining.  The  new  building  was 
dedicated  to  Masonry  on  June  24,  1891,  by 
representatives  of  the  Grand  Lodge.  Immedi- 
ately thereafter  the  lodge  and  chapter  moved 
in,  and  since  then  have  enjoyed  the  advan- 
tages of  a new,  commodious  and  permanent 
home.  Both  these  orders  are  growing  rapidly 
and  are  now  permanently  established  in 
Barnesville,  Ohio.  The  number  of  members 
in  Friendship  Lodge,  No.  89,  is  133,  and  of 
the  chapter,  84. 

The  officers  of  Friendship  Lodge  at  present 
are  as  follows : J.  C.  Mayhew,  W.  M. ; A.  W. 
Laughlin,  S.  W. : Dr.  F.  P.  Cook,  J.  W. ; Pal- 
mer H.  Laughlin,  S.  D. ; C.  M.  Robitzer,  J.  D. ; 
William  E.  Emerson,  treasurer;  Dr.  G.  FI. 
Kemp,  secretary;  and  R.  M.  Corbin,  tyler. 
( The  writer  of  the  above  is  largely  indebted 
to  records,  etc.,  make  by  Col.  Benjamin  McCall, 
who  was  secretary  of  the  Masonic  bodies  of 
this  place  for  many  years  before  his  decease.) 

BariicsinUc  Lodge,  No.  18 j,  I.  0.  0.  F.,  was 
instituted  June  13,  1851.  The  charter  mem- 
bers were:  Thomas  C.  Parker,  Sr.,  Jacob  H. 
Parker,  Frank  Davis,  Joseph  Eisman  and  Will- 
iam G.  Laws. 

The  present  officers  are:  Noble  grand, 

Charles  Phillips;  vice  grand,  Clyde  Plumly; 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


23s 


secretary,  Francis  Moore;  financial  secretary, 
J.  M.  Cassells;  treasurer,  Alex  Moore;  trus- 
tees,— J.  E.  McDonald,  L.  B.  Smith  and  J.  R. 
Price.  The  members  of  this  lodge  number  190. 

There  is  also  an  encampment  of  Odd  Fel- 
lows, with  G.  T.  Nuzum  as  scribe.  This  is 
also  in  flourishing  condition. 

Warren-  Lodge,  No.  j6,  K.  of  P.,  is  one  of 
the  strongest  secret  organizations  in  Warren 
township.  It  had  a membership  of  160  in 
October,  1902.  W.  D.  Lyle  is  keeper  of  the 
records,  and  the  value  of  the  lodge  furnishings 
and  money  on  hand  amount  in  the  aggregate  to 
>$5,395.57.  This  lodge  meets  every  Friday 
evening. 

ROBERT  HILLES  POST,  G.  A.  R. 

Robert  Hides  Post,  No.  220,  G.  A.  R.,  was 
organized  at  Barnesville,  Ohio,  May  2, 
1882,  with  40  charter  members.  The 
following  officers  were  elected : E.  T. 

Petty,  post  commander;  G.  E.  Hides,  senior 
vice  commander;  H.  S.  Barnes,  junior  vice 
commander;  Aden  Floyd,  quartermaster;  S.  B. 
Piper,  officer  of  the  day;  R.  C.  Graves,  adju- 
tant; H.  W.  Baker,  chaplain  and  G.  S.  Wel- 
lons,  surgeon.  The  membership  increased  rap- 
idly for  10  years — reaching  in  the  aggregate 
near  200,  but  in  the  last  10  years  the  decrease 
has  been  equally  rapid.  At  this  time,  having 
lived  upward  of  20  years,  the  membership  is 
reducecl  to  about  40 — the  original  number. 
This  decline  is  not,  however,  due  entirely  to 
loss  hy  deaths.  Many  of  the  veterans  have 
l)ecome  tired  of  the  meetings  and  dropped  out 
tlirough  lack  of  interest. 

When  the  next  10  years  shad  have  passed, 
there  will  be  few,  if  any,  of  the  charter  mem- 
bers of  Robert  Hides  Post  left  to  decorate 
the  graves  of  their  fallen  comrades. 

Lieut.  Robert  Hides,  from  Avhom  the  post 
takes  its  name,  enlisted  at  Barnesville,  Ohio, 
August,  1862  and  was  commissioned  ist  lieu- 
tenant of  Company  B,  126th  Regiment  Ohio 
Volunteer  Infantry,  was  mortally  wounded  in 
a charge  on  the  enemy’s  works  on  the  6th  of 
May,  1864,  in  the  battle  of  the  Wilderness. 
He  was  in  command  of  the  company,  gallantly 


leading  his  men  when  the  fatal  bullet  struck 
him.  He  died  May  iith  at  Fredericksburg, 
Virginia,  and  sleeps  today  in  an  unknown 
grave,  as  do  thousands  of  his  comrades. 

On  Fame’s  eternal  camping  ground, 

Their  silent  tents  are  spread, 

While  glory  guards  with  solemn  round 
The  bivouac  of  the  Dead. 

THE  PRESS. 

The  first  paper  published  in  Barnesville  was 
a little  four  page  periodical  issued  by  the  stu- 
Gents  of  Davenport  and  Addler’s  Classical  In- 
stitute and  was  published  through  the  years 
1856-57.  However,  it  was  printed  at  Zanes- 
ville and  published  by  one  of  the  societies.  It 
was  first  called  The  Gleaner,  with  Mrs.  Talbot 
and  Walton  as  editors. 

In  1857  The  Intelligencer  was  issued  by  E. 
R.  Bartleson  & Son,  afterward  the  publishers 
of  The  Wheeling  Intelligencer.  It  was  a 24- 
column  paper,  devoted  mainly  to  local  news, 
but  did  not  represent  any  political  party.  In  a 
short  time  the  office  was  sold  to  George  Mc- 
Clelland and  Thomas  Nichols,  who  continued 
its  publication  for  a year. 

The  Barnesville  Enterprise. — On  the  28th  of 
May,  1866,  the  first  number  of  The  Barnesville 
Enterprise,  a seven-column  folio,  was  published 
by  George  McClelland.  In  October,  1870,  the 
paper  was  enlarged  to  28  columns.  In  Janu- 
ary, 1875,  it  was  changed  to  a six-column, 
eight-page  paper,  and  Samuel  Price  became  a 
partner  for  two  years.  In  1888,  on  the  death 
of  Mr.  jMcClelland,  IMr.  and  IMrs.  E.  P.  Lee 
became  the  owners  and  have  since  conducted 
it.  The  Enterprise  was  one  of  the  first  weekly 
papers  in  Ohio  to  make  a feature  of  local  and 
country  correspondence  and  it  rapidly  went  to 
the  front  rank  of  weekly  papers  in  this  section, 
a position  it  has  ever  since  held.  Its  circula- 
tion today  is  2,200. 

The  Barnesville  Republican, — The  first 
number  of  The  Barnc.<ruille  Republican-  was 
issued  June  14,  1883,  the  publishers  being 
Hanlon  Brothers’  Paper  Company,  composed 
of  T.  T.  Hanlon  and  two  sons,  William  W. 
and  Oliver  O.  Hanlon.  Will,iam  W.  Hanlon 


236 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


was  editor  and  manager  and  the  success  of  the 
])a])cr  from  the  start  was  due  to  his  inde- 
fatigable efforts,  lie  continued  in  charge  until 
Noveml)er  8,  1897,  when  the  paper  was  sold 
to  Charles  C.  Carroll  of  St.  Clairsville,  a 
talented  and  finely  educated  young  man  who 
conducted  the  publication  with  marked  success, 
lie  was  tendered  a government  position  in 
Washington  and  decided  to  accept  selling  The 
Republican  on  July  21,  1899,  to  H.  E.  Dement, 
who  continues  in  charge.  Mr.  Dement  had 
been  connected  with  the  paper  as  assistant  edi- 
tor and  foreman  since  1900,  and  is  thoroughly 
familiar  with  the  duties  of  his  office. 

While  uncompromisingly  Republican  in 
])rinci])les,  The  Republican  is  conservative  in 
the  policy  of  the  party  and  never  gives  offense 
to  a ])olitical  op])onent  by  harsh  or  bitter 
criticisms. 

In  the  advocacy  of  public  improvements  it 
has  been  unremitting  and,  though  public 
s])irited  and  enterprising,  the  editor  earnestly 
advocates  reform  in  public  management  and 
retrenchment  in  public  expenditures. 

THE  CEMETERIES 

There  are  two  cemetery  associations  in 
Barnesville.  The  first  that  we  shall  mention 
is  the  Green  Mountain  Cemetery  Association 
which  was  formed  May  5,  1858,  with  Colson 
Davenport,  Adam  Bentz,  Stephen  Wilson, 
John  H.  Morrow  and  H.  T.  Barnes  as  its 
trustees.  This  cemetery  has  always  be^n 
known  as  “Knob  Field”  because  of  its  high 
elevation.  It  occupies  eight  acres  ot  land  and 
contains  168  lots. 

The  South  Cemetery  was  organized  March 
4,  1858,  and  was  orginally  known  as  the 
Barnesville  Cemetery  Association.  The 
grounds  were  purchased  May  8,  1858,  and 
contained  10  acres  and  were  dedicated  to  ceme- 
tery purposes  the  same  year  by  Rev.  James 
Henderson.  The  first  officers  were  as  follows: 
Trustees,  William  A.  Talbot,  R.  Happer, 
David  McCartney,  William  Barnes,  John 
Bradfield ; treasurer,  B.  Davenport ; secre- 
tary, J.  W.  Warfield;  superintendent,  J.  S. 


Evans.  The  number  of  lots  sold  is  220.  The 
present  officers  are : Dr.  J.  A.  Judkins,  presi- 
dent; John  S.  Howard,  secretary;  John  W. 
Bradfield,  treasurer;  Robert  Evans  and  H.  R. 
Bro\\m. 

THE  BELMONT  COUNTY  CHILDREN'S  HOME 

Is  established  at  Tacoma,  in  Warren  town- 
ship, and  occupies  a beautiful  site  command- 
ing a widespread  view  of  the  loveliest  hill 
country  in  the  State.  The  main  building  is 
four  stories  high,  surmounted  by  a cupola,  and 
with  two  wings,  each  three  stories  high.  The 
whole  is  a modern  brick  structure  of  hand- 
some architectural  design,  with  a frontage  of 
164  feet,  and  a depth  of  no  feet.  It  contains 
63  rooms  and  is  lighted  with  electricity  and 
heated  with  steam.  The  farm  upon  which  it 
is  located  contains  63  acres.  The  Home  was 
established  in  1880  for  the  physical,  mental 
and  moral  training  of  indigent  children,  until 
suitable  homes  could  be  provided  for  them. 
At  the  earnest  appeal  of  Isaac  Holloway, 
David  Conrow,  and  82  others,  the  county  com- 
missioners submitted  the  whole  question  of 
establishing  a Children’s  Home  to  the  people 
of  the  county,  and  the  proposition  carried  by  a 
majority  of  2,319. 

Under  the  supervision  of  Architect  J.  W. 
Yost,  the  building  was  constructed.  The  farm 
upon  which  the  Home  is  located  cost  $5,800, 
and  the  building  cost  $35,000;  the  whole  mak- 
ing a total  cost  of  $40,800. 

The  first  trustees  were  Francis  Davis, 
Joseph  Green,  J.  W.  Laughlin,  J.  W.  Hingley, 
William  Millison,  David  Conrow,  A.  W. 
Anderson,  John  S.  Howard,  Hamilton  Eaton, 
Isaac  R.  Lane,  William  R.  Piper,  George  T. 
Nuzum,  Samuel  Hillis,  James  A.  Sheiiherd 
and  Herman  Roemer.  The  first  superin- 
tendent was  Stephen  Gressinger  who  only 
served  a brief  two  months,  when  Francis 
Davis,  one  of  the  trustees  of  the  institution, 
took  charge  until  the  appointment  of  Joseph 
Green,  who  served  for  five  years.  Peter  Gif- 
fen  followed  and  was  in  charge  of  the  institu- 
tion seven  years.  N.  B.  Stewart,  the  next 
superintendent  in  order,  served  two  years. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


237 


when  the  present  incumbent,  T.  W.  Branson, 
was  appointed,  who  has  thus  far  served  seven 
years  up  to  1902.  The  present  board  of  trus- 
tees is  thus  constituted:  Jacob  Maule,  A. 

Plummer,  W.  W.  Watt,  and  Dr.  G.  V.  Riddle. 
The  officers  are : T.  W.  Branson,  superin- 
tendent; R.  P.  Branson,  matron;  Deborah 
Williams,  teacher;  and  Dr.  W.  L.  Judkins, 
physician. 

In  addition  there  are  six  lady  and  one  gen- 
tleman assistants.  There  were  in  the  Home, 
March  31,  1902.  33  children,  and  five  were  out 
on  trial.  Twenty-two  had  been  indentured  and 
adopted,  eight  returned  to  parents,  and  two 
died,  making  a total  of  70  cared  for  during  the 
year.  The  average  monthly  enrollment  of 
children  attending  the  school  was  29.  The 
total  expenditure  for  1902  amounted  to 
85,860.92,  or  a net  expense  per  capita,  of 
$145.36.  In  addition  to  the  quantity  of  farm 
products  consunhed  at  the  institution,  $379 
worth  were  sold  from  off  the  farm.  The  re- 
ports of  the  trustees  and  county  Board  of 
Charities  speak  very  approvingly  of  the  insti- 
tution. 


THE  BOARD  OF  CHARITIES. 

In  this  connection,  some  mention  should  be 
made  of  the  work  of  this  philanthropic  body 
that  was  organized  several  years  ago  for  the 
purpose  of  visiting  and  inspecting  our  chari- 
table institutions  and  jails  in  the  interest  of  the 
health  and  comfort  of  the  inmates.  These 
humane  men  and  women  work  without  com- 
pensation. visiting  all  the  penal  and  charitable 
institutions  of  the  county  at  intervals  of  six 
months,  examining  into  the  sanitary  and  moral 
condition  of  these  institutions  with  a view  of 
correcting  any  neglect  or  mismanagement  in 
these  particulars.  Some  of  the  members  of  the 
Board,  who  have  been  most  active  in  the  past, 
were  Dr.  Ely  of  Barnesville,  Mrs.  Rodefer  of 
Bellaire,  Mrs.  Robert  J.  Alexander,  of  St. 
Clairsville,  Dr.  Thomas  Balph  of  St.  Clairs- 
ville.  Dr.  John  W.  Wellons  of  Barnesville, 
JMrs.  Ross  J.  Alexander,  Bridgeport,  and  Mrs. 
J.  B.  Smith.  Bellaire. 

The  present  Board  consists  of  William 
Alexander  of  Bridgeport,  Peter  Giffen  of 
Flushing,  D.  H.  Milligan  of  St.  Clairsville, 
Mrs.  Rodefer  of  Bellaire,  Mrs.  J.  C.  Picker- 
ing, and  Mrs.  James  AIcNeice. 


CHAPTER.  XVIII 


RICHLAND  TOWNSHIP. 

Some  of  the  First  Settlers  — Undiscovered  Ore  Mines- — The  Population  — 
The  First  Election — Township  Officials — The  Towns:  Glencoe,  Loyds- 
VILLE  AND  StEWARTSVILLE St.  ClAIRSVILLE,  THE  CoUNTY  SeAT — ThE  INCOR- 

PORATION AND  First  Officials — The  First  Taverns  and  Market  House — 
The  First  Business  Houses — The  First  Court  House  and  the  “Old  Court 
House” — The  Population,  and  Municipal  Officers — The  Great  Fire — Some 
Old  Citizens — The  Oldest  Building — St.  Clairsville’s  Railroad  Facilities 
— The  Postmasters — The  Banks — The  St.  Clairsville  Schools,  Past  and 
Present — The  Churches — The  St.  Clairsville  Cemetery  Ass'ociation — Bel- 
mont County  Agricultural  Society — Secret  Societies — Drummond  Post, 
G.  A.  R. — The  County  Infirmary. 

Richland  township  is  perhaps  the  largest 
township  in  the  county.  It  is  liounded  by 
Wheeling  and  Colerain  townships  on  the  north. 

Pease  and  Pnltney  on  the  east,  and  Mead  and 
Smith  townships  on  the  south,  and  Union  on 
the  west.  As  its  name  implies,  the  soil  is  rich 
and  the  land  throughout  the  township  is  under- 
laid with  a wealth  of  coal  and  limestone.  As 
heretofore  indicated  the  township  was  erected 
from  parts  of  Kirkwood  and  Pnltney  town- 
ships in  1802. 

some  of  the  first  settlers. 

The  first  settler  was  probably  Richard 
Hardesty  who  located  on  Wheeling  Creek  in 
1795  and  a numlier  of  his  descendants  live  in 
the  neighborhood  of  the  old  homestead  today, 
d'he  same  year  William  Boggs  settled  on  sec- 
tion 10  where  he  opened  the  first  coal  mine. 

After  the  lapse  of  a century  Boggs’  extensive 
coal  mines  are  in  operation  north  of  St.  Clairs- 
ville. Isaac  Cowgill  was  the  first  emigrant  to 


cross  Wheeling  ferry  where  he  located  on  sec- 
tion 16  anchbuilt  the  first  hewed-log  cabin  in 
the  county  and  the  name  is  a familiar  one 
among  the  farmers  of  Richland  township 
today. 

Among  the  first  settlers  whose  descendants 
are  still  living  on  or  near  the  old  homesteads 
after  the  lapse  of  a century  were:  Joseph  and 
Andrew  Anderson,  Abraham  and  Frederick 
xRmrine,  John  Arrick,  Valentine,  Peter  and 
Philip  Ault,  Isaiah  Allen,  William  Askew, 
David  and  Samuel  Barnes,  George  and  Eliza- 
beth Beam,  John  Berry,  Jacob  Brown  and 
Nicholas  Brown,  Alexander  Boggs,  Rees 
BransOn,  James  Barnes,  William  Bell,  M.  C. 
Carroll,  Sarah  Coleman,  Henry  Close,  Adam 
Kaufman,  Jacob  Clevinger,  Joseph  Craft, 
Isaac  Cowgill,  Lamb  Clark,  Richard  Copeland, 
James  Caldwell,  Andrew  Dickey,  Robert  Dun- 
can, Daniel  Dillie,  Robert  Dent,  Andrew  Fore- 
man, Alexander  Gaston,  Isaac  Hogue,  David 
Hutchinson,  Michael  Groves,  Zachiel  Hays, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


239 


John  and  Joseph  Henderson,  John  Jepson, 
Joseph  R.  Johnson,  Sterling  Johnson,  Abram 
Lash,  Al)ner  Lodge,  David  Neiswanger, 
Thomas  Mitchell,  Samuel  Muchmore,  William 
McMillan,  William  McFarland,  James  Mur- 
dock, James  Morrison,  Richard  Meek,  Joseph 
Marshall,  Jesse  McGee,  John  and  James  Mar- 
tin, Jacol)  Merritt,  John  Norris,  David  New- 
ell, Henry  Neff,  Mathew  Patterson,  William 
and  John  Warnock,  Isaac  and  Samuel  Wilson, 
Hance  Wiley,  Isaachar  Foulke,  Crawford 
Welsh,  Joseph  Patton,  Levi  Pickering,  Jonas 
Pickering,  William  Porterfield,  Robert  Porter- 
field, John  Pickett,  John  Patterson,  George 
Pauli,  Richard  Riley,  John  Shepherd,  Jona- 
than Sutton,  William  and  Francis  Smith, 
Samuel  Stonebreaker,  Thomas  and  John 
Smith,  John  Simpson,  Robert  Thompson,  John 
Thompson,  Israel  and  Joseph  Updegraff  and 
John  Taggart. 

The  preceding  are  familiar  names  in  Rich- 
land and  adjoining  townships  today.  Many  of 
the  oldest  and  most  highly  respected  citizens  of 
the  county  are  lineal  descendants  of  these 
pioneer  settlers,  and  are  prominently  identified 
with  the  commercial  and  manufacturing,  as 
well  as  the  agricultural,  industries  of  the 
county. 

Mrs.  Priscilla  Baldwin  says  when  her  grand- 
father Isaachar  Foulke  above  mentioned  came 
ot  the  county  in  1810  he  located  upon  a farm 
three  miles  east  of  Newellstown  (St.  Clairs- 
ville)  and  on  the  road  then  leading  to  Flush- 
ing. She  said  that  at  that  time  the  old  Indian 
trail  passed  by  her  father's  home  and  over  this 
trail  Indians  traveled  between  Monroe  and 
Guernsey  pausing  at  the  trading  post  at  the 
foot  of  the  “big  hill”  to  exchange  their  cop- 
per. lead  and  furs. 

UNDISCOVERED  ORE  MINES. 

These  Indians  were  always  accompanied 
by  an  interpreter  who  told  Mr.  Foulke  that 
there  were  silver,  copper  and  lead  mines 
in  Monroe  and  Guernsey  counties  and  the  evi- 
dence of  the  truth  of  these  statements  was  the 
ores  they  carried  with  them  for  trading.  | 


These  bands  of  Indians  would  always  camp  at 
Bear  Camp  just  east  of  Belmont  going  one 
\vay,  and  at  the  Indian  Springs  now  owned  by 
AVilliam  Clark’s  heirs  near  St.  Clairsville  go- 
ing the  other.  Mrs.  Baldwin's  father  always 
exjiressed  the  lielief  that  these  mines  would 
ultimately  'be  discovered. 

THE  POPUEATION 

Of  Richland  township  in  1804  was  the  largest 
in  Belmont  County  and  in  1820  it  was 
3,379,  with  but  one  voting  precinct,  located  at 
St.  Clairsville.  The  census  of  1900  shows  a 
population  of  4.367,  a gain  of  988.  Because  of 
the  fact  that  Richland  township  is  a purely 
agricultural  township,  the  increase  in  popula- 
tion has  not  been  as  marked  as  in  the  townships 
along  our  river  front.  The  assessor's  returns 
however  for  1902  show  an  increase  over  last 
year  of  $28,444  while  the  tax  levy  in  the  town- 
ship has  been  increased  from  1.49  in  1901  to 
1.56  in  1902. 

THE  FIRST  ELECTION 

WHs  held  in  St.  Clairsville  in  1802, — it  is  said 
at  the  house  of  William  Congleton,  but  as  the 
records  were  lost  for  a period  of  seven  years 
the  first  records  available  today  reveal  the  fact 
that  Isaac  Cogle,  Isaac  Hatcher  and  John  Car- 
ter were  serving  as  trustees  in  1809  and  Josiah 
Hedges  was  clerk. 

By  order  of  the  trustees,  William  Dent  was 
appointed  constable,  and  an  election  was  called 
for  the  second  Tuesday  in  August  at  which 
Robert  Griffith,  James  Cloyd,  Sterling  John- 
ston and  William  Sinclair  were  elected  justices 
of  the  peace. 

The  township  officers  elected  in  those  early 
days  were  justices,  constables,  supervisors, 
overseers  of  the  poor,  fence  viewers,  town- 
ship treasurer,  and  township  clerk,  and  the 
highest  vote  cast  in  the  spring  of  1810  was  154. 

In  1900  there  were  four  voting  precincts, 
namely : Glencoe.  Loydsville  and  precincts  i 
and  2 in  St.  Clairsville.  The  total  vote 
was:  Glencoe  precinct,  232  ; precinct  1,231; 

precinct  2,  271  ; precinct  3,  367;  or  a total  of 

I.IOI. 


240 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY. 


TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS. 

The  township  officers  for  1902  are:  Trus- 

tees,— Henry  Morgan,  Robert  E.  Giffen  and  J. 
'1'.  Knox;  townsliip  clerk,  John  Nichols;  treas- 
urer, Harry  Boroff ; assessor,  William  Mc- 
Bride; justices  of  the  peace, — D.  M.  Davies, 
John  Sidel)ottom  and  John  C.  Michner. 

There  are  20  township  schools  in  Richland 
township  under  the  supervision  of  R.  G. 
Hogue. 

The  old  Zane  Road,  the  first  in  the  county, 
which  was  constructed  under  an  act  of  gov- 
ernment, and  afterwards  changed  to  the 
National  Road,  passes  through  Richland  town- 
ship from  east  to  west. 

THE  TOWNS GLENCOE,  LOYDSVILLE  AND 

STEWARTSVILLE. 

In  addition  to  the  county  seat  there  are  four 
villages  in  Richland  township,  namely:  Glen- 
coe, Loydsville,  East  Richland  and  Stewarts- 
ville. 

Glencoe  was  estalilished  along  the  line  of 
the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad  in  Eebruary, 
1855,  by  John  B.  G.  Eulton.  Today  it  con- 
tains a population  of  about  200,  which  is  in- 
creasing rapidly  because  of  tbe  accession  of 
many  miners  in  the  employ  of  the  Belmont 
Coal  Mining  Company.  There  are  also  a num- 
ber of  stores  and  a good  flour  mill.  The  school 
has  an  enrollment  of  about  120  and  is  con- 
ducted by  C.  A.  Henry,  superintendent,  and 
Miss  Ella  Meek,  assistant. 

The  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  is  the  only 
])lace  of  worship  in  the  village.  It  is  included 
in  the  Demos  circuit  with  Rev.  M.  W.  Bev- 
ington,  pastor.  The  officials  are : Trustees, — 
Dr.  J.  H.  Meek,  C.  A.  Henry,  William  Bar- 
rett and  P.  W.  Helpbringer;  stewards, — Dr.  J. 
H.  IMeek  and  Miss  Kate  Henry. 

The  postmaster  is  G.  K.  Phillips. 

The  oldest  citizen  is  Henry  Neff  who  is  now 
in  his  92nd  year.  Mr.  Neff  is  spending  his 
closing  years  with  his  children  who  reside  in 
Glencoe  and  the  vicinity.  Another  octogen- 
erian  is  John  McNiece,  who  notwithstanding 
he  is  past  84  makes  a daily  visit  to  Glencoe 
and  is  hale  in  body  and  clear  in  mind. 


One  of  the  oldest  families  in  this  section  of 
Belmont  County  are  the  Aults.  Michael  Ault, 
Sr.,  settled  where  Glencoe  now  stands  and 
engaged  in  the  milling  business.  ^ His  son 
Michael  Ault  followed  in  the  pursuit  of  his 
father  and  purchased  the  mill  property  in  1836. 
In  the  prosecution  of  his  business  he  ground 
and  shipped  10,000  barrels  of  flour  from 
October,  1846,  to  the  following  May,  which 
were  forwarded  to  different  points  down  the 
river. 

Loydsville  is  on  the  National  Road  five 
miles  west  of  St.  Clairsville.  It  has  two  gen- 
eral stores,  two  blacksmith  shops  and  a wagon 
shop,  with  a population  at  the  last  census  of 
125.  The  town  was  laid  out  by  Joshua  Loyd 
in  1831. 

It  was  upon  the  old  Loyd  homestead  that 
the  eminent  statesman  and  financier,  Hon. 
William  Windom,  was  born,  and  some  old 
citizens  recall  the  fact  that  they  witnessed  the 
future  statesman  when  a child  making  mud 
pies  by  the  roadside. 

Loydsville  is  also  the  western  termination 
of  rural  free  delivery  of  mail. 

About  one  mile  south  of  the  town  the 
Society  of  Eriends  built  the  old  Plainfield 
Meeting  House  in  1844.  This  was  for  50 
years  the  church  home  of  the  Friends  in  Rich- 
land township.  Gradually  the  members  of  the 
Society  lessened  by  removal  and  death  until 
the  church  has  been  abandoned  and  the  build- 
ing is  now  occupied  by  the  Farmers’  Grange. 
The  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  at  Loyds- 
ville built  a small  frame  church  in  1837.  For 
two  years  previous,  however,  they  had  wor- 
shiped in  the  school  house.  In  1866  a more 
commodious  brick  church  was  erected,  the 
church  society  then  having  a membership  of 
60.  In  1879-80  the  pastor  was  Rev.  W.  D. 
Starkey,  with  Rev.  J.  M.  Carr,  presiding 
elder.  The  membership  of  the  church  in  1902 
is  100,  and  the  pastor  in  charge  is  Rev.  J.  L. 
Dawson.  The  church  officials  are:  R.  W. 

Palmer,  A.  J.  Taylor,  Celia  Pickering,  F.  O. 
Bowles,  William  Shepherd,  John  Michner, 
James  Nibleck  and  Frank  Bentley. 

There  is  one  school  in  the  Loydsville  dis- 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


241 


ti'ict,  conducted  by  G.  O.  Bowles.  Mr.  Bowles’ 
predecessor,  W.  S.  Wright,  taught  in  this  dis- 
trict for  eight  or  ten  successive  years.  The 
present  School  Board  consists  of  John  Mich- 
ner,  C.  P.  Clark  and  F.  O.  Bowles. 

The  Loydsville  Grange  was  organized  a few 
years  ago  with  a membership  of  about  30. 
The  present  officers  are : Grand  master, 

Thomas  Bentley;  secretary,  Fred  Daniels; 
overseer,  William  Lewis;  steward,  A.  J.  Tay- 
lor; treasurer,  Lida  Lantz;  gatekeeper,  W.  S. 
Milner;  chaplain,  Mrs.  William  Lewis;  and 
lecturer,  R.  G.  Hogue. 

The  postmaster  of  the  town  is  William 
George. 

Stewartsville  is  a railway  station  and 
coal  mining  town  on  the  line  of  the  Baltimore 
& Ohio  Railroad,  between  six  and  seven  miles 
west  of  Bellaire.  It  was  named  after  John 
Stewart,  of  the  late  firm  of  Stewart  & Mehan, 
and  one  of  the  proprietors  of  the  Franklin 
mines  which  were  organized  in  1868.  While 
the  struggling  mining  towns  of  Stewartsville 
and  St.  Clairsville  Junction,  the  latter  in  Pult- 
ney  township,  are  not  incorporated  they  have 
an  aggregate  population  of  2,500,  largely  min- 
ers employed  at  the  Troll,  Franklin  and  Em- 
pire coal  mines. 

Near  Neff’s  there  is  a neat  Presbyterian 
Church  with  a membership  of  100,  that  is  min- 
istered to  by  Rev.  W.  A.  Alexander  and  near 
the  Troll  mines  there  is  a new  Methodist 
Church  with  a membership  of  130,  that  is  con- 
ducted by  Rev.  M.  Strahl. 

ST.  CLAIRSVILLE, THE  COUNTY  SEAT. 

David  Newell,  the  founder  of  the  county 
seat,  migrated  from  Pennsylvania  in  1795  and 
1796  and  effected  a settlement  upon  the  sum- 
mit of  the  most  picturesque  hill  country  in 
the  county,  and  there  laid  out  the  village  of 
Newellstown  at  an  elevation  of  1,284 
above  the  sea  level.  It  was  known  as  Newells- 
town for  several  years,  but  was  subsequently 
called  St.  Clairsville  in  honor  of  Gen.  Arthur 
St.  Clair  at  tliat  time  Governor  of  the  North- 
west Territory.  The  court  records  designated 


it  as  St.  Clairsville  as  early  as  1802-03,  and  in 
the  contest  with  Pultney  and  Franklin  (now 
Martin's  Ferry)  for  the  county  seat  it  won  the 
prize  in  1804  and  was  thereafter  known  as  St. 
Clairsville.  The  original  town  contained  65 
acres,  but  an  addition  of  eight  acres  was  made 
by  William  blathers  in  1803. 

Some  of  the  first  lot  owners  were  Abraham 
Lash,  Valentine  Ault,  James  Caldwell,  Jacob 
Holtz,  John  Thompson,  William  Irwin, 
Alisalom  Martin,  Noah  Zane,  Sterling  John- 
ston, Alpheus  Ferren,  John  Israel  and  Daniel 
Peck.  The  above-named  purchases  were  made 
between  1800  and  1802. 

St.  Clairsville  being  on  the  line  of  the  Zane 
Road,  then  the  leading  thoroughfare  in  the 
county,  it  became  the  foremost  trading  town 
in  Eastern  Ohio,  and  as  early  as  1807  had 
shipped  2,000  pounds  of  snakeroot  and  gin- 
seng in  a single  year  to  Eastern  markets  and 
hundreds  of  barrels  of  flour  were  wagoned  to 
Wheeling  and  floated  down  the  Ohio  and 
Mississipjii  rivers  to  New  Orleans. 

F.  Cummings  in  his  tour  through  Belmont 
County  heretofore  mentioned  has  this  to  say 
of  St.  Clairsville  in  1807:  I awoke  at  an  early 
hour  well  refreshed  and  pushed  on  ii  miles  to 
St.  Clairsville  through  a fine  well  improved, 
well  inhabited  country  which  was  still  hilly 
but  the  ridges  were  neither  so  steep  nor  so 
high  as  they  are  in  general  at  this  side  of 
Chillicothe.  I stopped  at  Thompson’s  Stage 
Inn  where  Mrs.  Thompson  who  was  very  civil 
prepared  me  a good  breakfast. 

“St.  Clairsville,  or  Newellstown  as  it  is 
more  frequently  and  more  properly  called,  is 
the  capital  of  Belmont  County  and  is  pleasantly 
situated  on  the  point  and  top  of  the  highest 
hill  within  sight  and  from  whence  12  or  14 
miles  of  ridges  and  woods  may  be  seen  in  every 
direction,  some  of  them  across  the  Ohio,  which 
I was  now  again  approaching.  The  town  is 
only  about  four  years  old  and  already  contains 
80  good  houses  including  several  stores  and 
taverns.  It  has  a Court  House  and  gaol  and 
altogether  it  has  the  greatest  appearance  of 
wealth  and  business  of  any  town  between  Chil- 
licothe and  itself.  There  are  several  Quakers 


242 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


settled  in  the  neighlwrhood  who  are  snug, 
wealthy  and  industrious  peojjle  and  who  have 
enhanced  the  \alue  of  real  ])r()perty  to  a wide 
extent  around  the  focus  of  their  settlement.” 

■niK  lXCOKI>OR.\TION  AND  FIRST  OFFICIALS. 

!n  1807  town  was  incorporated  hy  the 
election  of  John  Patterson,  president;  Ster- 
ling Johnston,  recorder;  Samuel  Sullivan, 
marshal;  and  Michael  Groves,  William  Brown, 
John  Brown  and  Josiah  Dillon,  trustees ; with 
Wdlliam  Cougleton,  collector;  and  James 
Caldwell,  treasurer.  The  iiojndation  of  the 
v illage  before  its  incorporation  was  400. 

few  years  after  the  town  was  incorpo- 
rated, the  dense  forests  began  to  disappear  and 
pioneers  crowded  the  trails  in  every  direction, 
ipion  horseback,  in  wagons  and  on  foot.  For 
some  reasr>n  the  corporate  authority  was  per- 
mitted to  lapse,  and  now  as  the  town  began  to 
improve  and  brick  and  frame  Iniildings  sup- 
])lanted  tbe  log  structures,  public  safety  de- 
manded a renew'al  of  incorjiorate  powers  for 
public  jirotection.  Accordingly  corporate 
]iowers  were  again  granted  by  tbe  General 
.\ssembly  during  the  winter  of  1818. 

Tin:  FIRST  TAVERNS  AND  MARKET  HOUSE. 

Before  the  town  was  incorporated,  St. 
Glairsville  had  become  quite  a business  center. 
.Among  tbe  early  tavern  keepers  eve  note  first 
tbe  name  of  Jacol)  Holtz  who  was  granted  a 
license  in  1802;  the  May  following,  two  addi- 
tional taverns  were  opened,  one  liy  John 
d'hompson  and  the  other  Basil  Israel. 

On  the  17th  day  of  December,  1833,  the 
commissioners  of  Belmont  County  appropri- 
ated $100  to  build  a Market  House  in  St. 
Clairsville  and  gave  an  order  to  John  Patter- 
son, grandfather  of  John  Patterson  now  one 
of  vSt.  Clairsville's  druggists,  to  superintend 
the  work.  This  old  building  was  constructed 
in  the  middle  of  the  street  just  south  of  the 
present  Court  House  and  between  the 
Clarendon  Hotel  and  the  opposite  side  of  the 
street  and  is  remembered  by  all  the  old  citi- 
zens. 


THE  FIRST  BUSINESS  HOUSES. 

There  were  also  twC'  schools,  five  taverns, 
eight  stores,  seven  carpenters,  three  masons, 
two  blacksmiths,  two  tanneries,  four  cabinet- 
makers, a brickmaker,  two  saddlers,  one  pot- 
tery, one  tinner,  one  manufacturer  of  nails, 
two  clock  and  watchmakers,  four  shoemakers, 
three  tailors,  and  two  turners  in  wood,  spin- 
ning wheel  makers,  two  distilleries,  three 
])hysicians  and  two  attorneys. 

One  of  the  distilleries  was  operated  by 
Alichael  Groves  and  the  other  by  Dillon  & 
Thompson.  John  Copeland  was  the  first 
blacksmith;  Reese  Branson  was  the  first  clock- 
maker  ; Jose])h  Morrison  and  Samuel  Sullivan 
were  the  first  hatters ; Ira  Robinson  was  the 
first  tinner;  Jacob  Leech  was  the  first  barber; 
Jesse  McGee,  a familiar  name  in  Richland 
township  today,  was  the  first  cabinetmaker; 
Robert  Dent,  an  active  Alethodist,  was  the 
first  school  teacher;  Joseph  Patton  and  Henry 
Alitchell  were  the  first  shoemakers ; John 
Long  and  Smith  & White  were  the  first  tan- 
ners; and  John  Marcus  was  the  first  tailor. 

THE  FIRST  COURT  HOUSE  AND  THE  “OLD  COURT 
HOUSE.” 

Colonel  Charlesworth  says  that  the  first 
Court  House  was  a strong  substantial  log 
strnctnre  two  stories  high  that  occupied  the 
first  lot  directly  west  of  the  more  pretentious 
and  costly  stone  structure  of  today ; while  the 
old  log  jail  was  east  of  and  not  under  the  same 
roof  as  some  writers  have  claimed.  The  sec- 
ond Court  House,  best  known  to  the  people  of 
this  generation  as  the  “Old  Court  House”  was 
built  of  brick  and  stone  in  1813  at  a cost  of 
$56,040.  The  Court  House  building  was  a 
square,  two-story  building  with  a hip  roof  fac- 
ing each  point  of  the  compass  and  surmounted 
by  a tall  spire  in  tbe  center.  This  historic  old 
building  was  sujiported  on  the  south  by  an  im- 
mense stone  wall  1 50  feet  in  length  and  about 
14  feet  high  at  tbe  east  end.  This  building  re- 
mained in  use  for  a period  of  72  years,  when  it 
was  removed  to  give  place  to  the  present  hand- 
some public  buildings  elsewhere  referred  to. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


243 


THie  second  jail  was  built  six  years  later  at  a 
cost  of  $3,040,  and  among  other  apartments 
constructed  were  two  debtors’  rooms. 

In  1842  because  of  the  increased  demand  for 
more  prison  room,  the  third  county  jail  was 
built  by  Bailey  and  Collins  of  brick  and  stone 
at  a cost  of  $3,902. 

THE  POPULATION,  AND  MUNICIPAL  OFFICERS. 

The  population  of  St.  Clairsville  in  1900  was 
•I. 210.  a small  gain  over  the  census  of  1890; 
however,  the  tax  levy  for  1902  is  less  than  that 
of  the  year  following.  The  municipal  officers 
are:  James  B.  Ryan,  mayor;  John  Ferren, 

marshal;  John  C.  Nichols,  clerk;  John  H.  Bor- 
off,  treasurer.  The  members  of  the  Council  are : 
D.  H.  Milligan,  Albert  Lawrence,  Isaac  H. 
Gaston,  A.  L.  Bumgarner,  J.  M.  Reese  and  A. 
W.  Beatty. 

THE  GREAT  FIRE. 

One  of  the  memorable  events  of  the  history 
of  St.  Clairsville  was  the  great  fire  of  1866. 
The  fire  originated  in  the  property  of  John 
Jepson  on  May  22nd,  and  practically  burned 
the  entire  square  from  Market  street  west  to 
the  alley  between  Market  and  Marietta  streets. 

There  was  no  fire  department  or  fire  extin- 
guishers that  could  be  made  available,  and  the 
citizens  in  their  excitement  worked  without 
plans  or  system,  hence  the  great  loss.  The 
properties  destroyed  were  the  store  room  and 
residence  of  John  Jepson,  the  drug  store  and 
residence  of  I.  H.  Patterson,  the  dry  goods 
store  of  John  Patton,  the  jewelry  store  of 
George  Brown,  the  tailoring  establishment  of 
L.  P.  Hoffner  and  Henry  Meyer,  the  boot  and 
shoe  store  of  John  Bickham,  the  saddlery  of 
John  Crymhle,  the  law  office  of  Judg'e  Cham- 
bers, the  Gaccttc  printing  office  and  the  dry 
goods  store  of  Watson  & Gressinger. 

The  flames  also  communicated  with  the 
Methodist  parsonage  on  Market  street,  nearly 
opposite  the  present  livery  stable  south  of  the 
hotel,  and  it  was  also  destroyed.  The  total  loss 
was  estimated  at  upwards  of  $50,000. 


SOME  OLD  CITIZENS. 

There  are  still  residing  in  St.  Clairsville 
many  worthy  old  people  whose  mental  faculties 
are  unimpaired  and  who  yet  enjoy  a fair  degree 
of  health.  Perhaps  the  oldest  native-born  citi- 
zen is  Judge  C.  W.  Carroll,  who  at  the  age  of 
67  occupies  the  house  in  which  he  was  horn. 

The  oldest  resident  of  the  village  is  Mrs. 
Elizabeth  Adams,  who  has  attained  her  95th 
birthday.  Mrs.  Altissa  Hutchison,  now  tem- 
porarily residing  with  her  daughter  Airs.  Clark 
in  Bridgeport,  has  also  entered  upon  her  95th 
3^ear.  Mrs.  Hutchison  has  lived  in  St.  Clairs- 
ville nearly  all  her  life. 

Among  the  ladies  that  have  attained  to  or 
past  the  allotted  three  score  years  and  ten  we 
might  mention  Aliss  Jane  Edgerton,  Airs.  Rob- 
ert Thompson,  Airs.  Caroline  V.  Groves,  Mrs. 
William  Frazier,  Aliss  Ann  Edgerton,  Airs. 
Ruth  Eaton,  Airs.  William  Lee,  Airs.  Amos 
Fawcett  and  Airs.  Henry  Aleyer. 

We  could  not  obtain  the  names  of  all  the  gen- 
tlemen who  are  beyond  their  “seventies.”  The 
following  is  perhaps  only  a partial  list : Col. 

J.  E.  Charlesworth,  Judge  St.  Clair  Kelley, 
Hiram  Boroff,  Isaac  Davis,  James  Davis, 
Thompson  Butcher,  H.  R.  Bumgarner,  Alfred 
Lake,  Reuben  Rose,  Alexander  and  Robert  An- 
derson and  James  Carlile. 

THE  OLDEST  BUILDING 

In  St.  Clairsville  today  is  the  home  of  Editor 
AIcAIillen  of  The  Belmont  Chronicle.  This 
historic  old  building  with  recent  additions  and 
improvements  is  still  in  a good  state  of 
preservation.  It  is  located  at  the  northwest 
corner  of  Sugar  and  Alain  streets. 

, ST.  CLAIRSVILLe’s  RAILROAD  FACILITIES. 

As  heretofore  referred  to  in  the  story  of 
the  county  seat  contest.  St.  Clairsville  has  built 
two  short  railroads  at  a cost  of  $65,000,  one 
that  intersects  the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad 
at  Qunicy  and  the  other  that  intersects  the 
Cleveland,  Lorain  & Wheeling  Railway  at  a 


244 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


point  near  lioston.  In  addition  to  the  above, 
a l)rancli  of  tlie  j^reat  Wal)ash  system  enters 
lielmont  County  at  a point  near  Adena  in  Har- 
ris(m  Comity  and  ]>asses  through  St.  Clairsville 
from  nortli  to  south  near  tlie  old  Neiswanger 
homestead,  jmrsuing  its  course  down  Ault's 
Ruu  eastward  to  iMcMechen’s  Creek  and  run- 
ning parallel  with  the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Rail- 
roacl  for  several  miles,  thereliy  opening  up  the 
extensi\e  coal  fields  recently  purchased  by 
hiastern  cajiitalists  for  shijiment  to  the  great 
manufacturing  centers.  Of  these  mines  The 
Cazette  in  a recent  article  says ; 

“On  the  Bellaire  and  Adena  branch  of  the 
Whahasli  road  wdhch  is  expected  to  be  ready  for 
business  from  St.  Clairsville  to  Adena  by  the 
first  of  tlie  year,  there  will  be  mines  every  mile 
or  so  of  the  route,  and  the  operators  are  getting 
ready  to  start.  Near  the  Maynard  end  of  the 
line  in  Belmont  County,  two  companies  are 
ready  now  to  operate  on  an  extensive  scale. 

“Purseglove  Brothers  have  two  openings 
made  above  Maynard.  They  wanted  the  C.,  L. 
& W.  to  give  them  a switch  for  their  cars,  but 
were  refused  any  concessions  along  that  line 
so  they  propose  to  wait  for  the  opening  of  the 
new  road.  They  will  be  right  on  the  new  road 
and  at  their  two  mines  expect  to  employ  be- 
tween 500  and  600  men  when  in  full  operation. 

“Along  the  same  railroad  Troll  Brothers 
have  two  hig  mines  almost  ready  for  business. 
It  is  expected  they  will  be  ready  to  load  coal  as 
soon  as  the  new^  railroad  is  in  operation. 
Both  openings  are  to  have  modern  equipment 
and  the  tipples  will  be  of  the  latest  model. 
They  will  employ  not  less  than  500  men,  possi- 
bly many  more  inside  of  a year.” 

THE  POSTMASTERS. 

It  was  impossible  to  obtain  a record  of  the 
postmasters  from  the  organization  of  the  town. 
The  following  is  a list  of  those  who  have  served 
the  people  from  1R26:  viz., — William  Booker, 
T-Tenry  Kennon,  Benjamin  F.  Thomas,  Wil- 
muth  Jones,  William  Darrah,  Mrs.  Rebecca 
Ramage,  Rev.  T.  B.  Johnson,  J.  B.  Longley,  J. 
P).  Ryan,  W.  A.  Hunt,  James  F.  Charlesworth 
and  C.  \V.  Carroll,  the  present  incumbent. 


THE  BANKS. 

St.  Clairsville,  being  the  center  of  a rich  ag- 
ricultural community,  sustains  three  lianks, 
namely:  The  First  National  Bank,  the  Second 
National  Bank,  and  the  Dollar  Savings  Bank 
Company. 

The  first  bank  established  in  the  county  and 
one  of  the  first  in  the  State  was  the  Belmont 
Bank  at  St.  Clairsville,  a corporation  organized 
in  t8i6,  with  a capital  of  %oo,ooo  of  which 
$150,000  was  paid  in.  Among  the  original 
stockholders  and  officers  of  the  old  bank  were : 
William  Booker,  Steel  Smith,  Hugh  McNeely, 
John  Winter,  Jacob  Neisw^anger,  John  Ramsey 
and  Ezar  Ellis. 

Some  old  citizens  have  thought  it  was  a 
branch  of  the  old  State  Bank  of  Ohio,  but  Col- 
onel Charlesworth  insists  that  it  was  a private 
bank  and  ante-dated  the  State  Bank  many 
years.  When  it  failed,  Mr.  Booker  was  ap- 
pointed receiver  and  was  given  the  old  bank 
building  with  its  peculiarly  constructed  safe 
elsewhere  referred  to,  if  he  would  redeem  the 
outstanding  notes.  The  building  was  subse- 
quently sold  to  the  Lists  of  Wheeling.  After 
this  old  building  was  sold,  a period  of  20  years 
elapsed  before  another  hank  was  es.tablished. 

The  First  National  Bank  was  probably  the 
second  in  order  of  establishment  in  the  county. 
It  was  organized  January  i,  1864,  and  began 
business  on  March  ist  following.  The  capital 
stock  at  the  time  of  organization  was  $60,000, 
which  was  subsequently  increased  to  $100,000 
with  a surplus  in  1902  of  $40,000.  The  first 
directors  were:  D.  D.  T.  Cowen,  Joseph 
Woodmansee,  Ross  J.  Alexander,  John  Darrah 
and  David  Brown.  The  first  officers  were : D. 
D.  T.  Cowen,  president,  and  H.  C.  Welday, 
cashier. 

The  present  officers  are:  George  Jepson, 

president;  A.  C.  Darrah,  vice-president;  E.  G. 
Amos,  cashier;  W.  V.  Sutton,  assistant  cash- 
ier; and  J.  P.  Frasier,  second  assistant  cashier. 

The  Second  National  Bank  occupies  a room 
especially  constructed  for  banking  purposes  in 
the  handsome  and  substantial  Troll  Block.  It 
was  organized  in  January,  1896,  by  the  election 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


245 


of  N.  K.  Kennon,  president;  H.  M.  Davies, 
vice-president;  Isaac  H.  Gaston,  cashier;  and 
Albert  Troll,  assistant  cashier. 

The  original  board  of  directors  was  made 
np  of  the  following  named  gentlemen : N.  K. 

Kennon,  H.  M.  Davies,  Alexander  Neff,  W.  E. 
Clark,  N.  J.  Hatcher,  Henry  Morgan,  Charles 
W.  Troll,  Samuel  Campbell  and  T.  E.  John- 
ston. 

The  capital  stock  fully  paid  in  is  $50,000. 
The  officers  in  1902  are;  Charles  W.  Troll, 
president ; Henry  Morgan,  vice-president ; Al- 
bert Troll,  cashier;  Otto  Giffen,  assistant 
cashier.  John  Troll,  N.  J.  Hatcher,  Samuel 
Campbell,  Charles  W.  Troll,  Albert  Troll,  Hen- 
ry Morgan,  Alexander  Neff,  W.  J.  Giffen  and 
W.  L.  Patton  constitute  the  board  of  directors. 

The  Dollar  Savings  Bank  Conipa,ny  was  or- 
ganized June  17,  1895,  by  the  election  of  Capell 
L.  Weems,  president;  J.  B.  McMechen,  vice- 
president;  M.  M.  Scott,  cashier;  and  L.  M. 
Sutton,  assistant  cashier.  John  Stewart,  Wil- 
liam J.  Clark,  Walter  Darrah,  W.  J.  Thomp- 
son, Albert  Nichols  and  James  T.  Bentley 
were  the  first  board  of  directors.  The  paid-up 
capital  amounted  to  $25,000.  L.  M.  Sutton 
was  subsequently  chosen  cashier,  a position  he 
held  until  September,  1898,  when  failing 
health  compelled  him  to  resign.  Wilson 
Mitchell  was  selected  as  his  successor. 

The  building  occupied  by  the  Dollar  Savings 
Bank  Company  was  formerly  the  building  in 
which  the  old  Belmont  Bank  was  established, 
and  for  upwards  of  a quarter  of  a century 
thereafter  it  was  the  county  treasurer’s  office. 
The  safe  is  in  the  shape  of  a bake-oven  with 
stone  walls  55  inches  in  thickness  and  built 
upon  a foundation  of  stone  sunk  eight  feet  in 
the  ground.  Within  this  great,  stone  vault  is  a 
movable  modern  steel  safe. 

The  officers  and  directors  in  1902  are  as  fol- 
lows: Capell  L.  Weems,  president;  J.  B.  Mc- 
Mechen, vice-president ; Wilson  Mitchell, 
cashier;  directors, — Walter  Darrah,  W.  J. 
Thompson,  J.  T.  Bentley,  P.  W.  Dickey  and 
A.  E.  Nichols. 


THE  ST.  CLAIRSVILLE  SCHOOLS,  PAST  AND 
PRESENT. 

The  St.  Clairsville  schools  have  ever  been 
esteemed  among  the  best  in  the  county.  While 
the  present  commodious  three-story  brick  build- 
ing was  constructed  nearly  34  years  ago,  it  is 
regarded  as  one  of  the  most  substantial  as  well 
as  one  of  the  best  equipped  schools  in  the  coun- 
ty today.  At  this  time  it  is  taxed  to  accommo- 
date the  pupils  seeking  admission  and  a new 
room  was  created  in  1902  in  order  to  more 
equally  distribute  the  work.  The  number  of 
scholars  that  took  the  high  school  course  last 
year  from  rural  districts  numbered  64,  and 
they  came  from  homes  within  a radius  of  seven 
miles,  and  the  revenues  derived  from  this 
source  added  $1,100  to  the  district  school 
fund.  The  school  library  contains  745  volumes 
and  is  perhaps  one  of  the  best  libraries  in  the 
county,  while  the  chemical  laboratoi'y  and*  in- 
struments for  scientific  demonstration  are  prob- 
ably not  surpassed  in  any  other  township  in  the 
county.  The  total  enrollment  of  scholars  in 
1902  is  340. 

The  first  superintendent  after  the  re-organ- 
ization of  the  schools  in  1869  J-  J-  Burns; 
he  held  the  position  until  he  was  elected  State 
School  Commissioner  in  1878.  His  successors 
were;  John  G.  Black,  1878-80;  C.  E.  Stitch- 
cock,  1880-84:  L.  H.  Waters,  1884-89;  Walter 
Mitchell,  1889-91 ; and  George  Rossitter, 
1891-1900. 

The  present  corps  of  teachers  is  constituted 
as  follows : Prof.  W.  R.  Butcher,  superintend- 
ent ; Miss  Maggie  Davies,  principal  of  the 
High  School : W.  D.  Porterfield,  assistant 

principal ; Miss  Margaret  Moore,  primary 
teacher;  and  Miss  Eannie  Ryan,  Miss  Sadie 
Giffen.  Miss  Margaret  Mellor  and  Miss  Irene 
Eerrel,  intermediate  teachers. 

The  Board  of  Education  for  1902  consists 
of : Albert  Lawrence,  president ; H.  M.  Da- 

vies, secretary;  B.  S.  AIcBride,  A.  W.  Beatty 
and  D.  H.  Milligan. 

St.  Clairsville  claims  to  have  erected  the  sec- 
ond school  house  in  the  county  in  1802.  This 
was  an  old-time  log  cabin  built  on  the  Judge 


246 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Ruggles  homestead,  south  of  town  and  not  far 
from  the  residence  of  A11:)ert  Johnston.  The 
chinks  l)et\veen  the  logs  were  daul)ed  with 
mud.  Rough  split-board  benches  served  as 
seats,  and  greased  paper  was  used  in  place  of 
glass  f(jr  windows.  William  Fleeharty  is  said 
to  have  been  the  first  teacher  and  for  several 
years  gave  satisfaction,  but  petty  jealousies  be- 
tween town  and  country  scholars  caused  a 
quarrel  that  resulted  in  the  school’s  demolition. 

d'he  next  paid  school  was  conducted  by  the 
Presl)yterians,  in  1806-07,  it  continued 
for  a few  years. 

In  1809  the  Methodists  established  a school 
in  the  little  brick  l)uilding  in  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Cemetery  northeast  of  the  present 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  This  school  was 
maintained  for  a period  of  31  years.  The  first 
teacher  was  Professor  Dent,  heretofore  refer- 
red to.  While  this  denominational  school  ex- 
isted, there  were  several  select  schools  conduct- 
ed in  different  parts  of  the  town.  One  was 
held  on  Mariettta  street  in  a building  on  the 
corner  southwest  of  the  Presbyterian  Church ; 
another  in  a building  back  of  the  old  Market 
House,  which  was  afterwards  used  as  a colored 
school : and  another  on  east  Main  street  in  the 
brick  l)uliding,  now  the  residence  of  the 
Misses  Armstrong. 

Among  the  teachers  of  that  early  day  who 
afterward  achieved  prominence  we  mention: 
Judge  Davy,  Gen.  G.  W.  Hoge,  Judge  Robert 
E.  Chambers,  and  Miss  Jane  Edgerton,  all  of 
whom  have  passed  away  but  the  last  named. 
iVfter  a long  and  useful  life  devoted  to  the 
cause  of  education  and  temperance.  Miss  Ed- 
gerton is  i)eacefully  closing  her  days  in  the  old 
home  and  in  the  enjoyment  of  the  high  esteem 
and  res])ect  of  the  whole  community. 

The  first  graded  school  was  taught  by  David 
Moore.  However,  there  were  a number  of 
seminaries  conducted  at  different  periods, — one 
by  Professor  Wilkinson  in  1837  1^38  on  the 

top  of  Seminary  Hill  and  in  the  building  now 
occupied  as  the  home  of  Prof.  W.  R.  Butcher. 
The  other  was  conducted  by  Professor  Brooks 
in  1836  in  the  historic  old  building  now  the 
residence  of  John  Troll. 


Since  the  above  was  written,  the  old  build- 
ing has  been  removed  and  concealed  among  the 
rafters  was  found  an  old  catalogue  of  the  semi- 
nary, printed  in  1837,  containing  the  following 
announcements,  viz. — 

Eranklin  PI.  Brooks,  superintendent;  Mrs. 
Sarah  M.  Brooks,  principal;  Miss  Sophia  S. 
Cooly,  assistant  teacher.  Eifty-one  students 
were  in  attendance,  as  follows:  Nancy  M, 

Anderson.  Rebecca  W.  Askew,  Sarah  Askew, 
Martha  Askew,  Louisa  I.  Alexander,  Lucy  M. 
Atkinson,  Bethann  Boggs,  Mary  Beazle,  Sarah 
Butcher,  Rachel  A.  Blackston,  Margaret  J. 
Craft,  Ann  M.  Caldwell,  Betsey  S.  Cowen, 
Ann  Chamberlin,  Sarah  J.  Connelly,  Sarah 
Dilworth,  Jane  Dilworth,  Ruth  Ann  Ellis, 
Elizal^eth  Ann  Eyer,  Mary  Paris,  Elizabeth 
Fleming,  Mary  Jane  Gill,  Mary  N.  Hubbard, 
Elizabeth  A.  Lockwood,  Letitia  Hayze,  Sarah 
J.  Lippincott,  Ann  H.  Maxwell,  Mary  McCart- 
ney, Martha  Elrick,  Priscilla  Montgomery, 
Lucinda  Mitchell.  Elizabeth  McMahon,  Amelia 
S.  Nelson,  Martha  Patterson,  Letitia  Patton, 
Ann  Rodgers,  Tirzah  Ruggles,  Mary  M.  Ram- 
sey, Elizabeth  Smith,  Elizabeth  H.  Smith, 
Margaret  W.  Smith,  Eliza  A.  Shannon,  Mary 
W.  Sutton,  Sarah  J.  Sutton,  Mary  A.  Steen- 
rod,  Susanna  Thomas,  Sidney  W.  Thomas, 
Sarah  Thomas,  Elizabeth  Vail. 

Three  years  were  required  to  complete  the 
course  of  study,  which  was  as  follows : Pri- 

mary— Reading,  spelling  and  defining,  writing, 
mental  and  written  arithmetic,  English  gram- 
mar, modern  and  ancient  geography,  history 
of  the  LTnited  States,  modern  and  ancient  his- 
tory, improvement  of  the  mind,  geography  of 
the  heavens,  Sullivan’s  political  class  book, 
natural  philosophy  and  botany. 

Junior  year — English  grammar,  rhetoric, 
human  physiology,  Euclid’s  geometry,  chemis- 
try, astronomy,  philosophy  of  natural  history, 
intellectual  philosophy,  algebra. 

Senior  year — Outline  of  geology,  ecclecias- 
tical  history,  logic,  natural  theology,  moral 
philosophy,  Butler’s  analogy,  evidences  of 
Christianity. 

The  Latin,  Greek  and  French  languages  and 


ST.  CLAIRSVILLE  PUBLIC  SCHOOL, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


painting  and  drawing  were  taught,  but  were 
optional  to  the  student. 

The  terms  to  the  student  were  liberal 
enough,  as  is  shown  by  the  following : 

Board  for  quarter  of  eleven  weeks.  ..$26.50 


Tuition  per  quarter 6.00 

Drawing  and  painting  per  quarter...  4.00 
Washing  per  dozen 37^2 


Mr.  Brooks  also  conducted  a school  for 
young  men  on  the  hill  west  of  town.  It  was 
called  the  St.  Clairsville  Institute  and  Teach- 
ers' Seminary.  The  teachers  were  Franklin 
H.  Brooks,  superintendent,  and  rklvah  G.  Dun- 
ning, A.  B.,  assistant  teacher.  It  had  no 
connection  with  the  female  seminary.  The 
following  is  the  list  of  students  for  1837  : 

Thomas  M.  Alexander,  Samuel  Askew, 
Samuel  F.  Armstrong,  lienry  A.  Booker,  Sam- 
uel F.  Booker,  Samuel  Caldwell,  Foster  W. 
Carroll.  Robert  W.  Carroll,  D.  D.,  Tompkins 
Cowen,  Thomas  Cummings,  Rankin  Dilworth, 
Francis  G.  Eaton,  Thomas  Faris,  William  A. 
Ferrel,  David  Gleaves,  William  Hutchison, 
Boyd  M.  Kerr,  Wilson  Kennon,  Jobes  Lake, 
Horatio  McCune,  Edwin  G.  Morgan,  James 
Elrick,  Joseph  N.  Milner,  Henry  Mulvaney, 
Alonzo  P.  Miller,  William  McCartney,  David 
Neiswanger,  Simeon  Pickering,  Miller  Pen- 
nington, Isaac  Patterson,  Theodore  Parish, 
Ahlliam  V.  Sutton,  John  Smith,  Mahlon  W. 
Smith,  Lebeus  A.  Shaw,  W.  R.  Shannon, 
Christopher  Thomas,  Terrell  Thomas,  Jere- 
miah Tingley,  Joseph  P.  WMod,  Yarnal  Wil- 
son, David  Welsh  and  Peter  Woodmansee. 

It  was  announced  that  the  young  men  would 
study  and  sleep  in  the  rooms  in  the  school 
building,  four  students  in  a room,  and  would 
take  their  meals  at  the  dining  room  in  the  vil- 
lage. Students  were  required  to  furnish  their 
own  rooms.  They  were  also  to  strictly  observe 
the  following  rules : 

1st.  To  rise  every  morning  before  6 o’clock. 

2nd.  Alternately  to  make  his  bed  and  sweep 
his  chamber  before  breakfast. 

3rd.  To  apply  himself  diligently  to  study 
and  to  make  no  communications,  by  whisper- 
ing or  otherwise,  during  study  hours. 


249 


4th.  To  retire  to  bed  every  night  before 
o’clock. 

5th.  To  cease  from  all  conversation  or 
noise  before  ioj4  o'clock. 

6th.  To  be  at  his  meals  at  the  appointed 


hour  or  lose  them. 

The  necessar}’  expenses  to  the  young  men 
were  as  follows : 

Boarding  per  quarter,  eleven  weeks. ..  .$14.00 

Room  rent  per  week 06K 

Washing,  per  dozen 37^2 

Tuition  $5  to  $6 


These  were  familiar  names  in  the  shire  town 
a half  century  ago,  but  the  majority  of  them 
have  passed  away. 

In  the  prospectus  the  managers  of  the  Insti- 
tute say,  “As  a rigid  adherence  to  study  and  a 
neglect  of  physical  labor  would  greatly  en- 
danger health,  we  have  determined  next  spring 
to  open  a manual  labor  establishment  in  con- 
nection with  the  Institute.” 

THE  CHURCHES. 

The  Protestant  Episcopal  Church. — Dr.  Dod- 
dridge. the  great  Episcopalian  divine  and  au- 
thor, whose  notes  have  long  been  recognized  as 
authority  on  all  matters  pertaining  to  pioneer 
histor}'  in  West  Virginia  and  Eastern  Ohio, 
extended  his  missionar}-  operations  into  East- 
ern Ohio  in  1800  and  established  congregations 
at  St.  Clairsville,  IMorristown  and  Zanesville. 

St.  Thomas’  Church  in  St.  Clairsville  was 
brought  into  existence  in  1813  by  the  removal 
of  some  of  Dr.  Doddrige’s  former  parishioners 
to  that  place  and  the  parish  was  represented 
in  the  first  convention  of  the  Diocese  of  Ohio 
by  John  Carter.  In  1822  a church  was  built 
opposite  the  Methodist  Church  and  for  some 
years  was  in  a flourishing  condition,  but  the 
congregation  becoming  scattered  the  church 
\Vas  abandoned  and  the  ground  rvas  sold  in 
1862. 

The  Society  of  Friends. — Before  this  relig- 
ious society  had  erected  a church,  they  met  at 
private  residences,  notably  the  home  of  Will- 
iam Mosely,  where  preaching  services  were 
conducted  by  a lady  named  IMitchell,  but  as 


250 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


the  membership  increased  in  numbers  a brick 
meeting'  lionse  was  built  in  1809-10  on  a half 
acre  of  ground  on  the  North  Commons,  where 
it  intersects  the  Cadiz  Pike. 

d'his  old  building  was  removed  in  1875,  since 
which  time  the  organization  has  been  extinct. 
Inclnded  in  this  lot  was  an  old  time  Friends’ 
Cemetery.  There  was  also  another  Friends’ 
Meeting  House  of  the  opposite  persuasion  in 
the  little  house  near  the  present  home  of  Dr. 
Hewitson. 

The  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. — In  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  Ohio  circuits 
were  formed  as  early  as  1787,  and  in  1793  the 
circuit  riders,  who  visited  Washington,  Penn- 
sylvania, with  regularity,  also  visited  the 
Methodist  homes  west  of  Wheeling  in  Bel- 
mont County,  Ohio,  and  conducted  class  meet- 
ings and  prayer  meetings  at  and  near  Kirk- 
wood (Salem),  Scott’s  and  Newellstown  (St. 
Clairsville) . The  first  circuit  riders  mentioned 
were  Jesse  Stoneman  and  Thomas  Hammond, 
who  served  on  the  Ohio  circuit  in  1799,  Mr. 
Hammond  dying  while  thus  employed,  when 
but  35  years  of  age.  In  1809,  St.  Clairsville 
was  connected  with  the  West  Wheeling  cir- 
cuit, with  Jacob  Young  as  pastor;  and  that 
year  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Cemetery  was 
purchased,  and  a large  frame  Methodist  Epis- 
copal Church  was  built,  with  a gallery  in  the 
rear,  facing  the  pnlpit.  The  trustees,  who  su- 
jiervised  the  work,  were  Vachel  Hall,  Henry 
Mozier,  Flenry  Johnson,  Robert  Dent  and  Jo- 
seph Hedges. 

In  1813,  and  for  several  years  previous, 
there  were  such  noted  local  preachers  at  this 
appointment  as  Jesse  Parks  and  Jacob  Meyers; 
and  the  preacher  in  charge  was  the  famous 
James  B.  Findley,  who  was  untiring  in  his 
efforts  in  building  up  the  new  civilization. 

Ten  years  later  St.  Clairsville  was  connected 
with  the  Barnesville  circuit,  with  Cornelius 
Springer  and  Bennett  Dowler  as  preachers.  In 
1824  the  Pittsburg  Conference  was  organized, 
and  St.  Clairsville  was  included  in  that  confer- 
ence for  a half  of  a century.  Among  the  ap- 
pointments on  the  circuit  were ; St.  Clairsville, 
Mount  Pleasant,  Harrisville,  Cadiz,  Liston’s, 


Kinsey’s  and  Scott’s.  In  1827  the  preachers 
were  John  Walker  and  John  McMahon,  with 
James  Roberts,  W.  B.  Evans,  Edward  Mercer 
and  David  Mercer,  local  preachers,  and  among 
the  members  of  the  quarterly  conference  we 
find  the  names  of  Matthew  Thoburn,  Matthew 
Simpson  (each  the  father  of  a celebrated  bish- 
op in  the  church),  Ebenezer  Liston,  John 
Warfield,  George  Brown,  Philip  Darby  and  R. 
E.  Carothers. 

Some  of  the  noted  men  who  have  served 
these  people  as  presiding  elders,  we  might  men- 
tion William  Lambdin,  Wesley  Browning, 
Samuel  R.  Brockunier,  Robert  Hopkins,  Sil- 
vester Burt,  Joseph  M.  Carr,  Dr.  Paine,  James 
R.  Mills,  D.  L.  Osborne  and  James  M.  Slutz. 
In  1834  St.  Clairsville  was  set  apart  as  a sep- 
arate congregation  at  the  conference  held  in 
the  Pipe  Creek  Church,  and  Rev.  Erancis 
Dighton  was  appointed  pastor.  Four  years 
later  he  died,  and  was  buried  in  the  old  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Cemetery. 

It  was  in  1834  that  the  second  church  was 
built.  This  structure  was  a substantial  brick, 
erected  under  the  supervision  of  Matthew  Tho- 
burn, Peter  Hulse,  Michael  Carroll,  James  Ar- 
rick,  R.-  E.  Carothers,  Eli  Wells,  Robinson 
Baker,  William  Wilkins  and  George  Shipman. 

Thirty-eight  years  later,  the  present  brick 
church  was  built  at  a cost  of  $11,500.  The 
work  was  inaugurated  during  the  ministry  of 
Rev.  Mr.  Grant  in  1870,  and  completed  during 
the  administration  of  Rev.  Mr.  Lauck,  in  1872. 
Five  years  later,  and  during  the  ministry  of 
Rev.  B.  F.  Beazelle,  a neat  parsonage  was  pur- 
chased from  Hon.  Lorenzo  Danford  at  a cost 
of  $1,800. 

The  church  officials  during  this  period  of  im- 
provement were  : Stewards, — George  Brown, 
H.  C.  Wei  day,  Joseph  Young,  Joseph  Close, 
John  Close,  Thomas  Fawcett,  W.  W.  Mc- 
Monies  and  A.  T.  McKelvey;  trustees, — W. 
A.  Hunt,  W.  J.  Thompson,  Benjamin  Bark- 
hurst,  Amos  Fawcett,'  Robert  Pogue,  Israel 
Lewis,  Cephas  Carroll,  F.  D.  Bailey  and  A.  H. 
Mitchell.  It  will  not  be  an  invidious  distinc- 
tion to  say  that  because  of  the  labors  and  lib- 
erality of  H.  C.  Welday  and  George  Brown 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


251 


were  the  improvements  above  mentioned  large- 
ly accomplished. 

Several  memorable  revivals  have  taken  place 
in  the  history  of  the  church  that  profoundly 
stirred  the  whole  community ; one  was  conduct- 
ed by  Rev.  Mr.  Smith  in  1835,  resulting  in 
over  100  accessions.  Thirty  years  later,  a 
great  revival  was  conducted  by  the  pastor,  Rev. 
J.  C.  Taylor,  assisted  by  Rev.  Dr.  James  Tho- 
burn,  who  was  upon  a vacation  from  India, 
and  Rev.  Mr.  Marshall,  of  Bellaire.  Again 
over  100  accessions  were  received.  In  1879-80 
Rev.  Mr.  Conkle  conducted  a series  of  meet- 
ings that  resulted  in  136  accessions  to  the 
church.  A few  years  later,  another  great 
awakening  took  place  during  the  ministry  of 
Rev.  Dr.  Haskell,  that  resulted  in  upwards  of 
50  accessions  to  the  church. 

The  pastors  that  have  served  this  people 
since  1823  are : William  Lambdin  and  William 
Knox;  1824,  John  Chandler;  1825,  Simon 
Lock,  1826,  Daniel  Limerick  and  James 
Moore;  1827,  Samuel  Brockunier  and  Thomas 
M.  Hudson;  1829,  Thomas  Taylor;  1830,  Wil- 
liam Knox  and  Thomas  Drummond;  1831,  P. 
M.  McGowan  and  James  Mills;  1832,  James 
Kent;  1833,  David  Merryman  and  W.  C.  Hen- 
derson; 1834,  Edward  Smith;  1835,  C.  D.  Bat- 
telle;  1836,  James  C.  Merryman;  1837,  Dr. 
James  Drummond;  1839,  S.  R.  Brockunier; 
1840,  Charles  Thorn;  1841,  Edward  Berkett ; 
1842,  I.  N.  Baird;  1843,  David  Trueman; 
1845,  James  Montgomery  and  James  Ruter; 
1847,  L.  Petty  and  C.  H.  Jackson;  1849, 
don  Cook  and  W.  A.  Davidson;  1851,  James 
Henderson  and  J.  J.  Mcllyer;  1853.  J.  M. 
Rankin;  1854,  W.  C.  P.  Hamilton;  1855,  Jo- 
seph Woodruff;  1859,  S.  Y.  Kennedy  and  A. 
D.  McCormack;  i860,  J.  L.  Deen;  1861,  James 
M.  Carr;  1863,  W.  K.  Foutch;  1864,  J.  C. 
Taylor;  1865,  Edward  Ellison;  1866,  John 
Grant;  1870,  W.  F.  Lauck;  1873,  J.  D.  Vail;' 
1876,  B.  F.  Beazelle;  1878.  J.  D.  Conkle;  1881, 
W.  H.  Haskell;  1884,  J.  F.  Minor;  1887,  J.  H. 
Hollingshead ; 1890,  Ezra  Hingley;  1893,  H. 
C.  Webb;  1896,  D.  W.  Chandler;  1899,  J.  S. 
Secrest;  1900,  J.  K.  Grimes. 

Of  the  many  pastors  who  have  served  this 


people,  three  are  buried  in  the  old  Methodist 
Episcopal  Cemetery;  viz.:  Francis  Dighton, 
David  C.  Merryman  and  J.  C.  Taylor.  The 
present  official  board  consists  of  R.  P.  Rose, 
J.  W.  Hollingsworth,  A.  T.  McKelvey,  W.  F. 
Smith,  E.  L.  McMillan,  Mrs.  Ollie  Lowe,  Prof. 
W.  R.  Butcher,  Mrs.  C.  L.  Weems,  Mrs.  A.  H. 
Mitchell,  Mrs.  Ellis  Wilson,  W.  S.  Mitchell, 
Z.  Fawcett,  John  Wilson,  Dr.  Greitzner,  E.  E. 
Shepherd,  W.  W.  Cowen,  W.  J.  Thompson,  F. 
D.  Bailey  and  J.  M.  Aultman.  The  Sunday- 
school  superintendent  is  A.  T.  McKelvey.  The 
present  membership  is  about  300. 

The  Presbyterian  Church  of  St.  Clairsville 
was  originally  known  as  “the  Congregation 
of  Richland,”  its  organization  being  effected 
in  the  fall  of  1798  through  the  influence  and 
zeal  of  that  good  and  great  man,  Rev.  John 
McMillan,  D.  D.,  once  pastor  of  the  old  Char- 
tiers  or  Hill  Church,  near  Canonsburg,  Penn- 
sylvania, for  over  half  a century  and  founder 
of  the  school  which  afterward  became  the  nu- 
cleus of  Jefferson  College.  He  died  Novem- 
ber 16,  1833,  in  the  82nd  year  of  his  age  and 
the  60th  of  his  ministry  in  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  and  the  thousands  of  enlightened  and 
Christian  homes  in  Western  Pennsylvania  and 
Eastern  Ohio  are  today  our  grandest  monu- 
ment to  his  devoted  memory. 

On  the  17th  of  October,  1798,  what  was  then 
known  as  the  Presbytery  of  Ohio  licensed 
and  ordained  Joseph  Anderson  to  the  work 
of  the  Gospel  ministry,  and  committed  to  his 
care  the  scattered  congregations  of  Scotch-Irish 
people,  who  were  at  that  time  pouring  into 
Eastern  Ohio.  As  a result  of  his  labors  in  this 
district,  Rev.  Mr.  Anderson  was  presented  with 
a joint  call  by  the  congregations  of  Richland 
and  Short  Creek,  now  Mount  Pleasant,  in  the 
fall  of  1799.  The  call  was  brought  before  the 
Presbytery  of  Ohio  on  the  15th  of  April,  1800; 
and,  having  signified  his  acceptance  of  the  call, 
Mr.  Anderson  was  installed  pastor  of  the  said 
congregations  August  20,  1800.  This  is  the 
first  recorded  ordination  of  a Presbyterian 
minister  west  of  the  Ohio  River. 

In  the  meantime,  in  the  fall  of  1798,  David 
McWilliams,  William  McWilliams  and  James 


252 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


McConnell  were  elected  and  ordained  ruling 
elders  of  the  congregation  of  Richland.  Two 
years  later  William  Ramage  and  Arthur  Ir- 
win were  elected,  ordained,  and  added  to  the 
session ; and,  after  a few  years  more,  Robert 
Laughlin,  John  Perry,  Matthew  Anderson, 
John  Marquis  and,  at  still  a later  time,  Robert 
Bell,  William  Paris,  Sr.,  and  Robert  Morri- 
son. In  1826,  George  Anderson  and  John 
Rankin  were  added  to  the  session;  and  Andrew 
P.  Ha])])er,  Franklin  Bell,  John  Culbertson,  Jo- 
seph Laughlin  and  vkndrew  Work  some  years 
later.  I'hese  were  the  office  bearers  and  co- 
workers with  Rev.*  Mr.  Anderson  in  erecting 
the  cabin  cburch  in  1798,  and  the  second  log 
building  on  the  same  spot,  near  the  Presbyte- 
rian Cemetery,  half  a mile  north  of  town,  in 
j8o8,  and  which  in  1822  was  relinquished 
for  a more  commodious  brick  ljuilding,  con- 
veniently located  witbin  tbe  limits  of  tbe  town 
at  the  west  end,  at  a cost  of  about  $3,000 — a 
large  sum  for  that  day. 

For  nearly  30  years  the  congregation  bore 
the  name  of  “Richland,”  but  on  the  19th  day 
of  January,  1827,  it  was  incorporated  under 
the  name  of  “The  First  Presbyterian  Church 
of  St.  Clairsville,”  with  William  Bell,  Andrew 
Ik  Happer  and  Dr.  John  McCracken  as  the 
first  trustees. 

On  the  first  Tuesday  of  October,  1830,  Rev. 
Joseph  Anderson  at  bis  own  request  was  dis- 
missed from  the  pastoral  charge  of  the  con- 
gregation to  the  Presbytery  of  St.  Charles  in 
Missouri,  where  he  resided  until  his  death  in 
Monticello,  Missouri,  in  1847, 
year  of  his  age,  much  beloved  and  remembered 
for  his  labors. 

After  the  resignation  of  Rev.  M^'.  Ander- 
son, the  church  was  supplied  by  Revs.  Alex- 
ander Rogan,  William  Fuller  and  others  until 
July,  1834,  when  a call  was  made  for  the  pas- 
toral services  of  Rev.  Joseph  Smith,  who -hav- 
ing accepted  it  was  installed  pastor  in  October 
of  the  same  year.  Three  years  later  Dr.  Smith 
l)ecame  president  of  Franklin  College,  having 
resigned  the  charge  of  St.  Clairsville.  He 
died  December  4.  1868.  after  an  extended  min- 
istry of  47  years.  Dr.  Smith  was  the  author 


of  “The  History  of  Jefferson  College,”  and 
“Old  Redstone.” 

During  the  next  two  years  the  pulpit  was 
supplied  by  Revs.  Thomas  Gordon,  Churchill 
and  others;  until  in  October,  1839,  Rev.  James 
Alexander  accepted  a call  from  the  congrega- 
tion and  was  installed  pastor  December  19, 
1839.  It  was  during  this  pastorate  that  the 
third  church  Iniilding  was  totally  destroyed  by 
fire  October  15,  1841,  and  a fourth  building 
erected  on  a new  site.  Marietta  street,  in  the 
spring  of  1843,  expense  of  about  $7,000. 

Rev.  Mr.  Alexander's  ministry  terminated  as 
pastor  of  St.  Clairsville  June  9,  1846,  and, 
having  labored  efficiently  and  successfully  in 
Martin’s  Ferry,  Wheeling  Valley  and  Bridge- 
port in  this  presbytery,  and  in  Allen  Grove, 
Wolf  Run  and  Moundsville  in  tbe  Presbytery 
of  Washington,  he  ceased  from  his  labors  and 
entered  tbe  reward  of  the  faithful,  July,  1879. 
The  next  pastor  was  Rev.  John  Moffat, 
who  was  ordained  and  installed  in  June,  1848; 
for  more  than  13  years  he  labored  successfully 
as  a faithful  pastor  and  eloquent  preacher  of 
the  Gospel  of  Christ.  He  resigned  in  1861  to 
become  pastor  of  Rockbill  and  Bellaire,  and  in 
1863  he  was  transferred  as  pastor  of  the  Sec- 
ond Presbyterian  Cburch  of  Wheeling.  He 
died  December,  1875. 

Rev.  John  Moffat  was  succeeded  in  St. 
Clairsville  by  Rev.  David  R.  Campbell,  D.  D., 
in  1861,  who  labored  with  great  success  until 
February  18,  1866,  when  he  resigned  to  accept 
the  pastorate  of  the  Second  Presbyterian 
Church,  Steubenville,  Ohio.  Dr.  Campbell’s 
ministry  is  still  fragrant  with  the  memory  of 
a glorious  revival  of  religion  in  which  the 
membership  was  raised  to  a higher  plane  of 
spiritual  activity.  He  died  at  Steubenville  in 
March,  1873. 

The  next  pastor  was  Rev.  Robert  Alexander, 
D.  D.,  who  was  called  September  22,  1866,  and 
l>egan  his  labors  on  Christmas  Day  of  the  same 
year.  His  ministry  in  the  congregation  ex- 
tended over  a third  of  a century,  during  which 
the  fourth  church  building  was  destroyed  by 
a terrific  tornado,  April  15,  1887,  and  the  pres- 
ent beautiful  and  substantial  stone  edifice  was 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


253 


erected  in  1888  at  a cost  of  over  $25,000.  Dr. 
Alexander  was  born  in  Belmont  County,  June 
15,  1887.  He  graduated  from  Washington 
and  Jefferson  College  in  1855,  and  from 
Princeton  Theological  Seminary  in  1858;  he 
was  licensed  by  the  Presbytery  of  St.  Clairs- 
ville  January  6,  1858,  and,  having  studied  a 
year  in  the  Free  Church  College,  Edinburgh, 
Scotland,  was  ordained  pastor  of  Little  Britain 
Church,  Pennsylvania,  August  7,  i860,  from 
which  he  was  called  to  St.  Clairsville  and  in- 
stalled here  in  April,  1867.  He  was  honored 
with  the  title  of  Doctor  of  Divinity  from 
Franklin  College  in  1879,  and  after  a long  and 
influential  ministry  resigned  the  pastorate  to 
edit  The  Presbyterian  April  26,  1899.  He  died 
in  Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania,  February  27, 
1901,- — lovingly  “remembered  by  what  he  has 
done.” 

The  present  pastor.  Rev.  J.  Burns  Eakins, 
Ph.  D.,  received  the  invitation  of  the  church 
June  22,  1899.  He  was  born  in  Ireland  and 
received  his  collegiate  training  at  the  Magee 
College,  Royal  University,  and  Princeton  The- 
ological Seminary,  from  which  he  graduated 
May  9,  1899.  He  entered  upon  his  work  at 
St.  Clairsville  August  ist,  and  was  ordained 
and  installed  October  3,  1899.  The  story  of 
this  pastorate  is  still  to  be  recorded. 

Besides  the  elders  mentioned  in  connection 
with  the  first  pastorate,  the  following  were  or- 
dained and  installed : 

During  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  James  Alex- 
ander, D.  D. : John  Jepson,  James  McConnell, 
Robert  Smiley,  F.  FI.  Brooks,  H.  H.  Fisk,  A. 
C.  Work,  John  Tate,  Sr.,  and  John  Porter. 

During  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  John  Moffat: 
Samuel  Ramage,  James  Hutchison.  John  Tate, 
Jr.,  Thomas  T.  Thompson,  Samuel  B.  Work, 
Samuel  Cunningham;  and  on  January  12, 
1861  : Dr.  Henry  West,  William  Chambers  and 
William  H.  McBride. 

During  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  Robert  Alexan- 
der, D.  D. : June  4,  1874, — Joseph  J.  Taggart, 
and  Robert  A.  Anderson;  June  20,  1878, — 
Henry  Daniel,  Samuel  R.  Finney.  William 
Lee,  John  A.  Grove  and  George  Jepson;  June 
I,  1890, — William  F.  Schumaker,  George  V. 


Brown,  John  W.  Riley  and  John  Elliott;  April, 
> 17,  1898, — John  D.  Hays,  Addison  E.  Rusk, 
Elbridge  G.  Amos,  Lewis  M.  Sutton  and  James 
O.  Dixon. 

The  following  are  the  office  bearers  at  the 
present  date,  October  i,  1902:  Elders, — Will- 
iam Chambers,  George  Jepson,  John  D.  Hays, 
Elbridge  G.  Amos,  Robert  H.  Anderson,  J.  J. 
Taggart,  J.  W.  Riley,  A.  E.  Rusk  and  J.  O. 
Dixon ; trustees, — Samuel  Campbell,  R.  M. 
Eaton  and  D.  H.  McBride;  Sabbath-school  su- 
perintendent,— A.  W.  Beatty;  Women’s  Mis- 
sionary Society  president, — Mrs.  Elza  T. 
Clark;  Y.  P.  S.  C.  E.  president, — Miss  Nellie 
Jepson;  president  Robert  Alexander  Mission- 
ary Band, — Miss  hi.  Gray  McBride. 

The  church  celebrated  its  first  centennial  in 
1898,  and  rejoices  in  the  fact  that  never  in  its 
history  was  it  better  able  to  be  of  service  in 
the  cause  of  God  and  humanity.  It  is  free 
of  all  debt,  with  a membership  of  320  active 
workers  and  worshipers,  contributing  last  year 
$2,913  for  the  support  of  the  Gospel;  the  out- 
look for  pastor  and  people  is  bright  and  en- 
couraging. 

The  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  St. 
Clairsville,  Ohio,  was  organized  June,  1830. 
The  exact  date  of  the  organization  is  unknown. 
A charter  was  granted  the  congregation  by 
the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Ohio, 
February  14,  1835.  The  charter  members  were 
David  Wallace,  William  Denham,  John  Patter- 
son. Hugh  Parks,  Sr.,  John  McMechen,  John 
Nichol,  Matthew  Nichol,  Thomas  Duff,  Will- 
iam Chambers,  John  Stitt,  Joseph  Woods  and 
William  Templeton. 

For  the  72  years  of  its  existence,  it  has  had 
but  four  pastors,  viz.:  Rev.  Hugh  Parks,  who 
was  pastor  from  1831  to  1838;  Rev.  Alexander 
Young,  D.  D.,  pastor  from  1842  to  1857;  Rev. 
J.  B.  Johnston,  D.  D.,  pastor  from  1859  to 
1874:  Rev.  Thomas  Balph,  D.  D..  pastor  from 
1875  and  still  continues  after  a pastorate  of 
more  than  27  years.  It  is  a tribute  to  the 
worth  of  these  men  and  also  to  the  stable  char- 
acter of  the  people  of  the  congregation  that 
they  have  had  but  four  pastors  and  yet  have 
not  been  altogether  five  years  without  a pastor. 


1 


254 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Of  these  pastors,  all  have  passed  over  the  river 
except  the  j)resent  inciimhent,  hut  it  is  worthy 
of  note  that  when  the  congregation  celebrated 
its  semi-centennial  in  1880,  all  four  of  these 
men  were  on  that  day  in  the  hounds  of  the 
congregation,  three  of  them  being  present  at 
the  exercises,  Rev.  Mr.  Parks  alone  not  being 
able  to  he  present. 

The  following  men  have  served  the  congre- 
gation as  riding  elders,  viz. ; IDavid  Wallace, 
W'illiam  dT-mpleton,  John  Patterson,  John 
Nichol,  Robert  Stitt,  William  L.  Dnff,  John 
Rrown,  Joseph  Meholin,  Thomas  M.  Nichol, 
Psaac  Taggart,  John  Stewart,  Thomas  Dnff, 
Solomon  Bentley,  Samuel  Giffen,  William 
Stewart,  Hum])hrey  Alexander,  Robert  Kerr, 
James  Gordon,  Samuel  M.  Thompson,  Andrew 
}.  McFarland  and  Thomas  Johnson.  These 
have  all  passed  away  except  Andrew  J.  Mc- 
Farland, who  is  still  living  at  a good  old  age 
and  a member  of  the  congregation,  but  not 
now  a member  of  the  session.  The  following 
are  the  ]>resent  members  of  the  session : John 

A.  Clark,  Robert  E.  Giffen,  John  V.  Sutton, 
S.  U.  Clark,  A.  H.  Hewetson,  M.  D.,  James 
A.  Stewart,  James  T.  Bentley  and  John  B. 
McMechan. 

How  many  united  with  the  congregation  at 
the  organization  or  who  they  were  is  unknown. 
The  following  signed  the  call  for  Rev.  Mr. 
Parks  in  1831,  viz.:  Hugh  Parks,  William 
Chambers,  Alexander  H.  McCormick,  Alex- 
ander McMillen,  Joseph  Taggart,  William  Cal- 
derhead,  James  Woods,  James  Taggart,  John 
Patterson,  John  McMechan,  Robert  Ross,  John 
Nichol,  Andrew  King,  Thomas  Duff,  Matthew 
Nichol,  Joseph  Woods,  Andrew  Paul  and  Isaac 
Taggart.  The  growth  of  the  congregation  has 
been  steady,  but  slow.  It  has  reached  its 
highest  numlier  during  the  present  pastorate, 
and  is  now  210.  They  have  been  in  moderate 
circumstances.  Nearly  all  of  them  have  been 
small  farmers. 

The  congregation  has  always  been  fairly  lib- 
eral, and  has  manifested  a missionary  spirit 
from  the  lieginning.  As  far  back  as  1841 
and  1842,  we  find  single  collections  for  mission- 
ary purposes,  ranging  from  $7.60  to  $15.15, 


and  these  were  taken  monthly.  A Woman’s 
Missionary  Society  was  organized  in  August, 
1S56,  and  has  had  a continued  existence  to 
the  present  time,  the  second  one,  perhaps,  that 
was  organized  in  the  denomination.  At  the 
semi-centennial  celebration  in  1880,  one  in  a 
position  to  know  estimated  the  contributions 
of  the  organization  to  that  date  at  $50,000. 
Since  that  time  they  have  contributed  a total 
of  $70,534.  making  a grand  total  of  over  $120,- 
000.  During  tbe  past  year  they  have  contrib- 
uted $2,385,  an  average  per  member  of  $11.80. 

There  has  been  sent  out  from  this  congre- 
gation the  following  foreign  missionaries,  viz. : 
In  1868,  David  R.  Johnston,  M.  D.,  and  his 
wife,  Margaret  J. ; in  1869,  Miss  Eliza  F.  John- 
ston ( now  Mrs.  Dr.  Stewart)  ; in  1875,  Rev. 
John  Giffen,  D.  D. ; in  1881,  Rev.  John  Kelley 
Giffen;  in  1889,  Rev.  E.  Morrison  Giffen, — in 
all  six.  Dr.  Johnston  is  deceased,  and  his 
wife  is  in  this  country;  all  of  the  others  are 
still  at  their  work  in  the  foreign  field, — one. 
Rev.  J.  K.  Giffen,  being  the  pioneer  missionary 
of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  Sou- 
dan, being  located  on  the  Sobat  River  in  the 
heart  of  Africa. 

The  following  ministers  of  the  Gospel  were 
reared  in  this  community  and  are  accredited  to 
this  congregation : Revs.  H.  Parks,  William 

Wallace,  D.  D..  E.  C.  Calderhead,  Samuel 
Wallace,  A.  D.  Clark,  D.  D.,  Thomas  Love,  D. 
D.,  David  Paul,  D.  D.,  Thomas  Drennen,  T. 
P.  Dysart,  John  S.  McConnell,  S.  R.  Frazier, 
R.  B.  Stewart,  D.  A.  Duff,  John  Giffen,  D.  D., 
D.  C.  Stewart,  J.  R.  Frazier,  William  McKira- 
han,  D.  D.,  M.  F.  McKirahan,  J.  A.  McKira- 
han,  J.  K.  Giffen,  E.  M.  Giffeii,  J.  P.  Giffen, 
Boyd  Johnson,  J.  K.  Knox,  James  Gordon  and 
W.  J.  Grimes, — a total  of  26.  This  is  be- 
lieved to  be  the  greatest  number  of  ministers 
furnished  by  any  other  one  congregation  in 
the  denomination,  and  perhaps  more  than  has 
been  furnished  by  one  congregation  of  any  de- 
nomination in  Eastern  Ohio. 

Their  first  house  of  worship  stood  upon  the 
lot  on  South  Commons,  where  Auditor  Beatty’s 
residence  now  stands.  It  was  erected  in  1835 
at  a cost  of  $2,600.  The  stone  and  brick  work 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


255 


were  done  by  Charles  H.  Bailey  of  St.  Clairs- 
ville  and  after  standing  50  years  the  walls  rvere 
still  true  and  without  a crack. 

This  house  was  completely  demolished  by 
the  tornado  which  visited  St.  Clairsville  April 
15.  188  7_. 

Upon  its  destruction  the  congregation  imme- 
diately set  about  rebuilding.  The  lot  on  the 
corner  of  IMain  and  Marietta  streets  was  pur- 
chased and  the  present  house  was  erected  in 
1888  at  a cost  of  $20,000,  and  in  this  new 
house  the  congregation  meets  regularly  for  the 
worship  of  God  and  are  C|uietly  doing  their 
work  and  endeavoring  to  serve  God  in  their 
day  and  generation. 

The  African  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
of  St.  Clairsville  was  oi'ganized  about  1840.  Up 
to  that  time  the  colored  Methodists  had  wor- 
shiped with  their  white  brethren  in  the  same 
place  of  worship,  but  during  the  ministry  of 
Rev.  Samuel  Brockunier  some  trouble  occurred 
at  a communion  service,  and  the  colored  Meth- 
odists withdrew  and  established  a “meeting 
house”  of  their  own.  As  the  records  have  been 
destroyed,  it  is  impossible  to  give  the  names  of 
the  first  preachers  and  church  officials  or  the 
location  of  the  various  church  buildings. 

The  little  church  at  present  in  use  is  on 
Market  street.  It  was  built  at  a cost  of  $600. 
The  present  pastor  is  Rev.  C.  L.  Young,  and 
the  senior  member  is  Father  Goins.  The  offi- 
cial board  consists  of  Samuel  Cochran,  S. 
Lewis,  H.  Swenigen,  T.  Davis  and  D.  Haw- 
kins ; the  last  named  is  also  superintendent  of 
the  Sunday-school.  The  present  membership 
is  between  45  and  50. 

THE  ST.  CLAIRSVILLE  CEMETERY  ASSOCIATION 

Was  organized  July,  1871.  A few  philan- 
thropic citizens,  realizing  the  great  need  of  a 
suitable  resting  place  for  tbe  dead,  met  together 
in  the  spring  of  1871  and  by  liberal  contribu- 
tions purchased  the  beautiful  grounds  now 
known  as  the  Union  Cemetery.  The  majority 
of  these  original  stockholders  have  already 
been  laid  to  rest  within  the  grounds. 

The  first  officers  were : Trustees, — George 


Brown,  David  Brown,  William  Chambers, 
Samuel  Thompson,  George  Jepson,  Robert  E. 
Cbambers ; president,  David  Brown ; clerk, 
Robert  E.  Chambers. 

The  purchase  consisted  of  five  acres  of  land, 
lying  north  and  east  of  the  old  Presbyterian 
Cemetery  and  formerly  owned  by  R.  M.  Wil- 
kins, and  four  and  one-half  acres,  lying  south 
of  the  old  burying  ground,  from  M.  Over- 
baugh,  tbe  whole  costing  about  $2,000.  The 
improvements  since  added  amount  to  upward 
of  $5,000. 

The  present  oificers  are : D.  M.  Sutton, 

president;  George  Jepson,  secretary:  John  Pol- 
lock, treasurer;  trustees, — D.  M.  Sutton,  J. 
B.  McMechan,  James  Frasier,  George  V. 
Brown  and  George  Jepson. 

BELMONT  COUNTY  AGRICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

The  grounds  of  the  Belmont  County  Agri- 
cultural Society  are  located  within  the  incor- 
porated limits  of  St.  Clairsville,  and  consist  of 
15P2  acres  of  land  purchased  in  1859,  and  pe- 
culiarly adapted  to  fair  purposes.  It  is  in  fact 
a beautiful  park,  with  enough  old  forest  trees 
growing  over  the  grounds  to  afford  ample 
shade  to  the  patrons  of  the  fair.  The  grounds 
are  valued  at  $2,000,  and  the  Society  has  a 
surplus  of  several  hundred  dollars  in  the  treas- 
ure'. The  great  cyclone  destroyed  its  main 
buildings  in  1887,  since  which  time  the  Society 
has  been  crippled  in  its  facilities  to  accommo- 
date exhibitors.  It  is  expected  that  new  build- 
ings will  be  constructed  in  1903. 

The  first  Society  was  organized  in  1838, 
but  suspended  in  1843  want  of  encourage- 
ment. It  was  re-organized  again  in  1848.  The 
presidents  who  have  served  the  Society  since 
that  time  are  as  follows : Solomon  Bentley, 

Christopher  Hoover,  Isaac  Neiswanger,  Hiram 
Pennington,  Robert  Alexander,  Yhlliam  Har- 
desty, Isaac  Welsh,  Jonathan  Scofield,  Henry 
West,  Joseph  M.  INIitchell,  Jesse  Barton,  David 
Brown,  Charles  H.  Arrick,  James  F.  Charles- 
worth,  A.  T.  IMcKelvey,  A.  C.  Darrah,  R.  H. 
Eaton  and  John  Si  debottom  . 


256 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


SECRET  SOCIETIES. 

Masonic  Orgaiiications. — Belmont  Lodge, 
No.  16,  F.  & A.  M.^  was  the  first  Masonic 
society  formed  in  the  county,  and  one  of  the 
first  in  the  State.  Its  charter  is  dated  January 
8.  1812,  and  its  charter  memliers  were  James 
Carothers,  Josiah  Dillon,  Thomas  Thompson, 
Joseph  Patton,  Ezra  Ellis,  Moses  Morehead, 
Ezra  Evans,  Plenry  Evans  and  Benjamin  Rug- 
gles.  The  o])position  to  Masonry  in  those  days 
was  so  widespread  that  th.e  growth  of  the  or- 
der was  necessarily  slow.  Notwithstanding, 
nearly  all  tlie  Masonic  lodges  in  Belmont  Coun- 
ty are  l)ranches  of  this  old  lodge.  The  officers 
at  the  date  of  organization  were : James  H. 

Kelse,  W.  M. ; Ezra  Ellis,  S.  W. ; and  Benja- 
min Ruggles,  J.  W. 

The  first  lodge  meeting  was  held  in  a room 
in  the  old  Fink  Hotel  building,  on  the  ground 
now  occupied  by  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church.  It  was  subsec|uently  moved  to  the 
jury  room  in  the  old  Court  House,  where  it 
remained  until  the  construction  of  the  new 
Masonic  hall  on  South  Market  street,  in  1857. 
In  1859.  the  building  was  destroyed  by  fire, 
and  all  the  lodge  records  were  destroyed.  Re- 
turning to  the  former  lodge  room  in  the  old 
Court  House,  the  fraternity  remained  there  un- 
til the  large  and  commodious  school  building 
was  constructed  in  1869,  which  was  built  by 
the  School  Board  and  the  Masons  conjointly. 
The  third  story  of  this  new  building  is  de- 
voted to  Masonry. 

The  officers  of  this  old  lodge  23  years  ago 
were:  J.  F.  Charlesworth,  W.  M. ; Jesse 

Meyers,  S.  W. ; Jesse  Pratt,  J.  W. ; W.  D. 
Bumgarner,  S.  D. ; Edgar  Meek,  J.  D. ; M.  T. 
Coffiand,  secretary;  C.  W.  Carroll,  treasurer; 
and  Alfred  Lake,  tyler. 

It  was  the  custom  of  the  lodge  for  some  time 
after  the  completion  of  the  new  building  to 
hold  an  annual  banquet  and  reunion  for  the 
entertainment  of  the  Masons  and  their  wives, 
and  these  social  occasions  were  looked  forward 
to  with  pleasurable  anticipation. 

The  officers  of  the  lodge  in  1902  are:  J.  B. 
Ryan.  W.  M. ; J.  B.  Meyer,  S.  W. ; M.  E.  Wil- 


son, J.  W. ; Isaac  H.  Gaston,  treasurer;  C.  B. 
Ryan,  secretary;  Erank  Bailey,  S.  D. ; William 
Gummere,  J.  D. ; and  John  Wilson,  tyler. 

St.  Clairsville  Chapter,  No.  17,  R.  A.  M., 
was  chartered  in  1829.  Its  present  officers  are : 
J.  W.  Hollingsworth,  H.  P. ; A.  W.  Beatty, 
king;  J.  B.  Ryan,  scribe;  C.  W.  Carroll,  cap- 
tain; E.  D.  Bailey,  P.  T.  J. ; C.  D.  Ryan,  R.  A. 
C. ; M.  E.  Wilson.  G.  M.  3rd  veil ; J.  H.  Boroff, 
G.  M.  2nd  veil;  Erank  Bailey,  G.  M.  ist  veil; 
Isaac  H.  Gaston,  treasurer;  J.  B.  Meyer,  sec- 
retary; and  J.  H.  Wilson,  guard. 

Belmont  Council,  No.  54,  R.  & S.  M.,  was 
chartered  in  1867.  The  present  officers  are; 

C.  W.  Carroll,  T*.  I.  M. ; Thomas  Burtoft,  D. 
M. ; James  B.  Ryan,  P.  C.  W. ; Isaac  H.  Gas- 
ton, treasurer;  J.  B.  Meyer,  recorder;  F.  D. 
Bailey,  C.  of  G. ; Madison  Aldredge,  C.  of  C. ; 
W.  C.  Bergundthal,  steward;  and  J.  H.  Wil- 
son, sentinel. 

Hope  Commandery,  No.  26,  Knights  Tem- 
plar, was  chartered  September  27,  1871.  The 
present  eminent  commander  is  A.  W.  Beatty; 
secretary,  J.  B.  Ryan.  The  past  eminent  com- 
manders are:  Ross  J.  Alexander,  Francis  D. 
Bailey,  Andrew  J.  Baggs,  Chandler  W.  Car- 
roll,  H.  R.  Bumgarner,  C.  F.  Strahl,  W.  C. 
Bergunthal,  Isaac  H.  Gaston,  Thomas  H.  Bur- 
toft, J.  A.  Greenfield,  James  B.  Ryan,  John  R. 
Gow,  J.  W.  Hollingsworth  and  J.  V.  Meyer. 

St.  Clairsville  Lodge,  No.  6g8,  Knights  of 
Pythias. — Pursuant  to  a warrant  issued  by  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias  of 
Ohio,  a meeting  of  the  petitioners  of  the  St. 
Clairsville  Lodge,  No.  698,  K.  of  P.,  was  held 
Monday,  March  30,  1896,  in  St.  Clairsville 
and  called  to  order  by  Deputy  Grand  Chancel- 
lor W.  W.  Boggs,  and  April  3,  1896,  was  des- 
ignated as  the  day  for  institution.  The  officers 
of  the  lodge  were  named;  P.  C.,  Conrad  W. 
Troll:  C.  C.,  C.  C.  Carroll;  prelate,  C.  W. 
Finch;  M.  at  A.,  G.  E.  Furboy;  M.  of  W., 
Frank  Roscoe;  V.  C.,  T.  C.  Ayers,  K.  of  R. 
and  S.,  A.  L.  Bumgarner;  M.  of  E.,  Albert  W. 
Troll;  M.  of  F.,  P."w.  Dickey. 

In  accordance  with  this  order,  M.  A.  Bridge, 
Grand  Chancellor  of  Ohio,  and  W.  W.  Boggs, 

D.  G.  C.,  assisted  by  Black  Prince  Lodge  of 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


257 


Bellaire,  and  Belmont  Lodge,  of  Bridgeport, 
with  the  petitioners,  met  at  the  lodge  room  in 
St.  Clairsville  and  proceeded  with  the  institu- 
tion. 

The  following  named  persons  were  charter 
members:  C.  W.  Troll,  W.  C.  Kunkel,  Charles 
Troll,  W.  S.  Balliet,  P.  W.  Dickey,  H.  T. 
Shepherd,  Charles  Steger,  Charles  Frink,  B.  R. 
Johnston,  R.  M.  Collins,  John  M.  Taylor,  E.  A. 
Sidebottom,  W.  G.  Moore,  Alvin  Vancuren, 
Frank  Troll,  L.  Mnrdaugh,  J.  A.  Horner,  Ed. 
Singer,  Albert  Troll,  Frank  Roscoe,  J.  H. 
Boroff,  R.  H.  Thompson,  T.  C.  Ayers,  C.  C. 
Carroll,  A.  L.  Bumgarner,  G.  E.  Furboy,  C. 
W.  Finch,  A.  E.  IMcBride,  Jesse  Barnes,  C.  S. 
Lochary,  John  Lochary  and  M.  M.  Scott. 

According  to  the  annual  report,  the  number 
of  members  in  good  standing  in  1902  were  17 
and  there  was  a surplus  in  the  treasury  of 
$13.95.  The  presiding  officers  are:  A.  L. 

Bumgarner,  C.  C. ; J.  P.  Hall,  keeper  of  rec- 
ords : J.  W.  Rilev,  D.  G.  C. 

DRUMMOND  POST,  G.  A.  R., 

Was  organized  in  St.  Clairsville  April  20, 
1882.  Its  charter  members  were  J.  F.  Charles- 
worth,  Samuel  Hillis,  Leroy  Sedgwick,  W.  S. 
Kennon,  James  A.  Barnes,  W.  S.  Colby,  J.  R. 
Mitchell,  J.  W.  Riley,  Simon  Jones,  W.  S. 
Hobbs,  C.  W.  Carroll,  W.  A.  Hunt,  B.  R. 
Johnson,  Henry  Meek,  Alexander  Barrett,  J. 
E.  West,  H.  M.  Davies,  Thomas  Malone,  B. 
S.  McBride,  W.  PI.  Roscoe  and  G.  P.  Schick. 

Eight  of  these  charter  members  have  been 
mustered  out  and  have  united  with  the  com- 
rades on  the  other  side.  This  lodge  was  named 
after  Lieutenant  Drummond,  a gallant  young 
officer  of  the  regular  army,  who  was  killed  in 
the  War  of  the  Rebellion.  The  officers  of  the 
post  in  1902  are  as  follows:  J.  M.  Rees,  post 
commander;  Henry  Adams,  senior  vice  com-, 
mander;  J.  J.  Rennard,  adjutant;  J.  A.  Stew- 
art, chaplain ; and  B.  S.  McBride,  quarter- 
master. The  total  membership  is  65. 

THE  COUNTY  INFIRMARY. 

Before  the  erection  of  the  present  costly  and 
commodious  Infirmary,  the  poor  and  infirm 


were  cared  for  in  a “Poor  House.”  This  in- 
stitution was  an  unpretentious  brick  dwelling, 
located  upon  the  farm  of  William  Campbell, 
in  Richland  township,  four  miles  west  of  St. 
Clairsville.  The  farm  contained  150  acres, 
and  was  purchased  for  $2,800.  The  purchase 
was  made  in  1828  by  County  Commissioners 
Isaac  Barton,  David  Smith  and  Joseph  Mor- 
rison. As  the  demands  made  upon  the  house 
exceeded  its  capacity,  the  building  was  sub- 
jected to  numerous  repairs  and  additions,  un- 
til, in  1870,  the  county  erected  the  present 
large  Infirmary,  with  all  modern  appliances  for 
the  economical  and  comfortable  care  of  the 
poor  and  infirm.  This  building  was  erected  at 
a cost  of  $63,000,  and  the  work  was  done  un- 
der the  supervision  of  Commissioners  H. 
Frasher,  James  Alexander  and  William  Arm- 
strong. Subsequently  a separate  building  was 
erected  for  a jail,  and  this  structure  was  de- 
stroyed by  fire  in  January,  1901,  at  which  time 
one  of  the  inmates  was  burned  to  death.  The 
building  was  rebuilt  at  a cost  of  $10,000.  It 
contains  26  cells.  The  present  acreage  of  the 
farm  is  176,  and  furnishes  the  institution  with 
all  the  vegetables  and  fruits  required  for  the 
institution,  and  likewise  supplies  the  hay  and 
grain  necessary  for  the  support  of  the  live 
stock,  and  a portion  of  the  grain  needed  for 
the  inmates.  Commissioner  George  i\I.  Wise 
thinks  the  total  cost  of  the  Infirmary  will  be 
about  $80,000.  The  number  of  inmates  in 
1902  is  157,  and  the  cost  of  keeping,  per 
capita,  is  $62.50. 

The  present  board  of  directors  are  Otto  Rott- 
meier,  J.  A.  Brown  and  J.  H.  Heed,  and  the 
superintendent  is  Orlando  Cope.  In  chapter 
IV  is  given  a list  of  Infirmary  directors  from 
1842. 

THE  PRESS. 

The  St.  Clairsville  Cassette  was  the  pioneer 
newspaper  of  Belmont  County.  Some  time 
prior  to  1812,  Alexander  Armstrong,  a man  of 
scholarly  attainments,  came  from  one  of  the 
Eastern  States  and  settled  in  St.  Clairsville, 
then  a straggling  town,  consisting  of  two  rows 
of  cabins.  Recognizing  the  possibilities  of  the 


258 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


county,  Mr.  Armstrong  conceived  the  idea  of 
starting  a newspaper.  The  field  was  a wide 
one,  for  in  all  the  territory  hordering  on  the 
Ohio  River,  from  Steuhenville  to  Marietta,  and 
as  far  west  as  Zanesville,  there  was  not  a news- 
paper. Yet  Mr.  Armstrong's  project  was  not 
without  its  difficulties.  The  population  was  yet 
s])arse,  with  poor  roads  and  poor  mail  facilities. 
Mr.  Armstrong  visited  the  settlements,  solicit- 
ing aid  for  his  project  and  offering  his  paper 
to  suhscrihers  for  $3  per  year,  which  in  those 
days  was  a large  sum,  and  often  had  to  be 
ixiid  in  the  products  of  the  farm.  He  seemed 
to  have  received  substantial  encouragement,  for 
in  January,  1812,  he  began  the  publication  of  a 
weekly  paper  at  St.  Clairsville,  called  The  BcT 
inoiit  Repository.  It  was  a four-column  paper, 
printed  after  the  manner  of  that  time,  with 
wide  columns  and  on  coarse  heavy  paper,  the 
four  columns  in  the  aggregate  being  about  the 
width  of  five  columns  of  the  paper  of  today, 
d'he  ])aper  was  devoted  almost  exclusively  to 
a chronicling  of  the  general  news  of  the  nation, 
and  even  of  the  world,  as  the  editor  gleaned 
them  from  his  exchanges,  this  being  long  be- 
fore the  day  of  Associated  Press  dispatches, 
telephones,  etc.,  and  local  items  of  less  im- 
]iortance  than  a murder  or  a hanging  were  not 
considered  worthy  a place  in  the  publication. 

For  some  reason,  about  August,  i8i8_,  Mr. 
.Armstrong  changed  the  name  of  the  publica- 
tion to  The  Belmont  lonrnal.  but  the  form  of 
the  paper  remained  about  the  same.  Five 
years  later,  Robert  H.  Miller,  who  afterward 
became  a noted  veteran  editor,  was  associated 
with  Mr.  Armstrong  in  the  publication  of  the 
paper.  It  seemed  to  have  been  their  design 
to  give  it  wider  scope  and  influence  than  it 
had  before  enjoyed  under  its  local  name,  and 
the  former  name  was  dropped  and  JVestern 
Post  substituted.  How  well  their  expectations 
were  realized  is  not  recorded,  hut  the  partner- 
ship continued  until  January  '!,  1825,  when  Mr. 
Armstrong,  after  a service  of  13  years,  retired 
from  the  Arm,  and  Mr.  Miller  became  the  sole 
editor- and  proprietor.  He  had  apparently  dis- 
covered that  the  paper  succeeded  better  as  a 
local  publication  and  again  changed  its  title 


head,  calling  it  The  St.  Clairsville  Gazette.  By 
this  name  it  has  ever  since  been  known,  except 
for  a brief  time  after  it  was  consolidated  with 
another  local  paper,  when  it  was  called  The 
Gazette  and  Citizen.  Among  the  improvements 
added  by  Mr.  Miller  was  to  add  another  col- 
umn, making  it  a five-column  paper.  In  those 
days,  currency  was  scarce,  and  Mr.  Miller  gave 
notice  that  he  would  accept  corn,  tobacco  and 
other  farm  products  in  lieu  of  money  in  pay- 
ment of  subscriptions,  the  same  to  be  delivered 
at  points  in  the  county  designated  in  the  notice. 
Air.  A'liller  continued  the  publication  alone  un- 
til 1829,  when  George  W.  Alanypenny,  who 
afterward  became  a distinguished  editor  and 
politician  at  Columbus,  Ohio,  became  asso- 
ciated with  him.  This  partnership  had  a brief 
duration,  being  terminated  in  August,  1830,  by 
the  retirement  of  Mr.  Miller,  and  seems  not  to 
have  been  a brilliant  financial  success,  for  in 
July,  1830,  publication  was  suspended  until 
Air.  Alanypenny  took  sole  charge  in  August  of 
the  same  year.  In  his  initial  number,  Mr. 
Manypenny  states  that  the  suspension  was  due 
to  lack  of  funds  to  buy  materials  necessary  for 
the  publication  of  the  paper.  Mr.  Alanypenny, 
however,  took  up  the  work,  enlarged  the  paper 
to  a six-column,  and  conducted  it  with  marked 
ability  until  March  2,  1833,  when  he  sold  The 
Gazette  to  John  Y.  and  Jacob  Glessner,  who 
afterward  became  distinguished  as  politicians 
and  editors  of  the  Mansfield  (Ohio)  Shield 
and  Banner  and  the  Zanesz'ille  Signal. 

In  the  latter  part  of  1837,  the  Glessners  sold 
the  plant  to  Maj.  John  Irons,  a blunt  old  gen- 
tleman. who  had  seen  military  service,  and  had 
had  editorial  experience  in  Pennsylvania.  His 
administration  was  brief,  and  in  Alarch,  1838, 
The  Gazette  passed  into  the  hands  of  its  great- 
est editor.  Dr.  John  Dunham.  Fie  was  a small 
man  and  a cripple,  hut  a man  of  brilliant  at- 
tainments, an  iron  will  and  a superb  courage. 
A year  later  the  paper  was  again  enlarged  to  a 
seven-column  folio  and  under  Dr.  Dunham’s 
management  it  obtained  a wide  influence,  it  be- 
ing the  only  Democratic  paper  in  the  Con- 
gressional district,  and  still  the  only  one  in  the 
Ohio  River  counties  between  Steubenville  and 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


259 


Marietta.  By  reference  to  the  files  of  that  time, 
we  find  that  the  paper  was  printed  by  Gill, 
Heaton  & Company,  a firm  of  practical 
printers,  and  later,  from  1841  to  1847,  it  was 
printed  by  Heaton  & Gressinger,  but  Dr.  Dun- 
ham had  editorial  charge  during  the  whole  of 
this  time. 

Whether,  up  to  this  time,  any  of  the  editors 
of  The  Gazette  had  possessed  a printing  outfit 
or  not  is  not  certain,  probably  none  of  them 
had,  but,  in  1847,  Dr.  Dunham  bought  a press 
and  became  both  the  editor  and  publisher,  with 
Alexander  Patton,  one  of  the  most  incisive 
writers  of  his  time,  as  associate  editor. 

In  February,  1847,  printing  firm  of  John 
H.  Fleaton  and  Stephen  Gressinger  started 
another  paper  in  St.  Clairsville,  called  The 
Citizen,  but  in  two  years  it  was  merged  with 
The  Gazette  and  the  consolidation  called  The 
Gazette  and  Citizen.  With  the  merger,  Mr. 
Heaton  retired  from  the  firm,  and  the  paper 
was  published  by  Dunham  & Gressinger.  Dr. 
Dunham  retired  from  the  firm  and  closed  his 
long  and  able  editorial  career  March  15,  1850. 
From  that  time  until  February,  1856,  The 
Gazette  and  Citizen  was  edited  by  Stephen 
Gressinger.  In  that  year,  Mr.  Gressinger  re- 
tired and  was  succeeded  by  John  H.  Heaton. 
In  January,  1862,  Mr.  Heaton  dropped  the 
name  of  Citizen  from  the  title  of  the  paper,  and 
ever  since  it  has  appeared  under  the  name  it 
now  bears.  In  February,  1862,  Mr.  Heaton 
sold  the  paper  to  Stephen  Gressinger,  and  on 
February  ii,  1864,  bought  it  back  again,  re- 
taining possession  of  it  and  editing  it  with  sig- 
nal ability  and  success  until  his  death  August 
23,  1873. 

After  the  death  of  Mr.  Heaton,  the  paper 
was  published  for  the  benefit  of  his  heirs  by 
O.  J.  Swaney,  Esq.,  his  administrator,  until  its 
sale  to  C.  N.  Gaumer,  November  i,  1873.  Dur- 
ing this  time  it  was  under  the  editorial  manage- 
ment of  Stephen  Gressinger.  With  his  re- 
tirement. Mr.  Gressinger  closed  a long  editorial 
career,  during  all  of  which  he  maintained  uni- 
versal respect,  even  of  those  who  had  felt  the 
force  of  his  caustic  pen. 

Mr.  Gaumer  had  been  an  editor  of  the 


Zanesville  Signal,  was  a young  man  of  capacity 
and  great  executive  ability.  He  enlarged  the 
paper  to  eight  columns  and  greatly  enlarged 
its  circulation  and  pnt  it  upon  a paying  basis. 
He  was  an  expert  party  manipulator,  and  dur- 
ing the  most  part  of  his  ownership  of  The  Gar 
zette  nearly  all  of  the  county  officials  were  of 
his  party.  Fie  sold  The  Gazette  to  purchase 
the  Mansfield  {Ohio)  Shield  and  Banner,  and 
afterward  served  Richland  County  in  the  lower 
house  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State. 
Isaac  M.  Riley,  Esq.,  was  the  purchaser  of  The 
Gazette  from  Mr.  Gaumer,  February  i,  1883. 
During  his  management,  the  building  in  which 
the  paper  was  published  was  destroyed  by  a cy- 
clone and  the  material  of  the  office  severely 
damaged.  Mr.  Riley  removed  the  office  to 
the  present  site,  which  except  for  a few  months, 
while  rebuilding,  has  ever  since  been  its  home. 

September  i,  1889.  Mr.  Riley  sold  The  Gor 
zette  to  David  H.  Milligan,  Esq.,  and  George 
E.  Steenrod,  who  conducted  it  under  the  firm 
name  of  Milligan  & Steenrod.  They  enlarged 
the  paper  to  a nine-column  folio,  and  reduced 
the  price  of  subscription  from  $2.00  to  $1.50 
per  year.  Later,  about  August,  1894,  they 
further  reduced  the  price  of  subscription  to 
$1.00  per  year,  which  it  has  since  remained 
and  now  is.  During  their  ownership,  July  10, 
1894.  the  office,  with  all  the  presses,  type  and 
other  materials,  was  almost  totally  destroyed 
by  fire.  But  by  the  generous  assistance  of 
friends  the  paper  did  not  lose  an  issue.  Within 
a few  hours,  after  the  fire,  plans  were  drawn 
for  the  erection  of  a new  office,  and  in  a few 
days  ground  was  purchased  and  the  erection 
of  the  present  beautifnl  Gazette  Building  com- 
menced. After  occupying  temporary  quarters, 
The  Gazette  was  removed  into  its  present  home 
December  i,  1894,  and  was  published  from  an 
.entirely  new  outfit  of  materials.  On  April  i, 
1896,  Mr.  Milligan  sold  his  interest  in  the  pa- 
])er  to  his  partner,  Mr.  Steenrod.  who  at  the 
same  time  sold  a one-half  interest  to  Arthur  A. 
Clark,  and  the  firm  name  became  Clark  & 
Steenrod.  January  i,  1900,  Mr.  Steenrod  re- 
tired from  the  paper,  selling  his  interest  to  his 
partner,  Mr.  Clark,  who  conducted  it  alone 


260 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


until  April  i,  1901.  when  it  was  purchased  by 
1).  H.  Milligan.  Sei)teml)er  i,  1901,  Mr.  Milli- 
gan sold  a one-half  interest  to  D.  S.  Creamer, 
and  he,  with  Mr.  Milligan,  are  the  present  pro- 
prietors, under  the  firm  name  of  Milligan  & 
Creamer. 

During  the  ]:>ast  10  years,  much  new  material 
has  been  added  to  the  office  of  The  Gazette,  un- 
til today  it  is  one  of  the  best  equipped  job  and 
general  work  offices  in  the  county.  Today,  it 
enjoys  a large  and  growing  circulation  and  an 
increasing  ]:>atronage  in  all  its  departments. 

Politically,  it  has  always  advocated  the  prin- 
ciples of  the  Democratic  party,  and  has  long 
been  recognized  as  the  principal  organ  of  that 
party  in  Belmont  County,  During  the  90  years 
of  its  e.xistence,  The  Gacette  has  had  its  sea- 
sons of  adversity  and  prosperity.  Some  of  its 
editors  have  been  men  of  business  ability,  while 
others  have  failed  for  lack  of  such  ability. 
Some  have  been  men  of  national  renown  as  pol- 
iticians and  statesmen.  Of  these  many  interest- 
ing incidents  might  be  told  were  it  not  beyond 
the  scope  of  this  article.  The  history  of  the 
paper  is  a creditable  one,  and  its  files  show  it 
to  have  done  its  part  in  leading  the  way  in  the 
development  of  this  great  county  and  Eastern 
Ohio. 

The  Belmont  Chronicle. — The  newspaper  of 
the  present  day,  whether  a country  weekly  or  a 
metropolitan  daily  with  a half  dozen  editions, 
is  a modern  institution.  Each  is  the  outgrowth 
of  .something  vastly  different  from  that  which 
we  know.  The  great  daily  had  its  inception  at 
the  period  of  the  Civil  War,  and  the  country 
weekly  as  a purveyor  of  local  news  came  into 
existence  at  near  the  same  time.  The  history 
of  the  newspaper  business  of  Belmont  County 
is  a record  of  the  country  weekly  and  its  evo- 
lution from  being  an  exclusively  political  sheet 
to  the  point  where  local  news  is  made  the  pri- 
mary object  and  political  discussion  but  inci- 
dental to  its  publication. 

In  1813,  Charles  Hammond  published  in  St. 
Clairsville  a paper  which  he  called  The  Feder- 
alist, and  from  this  date  is  reckoned  the  life 
of  The  Belmont  Chronicle.  What  The  Fed- 
eralist was  like  or  how  long  it  was  published  is 


not  now  known.  In  fact  the  record  of  its  ex- 
istence is  nothing  more  than  a tradition.  It 
proljal)ly  was  a small  sheet  published  at  infre- 
quent intervals  and  taken  up  wholly  with  the 
expression  of  the  political  views  of  the  editor. 
Such  was  the  early  newspaper,  so  called,  but  it 
was  notliing  more  in  fact  that  a political  leaf- 
let. Hammond  was  one  of  the  able  and  gifted 
men  of  early  Ohio  history,  and  in  those  days 
when  men  expressed  their  views  in  ultra  terms, 
The  Federalist,  doubtless,  was  virile  and  caus- 
tic. Hammond  later  went  to  Cincinnati  and 
founded  the  Cincinnati  Gazette. 

While  probably  something  in  the  line  of  a 
newspaper  was  published  at  times  following 
The  Federalist,  yet  we  find  nothing  definite 
until  along  in  the  “twenties,”  when  The  Na- 
tional Historian  was  published  by  Horton  J. 
Howard.  This  publication  was  devoted  to 
Whig  principles  and  as  such  was  the  predeces- 
sor of  The  Chronicle.  Howard  had  at  an 
earlier  day  published  a paper  at  Mount  Pleas- 
ant. He  was  a printer  and  carried  on  an  ex- 
tensive business  in  the  publication  of  school 
textbooks.  How  extensive  his  business  was  is 
shown  by  the  fact  that  as  early  as  1837  he  used 
upwards  of  $10,000  worth  of  paper  a year. 
How  long  The  Historian  survived  is  not 
known,  but  in  1835  its  successor  was  known 
as  The  lournal  and  Enquirer,  and  the  latter 
was  published  by  John  Duffey  for  a time. 

In  those  days  it  was  nothing  unusual  for 
there  to  be  a break  of  a week  or  a few  weeks, 
even  a few  months,  in  the  publication.  When 
such  a break  occurred,  it  was  usually  explained 
by  saying  the  editor  was  sick,  the  patronage 
did  not  amount  to  sufficient  to  warrant  publi- 
cation or  the  paper  was  out  of  supplies.  When 
the  difficulty,  whatever  it  was,  was  overcome, 
publication  was  resumed.  Thus  we  find  what 
was  really  the  continuation  of  the  same  publi- 
cation under  different  names  and  appearing 
at  irregular  intervals. 

In  July,  1836,  the  paper  appeared  under  the 
name  of  The  Belmont  Chronicle  and,  with  the 
exception  of  some  additions  made  to  the  name 
and  later  dropped,  it  has  remained  The  Bel- 
mont Chronicle  for  more  than  66  years.  The 


■ AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


261 


first  publishers  of  which  there  is  record  were 
Benjamin  S.  Cowen  and  Thomas  S.  Reid.  Ear- 
ly in  1837,  Cowen  withdrew  from  the  firm,  and 
in  July,  1833,  Reid  sold  the  paper  to  John  A. 
Hutchison  and  J.  S.  Thomas,  hut  the  latter  re- 
mained in  the  firm  hut  a few  months.  Hut- 
chison continued  in  control  until  1842,  when  he 
disposed  of  the  property  to  William  Brown. 
In  August,  1847,  Foster  Carroll  and  B.  Gill 
became  the  owners,  hut  in  October  of  1848  they 
disposed  of  the  property  to  Horton  Howard, 
mentioned  previously  as  having  published  The 
Historian.  Howard  evidently  thought  the 
name  not  long  enough,  and  for  several  years 
under  his  management  the  papei'  was  known 
as  The  Belmont  Chronicle  and  Farmers’,  Me- 
chanics’ and  Manufacturers’  Advoeate.  May 
10,  1850,  notice  is  given  that  B.  S.  Cowen  had 
become  a partner  with  Howard  in  the  publica- 
tion of  The  Chronicle,  and  that  while  Mr. 
Howard  would  remain  editor  of  the  paper, 
Benjamin  R.  Cowen,  then  a very  young  man. 
would  he  associated  with  him.  The  firm  name 
appears  as  Horton  J.  Howard  and  B.  R. 
Cowen,  but  not  until  March,  1853,  did  B.  R. 
Cowen’s  name  appear  in  the  paper  as  one  of  the 
editors.  September  30,  1853,  Howard  retired, 
and  Cowen — B.  R. — became  sole  owner  and 
editor  and-  continued  as  such  for  more  than 
three  years.  Howard,  after  disposing  of  his 
interest,  moved  to  Mount  Pleasant,  Iowa, 
where  he  died  a few  years  since.  He  is  said 
to  have  been  a man  of  business  ability  and  of 
more  than  ordinary  intellect. 

Cowen  continued  to  publish  The  Chronicle 
until  January  i,  1857,  when  he  sold  it  to  Da- 
vid Thoburn.  Thoburn  kept  it  until  1861, 
when  Col.  C.  L.  Poorman  became  the  editor. 
Colonel  Poorman  published  the  paper  for  about 
nine  years,  and  in  1870  sold  it  to  Clark  Wil- 


kinson and  Joel  Nichols.  The  latter  did  not 
remain  in  the  firm  long,  but  Wilkinson  con- 
ducted it  until  September,  1872,  when  William 
A.  Hunt  became  the  owner  and  continued  as 
such  for  more  than  18  years,  or  until  April  i, 
1891. 

On  the  latter  date  Charles  C.  Carroll  and 
Edwin  L.  McMillen  became  editors  and  owners 
by  purchase,  and  this  firm  continued  until  Jan- 
uary I,  1895,  when  Mr.  Carroll  retired  and  Mr. 
McMillen  became  sole  owner  and  still  remains 
editor  and  proprietor. 

Of  the  editors  of  The  Chronicle  a number 
attained  distinction  and  honor.  B.  R.  Cowen 
was  Assistant  Secretary  of  War  under  Presi- 
dent Grant  and  is  at  the  present  time  clerk  of 
the  United  States  courts  at  Cincinnati,  a life  po- 
sition of  honor  and  responsibility.  Thoburn  was 
of  the  widely  known  Thoburn  family  of  this 
vicinity,  but  died  young.  Poorman  went  into 
the  volunteer  service  at  the  opening  of  the  Civil 
War  as  a captain  and  came  out  of  the  service 
in  command  of  his  regiment.  He  is  now  living 
in  retirement  at  Bellaire.  W.  A.  Hunt,  who 
edited  the  paper  longer  than  any  other  man, 
has  retired  from  active  labor. 

The  Chronicle  has  always  been  a newspaper 
that  exercised  a strong  influence  in  Belmont 
County.  It  has  usually  been  outspoken  and  its 
editors  throughout  its  history  have  been  given 
to  vigorous  expression.  At  first  it  was  a polit- 
ical sheet  exclusively.  Now  it  deals  princi- 
pally with  the  news  and  interest  of  Belmont 
County.  Under  B.  R.  Cowen’s  management 
in  the  “fifties,”  it  first  became  a local  news- 
paper and  this  feature  has  been  constantly  add- 
ed to  until  today  it  claims  to  be  a local  news- 
paper only.  Its  life  is  the  span  of  more  than 
two  generations,  and  it  is  more  vigorous  and 
more  widely  read  today  than  ever  before. 


CHAPTER.  XIX 


UNION  TOWNSHIP. 

The  Soil — The  First  Settlers — The  First  Company  from  the  County  in  the 
War  of  1812 — The  Population  and  Township  Officials— Morristown — The 
Militia  Muster — The  Town  Officials — The  Postmasters — The  Churches — 
The  Schools — Secret  Societies. 


Union  town.ship  contains  aliout  36  sections 
and  in  shape  is  nearly  square.  It  was  erected 
in  .\ngnst,  1804.  l)y  order  of  the  county  com- 
missioners, and  in  the  manner  heretofore  de- 
scribed in  the  formation  of  the  township.  The 
first  meeting  of  the  electors  of  the  township 
was  called  at  the  home  of  Duncan  Morrison — ■ 
after  whom  IMorristown  was  named. 

the  soil 

Of  Union  township  is  rich  and  well  watered, 
and  there  is  a nein  of  coal  four  feet  thick  that 
can  he  readily  made  available  for  domestic  use, 
— hut  is  not  of  much  value  for  manufacturing 
puiqioses.  Union  township  is  the  headwaters 
of  Wheeling  and  McMechen’s  creeks,  and  be- 
cause of  a dividing  ridge  running  from  east 
to  west,  these  streams  flow  northeast  and  south- 
east. 

THE  first  settlers. 

Among  the  first  settlers  in  the  township  were 
Duncan  Morrison  and  Jonathan  Ellis,  in  1801 ; 
William  Dunn,  in  1802:  Robert  Patterson,  in 
1803-04:  David  Hoge,  Solomon  Hoge  and  Ab- 
ner Hoge,  in  1803;  Allen  P)Ond,  in  1805;  Levi 
Barnes,  Samuel  McWilliams,  Edward  Milner, 
Noble  Taylor,  Moses  Milligan,  Barnet  Groves, 


Major  Lippincott  and  'Squire  William  Barber, 
in  succession.  Of  this  long  list  of  pioneers, 
'Squire  William  Barber  alone  remains.  Mr. 
Barber  was  born  in  the  north  of  Ireland,  91 
years  ago,  and  removed,  with  his  parents  to 
Morristown  when  but  a babe,  where  he  still 
abides,  and  can  recall  many  pleasing  incidents 
of  the  olden  time. 

Jacob  Holtz  and  William  Hill  kept  taverns 
in  different  parts  of  the  township  from  1806 
to  1809. 

The  old  Plainfield  Meeting  House  was  erect- 
ed in  1806  of  logs  by  the  Quakers.  This  was 
the  first  church  organization  in  the  township. 

THE  first  company  FROM  TFIE  COUNTY  IN 
THE  W.AR  OF  l8l2. 

Capt.  Robert  Morrison's  company,  re- 
cruited mainly  from  Union  township,  was  the 
first  company  organized  in  Belmont  County 
during  the  War  of  1812.  It  was  mustered  into 
service  in  Septemlier  and  went  into  camp  at 
the  old  Indian  Springs,  near  the  home  of  J.  B. 
McMechen,  east  of  St.  Clairsville.  Some  of 
the  soldiers,  whose  names  have  been  given  me, 
were : Thomas  Riddle,  Abe  Riddle,  Jacob 

Auldfather,  John  Gaston,  Nicholas  Gasaway, 
James  Clark,  Joseph  Wiley  and  John  Ault. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


263 


THE  POPULATION  AND  TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS. 

The  population  of  the  township  in  1890  was 
2,000;  in  1900,  the  census  revealed  a popula- 
tion of  but  1,482,  a falling  off  of  518  in  the 
last  decade. 

While  there  has  been  a falling  off  in  popula- 
tion, the  assessor's  returns  reveal  a gain  of 
$20,464  in  personal  property,  and  the  tax  levy 
for  1902  is  but  1. 16,  as  against  1.41  in  1901. 

The  township  trustees  in  1879-80  were: 
John  Vancuren,  James  Dallas  and  Hugh  Bar- 
ber; justices  of  the  peace, — William  Barber, 
David  G.  Perry  and  Robert  Morrison.  The 
board  of  trustees  iu  1902  consists  of  Thomas 
McWilliams,  Jesse  Yaus  and  John  Ralston.  In 
1902  the  justices  of  the  peace  are:  Thomas 

W.  Hyde  and  James  Reed. 

MORRISTOWN 

Is  located  on  the  National  Road,  near  the  cen- 
ter of  Union  township,  and,  as  heretofore 
noted,  was  named  after  Duncan  Morrison,  one 
of  the  first  settlers.  It  was  surveyed  and 
laid  out  into  town  lots,  a century  ago.  ’Squire 
Barber  says,  “The  original  town  was  built 
along  the  back  street,  which  was  then  the  prin- 
cipal thoroughfare.  But  upon  the  completion 
of  the  National  Road,  the  leading  business 
houses  and  taverns  were  erected  along  that 
great  thoroughfare.” 

THE  MILITIA  MUSTER. 

F.  Cummings  made  a tour  through  Belmont 
County  in  1807,  and  his  description  of  the 
country  through  which  he  passed  is  very  inter- 
esting to  the  reader  today.  In  relation  to  Mor- 
ristown, he  says:  “Ten  miles-  further  brought 
me  to  Morristown,  through  a.  similar  hilly 
country,  with  a succession  of  woods  and 
farms,  the  latter  at  every  mile,  and  a tavern 
at  every  two  miles. 

“On  the  road  I met,  in  straggling  parties, 
above  50  horsemen  with  rifles,  who  had  been 
in  Morristown  at  a militia  muster  for  the  pur- 
pose of  volunteering  or  being  drafted  to  serve 


against  Great  Britain  in  case  of  war  with  that 
country,  which  is  now  much  talked  of.  Most 
of  them  were  above  ‘half  seas  over,’  and  they 
traveled  with  much  noise,  some  singing,  some 
swearing,  some  quarreling,  some  laughing,  ac- 
cording to  their  different  natural  dispositions, 
which  are  always  most  manifest  in  that  un- 
guarded condition. 

“I  found  Morristown,  where  I arrived  just 
before  dark,  all  in  a bustle  from  the  same  cause, 
many  of  the  country  people  remaining  to  a 
late  hour  drinking  and  fighting. 

“My  host,  Morrison,  who  is  a justice  of 
the  peace,  and  a major  of  the  militia,  had 
shut  his  house  against  them,  but  there  was 
another  tavern,  where  'Squire  Morrison,  while 
comnianding  the  peace  during'  a fray,  came  in 
for  his  share  of  the  blows,  and  had  his  gar- 
ments torn.” 

THE  TOWN  OFFICIALS. 

On  January  7,  1853,  the  town  was  incor- 
porated and  Peter  Bramhill  was  elected  mayor, 
with  Joseph  R.  Mitchell,  clerk,  and  Stephen 
Gregg,  treasurer.  The  councilmen  were : T.  S. 
Ambrose,  Dr.  Hamilton,  R.  S.  Clark,  J.  W. 
Henderson  and  J.  J.  Handy. 

The  first  tavern  was  conducted  by  Duncan 
Morrison,  in  '1803,  in  a one-story  log  house. 
Subsequently  William  Gott,  William  Harvey 
and  John  Lippincott  kept  hotels  in  succession 
up  to  1865.  merchants  were  John 

Eaton,  E.  W.  Brooks  and  Mrs.  Hazlett.  Nich- 
olas Rodgers  and  'Squire  Morrison  were  tan- 
ners and  saddlers:  John  Milner  was  a black- 
smith, and  James  Holliday  was  a hatter. 

The  present  town  officials  are : Mayor, — 

Dr.  D.  T.  Phillips:  marshal, — A.  C.  Landers; 
street  commissioner, — J.  W.  Ambrose;  clerk, — 
L.  K.  Russell;  treasurer, — C.  K.  Lee;  council- 
men, — George  Armstrong,  J.  A.  Staggs,  James 
Taggart,  Dal  Shepherd  and  Link  Lynn. 

THE  POSTMASTERS 

Since  1800  have  been  the  following:  Duncan 
Morrison,  Dr.  Gaston,  Alexander  Morrison, 
John  Eaton,  Samuel  Price,  Robert  Morrison, 


264 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


J.  11.  Arnold,  J.  R.  Mitchell,  Robert  McKelvey, 
John  Lippincott,  J.  V.  Fisher,  Joseph  Hender- 
son, J.  \V.  Lippincott,  William  Metcalf,  Will- 
iam Fenton,  Fannie  McKelvey,  Flenry  Sipe, 
IF  E.  Shepherd  and  W.  D.  McWilliams. 

THE  CHURCHES. 

The  Presbyterian  Church  of  Morristown 
was  organized  September  25,  1824,  at  the 
home  of  Dr.  Alexander  Gaston.  The  first  reg- 
nlar  pastor  was  Rev.  William  McMillan.  Pre- 
vious to  the  church  organization,  services  were 
held  twice  a month  in  the  homes  of  the  various 
members,  conducted  by  Rev.  Abram  Scott. 

In  the  intervals  between  regular  services, 
prayer  meetings  were  conducted  by  such  de- 
voted Christians  as  John  Perry,  Margaret  Haz- 
lett,  Mrs.  Rachel  Gaston,  Mrs.  Martha  Eaton 
and  Mrs.  Morrison. 

In  1828,  the  old  log  school  house  was  aban- 
doned as  a place  of  worship,  and  a neat  little 
brick  church  was  constructed,  under  the  su- 
pervision of  Dr.  Abram  Gaston,  Nicholas 
Rodgers  and  John  Perry.  Twenty  years  later 
the  present  substantial  brick  structure  was  con- 
structed at  a cost  of  v$  1,400.  The  building 
committee  consisted  of  Robert  S.  Clark,  John 
Lippincott,  Nicholas  Rodgers  and  Dr.  E. 
Gaston. 

The  ruling  elders  for  75  years  have  been 
John  Perry,  Samuel  Boden,  Arthur  Morrison, 
Nicholas  Rodgers,  William  Harvey,  Robert 
Morrison,  R.  S.  Clark,  John  Lippincott,  Will- 
iam Tidball,  Joseph  Flarper,  Robert  McKelvey 
and  Jacob  P.  Hoover.  The  ministers  in  the 
order  of  service  were : Revs.  Abram  Scott, 

William  McMillan,  Joseph  Reed,  Richard 
Campl)ell,  John  C.  Tidball,  William  College, 
Alexander  Ewing,  Samuel  Boyd,  John  P.  Gra- 
ham and  Fitzgerald. 

The  present  pastor  is  Rev.  H.  A.  L.  King, 
and  the  total  membership  is  130.  The  board  of 
elders  in  1902  consists  of  Jacob  P.  Hoover, 
William  McCreary,  Jonas  Thomas  and  Joseph 
H.  Pollock.  The  Sunday-school  has  an  aver- 
age attendance  of  100,  and  is  conducted  by 
Williarii  McCreary,  superintendent. 


The  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  of  Mor- 
ristown was  organized  by  Rev.  John  McPher- 
son 75  years  ago,  or  to  be  exact,  in  1827  or 
1828.  Before  it  was  established  into  a sep- 
arate church,  it  was  connected  with  the  Barnes- 
ville  circuit.  Twenty-six  years  after  its  organ- 
ization, it  was  associated  with  two  other 
churches  in  a circuit  known  as  the  Morristown 
circuit.  Ten  years  thereafter  Hendrysburg 
was  removed  from  the  circuit  and  it  then  be- 
came a circuit  of  but  two  appointments. 

The  church  was  not  able  to  construct  a 
house  of  worship  until  1835.  Five  years  pre- 
vious, however,  the  officials  had  rented  the 
Episcopal  Church  building  until  the  new  struc- 
ture was  completed.  The  first  church  served 
the  congregation  for  a period  of  about  40  years, 
when  it  was  replaced  by  a modern  brick  build- 
ing, neat  in  design  and  finish. 

John  Flatcher  is  said  to  have  been  the  first 
member  of  the  church,  and  Amos  Gulie,  the 
first  class  leader. 

The  present  pastor  is  Rev.  J.  R.  Stewart,  and 
the  enrollment  of  members  about  150.  The  fol- 
lowing is  the  official  board  for  1902:  Stew- 

ards,— W.  M.  McWilliams,  Essie  Taylor,  John 
Shepherd  and  Joseph  Major;  trustees, — John 
Shepherd,  Levi  Russell,  Joseph  Major  and  S. 
Milner;  Sunday-school  superintendent, — Essie 
Taylor. 

Before  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  was 
organized,  there  were  class  meetings  and  camp 
meetings  conducted  by  these  zealous  people.  It 
is  claimed  that  the  first  camp  meeting  held  in 
the  township — and  the  second  in  the  county — 
was  conducted  by  the  brethren  in  1809  and  be- 
cause of  its  novelty  great  crowds  came  from  all 
the  surrounding  country  and  remained  until  its 
conclusion. 

The  Christian  Church  of  Morristown. — A 
permanent  organization  of  this  church  was  ef- 
fected in  1854,  and  it  was  known  as  the  Au- 
burn Church.  The  deacons  were  R.  B.  Atkin- 
son, William  Snedeker  and  Joseph  Russell. 
The  elders  chosen  upon  organization  were 
Walter  McFarland  and  William  Martin. 

Previous  to  the  permanent  organization, 
meetings  were  held  in  an  old-time  log  house 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


265 


near  Henclrysburg.  In  1822  they  separated 
from  the  Baptist  Church  during  the  great  re- 
vival conducted  by  Bishop  Campbell,  and  un- 
der the  ministry  of  their  pastor,  Rev.  William 
Lee,  formed  the  Christian  Church  above  re- 
ferred to. 

The  prominent  members  of  the  church  in 
those  days  were  the  Hoovers,  Israels,  Conners, 
Dallases  and  Tracys.  About  the  year  1840, 
the  State  was  divided  into  16  church  districts 
and  the  district  to  which  Morristown  was  as- 
signed was  served  by  Revs.  John  Flick,  Charles 
VanVoorhies  and  Alexander  Hall. 

In  1852  a number  of  the  members  withdrew 
and  established  a church  at  Mount  Olivet,  and 
in  1861  the  membership  in  and  adjoining  Mor- 
ristown had  increased  so  rapidly  that  an  agree- 
ment was  entered  into  with  Auburn  to  estab- 
lish a church  at  Morristown.  Previous  to  its 
erection,  meetings  had  been  frequently  held 
during  the  summer  in  the  barn  of  R.  B.  Atkin- 
son. The  building  committee  consisted  of  R. 
B.  Atkinson,  Samuel  Dallas,  Jesse  Tracy,  Rob- 
ert Israel,  Isaac  Adkins,  Adam  Cordner  and 
Joseph  Loper.  When  the  new  and  handsome 
structure  was  completed,  Rev.  A.  E.  Meyers 
was  chosen  minister,  a position  he  held  until 
1870.  In  the  meantime  five  other  congrega- 
tions had  been  formed  from  the  mother  church. 
In  1879-80,  Rev.  E.  G.  Gants  was  the  preacher 
in  charge,  and  the  following  constituted  the 
board  of  elders  and  deacons,  viz. : Robert  Is- 
rael, Jesse  Tracy,  Abner  Milson,  Jonathan  Car- 
penter, Lemuel  Davis,  William  Snedeker  and 
John  Atkinson;  Sunday-school  superintendent, 
W.  G.  Todd:  clerk.  Dr.  A.  J.  Hogue, 

The  church  in  1902  contains  a membership 
of  upwards  of  150.  The  pastor  is  Rev.  H.  H. 
Tilock,  and  some  of  the  official  members  are 
John  C.  Israel,  John  J.  Atkinson  and  Mr.  Dal- 
las. 

The  Baptist  Church  of  Morristown  was  or- 
ganized in  1836.  For  want  of  a house  of  wor- 
ship, they  met  in  a carpenter  shop  for  upwards 
of  a year.  During  the  administration  of  Rev. 
William  R.  McGowan,  a brick  church  was 
erected  in  1837  and  dedicated  to  the  service  of 
God.  With  a membership  of  but  12  at  the  be- 


ginning, the  church  increased  in  numbers  so 
rapidly  that  during  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  G.  G. 
Boyd  the  membership  had  reached  100. 

We  will  mention  the  names  of  the  pastors 
in  succession,  viz. : — Revs.  William  R.  Mc- 
Gowan, Robert  Sedgwick,  Thomas  Irwin, 
William  R.  Mayberry,  William  Squibb,  John 
Covert  and  G.  G.  Boyd.  The  elders  in  1880 
were:  Joel  Bell  and  William  Clark;  clerk,  Da- 
vid L.  Ewing. 

At  present  the  church  is  without  a pastor, 
and  we  are  unable  to  collect  later  data. 

THE  SCHOOLS. 

Squire  William  Barber  says : “The  first 

school  teacher  in  Morristown  was  Casper  Cut- 
tier,  who  conducted  a private  school.”  Other 
teachers  mentioned  are:  Thomas  Weir,  John 

Hagerman  and  Horatio  Huntington. 

The  usual  school  term  was  but  three  months 
in  country  districts,  and  the  salary  of  the 
teacher  was  from  $10  to  $15  per  month.  In 
towns  and  villages  the  term  was  subsequently 
lengthened. 

Mr.  Greenlech  is  mentioned  as  one  of  the 
pioneer  teachers  in  the  old  log  house,  where 
the  “New  England  primer”  the  “rule  of 
three,”  “readin’,  ’ritin’  and  ’rithmetic”  was 
the  course  of  study. 

The  school  in  1902  is  a graded  school  with 
primary,  intermediate,  and  high  school  depart- 
ments, and  an  enrollment  of  105  scholars. 
The  superintendent  is  A.  A.  McKendree,  with 
IMiss  Bessie  Snyder  and  IMiss  Mary  Ewers  as 
assistants. 

SECRET  SOCIETIES. 

There  are  three  secret  societies  in  Morris- 
town. viz:  Free  Masons,  Odd  Fellows  and 
Knights  of  Pythias. 

' Ha.ccn  Lodge,  F.  & A.  M. — The  charter 
of  Hazen  Lodge  was  granted  May  24,  1854. 
The  following  were  charter  members  : Richard 
B.  Ryan,  Joseph  W.  Henderson,  James  Mc- 
Cance,  Phillip  Hanauer,  Albert  Honus,  Chris- 
topher Hoover.  James  McConnaughy  and 
George  W.  Hazen,  after  whom  the  lodge  was 


266 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


named.  The  lodge  continued  at  Morristown 
(from  date  of  cliarter)  until  January  14,  1867, 
wh.en  it  was  moved  to  Belmont,  but  the  minutes 
of  the  lodge  show  the  first  communication  to 
have  been  held  July  15,  1867.  The  lodge  con- 
tinued at  Belmont  until  December  27,  1884, 
when  it  was  moved  to  Morristown  and  has  34 
members  at  present. 

ddie  present  officers  of  Hazen  Lodge  are : 
\V.  S.  (lilbam,  W.  M. ; L.  K.  Russell,  S.  W. ; 
L.  Lynn,  J.  W. ; LI.  D.  Bowles,  treasurer; 
John  W.  Taylor,  secretary;  F.  S.  Milner,  J.D.; 
'C.  K.  Lee,  tyler. 

Eulalia  Lodge,  No.  ig6,  I.  0.  O.  F.,  was 
instituted  January  23,  1852.  The  present  offi- 
cers are : Lee  iMurphy,  N.  G. ; D.  C.  Strahl, 
V.  G. ; A.  C.  Landers,  secretary;  D.  B.  Hoge, 
treasurer;  M.  Truby,  chaplain;  J.  W. 


Ambrose,  I.  Con.;  W.  H.  Bigley,  O.  Con.; 
D.  T.  Phillips,  I.  G. ; George  McConnaughy, 

0.  G. ; and  H.  W.  Bigley,  Alf.  Ankroni  and 
J.  T.  Crozier,  trustees.  The  number  of  mem- 
bers in  good  standing  is  38. 

Morristown  Lodge,  No.  330,  Knights  of 
Pythias,  was  instituted  February  27,  1889. 
Tbe  lodge  meets  every  Thursday  evening. 
The  following  is  the  list  of  officers  for  1902 : 

L.  E.  Bramhall,  C.  C. ; Joseph  McAllister, 
V.  C. ; E.  A.  Hogue,  prelate ; J.  H.  Perry, 

M.  of  W. ; A.  C.  Landers,  K.  of  R.  & S. ; 
A.  C.  Landers,  M.  F. ; W.  T.  McCreary,  M. 
Ex.;  FI.  F.  Wilson,  M.  A.;  James  Barry, 

1.  G. ; C.  K.  Lee,  O.  G. ; J.  E.  Major,  J.  H. 
Perry,  C.  K.  Lee,  trustees;  E.  L.  Israel,  D.  D. 
G.  C.  The  number  of  members  in  good  stand- 
ing is  62. 


CHAPTER  XX. 


KIRKWOOD  TOWNSHIP. 

The  First  Settlers — The  Stillwater  Valley — Distinguished  Citizens — The  Only 
Execution  in  a Century — The  Population  and  Township  Officials — Kirk- 
wood Coal  Lands — Hendrysburg — The  First  Mills — The  Schools — The 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church — Secret  Societies — Sewellsville — The  Kirk- 
wood Methodist  Episcopal  Church — School  No.  11. 


Kirkwood  township  was  one  of  the  first 
townships  erected  in  the  county.  It  passed  the 
centennial  mark  in  1901 ; as  heretofore  noted, 
it  was  named  after  the  Revolutionary  hero, 
Capt.  Robert  Kirkwood. 

THE  FIRST  settlers. 

Among  its  first  settlers  were : Barnet, 

Joseph  and  William  Groves,  John  Israel, 
McBride,  John  Bradshaw,  Hugh  Gil- 
liland. Hugh  Ford,  John  Burton,  John  Mc- 
Clain, A.  Randall,  Thomas  Perkins,  James 
McKinney,  Ralph  Cowgill,  William  Spencer, 
Robert  and  Thomas  Griffin,  Josiah  McCol- 
loch,  Hugh  McMahon,  Robert  Waddell, 
Thomas  Barrett,  James  Shepherd,  B.  Ridge- 
way, H'homas  Green,  Philip  Ward,  Alexander 
McCormick,  Rev.  John  McPherson,  Eli  Tay- 
lor. Patrick  Hamilton,  Samuel  Boden,  Joseph 
Reynolds  and  Robert  Armstrong. 

Many  of  the  descendants  of  these  old 
pioneers  reside  on  the  lands  that  their  fore- 
fathers cleared  with  infinite  labor  and  toil  75 
and  100  years  ago. 

THE  STILLWATER  VALLEY. 

The  headwaters  of  the  Stillwater  rise  in 
Kirkwood  township  at  a point  near  Hendrys- 
burg and  pursue  their  sluggish  course  through 


one  of  the  richest  valleys  in  the  world,  to  the 
point  where  the  stream  empties  into  the 
Tuscarawas. 

This  beautiful  valley,  a former  National  Sec- 
retary of  Agriculture  pronounced  the  richest 
corn-producing  section  in  the  United  States. 
Old  citizens  claim  100  bushels  of  corn  per  acre 
is  not  an  enormous  yield. 

Looking  down  upon  this  beautiful  valley  from 
Boden’s  Hill,  the  scene  is  charming  beyond  de- 
scription. For  miles,  the  eye  sweeps  the  wind- 
ing course  of  the  sluggish  river,  bordered  by 
hillsides  green  to  their  summits,  or  checkered 
with  fields,  golden  with  grain. 

One  of  the  branches  of  the  Stillwater  is 
named  Robinson’s  Branch,  in  memory  of  a 
noted  hunter  by  that  name,  who,  in  1798,  while 
hunting  with  a party  of  friends  and  neighbors, 
disappeared.  Nine  years  thereafter,  his  skele- 
ton was  found  on  the  old  Perkins  farm,  with 
his  gun  near-by. 

Old  citizens  assert  that  the  people  of  Kirk- 
wood township  were  intensely  loyal  to  the 
government  during  the  Civil  War,  and  con- 
tributed more  soldiers  to  the  armies  of  the 
Union,  in  proportion  to  its  population,  than 
any  township  in  the  county. 

DISTINGUISHED  CITIZENS. 

Among  the  men  of  Kirkwood  township. 


268 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


who  liave  achieved  distinction  in  civil  and 
political  life,  we  might  mention  General 
Anderson,  formerly  United  States  Minister  to 
Bolivia,  and  now  on  the  Supreme  bench;  and 
I'di  Shepherd,  long  associated  with  John  A. 
Bingham,  in  his  eminent  political  career,  and 
afterward  United  States  Minister  to  China. 

THE  ONLY  EXECUTION  IN  A CENTURY. 

One  of  the  most  exciting  incidents  in  the 
history  of  Kirkwood  township  was  the  murder 
of  Louisa  Fox,  in  1869,  by  a notorious  char- 
acter named  Thomas  L3.  Carr,  a coal  miner  in 
the  employ  of  Alexander  Hunter.  Carr  was  a 
man  of  had  repute,  who  had  become  infatuated 
with  the  beauty  of  the  girl — for  she  was  but 
14  years  of  age — and  because  she  refused  to 
marry  him,  he  inhumanely  took  the  innocent’s 
life. 

After  the  horrible  deed,  he  sought  to  commit 
suicide  by  cutting  his  throat  and  shooting 
himself,  but  failed.  When  arrested,  his 
wounds  were  dressed  and  he  was  committed  to 
jail. 

At  the  spring  term  of  court  following,  he 
was  tried  before  Judge  Way.  Judges  D.  D. 
T.  Cowen  and  O.  J.  Swaney,  two  lawyers  of 
great  skill  and  ability,  were  assigned  by  the 
court  to  defend  the  prisoner.  Lion.  Lorenzo 
Danford  was  appointed  to  assist  the  prosecut- 
ing attorney,  J.  W.  Shannon,  in  the  prosecu- 
tion. After  an  intensely  exciting  trial,  extend- 
ing over  a period  of  five  days,  the  jury 
lirnught  in  a verdict  of  guilty,  and  Carr  was 
.sentenced  to  be  hanged  on  August  20th ; but 
a stay  of  proceedings  was  secured,  and  the 
e.xecution  did  not  take  place  until  March  24, 
1870.  'Fliis  was  the  first  and  only  execution 
tor  murder  within  the  boundaries  of  Belmont 
County  in  the  century  just  closed. 

Sheriff  William  Hayes  would  only  admit  a 
few  persons  to  witness  the  execution.  The 
old  jail  in  which  Carr  was  hanged  has  long 
since  lieen  removed,  and  nearly  all  who  par- 
ticipated in  the  trial  have  passed  away.  The 
jury  in  this  noted  case  consisted  of  Solomon 
Hoge,  John  Work,  John  A.  Grove,  William 


Patterson,  Samuel  F.  Davis,  Lee  Evans, 
Thomas  "Pyle,  Allen  Bond,  John  A.  Neff, 
James  Kerr,  Isaac  Meek  and  Alexander  Mc- 
Ilravy,  all  prominent  and  influential  citizens 
30  years  ago,  only  two  of  whom  are  still  living. 

THE  POPULATION  AND  TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS. 

The  population  of  Kirkwood  township  in 
1900  was  1,698,  a loss  of  152  since  1890. 
VVhile  there  is  ai  slight  loss  in  population  there 
is  an  increase  of  property  on  the  tax  dupli- 
cate. In  Sewellsville  precinct  alone  the  in- 
crease amounts  to  $1,542,  while  the  tax  levy 
for  1902  is  1.32  as  against  1.64  m 1901. 

John  Israel  was  one  of  the  first  justices  of 
the  peace  in  Kirkwood  township.  He  was  fol- 
lowed by  William  B.  Beall,  John  H.  Johnson, 
Jarvis  A.  Moore,  T.  Lacock,  and  John  Mc- 
Pherson. Barnett  Taylor  filled  the  office  for 
20  consecutive  years.  The  present  trustees 
are : George  Burstler,  R.  P.  Majors  and  S. 
W.  Perkins.  The  township  officials  in  1902 
are:  Clerk,  H.  H.  Murphy;  treasurer,  J.  W. 

Wilson. 

KIRKWOOD  COAL  LANDS. 

The  block  of  coal  lands  taken  up  by  W. 
S.  Mechem  and  Joseph  H.  Douglass  in  Kirk- 
wood township  and  vicinity  has  been  sold  to 
Eastern  capitalists.  The  block  contains  5,000 
or  more  acres  lying  north  of  Barnesville  and 
west  of  the  Flendrysburg  & Barnesville  Pike. 
We  are  informed  that  arrangements  for  the 
payment  of  the  same  will  be  made  at  once,  and 
at  an  average  of  $12  per  acre  it  means  that 
$60,000  will  soon  be  placed  in  the  hands  of 
the  farmers  interested  in  the  deal.  It  is  under- 
stood, also,  that  negotiations  are  now  on,  with 
good  prospect  for  success,  of  adding  several 
thousand  more  acres  to  the  block  and  thus 
distributing  a proportionate  sum  of  money 
throughout  this  neighborhood. 

HENDRYSBURG, 

The  foreinost  village  in  the  township,  was  laid 
out  by  Charles  Hendry  in  1828.  Mr.  Hendry 
had  erected  a steam  flour  mill  at  Hendrysburg, 
which  attracted  many  people  to  the  town,  and 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


269 


many  houses  were  erected  along  the  line  of  the 
National  Road  and  extended  over  a quarter  of 
a section.  The  old  log  houses  first  constructed 
have  been  removed  and  frame  and  brick  build- 
ings have  taken  their  places.  It  is  claimed  the 
first  building,  other  than  the  log  cabins,  was 
built  by  William  Tidball.  This  house  was 
subsequently  used  as  a tavern. 

THE  FIRST  MILLS. 

In  1843,  a woolen  mill  - was  erected,  and 
successfully  operated  for  a number  of  years. 
In  i860,  the  mill  was  converted  into  a dis- 
tillery, and  operated  by  Christopher  Shaffer. 

When  the  first  grist  mill  built  by  Hendry 
was  burned,  a much  larger  mill  was  con- 
structed by  Christopher  Shaffer  in  1849-50. 
This  mill  had  a capacity  of  100  barrels  of  flour 
per  day.  Four  years  later  Combs  & McCartney 
built  another  flour  mill  at  the  east  end  of  the 
village. 

Hendrysburg  is  not  an  incorporated  village, 
but  is  governed  by  township  officials. 

THE  SCHOOLS. 

The  first  school  house  was  built  in  1839, 
in  the  east  end  of  town,  and  was  taught  by 
David  Tidball.  Previous  to  this,  private 
schools  were  taught  in  the  residences  of 
William  Tidball,  Robert  Barclay,  and  Mr. 
McGinnis.  These  gentlemen  served  as  teach- 
ers for  many  years.  There  was  also  a private 
school  conducted  in  the  old  Disciples’  Church. 
In  1870.  the  pi'esent  school  building  was 
erected,  and  the  school  has  since  been  con- 
ducted as  a graded  school.  The  present  corps 
of  teachers  consists  of  W.  H.  Murphy,  super- 
intendent; J.  M.  Burson,  assistant;  and  Pearl 
Douglass,  primary  teacher.  The  enrollment 
is  140. 

The  School  Board  in  1902  consists  of  A.  O. 
Campbell,  O.  H.  Groves,  John  Wilson,  John 
Rore,  Frank  Sample,  Ed.  Wheaton  and  S.  W. 
Perkins. 

Hendrysburg  has  been  noted  for  the 
longevity  of  many  of  its  citizens.  Among  the 


number  who  have  passed  their  90th  birthday 
are  Joseph  Dillon,  Mrs.  Ridgeway,  Mr.  Ches- 
sell  and  Mr.  Hill.  This,  in  a little  community 
of  less  than  400,  is  remarkable. 

The  postmaster  of  Hendrysburg  is  C.  H. 
James,  Esq.,  who  is  withal  a prominent 
attorney-at-law. 

THE  METHODIST  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH 

Of  Hendrysburg  was  organized  in  1835,  by 
Rev.  Thomas  Ruckle,  with  12  original  mem- 
bers, viz : — Andrew  Barnett  and  family,  John 
Gilbert  and  wife,  Andrew  Foreman,  Jonathan 
Dunn,  Daniel  Renner,  James  Hutchison, 
and  John  Casey  and  family.  For  the  first  few 
years,  they  met  for  worship  in  an  old  log 
cabin,  one-fourth  mile  east  of  town.  In 
March,  1836,  Brice  Murphy  deeded  the  society 
a lot,  on  which  was  erected  a brick  church, 
dedicated  in  1838  by  Rev.  Edward  Smith. 
The  original  trustees  were  Andrew  Foreman, 
Jonathan  Dunn,  William  Porter,  John  Gil- 
bert, John  W.  Ayers,  Moses  Melton  and  John 
Casey.  In  1869  the  society  erected  a new 
frame  church,  dedicated  May,  1870,  by  Rev. 
H.  W.  Baker,  size  40  by  52  feet,  costing,  with 
some  repairs,  about  $3,000.  At  one  time,  Ann 
Archibald,  a returned  missionary,  conducted 
services  for  some  time  for  her  brother  who  was 
the  pastor.  A number  of  former  pastors  later 
became  presiding  elders,  among  whom  the 
present  one,  M.  J.  Slutz.  The  present  pastor  is 
Rev.  Harlan  Appleton ; officials, — W.  W. 
Groves,  E.  G.  Moore,  R.  P.  Majors,  L.  D. 
Jones,  J.  W.  iVcton,  J.  E.  Lloyd  and  Etta 
Hamilton ; Sunday  school  superintendent, — 
W.  W.  Groves;  other  officials, — C.  H.  James 
and  E.  Kate  Gray. 

SECRET  SOCIETIES. 

Kirkzvood  Lodge,  No.  446,  F.  & A.  M,. 
was  removed  from  Fairview,  December,  1894, 
and  a new  hall  was  dedicated  August  16,  1895. 
The  officers  at  that  time  were:  W.  M.,  C.  M. 
Ault;  S.  W.,  C.  H.  James;  J.  W.,  A.  H. 
Lynn ; secretary,  W.  M.  Sells.  The  number 
of  members  is  40.  The  present  officers  are: 


270 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


W.  IVI.,  J.  M.  Majors;  S.  W.,  Z.  H.  Howell; 
J.  W.,  Dr.  C.  L.  Rosengrant;  treasurer,  C.  H. 
Janies;  secretary,  H.  H.  Murphy. 

Mancrucita  Lodge,  No.  j6o,  I.  0.  0.  F., 
was  first  instituted  in  the  “fifties”  but  sur- 
rendered its  charter  during  the  Rebellion,  and 
was  re-organized  May  12,  1876.  The  first 
officers  were:  N.  G.,  W.  S.  Henderson;  V.  G., 
job  Dillon;  secretary,  R.  A.  Heaney;  treas- 
urer, John  Davidson.  The  present  officers  are: 
N.  G.,  J.  C.  Rosamond;  V.  G.,  E.  M.  Acton; 
secretary,  W.  M.  Sells  ; treasurer,  A.  E.  James  ; 
trustees, — G.  H.  James,  financial  trustee,  and 
G.  VV.  Virtue  and  W.  C.  Wesley.  The  lodge 
has  a membership  of  60,  and  is  in  splendid 
financial  condition. 

SEWELLSVILLE. 

The  jiresent  population  of  Sewellsville  is 
about  125.  The  town  was  never  incorporated. 
Idle  settlement  was  formerly  known  as 
“L’^nion,”  after  the  name  of  an  old  log  meeting 
house,  which  was  built  near  a famous  spring  of 
cold  water  which  served  as  a watering  place 
for  the  pioneers  in  all  that  section  of  country. 
Idle  first  settler  was  Erancis  Hall,  who  built  a 
cabin  on  section  29,  and  he  was  followed  by 
Alexander  McBratney,  Robert  Griffin,  Basil 
Ridgeway,  Thomas  and  William  Green,  Jesse 
Pennington,  Philip  Lykes,  John  Blunter,  who 
settled  on  section  35,  between  1807  and  1812, 
and  William  Erizzell  and  Thomas  Miller,  who 
settled  on  section  28  in  1809.  In  1810,  there 
were  three  settlers  on  section  34,  namely, — 
David  Shay,  Henry  Phillips'  and  Mead  Jarvis. 
The  village  proper  is  midway  between  Robin- 
son’s fork  and  Skull  fork  of  the  Stillwater. 

In  1831,  upon  petition  of  certain  citizens, 
a post  office  was  granted  and  the  name  of  the 
village  was  changed  to  Sewellsville,  after  Peter 
Sewell,  the  first  postmaster.  The  successors 
of  Mr.  Sewell  in  the  post  office  were : William 
Jarvis,  John  Anderson,  J.  R.  Ball,  Isaiah 
Mitchell,  John  Widdoes,  Joshua  Young  and 
the  present  incumbent,  A.  J.  Wheaton.  A 
number  of  postmasters  who  served  between 
1880  and  1900  are  necessarily  omitted. 


THE  KIRKWOOD  METHODIST  EPISCOPAL 
CHURCH 

Is  the  only  church  in  Sewellsville.  It  was 
organized  in  1818  by  Rev.  Thomas  Ruckle, 
who  preached  in  a little  log  cabin,  near  where 
the  present  church  now  stands.  This  building 
was  also  used  as  a school  house.  Previous  to 
the  organization,  a class  meeting  was  held  at 
the  home  of  Basil  Ridgeway,  and  some  of  the 
members  of  the  class  were  Thomas  Frizzell, 
Mead  Jarvis,  Thomas  Miller  and  Zachariah 
Marsh.  Some  of  the  early  ministers  were 
John  Carper,  William  Knox,  Thomas  Taylor, 
Daniel  Limerick,  Pardon  Cook  and  John  Mc- 
Pherson, a local  preacher. 

During  the  winter  of  1836-37,  there  was 
a noted  revival  at  which  100  professed  con- 
version and  united  with  the  church.  This 
great  meeting  was  successfully  conducted 
largely  through  the  efforts  of  a local  preacher, 
named  Charlie  Waddell.  Some  of  the  prin- 
cipal ministers  who  have  served  this  congrega- 
tion are : C.  D.  Battelle,  S.  R.  Brockunier, 
N.  C.  Worthington,  Charles  Thorne,  R.  S. 
Strahl  and  M.  J.  Slutz.  The  church  prop- 
erty is  valued  at  $2,000.  The  membership  is 
about  140.  The  present  pastor  is  Harland 
Appleton. 

The  following  constitute  the  official  board : 
Stewards, — A.  J.  Wheaton,  G.  W.  Warrick 
and  George  E.  Bell ; trustees, — L.  J.  Goodman, 
P.  L.  Bell,  A.  J.  Wheaton,  G.  W.  Warrick, 
L.  G.  Bell,  Charles  Shrader,  D.  A.  Reynolds 
and  F.  O.  Clay;  Sunday  school  officials, — 
A.  J.  Wheaton,  superintendent;  R.  T.  Arm- 
strong, assistant  superintendent;  Lessie  Friz- 
zell, secretary;  Mattie  Shepherd,  chorister; 
L.  J.  Frizzell,  librarian. 

SCHOOL  NO.  II. 

As  heretofore  stated,  the  first  school  was 
held  in  a log  cabin  which  served  likewise  as  a 
church.  It  had  split  puncheons  for  seats,  with- 
out backs.  The  first  teacher  of  whom  we  have 
any  record  was  David  Harris,  who  was  sub- 
sequently Probate  judge  of  Belmont  County. 
Mr.  Harris  built  a cabin  and  opened  a school 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


271 


in  the  autumn  of  1829.  Some  of  his  success- 
ors u'ere  John  Barry,  Angeline  McPherson 
and  D.  Moore.  After  the  passage  of  the  Ohio 
State  school  law,  section  12  was  set  apart  for 
school  purposes.  Among  the  leading  teachers 
in  Sewellsville  from  1847  were  D.  Moore, 
Charles  Gordon.  Mary  Penn,  Annie  R.  Living- 
stone, Eliza  J.  Kennon  and  Howard  Anderson. 
T.  M.  Sewell  also  taught  a select  school  in 
1869.  The  present  school  house  was  built  in 


1869  N a cost  of  $1,400.  The  superin- 
tendent in  1902  is  S.  A.  Kupfer.  The  school 
at  present  numbers  34.  The  directors  are : 
Edgar  Wheaton,  Elliott  Erizzell  and  Leander 
Frizzell. 

There  are  no  mills  and  factories  in  Sewells- 
ville. The  principal  business  of  the  town  is 
conducted  by  merchants. 

Some  of  the  old  citizens  are  Prof.  T.  M. 
Sewell,  Nimrod  Frizzell  and  L.  J.  Goodman. 


CHAPTER.  XXI. 


FLUSHING  TOWNSHIP. 

Township  Organization — Township  Officials  and  the  Population — The  Early 
Settlers — Reminiscences — The  Churches — The  Village  of  Flushing — Vil- 
lage Officers — The  Schools — The  Banks — The  Churches — Secret  . Societies 
— The  Flushing  Hospital — The  Press. 


Flushing  township  borders  upon  Harrison 
County  on  the  north  and  Guernsey  County 
on  the  west.  It  contains  30  sections  of  land, 
is  10  miles  in  length  and  three  miles  in  width. 
The  soil  for  the  most  part  is  strong  limestone 
and  very  fertile  to  the  highest  summits.  The 
topogra])hy  of  the  country  is  hilly,  reaching 
an  elevation  of  1,329  feet  above  the  sea  level; 
nevertheless,  the  fields  upon  the  topmost  hills 
are  crowned  with  abundant  crops.  Fruit  and 
grain  growing  and  sheep  husbandry  are  suc- 
cessfully carried  on  by  the  farmers  of  this 
township,  who  are  for  the  most  part  intelligent 
and  well-to-do  men,  who  reside  in  homes  of 
comfort  and  plenty. 

A high  ridge  in  the  eastern  section  of  the 
township  forms  a dividing  line  between  the 
waters  of  Wheeling  Creek  running  east,  and 
the  Big  Stillwater  coursing  westward. 

township  organization. 

The  town.ship  was  organized  in  1817  by  the 
election  of  Enos  West,  James  Wright  and 
Isaac  Branson,  trustees,  with  Edward  Bethel, 
clerk,  and  Samuel  Holloway,  treasurer.  The 
first  justices  of  the  peace  were  James  Judkins, 
James  Crozier  and  Henry  Long. 

In  those  pioneer  days,  there  were  numerous 
officers  elected  whose  services  are  not  now  in 
request,  viz. — fence  viewers,  house  apprais- 


ers, and  overseers  of  the  poor.  The  men 
elected  to  these  positions  at  the  organization 
of  the  county  were:  Abraham  Brokaw,  and 
John  Lewis,  fence  viewers;  Josiah  Wicker- 
sham  and  Samuel  Pickering,  house  apprais- 
ers; William  Kirk  and  John  Howell,  over- 
seers of  the  poor. 

TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS  AND  THE  POPULATION. 

In  1887,  the  township  was  divided  into  two 
voting  precincts,  namely, — Flushing  and  Bel- 
mont Ridge.  The  year  following  there  were 
elected  as  trustees : Samuel  Fisher,  Hiram 

ITowell  and  J.  L.  Chandler;  as  justices  of  the 
peace.  W.  G.  Cash,  Levi  Starkey  and  John 
Moore.  In  the  same  year  Elihu  Flollingsworth 
was  elected  treasurer  and  Levi  Starkey,  clerk, 
with  W.  J.  Vance,  assessor. 

The  township  officers  in  1902  are:  Trustees, 
T.  F.  Bethel,  A.  B.  Fisher  and  James  Dunn; 
justices  of  the  peace, — Harry  D.  Gilbert, 
W.  F.  Llayes  and  Levi  Starkey;  clerk, — 
C.  D.  Krim;  treasurer, — H.  F.  Oglevee. 

The  population  of  Flushing  township  in  1900 
is  2,141,  a gain  of  451  over  the  census  of  1890. 
This  gain  is  largely  due  to  the  entrance  of 
miners  into  the  township  for  the  operation  of 
the  extensive  coal  mines.  Since  the  opening 
of  the  Cleveland,  Lorain  & Wheeling  Railway, 
these  mines  have  been  operated  for  commercial 
purposes. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


273 


The  assessor’s  returns  show  an  increase  on 
the  tax  duplicate  of  $9,167  over  the  returns  of 
1901,  while  the  tax  levy  is  reduced  from  1.72 
to  1.46. 

THE  EARLY  SETTLERS. 

Among  the  early  settlers  of  Flushing  town- 
ship were  George  Brokaw,  Sr.,  Darling  Con- 
row,  James  Bethel.  Elihu  and  Levi  Hollings- 
worth, Isaac  and  Jacob  Holloway,  Asa  and 
. David  Branson,  Jonathan  Cash,  Isaac  Kirk, 
Levi  Starkey,  Stephen  Hobson  and  Elisha 
Ellis.  The  children  and  grandchildren  of 
these  hardy  pioneers  have  contributed  largely 
to  the  growth  and  prosperity  of  the  township, 
and  their  names  are  still  conspicuous  among 
the  honored  and  influential  citizens  of  the 
county. 

REMINISCENCES. 

It  was  related  by  George  Brokaw,  one  of 
the  early  pioneers  of  Flushing  township,  that 
in  boyhood  days  their  principal  breadstuff  was 
corn  crushed  into  coarse  meal  by  a rude,  iron 
wedge  that  was  used  for  splitting  rails,  and 
the  mortar  was  a round  hole  burned  in  a con- 
venient stump. 

When  wheat  was  grown,  it  was  carried  on 
horseback  to  McColloch’s  Mills,  in  Virginia,  15 
miles  distant ; and  when  ground  into  flour  was 
carried  back  in  the  same  primitive  way,  two 
days  being  occupied  in  the  journey. 

Mr.  Brokaw  was  the  father  of  seven  boys 
and  four  girls,  and  when  ready  to  begin  work, 
a unique  scene  was  presented.  He  would  blow 
the  old  tin  horn,  and  the  seven  boys  attired  in 
blue  jeans  pantaloons  and  red  wamuses,  would 
gather  about  him  and  proceed  to  work.  If 
the  work  was  plowing,  the  father  would  lead 
and  seven  furrows  would  be  turned  behind 
him.  In  splitting  rails,  eight  mauls  would  be 
wielded  in  unison,  and  in  building  fences,  the 
father  laid  the  worm  and  the  seven  sons  laid 
up  the  rails.  Mr.  Brokaw  passed  his  95th 
birthday,  and  proudly  boasted  he  had  never 
taken  any  “doctor’s  stuff”  or  wore  a pair  of 
“boots.”  In  politics,  Mr.  Brokaw  was  a stanch 
Democrat,  and  it  is  said  that  his  vote  was  the  i 


only  Democratic  ballot  cast  in  the  township 
at  several  elections. 

Ginseng  and  snakeroot  were  commodities 
much  sought  after  in  those  days.  The  former 
commanded  10  cents  and  the  latter  25  cents 
per  pound.  Farmers’  wives  and  children  were 
kept  busy  gathering  these  roots,  which  were 
exchanged  for  powder  and  lead,  the  former 
of  which  sold  for  $1.50  per  pound,  and  the 
latter  for  25  cents  per  pound.  It  is  needless 
to  add  there  was  no  useless  waste  of  ammuni- 
tion in  target  shooting  by  the  pioneer  boys. 
Another  commodity  in  great  request  was  salt, 
which  was  brought  on  pack  horses  from  Vir- 
ginia, and  sold  for  $8  per  bushel. 

THE  CHURCHES. 

Outside  of  the  village  of  Flushing,  there  are 
three  churches  in  Flushing  township,  namely, 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  at  Belmont 
Ridge,  the  Stillwater  Presb}derian,  and  the 
Stillwater  Baptist  at  Rock  Hill. 

As  an  evidence  of  the  zeal  of  the  pioneers 
in  religious  matters,  it  is  said  the  weather  never 
deterred  them  from  attending  service.  They 
would  travel  upon  foot,  sometimes  for  a dis- 
tance of  several  miles ; the  young  women  and 
children  would  carry  their  shoes  in  their  hands 
until  they  came  within  sight  of  the  church, 
when,  sitting  upon  a convenient  log,  they  shod 
themselves  for  the  meeting ; after  meeting,  they 
unshod  themselves  for  the  walk  home.  If 
shoes,  stockings  and  bonnets  could  not  be  had, 
the  meeting  was  attended  bareheaded  and  bare- 
footed. 

Who  will  deny  that  in  those  days  of  primi- 
tive simplicity,  when  the  worshipers  were  clad 
in  red  flannel  and  linsey-woolsey,  there  was  not 
more  zeal  and  enthusiasm  in  the  service  of 
God,  than  in  our  richly  dressed  congregations 
of  today? 

The  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  of  Belmont 
Ridge. — This  old  church  was  built  in  1831. 
Previous  to  that,  services  were  held  by  the 
noted  divine,  Rev.  James  Findley,  in  the  home 
of  Samuel  Burroughs.  In  1811,  George  Win- 
rod  moved  to  section  14,  where  regular  preach- 


274 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


ing  services  and  class  meetings  were  held,  there 
and  in  the  home  of  Dr.  Watkins,  until  the  con- 
struction of  the  church.  The  church  has  ever 
been  a station,  served  in  the  olden  times  by 
“circuit  riders.”  Some  of  the  old-time  preach- 
ers were:  Revs.  John  Graham,  John  McMa- 

hon, vSanuiel  Hamilton,  Samuel  Young,  Wil- 
liam Lamden,  William  Tipton,  James  Moore, 
John  Minor  and  Samuel  Brockunier. 

The  present  pastor  is  Rev.  Battelle  McCarty, 
and  the  official  board  consists  of  Henry  Cash, 
William  VanFossen,  Jacob  Brown,  Harry 
Wood,  W.  G.  Cash,  Clyde  Huffman,  A.  Blinds 
and  Miss  /Vdda  VanFossen.  The  membership 
enrolled  numbers  65. 

The  Siilkvafer  Presbyterian  Church  was  or- 
ganized in  1832  by  Rev.  Salmon  Cowles,  with 
a membership  of  19.  During  the  agitation  of 
the  slavery  question  in  the  early  “fifties,”  the 
opponents  of  slavery  seceded,  and  established 
a church  elsewhere.  However,  when  slavery 
was  abolished,  and  the  political  issues  were 
buried,  the  schism  was  healed  and  the  church 
was  reunited.  Some  of  the  first  members  were 
the  families  of  John  Price,  John  Todd,  Thomas 
Morrow,  William  Smith,  George  Todd,  Joseph 
kloore,  Arthur  Sheets  and  W.  H.  Beatty. 
The  following  are  the  elders  for  1902 : A.  H. 
Lehman,  M.  F.  Price,  Job  Reynolds  and  John 
J.  Todd.  The  church  is  at  present  without  a 
pastor. 

The  Stilhmicr  Baptist  Church  was  dedicated 
November  22,  1835.  Its  first  pastor  was  Rev. 
R.  H.  Sedgwick,  who  continued  as  pastor  for 
five  years.  About  the  year  1850,  the  church 
built  a new  structure  to  accommodate  the  in- 
creasing membership.  It  has  received  into  its 
fellowship  in  all  upwards  of  500  persons  by 
baptism.  Its  present  membership  is  upwards 
.of  150.  Since  its  organization,  the  church  has 
dismissed  a sufficient  number  of  members  to 
form  churches  at  Corinth,  Enon,  Moorefield 
and,  in  part,  Morristown. 

The  church  is  at  present  without  a pastor, 
ddie  pastors  who  served  this  society  in  the  past 
were : Revs.  Sedgwick,  Storrs,  Bush,  Jones, 

McCullom,  Dunn,  Squibbs,  Erwin,  G.  C.  Sedg- 
wick, Barnes,  Siegfried,  Boyd  and  H.  E.  Ors- 


born.  About  the  year  1850,  the  church  built 
a new  and  large  frame  structure  in  which  to 
worship. 

THE  VILLAGE  OF  FLUSHING. 

Flushing  is  the  foremost  village  in  the  town- 
ship, with  a population  at  the  last  census  of 
653,  as  against  528  in  1890.  In  1849,  town 
was  incorporated,  and  it  then  had  a population 
of  312;  but,  owing  to  the  loss  of  the  records, 
the  first  town  officers  can  not  be  given. 

The  assessor’s  returns  for  1902  show  an  in- 
crease of  $8,235  on  the  tax  duplicate  over  the 
returns  of  1901,  while  the  tax  levy  is  but  2.08 
as  against  2.52  in  1901. 

The  first  house  erected  in  Flushing  was  built 
in  1809  by  Reese  Branson,  a silversmith  from 
St.  Clairsville,  and  the  old  house  is  still  stand- 
ing, and  is  occupied  by  Mrs.  Hollingsworth. 

VILLAGE  OFFICERS. 

The  village  officers  in  1902  are:  F.  M. 

Cowen,  mayor;  A.  M.  Brown,  clerk;  H.  W. 
Bigley,  treasurer;  Forest  Burgett,  marshal; 
and  W.  C.  Holloway,  street  commissioner. 

The  members  of  tbe  Council  are:  Peter  Gif- 
fin,  R.  H.  Wiley,  William  H.  Wilson,  M.  A. 
Klemm,  Fred  White  and  Flamm  Glass. 

THE  SCHOOLS. 

The  village  and  district  adjoining  was  made 
a special  school  district  in  1870.  There  are  ii 
sub-districts,  in  all,  in  the  township. 

The  present  graded  school  was  organized 
in  1880  and  today  it  has  an  enrollment  of  160, 
with  A.  M.  Brown,  superintendent,  and  John 
Henderson,  Miss  Deming  and  Miss  Mattie 
Flollingsworth  as  assistants.  The  last-named 
lady  has  served  as  teacher  for  22  consecutive 
years.  The  members  of  the  School  Board  are  : 
W.  G.  Todd,  M.  A.  Klemm  and  A.  B.  Fisher. 

Jesse  Foulke  is  reported  as  the  first  teacher 
in  the  village,  followed  by  Levi  Starkey ; and 
he,  in  turn,  was  succeeded  by  a man  named 
Swann  and  by  J.  C.  Bethel,  who  taught  until 
1893. 


BELMONT  COUNTY  JAIL  AND  JAILER’S  RESIDENCE. 


TOi 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


277 


THE  BANKS. 

The  First  National  Bank  was  organized  in 
1884,  with  Jacob  Holloway,  president,  and  F. 
M.  Cowen,  cashier.  The  directors  were:  Isaac 
Holloway,  Stephen  Hobson,  David  Branson, 
Clark  Boyd,  Smith  Hnrst  and  William  Wat- 
son. In  1898,  this  bank  failed;  but  all  debts 
were  paid  with  interest. 

The  Dollar  Saraings  Bank. — After  the  fail- 
ure of  the  First  National  Bank,  the  Dollar 
Savings  Bank  was  organized  on  July  3,  1899, 
with  W.  R.  Oglevee,  president ; T.  W.  Kirk, 
vice-president;  and  F.  M.  Cowen,  cashier.  The 
directors  are : Isaac  Bethel,  D.  R.  Humphrey, 
John  A.  Vance,  M.  A.  Klemm,  H.  M.  Bigley, 
T.  F.  Bethel,  J.  P.  Dunlap  and  James  Parks. 
The  capital  stock  paid  in  is  $12,600.  This 
bank  is  alone  among  the  savings  banks  of  the 
State,  in  not  paying  interest  on  deposits. 

The  People’s  Saroings  & Loan  Company  was 
organized  Febi'uary  17,  1888,  with  an  autho- 
rized capital  of  $100,000,  $77,000  of  which 
has  been  subscribed.  Its  officers  are : D.  R. 

Humphrey,  president;  Benjamin  Wilson,  vice- 
president;  J.  A.  Hobson,  treasurer,  and  F.  M. 
Cowen.  secretary.'  The  directors  are:  W.  G. 
Todd.  F.  H.  Oglevee,  J.  A.  Fisher,  S.  S.  Sultz- 
er  and  Smith  Branson. 

A prominent  citizen  informed  the  writer 
that  this  company  had  saved  for  the  people  of 
the  town  $200,000  since  its  organization.  It 
is  composed  of  182  members  and  there  is 
scarcely  a family  of  the  village  that  is  not  rep- 
resented in  the  organization.  It  has  been  in- 
strumental in  the  building  and  repair  of  many 
houses  in  the  village. 

THE  CHURCHES. 

The  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. — This 
congregation  was  organized  in  1818  in  the 
house  of  Jesse  Brandenburg,  but  the  first  log 
church  was  not  erected  until  1821.  This  build- 
ing was  removed  in  1836  to  give  place  to  the 
more  pretentious  brick  structure.  It  in  turn 
was  destroyed  by  fire  in  1851,  and  rebuilt  the 
same  year,  but  it  was  not  dedicated  until  1852, 


Presiding  Elder  Smith  officiating.  Rev.  Mr. 
Smith  was  uncompromising  in  his  hostility  to 
slavery,  which  created  so  much  feeling  in  the 
district,  that  he  resigned  his  position  rather 
than  surrender  his  principles.  In  1842,  Rev. 
Mr.  Archibald,  then  presiding  elder,  conducted 
a wonderful  revival  that  stirred  the  whole 
community,  and  over  100  united  with  the 
church,  klany  of  the  converts  were  the  most 
influential  citizens  of  the  town.  One  of  the 
old-time  class  leaders  was  Jacob  Miller,  who 
conducted  a class  in  1818,  which  consisted  of 
Jesse  Brandenburg  and  wife,  Jeremiah  Har- 
ris, Michael  Lewis,  Enos  West,  Mary  Brock, 
Denton  Watkins  and  Robert  Kimber.  The 
preacher  then  in  charge  was  Rev.  Michael  El- 
lis. 

The  present  Methodist  Episcopal  congrega- 
tion occupies  a new  church  edifice,  neat  in  de- 
sign and  finish,  that  was  completed  and  dedi- 
cated in  1898  at  a cost  of  $6,900.  It  stands 
upon  one  of  the  highest  elevations  in  the 
county.  The  church  was  built  during  the  min- 
istry of  Rev.  E.  E.  Parks.  The  present  pas- 
tor is  Rev.  ]\I.  F.  Rainsberger,  and  the  super- 
intendent of  the  Sabbath-school  is  F.  M. 
Cowen.  There  is  an  enrollment  of  300  mem- 
bers. The  board  of  stewards  consists  of  Wal- 
ter Howell,  J.  C.  Howell,  F.  H.  Oglevee  and 
A.  D.  Fisher.  The  trustees  are:  Joseph  Parks, 
Albert  Conrow,  A.  N.  Kirk,  F.  A.  Kirk,  J.  A. 
Fisher,  J.  C.  Howell  and  F.  M.  Cowen.  The 
parsonage  trustees  are : S.  S.  Sultzer,  Eugene 
Mead.  L.  P.  Walker,  T.  W.  Kirk  and  A.  P. 
Fisher. 

The  Disciples’  Church  Avas  organized  50 
years  ago,  and  the  elders  that  then  served  the 
church  were  Levi  Starkey,  John  Cordner  and 
Kersy  Kirk.  The  ministers  who  have  since 
officiated  are:  Revs.  Joseph  Walters,  Ath- 

erton, Andrew  Linkletter  and  Woolery,  the  last 
named  now  State  evangelist  of  West  Virginia. 

The  present  pastor  is  Rev.  T.  J.  White,  and 
the  Sunday-school  superintendent  is  W.  G. 
Todd,  who  has  filled  that  position  for  16  years. 
The  elders  are : W.  G.  Todd,  A.  i\L  Brown, 
Levi  Starkey  and  Thomas  Hanes.  The  en- 
rolled members  number  125. 


278 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


The  Society  of  Friends  was  at  one  time  the 
strongest  religions  denomination  in  Flushing 
township.  The  first  monthly  meeting  was  es- 
tablished on  the  23rd  of  October,  18 18.  How- 
cv'er,  as  a necessary  prelnde,  many  meetings 
for  worship  were  held  jirevions  thereto. 

d'he  minister  who  served  the  people  until  his 
death  in  1845  was  Jacob  Branson,  a devoted 
member  of  the  organization  of  Friends,  who 
moved  from  Virginia  in  1805.  The  monthly 
meetings  still  continue  in  the  old  church,  but 
the  congregation  is  much  reduced  in  numbers. 

SECRET  SOCIETIES. 

Flushing  Lodge,  Abi.  2qS,  F.  & A.  M.,  was 
organized  August  19,  1857,  with  Luke  Voor- 
hies,  W.  M.;  C.  B.  Brock,  S.  W.,  and  John 
.'V.  Roy,  J.  W.  The  charter  members  were : 
Franklin  Krim,  H.  Dysart,  Mahlon  Milburn 
and  Joshua  J'’iggott.  The  present  officers  are: 
IT  R.  Tlnmphrey,  W.  M. ; M.  A.  ITlemm,  S. 
W. : William  Ivandale,  J.  W. ; T.  C.  Ransom, 
secretary,  and  T.  W.  Ivirk,  treasurer.  The  to- 
tal membership  in  1902  is  50. 

Fhishing  Lodge,  No.  291,  K.  of  P.,  is  one 
of  the  strongest  secret  societies  in  the  town- 
shi]i.  The  following  are  the  officers  for  1902 : 
A.  M.  Early.  C.  C. ; W.  F.  Judkins,  V.  C. ; B. 
Murph^^  ]irelate;  M.  Stiff,  M.  A.;  and  A.  M. 
Brown,  K.  of  I^.  The  membership  numbers 

40.  _ 

Knights  of  the  Maccahccs. — There  is  also 
a lodge  of  Maccabees  with  G.  A.  Fish  as  master 
of  records. 

THE  FLUSHING  HOSPITAL 

Finder  its  efficient  management  has  acciuired 
a reputation  that  extends  beyond  the  limits  of 
the  State.  Situated  in  the  center  of  a beautiful 
hill  country,  and  in  the  midst  of  healthful  sur- 


roundings, it  is  taxed  to  accommodate  the  num- 
erous applicants  for  treatment. 

The  hospital  was  opened  for  business  in  Oc- 
tober, 1891,  and  was  originally  intended  for 
the  care  and  treatment  of  chronic  surgical  dis- 
eases of  women.  Since  its  organization,  the 
managers  have  extended  their  work  to  include 
all  kinds  of  surgery.  The  hospital  is  well 
equipped  for  the  care  of  surgical  cases,  with  a 
capacity  of  1 5 beds.  They  employ  from  one 
to  four  experienced  nurses,  and  care  for  about 
100  cases  annually.  The  staff  consists  of  J.  A. 
J-Jobson,  M.  D.,  chief  surgeon;  A.  B.  Ffobson, 
M.  D.,  and  V.  N.  Marsh,  M.  D. 

THE  PRESS. 

The  N eu's-Advertisci'  was  established  at 
Flushing  May  i,  1886,  by  C.  H.  Judkins,  as  an 
advertising  venture  and  changed  a few  months 
later  to  a regular  newspaper.  It  was  first  pub- 
lished as  a five-column  folio  and  sometimes  as 
six-column,  four  pages,  also  eight  pages,  but 
since  May  i,  1887,  as  a seven-column,  four- 
page  paper. 

C.  H.  Judkins  sold  out  October  i,  1894. 
The  paper  then  pased  through  several  hands, 
coming  into  possession  of  W.  E.  Judkins,  the 
present  owner  and  brother  of  C.  FI.  Judkins,  on 
March  i,  1896.  From  1888  to  1891  the  paper 
was  conducted  by  F.  M.  Judkins,  father  of  C. 
FI.  Judkins,  while  he  (C.  FI.  Judkins)  was  at- 
tending college  at  Scio.  Since  1896  the  paper 
has  been  conducted  by  the  present  owner  and 
has  been  changed  to  an  “all  home  print.”  It 
is  enjoying  a good  circulation,  has  a good  line 
of  advertisements,  and  is  one  of  the  paying 
institutions  of  the  town.  An  up-to-date  job 
printing  plant  is  run  in  connection  with  the 
paper  and  orders  for  job  work  from  all  over 
the  county  can  be  found  on  its  files. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


WHEELING  TOWNSHIP. 

Township  Organization — Population  and  Tax  Levy — Numerous  Mills  of  the 
Pioneer  Days — Some  of  the  Early  Settlers— The  First  Elections — Town- 
ship Officials — Fairpoint — Coal  and  Oil  Development — Uniontown — The 
First  Tavern  and  Foundry — The  Process  of  Threshing  Fifty  Years  Ago — 
The  Schools — The  Churches. 


TOWNSHIP  organization. 

Wheeling  township  was  organized  June  14, 
1808.  Its  bouiidaries  have  been  mentioned 
elsewhere. 

The  township  was  named  after  Wheeling 
Creek  which  flows  along  its  southern  border, 
and  the  valley  formed  on  either  side  of  this 
stream  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  and  fertile 
in  the  county.  It  has  been  appropriately  called 
the  “garden  spot”  of  Belmont  County. 

As  in  Flushing  township  adjoining,  the 
topograph}^  of  the  country  is  hilly,  and  some- 
what broken  by  the  numerous  streams  that  flow 
through  it  to  Wheeling  Creek.  Neverthelesss, 
the  soil  is  rich  and  the  hills  cultivable  to  their 
highest  summits. 

population  and  tax  levy. 

The  population  is  largely  rural,  and  has  va- 
ried little  in  a quarter  of  a century.  The  popu- 
lation in  1890  was  1.359  1900,  1,252, 

revealing  a loss  of  137  in  the  last  decade. 
However,  there  is  an  increase  in  the  personal 
property  of  $16,235,  while  the  tax  levy  is  re- 
duced from  1.40  to  1. 18. 

The  farmers  are  among  the  most  prosperous 
and  intelligent  in  the  county  and  their  homes 


and  home  surroundings  are  comfortable  and  at- 
tractive. Fift}'  years  ago  wheat  growing  was 
conducted  on  a large  scale  and  it  was  not  un- 
common for  farmers  to  grow  500  bushels  and 
upwards,  and  this  wheat  found  a ready  market 
at  the  numerous  mills  that  bordered  Wheeling 
Creek  and  its  branches. 

numerous  mills  of  the  pioneer  days. 

There  were  no  less  than  10  flour  mills  and 
numerous  sawmills  constructed  and  kept  in 
operation  almost  constantly.  The  majority  of 
these  old  mills  have  fallen  into  decay  and  some 
have  been  converted  into  modern  steam  mills. 
Of  the  many  old  mills  yet  remaining.  Captain 
Lee  could  only  recall  the  Sharp  mill,  the  Cleav- 
er mill,  the  Irwin  mill  and  another,  name  un- 
known, at  the  mouth  of  Crab  Apple. 

John  Winters  and  Richard  Truax  also  built 
mills  at  an  early  day.  There  was  also  a mill 
.on  the  land  of  William  Ramage,  and  the  old 
Nichols  mill,  which  was  built  in  1810,  and 
formerly  owned  by  Jacob  Repagle. 

These  mills  were  operated  by  water  power 
and  made  a superior  quality  of  flour,  the  bulk 
of  which  was  hauled  to  Wheeling  and  shipped 
in  boats  to  New  Orleans.  Capt.  A.  AV.  Lee  of 
Uniontown  says : “Thousands  of  barrels  were 


280 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


thus  sold  annually.'’  He  rememl)ers  as  a hoy 
his  father  hauling  wagon-load  after  wagon- 
load  of  flour,  the  jjrodnct  of  his  own  farm,  to 
(ill  one  of  these  great  tlatboats,  and  upon  re- 
turn hringing  the  wagons  home  laden  with 
salt. 

'I'ohacco  was  also  extensively  grown  at  an 
early  day,  hnt  the  introduction  of  the  sheej)  in- 
dustry, in  1820,  afforded  the  farmers  of  VVlieel- 
ing  townshi])  the  diversification  so  much  need- 
ed: and  since  1875,  sheep  raising  has  become 
a leading  industry. 

SOMI-:  OF  THE  EARLY  SETTLERS. 

.Vmong  the  early  settlers  of  Wheeling  town- 
shi]) we  would  mention  John  Winters,  David 
Barton,  David  Rusk,  Samuel  Patton,  Alex- 
ander McConnell,  James  McConnell,  James 
Campl)ell,  John  Edwards,  Peter  Snedeker, 
John  Henderson,  Robert  McCullough,  William 
McCullough,  William  Gossett,  William  Patton, 
Abner  Lodge  and  William  Lee. 

Among  the  families  of  prominence  within 
the  last  half  century,  we  would  name  the  Pol- 
locks, Lodges,  Caldwells,  Hayses,  Lyles, 
Sharj)s,  Merritts,  Watsons,  Loves  and  Lees. 

THE  FIRST  ELECTIONS. 

No  record  of  the  election  held  upon  the  or- 
ganization of  the  township  in  1808-09 
jireserved.  The  first  election  we  have  any  rec- 
ord of  was  held  in  1829,  on  which  occasion 
David  Wallace  was  elected  justice  of  the  peace; 
William  Wallace  and  William  Cook,  trustees; 
William  Smith,  treasurer;  and  Daniel  Harvey, 
clerk.  On  this  occasion  Samuel  Irwin  and 
Henry  Gittinger  were  elected  fence  viewers 
and  John  Lyle  and  John  Plowman,  overseers 
of  the  jioor. 

Fifty  years  later  the  township  officers  were: 
Justices, — Thomas  Brokaw  and  John  Cole- 
man; trustees, — William  Taylor,  Brighton 
Coleman  and  John  Caldwell ; clerk, — T.  J. 
Henderson ; and  treasurer, — George  Sharp. 

TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS. 

The  township  officers  in  1902  are:  Trus- 

tees,— George  A.  Lyle,  W.  T.  Caldwell  and 


Alexander  Campbell;  justices  of  the  peace, — 
Charles  Love  and  Thomas  Brokaw;  clerk, — 
W.  T.  Taylor ; and  treasurer, — John  L.  Allen. 

FAIRPOINT, 

In  Wheeling  township,  is  a small  station  on 
the  Cleveland,  Lorain  & Wheeling  Railway. 
Its  population  is  probably  less  than  100  and  it 
contains  a few  stores,  post  office,  etc.  The 
present  postmaster  is  W.  L.  Patton. 

COAL  AND  OIL  DEVELOPMENT. 

Notwithstandine  the  high  elevation  of 
Wheeling  township,  the  soil  is  underlaid  with 
valuable  coal,  which  is  being  sucessfully  mined 
along  the  line  of  the  railroad  which  traverses 
the  township  from  north  to  south.  Some  mines 
are  already  in  operation,  but  the  great  bulk 
of  the  coal  is  yet  unsold.  Two  thousand  acres 
were  optioned  at  from  $25  to  $45  per  acre,  but 
the  sale  was  not  consummated,  and  the  farmers 
are  now  holding  their  coal  at  higher  figures. 

Within  two  years,  tests  for  oil  have  been 
made  near  Uniontown  that  are  promising  of 
profitable  returns. 

Capt.  A.  W.  Lee,  representing  Doolittle  & 
Becker  of  Pittsburg,  secured  leases  upon  1,200 
acres  and  tests  were  immediately  begun.  Two 
wells  are  completed  and  pumping,  and  three 
others  are  being  drilled  in  the  immediate  vicini- 
ty of  Uniontown.  The  first  well  yields  12  bar- 
rels of  oil  per  day,  and  the  second  is  producing 
25  liarrels  per  day  with  the  promise  of  better 
results.  Since  writing  the  above,  wells  Nos.  3 
and  4 have  “come  in,”  No.  3 proving  a “dust- 
er,” and  No.  4 yielding  about  25  barrels  per 
day.  Of  recent  developments  a writer  says : 

“The  oil  boom  is  increasing  and  Uniontown 
is  thriving.  The  Caldwell  No.  2 was  shot  and 
made  a fine  showing.  Pumping  was  begun 
without  cleaning,  but  was  not  a success  as  the 
tubing  immediately  filled  up  with  sand.  This 
will  cause  a delay  of  a few  days  while  the  well 
is  being  cleaned.  Its  production  is  variously 
estimated  from  40  to  100  barrels.  The  Cald- 
well No.  3 was  down  between  900  and  1,000 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


281 


feet  when  a very  strong  flow  of  gas  was  struck. 
The  boilers  were  moved  back  and  drilling  re- 
sumed Saturday,  but  working  with  lights  at 
night  will  be  an  impossibility  for  a time.  Lime- 
stone has  delayed  the  work  on  Sharp  No.  i, 
hut  a depth  of  between  400  and  500  feet  has 
been  reached.  Four  new  wells  have  been  locat- 
ed on  the  farms  of  Lizzie  Lyle,  Captain  Lee, 
Abner  Lodge  and  John  Flays.  These  will  be 
put  down  as  soon  as  the  derricks  can  he  built.” 

UNIONTOWN 

Is  the  foremost  village  in  the  township,  with 
a population  of  from  125  to  150.  In  early  days 
it  was  one  of  the  most  important  business  cen- 
ters in  the  county,  supporting  four  large  stores, 
a machine  shop  and  foundry,  and  several  great 
slaughter  houses,  operated  by  Holloway  & 
Company  and  the  Warfields. 

At  the  slaughtering  houses,  hundreds  of 
hogs  were  butchered  daily,  and,  when  cured 
and  smoked,  the  meat  was  transported  to  the 
river  for  shipment.  One  dealer,  William  Dun- 
bar, bought  and  sold  150,000  pounds  annually. 
In  summer,  the  slaughter  houses  were  convert- 
^ed  into  store  houses  for  packing  wool  until  the 
butchering  season  again  opened. 

One  of  the  leading  merchants  of  the  olden 
time  was  William  Dunbar,  heretofore  referred 
to,  who  bought  and  sold  country  produce  ex- 
tensively. 

In  the  pursuit  of  his  trading,  Mr.  Dunbar 
purchased  wheat  in  1841  at  40  cents  per  bushel 
and  manufactured  enough  flour  from  the  same 
to  load  several  flathoats  for  the  Southern  mar- 
ket. When  the  cargoes  were  completed,  he  of- 
fered to  sell  the  flour  for  $2.50  per  barrel.  Not 
finding  a purchaser,  he  transported  the  cargo 
to  New  Orleans,  which  port  he  reached  in  a 
month,  and  found  a ready  market,  clearing 
thereby  $2,800  by  the  operation. 

THE  FIRST  TAVERN  AND  FIRST  FOUNDRY. 

The  principal  tavern  in  those  early  days  was 
Norris’.  Robert  Pollock,  one  of  the  venerable 
and  honored  citizens  of  Wheeling  township  to- 
day, was  associated  with  Nicholas  Cooper  in 
the  foundry  and  machine  business  in  Union- 


town  50  years  ago,  and  manufactured  all  kinds 
of  farm  machinery.  They  were  the  first  in  the 
county  to  introduce  the  primitive  threshing  ma- 
chine, called  the  chaff-pilers,  which  simply 
consisted  of  a cylinder  for  threshing  without 
blowers. 

THE  PROCESS  OF  THRESHING  FIFTY  YEARS  AGO. 

The  ancient  method  of  threshing  grain  with 
a flail  was  superseded  by  the  “chafif-pilers” 
above  mentioned,  and  the  process  was  simply 
to  feed  the  sheaves  into  the  cylinder  and  when 
the  grain  was  threshed  and  the  straw  and  chaff 
had  passed  through  the  cylinder,  one  man 
would  draw  it  away  with  a hand  rake,  while 
another  man  would  take  it  up  with  a fork,  and, 
giving  it  a shake,  throw  it  to  number  three. 
The  third  man  would  take  it  up  in  turn,  and 
with  another  shake,  throw  it  to  number  four ; 
when,  after  a final  shake,  the  fourth  man  would 
throw  the  straw  upon  the  stack. 

The  Flushing  Pike  which  crosses  Wheeling 
township  from  north  to  south,  was  completed 
in  1870,  and  has  proven  a great  service  to  the 
whole  farming  community.  It  is  managed  by 
a board  of  control  and  the  pike  is  sustained  by 
toll. 

THE  SCHOOLS. 

The  total  enrollment  of  scholars  in  Wheeling 
township  in  1890  was  427.  At  this  writing 
the  enumeration  for  1902  cannot  be  given. 
The  LTniontown  school  is  conducted  by  Fred 
Wilkinson  and  the  Board  of  Education  consists 
of  two  ladies  and  a gentleman ; namely,  Mrs. 
Topping,  Mrs.  Jennie  Workman  and  William 
A.  Meiritt. 

THE  CHURCHES. 

The  Crab  Apple  Presbyterian.  Church  was 
the  first  established  church  in  the  township, 
and  among  the  first  in  the  county.  In  1803,  a 
little  praying  circle  was  formed  which  depu- 
tized William  McCullough  to  secure  Samuel 
Hanna  of  Harrison  County  to  come  over  and 
help  them.  The  year  following  the  church  was 
established  with  a membership  of  40,  and  the 
first  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  John  Rea. 
Among  the  families  that  composed  this  church 
organization  were  the  Campbells,  McCul- 


282 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


loughs,  McKibl)ons,  Merritts,  Brokaws  and 
Snedekcrs.  The  first  elders  were  Daniel  Mer- 
ritt, Robert  McCullough  and  William  McCul- 
lough. 

A tent  furnished  the  first  place  of  holding 
service;  then  a log  meeting  house,  which  was 
afterward  superseded  by  a brick  church;  and 
finally  the  present  frame  structure. 

■ The  preachers  who  have  served  this  old  or- 
ganization have  been : Revs.  Rea,  Cowles, 

Coon,  Allen,  Williamson,  Caldwell,  Milford 
and  McNary.  The  majority  of  these  divines 
were  gifted  and  Godly  men,  who  labored  hard 
for  the  upbuilding  of  Christ’s  Kingdom;  and, 
from  this  old  church,  there  have  gone  forth 
six  ministers  of  the  Gospel,  namely:  James 

Grimes,  Robert  Armstrong,  Thomas  Crawford, 
William  Grimes,  Robert  Tanneyhill  and  Joseph 
Lyle. 

d'he  church  attained  its  greatest  prosperity 
under  the  guidance  of  Rev.  Mr.  Coon  in  1835. 
Its  membership  at  that  time  numbered  300, 
with  a prosperous  and  largely  attended  Sun- 
day-school. 

About  22  years  ago,  many  members  with- 
drew and  established  a church  at  Bannock. 
Both  churches  are  now  without  pastors.  Rev. 
Mr.  McNary  of  Crab  Apple  having  but  recent- 
ly resigned.  It  is  now  proposed  to  seek  a pas- 
tor who  will  serve  both  charges,  namely, — 
Crab  Apple  on  Sabbath  morning  and  Bannock 
in  the  evening. 

The  present  l)oard  of  elders  is  thus  constitut- 
ed : William  M.  Brokaw,  J.  L.  Allen,  R.  A. 

Lyle.  Rol)ert  J.  Pollock,  George  Love  and  G. 
D.  Lyle. 

The  Bannock  Presbyterian  Church  is  for  the 
present  without  a pastor.  The  board  of  elders 
consists  of  William  _Merritt,  Abner  Lodge, 
William  Brokaw  and  John  Armstrong. 

The  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  Union- 
town  was  formerly  known  as  the  Associate 
Reform  Church,  that  was  established  in  1805 
at  a point  southwest  of  Uniontown.  The  first 
pastor  was  Rev.  Mr.  Calderhead.  The  records 
do  not  show  who  were  the  first  ruling  elders. 
Rev.  Mr.  Calderhead  was  succeeded  by  Rev. 
William  Taggart. 


The  first  log  meeting  house  was  built  upon 
the  lands  now  owned  by  Abner  Lodge.  In 
1835,  the  old  log  structure  was  superseded 
by  a neat  brick  church;  and  20  years  later  a 
new  church  was  erected  at  Uniontown.  Upon 
the  resignation  of  Rev.  Mr.  Taggart,  Rev.  D. 
F.  Reed  was  called  to  the  ministry,  and  two 
years  later  this  society  assumed  the  name  of 
United  Presbyterian. 

During  the  Civil  War,  the  congregation  was 
divided  upon  political  questions.  The  intense 
agitation  caused  by  the  discussion  of  the  issues 
of  that  memorable  campaign  divided  the  peo- 
ple; and  the  members  who  seceded  readopted 
the  former  title  of  Associate  Reform,  but  they 
continued  to  worship  in  the  same  meeting 
house  alternately  with  the  United  Presbyterian 
congregation. 

The  present  pastor  is  Rev.  W.  M.  Hopping 
who  resides  in  Uniontown.  The  board  of  eld- 
ers consists  of  Calvin  Pollock,  James  Taylor, 
A.  J.  Keyser,  William  Gillespie,  Joseph 
Thompson  and  Mr.  Drennen. 

The  Unity  United  Presbyterian  Church. — 
Rev.  John  Walker  organized  the  Unity  United 
Presbyterian  Church  in  1814,  although  ser- 
vices were  held  without  a formal  organization 
as  early  as  1812.  The  first  elders  were  Alex- 
ander McCall,  Robert  Hammond,  John  Trim- 
ble and  Robert  McCracken.  The  families  that 
composed  the  first  congregation  were  the 
Cooks,  Trimbles,  McCrackens,  McCalls,  Ham- 
monds, Loves  and  McCaskeys. 

The  old  round-log  meeting  house,  with  its 
clapboard  roof,  was  displaced  in  1820  by  a 
more  comfortable  hewed-log  building.  It,  in 
turn,  was  superseded  by  a brick  edifice  in  1833 
that  was  capable  of  seating  several  hundred 
people.  At  this  time  and  for  several  years 
thereafter,  the  congregation  attained  the  zenith 
of  its  growth  and  prosperity.  In  1875,  the 
present  commodious  and  neat  church  was 
erected.  In  the  graveyard  adjacent  many  of 
the  founders  of  the  old  church  are  sleeping. 

The  congregation  at  this  time  numbers  70, 
and  the  board  of  elders  consists  of  George  M. 
Patton,  T.  J.  Henderson,  J.  P.  Ferguson,  Wil- 
liam Pollock  and  John  Watson. 


CHAPTER.  XXIII. 


SMITH  TOWNSHIP. 

The  Highest  Point  in  the  County — The  Early  Settlers — Township  Officials 
AND  Population — Jacobsburg  — Reminiscences  of  Pioneer  Days  — The 
Schools — The  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  — Centreville — The  Schools 
AND  Churches — Free  Masons — Some  Distinguished  Sons — Warnock’s  Sta- 
tion— The  First  Settlements  and  Mills — Knights  of  Pythias — TheChurches 
AND  Schools — An  Old  Time  Temperance  Resolution — LaMira  or  Lewis’ Mills. 


Smith  township  was  probably  named  after 
William  Smith,  one  of  the  first  settlers  in  the 
township,  who  located  at  what  is  now  known 
as  Warnock’s  station  in  1805,  and  built  the 
first  log  grist  mill  in  the  township. 

The  township  is  in  the  form  of  a square  sur- 
rounded by  Richland,  Mead,  Goshen  and 
Washington  townships,  and  contains  36  sec- 
tions. While  the  surface  is  cjuite  broken,  and 
the  hills  in  places  steep,  the  soil  is  productive 
and  the  hills  are  clad  in  grass,  or  crowned  with 
grain  to  their  summits.  The  soil  for  the  most 
part  is  underlaid  with  sandstone,  and  in  places 
there  are  immense  quarries  of  building  stone 
of  great  value.  Sheep,  cattle  and  grain  grow- 
ing are  the  principal  industries,  though  tobacco 
is  still  grown  in  limited  quantities.  In  early 
days  it  was  the  leading  agricultural  product. 

Coal  in  ahundance  is  found  throughout  the 
township,  the  three  and  a half  foot  vein,  crop- 
ping out  on  the  hill  tops,  while  the  six  foot 
vein  is  extensively  mined  for  commercial  pur- 
poses along  the  line  of  the  Baltimore  & Ohio 
Railroad,  which  follows  the  windings  of  Mc- 
Mechen’s  Creek. 


THE  highest  point  IN  THE  COUNTY. 

According  to  a report  recently  made  by  a 
corps  of  engineers  that  are  employed  in  survey- 
ing the  county,  the  highest  point  attained  is  in 
Smith  township.  The  flag  station  established 
hy  these  surveying  engineers  is  upon  the  sum- 
mit of  Phillips’  Knob,  a high  field  adjoining 
Jacobsburg,  and  the  stone  marker  bears  the 
inscription  “1350  above  sea  level.” 

Yet  the  Bellaire,  Zanesville  & Cincinnati 
Railway,  (a  little  narrow-gauge  road)  that 
traverses  the  southern  portion  of  this  town- 
ship, has  climbed  up  from  the  Ohio  River  to 
within  a few  feet  of  this  great  elevation,  a 
distance  of  upwards  of  700  feet  and  continues 
its  course  over  these  hills  for  many  miles. 

THE  early  settlers. 

■ Among  the  early  settlers  of  Smith  township 
were  Caleb  Engle,  in  1800,  at  Lewis’  Mills; 
Caleb  Boggs  in  the  same  year;  John  Warnock 
near  Warnock’s  station ; William  Smith,  near 
Warnock’s  station  in  1805 ; Thomas  Jackson, 
near  Centreville  in  1805;  Jacob  Calvert  and 
Joseph  Huntsman  at  Jacobsburg,  and  Joseph 


284 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Rankin,  John  and  Adam  Walters,  George 
Holmes  and  family,  and  David  Snyder  in 
1806;  William  Wilson  in  1802;  William  Fore- 
man in  1805 ; Hans  Wiley,  a native  of  Ireland, 
in  1805;  Daniel  Meyers  in  1807;  George 
Klrick  in  1807;  John  Matthews,  Frederick  and 
Jacob  Anltfather,  James  Miller  from  New  Jer- 
sey, in  1805;  Samuel  Lucas,  Thomas  Foster, 
Jacob  Fitch,  Samuel  and  Robert  Clark,  John 
McKisson,  William  Barrett,  John  Allen,  Phil- 
ip Aller,  John  Ewers,  John  Porterfield,  Miles 
Hart,  iVifios  Glover,  Michael  Ault,  Joseph  Ran- 
kin, George  Holmes,  William  Piper,  Samuel 
McKirahan,  David  Randall  and  Daniel  and 
Adam  Walters. 

The  first  justice  of  the  peace  made  mention 
of  is  William  Workman,  who  served  the  peo- 
ple for  21  consecutive  years.  William  Work- 
man and  John  Pryor  are  also  named  among 
the  pioneer  justices  of  the  peace. 

TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS  AND  POPULATION. 

The  present  township  officers  are:  Trus- 

tees,— C.  A.  Strahl,  D.  Scatterday  and  H.  Dy- 
sart ; clerk, — C.  E.  Ault ; treasurer, — Dr.  J.  N. 
McMaster;  iustices, — William  Warnock  and 
J.  H.  Bell. 

The  population  in  1900  was  1,710,  a loss  of 
106  as  compared  with  the  census  reports  of 
i8yo.  The  assessor’s  appraisements,  however, 
in  1901  amounted  to  $256,169  and  in  1902 
$280,728,  revealing  an  increase  of  $24,659  in 
the  year.  In  1902  the  tax  levy  is  1.63  as 
against  1.21  in  1900,  a reduction  of  .42. 

JACOBSBURG 

Was  probably  named  after  its  founder,  Jacob 
Calvert,  who  laid  out  the  village  in  1815.  It 
was  on  the  line  of  the  “Drovers’  Road’’  and 
was  regarded  as  one  of  the  most  important 
towns  in  the  county. 

The  village  was  formerly  incorporated,  but 
the  names  of  the  early  officials  cannot  now  be 
obtained.  In  1865-66  the  incorporate  authority 
was  permitted  to  lapse  and  the  village  is  now 
without  corporate  powers. 


The  first  building  erected  was  a hotel  for 
the  accommodation  of  the  drovers  and  wagon- 
ers that  traveled  the  old  State  road.  The  first 
house  built  in  the  village  is  thought  to  be  the 
Joseph  Puffenberger  house.  A general  store 
was  conducted  by  Joel  Randolph  in  a hewed- 
log  building  in  1822. 

The  first  frame  building  was  built  by  H. 
Thurston  in  1830.  Perhaps  the  oldest  citizens 
of  Jacobsburg  today  are:  Samuel  McMaster, 
in  his  89th  year,  and  J.  D.  Glover  and  wife, 
who  are  70  and  72  years  of  age  respectively. 
Henry  Neff  is  probably  the  oldest  citizen  in  the 
township.  Mr.  Neff  is  92  years  of  age  with 
mental  faculties  unimpaired  and  active  in  body. 

REMINISCENCES  OF  PIONEER  DAYS. 

Scluire  McMaster  says  that  in  his  boyhood 
days  the  pioneers  lived  on  “hog  and  hominy,” 
dressed  in  blue  jeans  and  red  wamuses  and 
took  no  medicine.  The  first  physician  to  locate 
in  Jacobsburg  was  Dr.  Gratigny  in  1825.  In 
those  days  he  said  Jacobsburg  was  an  import- 
ant trading  center,  and  on  Saturday  crowds 
would  collect  in  the  village  to  trade  horses  and 
drink  whiskey. 

As  a boy  he  remembers  when  “general  mus- 
ter” was  held  at  Jacobsburg  and  the  militia 
from  all  the  surrounding  country  would  col- 
lect for  drill.  The  occasion  was  always  one  of 
much  carousing,  drunkenness  and  fighting. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Glover  have  conducted  a house 
of  entertainment  for  33  years  and  Mr.  Glover 
has  been  the  proprietor  of  a general  store  for 
the  same  length  of  time.  He  has  also  been 
postmaster  through  all  administrations  for  a 
third  of  a century.  Among  the  old  residents 
of  the  village  are:  Josiah  Maguire,  Lemuel 

Walters  and  Joseph  Inskep. 

THE  SCHOOLS. 

The  first  school  in  Jacobsburg  was  taught  by 
Henry  Thurston  in  1820.  In  1821  Jacob  Cal- 
vert donated  a lot  for  a school  building  which 
was  built  of  round  logs.  This  humble  struc- 
ture was  used  as  a school  for  20  years,  when  a 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


285 


new  two-story,  frame  school  house  was  built, 
the  upper  story  of  which  was  occupied  by  the 
Masons  during  the  existence  of  the  lodge. 

The  present  brick  school  house  was  built  in 
1870. 

The  teacher  for  1902  is  Robert  Ault  and  the 
School  Board  consists  of  E.  TI.  McMaster, 
Joseph  Douglas  and  H.  A.  Weekley. 

THE  METHODIST  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH 

Is  the  only  church  in  Jacobsburg  today. 

This  church  was  established  in  1850  in  a lit- 
tle building  built  by  the  citizens  of  Jacobsburg 
and  the  surrounding  country.  About  20  years 
later  a new  brick  church  was  erected  to  accom- 
modate the  increasing  membership  upon  which 
occasion  Dr.  Pershing  assisted  the  pastor.  Rev. 
David  Jordan,  in  the  dedicatory  services. 

The  original  organization  consisted  of  only 
14  members,  who  were  ministered  to  by  Rev. 
Mr.  Hall.  The  membership  today  numbers 
150,  under  the  leadership  of  Rev.  M.  W.  Bev- 
ington,  and  the  official  board  consists  of : 
Stewards, — John  Ramsey,  Ed  Duvall  and  Wil- 
liam Ramsey;  trustees, — A.  W.  McMaster, 
E.  H.  Ramsey  and  Jackson  Creamer. 

CENTREVILLE 

Probably  derived  its  name  from  the  fact  that 
it  is  located  near  the  geographical  center  of  the 
township.  It  was  laid  out  by  Thomas  Jack- 
son  in  1817.  His  son,  Thomas  Jackson,  Jr., 
who  is  one  of  the  old  pioneers  born  in  the 
township,  still  resides  in  the  village  that  his 
father  established  85  years  ago. 

Mr.  Jackson  says  : “The  village,  like  Jacobs- 
burg, was  incorporated  in  1838,  but  the  cor- 
porate authority  was  permitted  to  lapse  in 
1850.  The  present  population  is  about  200.” 
Since  writting  the  above  Mr.  Jackson  has 
passed  away. 

THE  SCHOOLS  AND  CHURCHES. 

Centreville  contains  one  school,  conducted 
by  Elmer  Dunfee,  principal,  and  Miss  Byers, 


assistant.  The  school  directors  are  Abner  Wil- 
kinson, William  Hutchinson  and  W.  W.  Mc- 
Cloud. 

There  are  two  prosperous  churches  in  Cen- 
treville, viz.,  the  Methodist  Episcopal  and  the 
Presbyterian. 

The  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  was  organ- 
ized aliout  1815  or  1819  in  a primitive  log 
meeting  house  upon  the  farm  of  Darius  Eisher, 
two  miles  east  of  the  village.  Previous  to  the 
erection  of  the  church,  services  were  held  in 
the  homes  of  different  members.  About  10 
years  later  some  difficulty  was  experienced  in 
obtaining  a deed  for  the  church  property  and 
when  it  was  finally  obtained,  a majority  of  the 
members  seceded  and  established  a Methodist 
Protestant  Church,  and  occupied  the  meeting 
house,  thus  compelling  those  members  who  ad- 
hered to  the  old  faith  to  find  a church  home 
elsewhere.  This  was  secured  in  the  home  of 
John  Beal  until  a new  log  church  was  erected. 
Subsec|uently  the  congregation  built  a new 
frame  church  in  Centreville  which  is  now  in 
the  circuit  conducted  by  Rev.  Mr.  Bevington, 
and  has  a membership  of  nearly  100.  The 
present  official  board  consists  of:  Trustees, — 
Dr.  J.  N.  McMaster,  Andrew  Jarrett,  H. 
Coen,  John  M.  Wiley  and  Thomas  Jackson; 
stewards, — B.  H.  Meek,  Oleander  Mayhew 
and  Dr.  McMaster. 

The  Concord  Presbyterian  Church  at  Cen- 
treville was  organized  at  Jacobsburg  in  1831 
and  was  known  as  the  Jacobsburg  Presbyterian 
Church.  But  22  members  composed  the  little 
congregation,  with  John  J.  Coulter  as  presi- 
dent and  Robert  Street,  as  secretary. 

In  1833  ground  for  a new  church  building 
was  secured  at  a point  near  Centreville,  and 
the  name  was  changed  to  Concord  Presby- 
terian, and  on  this  ground  a little  frame  church 
, was  erected. 

Owing  to  the  increasing  number  of  members, 
it  was  necessary  to  remove  the  frame  church 
l)uilding  and  a more  commodious  brick  struc- 
ture was  built  in  1852  and  14  years  thereafter 
$1,600  was  expended  in  repairs  and  additions 
to  the  same. 

Since  1870  the  church  has  supported  a pastor 


286 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


alone.  Previous  to  that,  the  congregation  was 
at  different  times  associated  with  Morristown, 
Bethel  and  Beallsville  in  the  support  of  a min- 
ister. The  Sunday-school  was  organized  in 
1850  by  VV.  V.  Milligan  (now  a pastor  in  the 
church)  and  attained  a membership  of  200. 

The  church  seemed  to  have  reached  the  zen- 
ith of  its  prosperity  during  the  ministry  of 
Rev.  Mr.  Wallace  when  302  members  were 
added.  Some  of  the  first  ruling  elders  of  the 
church  Avere  John  J.  Coulter,  and  Ephraim  Day. 
Since  then  Robert  Street,  Joseph  Smith,  John 
Gladden,  Miles  Hart,  Samuel  Cunningham, 
Andrew  McKelvey,  Isaac  Lash,  James  R. 
Gladden,  Robert  Watt,  Samuel  Work,  C.  C. 
Workman,  William  Larks,  Robert  Hart,  James 
McKelvey,  William  Armstrong,  William  Glad- 
den and  Matthew  Gordon  have  served  as  ruling 
elders. 

The  pastors  that  have  served  the  congrega- 
tion since  its  organization  are:  Rev.  Joseph 

.\nderson,  Rev.  J.  C.  Tidball,  Rev.  Mr.  Ewing, 
Dr.  Grimes,  Rev.  Mr.  IMehaffy,  Rev.  Mr.  Wal- 
lace and  Rev.  Mr.  McKay,  the  present  pastor. 

Jacob  .Vultfather  and  wife  left  the  church  a 
legacy  of  $800  at  their  death  and  Miss  Re- 
becca Scatterday  bequeathed  $500  at  her  death 
in  1875  to  be  devoted  to  mission  work. 

The  congregation  now  numbers  250.  The 
following  gentlemen  compose  the  board  of  eld- 
ers, viz. — Miles  R.  Hart,  William  Stonebrak- 
er,  Matthew  Gordon,  Oscar  Gladden,  Lawson 
Warnock  and  D.  Scatterday, 

FREE  MASONS. 

A lodge  of  Lree  and  Accepted  Masons  was 
organized  at  Ccntreville,  Ohio,  June  13,  1885, 
by  authority  of  a dispensation  granted  by  J. 
IM.  Goodspeed,  Grand  blaster,  to  whom  a pe- 
tition had  been  presented  signed  by  the  follow- 
ing named  blaster  Masons : Thomas  J. 

Rowles,  W.  T.  Minamyer,  E.  D.  Scatterday, 
Samuel  McMaster,  A.  C.  Ramage,  Joshua  Pry- 
or, D.  J.  Creamer,  James  Graham,  William 
Grigg,  Silas  Hart,  M.  J.  W.  Glover,  and  Dr. 
J.  N.  McMaster  and  Rev.  C.  H.  Hollett. 

To  the  two  last  named  gentlemen  was  as- 
signed the  duty  of  preparing  the  petition,  ob- 


taining the  consent  and  recommendation  of 
neighboring  lodges,  drafting  by-laws,  and  con- 
ducting the  correspondence  necessary  in  the 
formation  of  a new  lodge.  To  the  untiring 
efforts  of  those  two  fervent  and  zealous  Masons 
the  undertaking  owed  its  success  and  much  of 
its  future  prosperity. 

The  first  meetings  of  these  Masons  was  held 
in  a two-story  building,  located  on  the  main 
street  of  the  village,  recently  erected  and  owned 
by  George  Ma}drew,  the  second  floor  being  fit- 
ted up  for  their  use. 

The  first  officers  were:  T.  J.  Rowles,  W. 
M. ; W.  T.  Minamyer,  S.  W. ; E.  D.  Scatter- 
day, J.  W. ; M.  J.  W.  Glover,  treasurer;  J.  N. 
McMaster,  secretary;  C.  M.  Hollett,  S.  D. ; 
James  Graham,  J.  D. ; Silas  Hart,  tyler. 

The  first  stated  meeting  under  dispensa- 
tion was  held  June  27,  1885.  Two  petitions 
for  initiation  were  received  and  referred.  On 
zTugust  22nd,  the  first  degree  work  was  done. 
Lour  candidates  were  initiated,  A.  W.  McMas- 
ter, who  afterwards  became  an  active  member, 
being  the  first. 

At  the  76th  annual  communication  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  Ohio,  held  in  Cincinnati,  in 
October,  1885,  a charter  was  granted,  bearing 
the  names  before  mentioned.  S.  Stacker  Wil- 
liams, Grand  Master,  appointed  as  his  proxy 
J.  B.  Ryan  of  Belmont  Lodge,  No.  16,  St. 
Clairsville,  to  convene  the  Grand  Lodge  of 
Ohio  in  special  session  and  institute  Weyer 
Lodge,  No.  541,  dedicate  the  hall  and  install 
the  officers,  which  was  done  on  the  evening 
of  November  21,  1885.  He  was  assisted  by 
L.  D.  Bailey,  J.  C.  Kintner,  R.  B.  Boyd  and 
others. 

The  lodge  was  named  after  Dr.  John  A. 
Weyer,  a member  of,  and  who  assisted  in  or- 
ganizing, Moriah  Lodge,  No.  105,  at  Jacobs- 
burg,  which  in  1866  was  moved  to  Powhatan. 
He  was  for  many  years  its  master  and  most  of 
the  charter  members  of  the  new  lodge  received 
their  first  lessons  in  Masonry  from  him. 

\Yeyer  Lodge  became  prosperous  and  in 
the  winter  of  1888  had  outgrown  its  quar- 
ters. By  motion,  a committee  was  appointed 
by  A.  W.  McMaster,  their  master,  to  select 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


287 


a suitable  location  for  a new  hall.  Upon  their 
report  and  upon  their  recommendation,  it  was 
decided  to  put  a second  story  on  the  Mayhew 
store  room,  situated  near  and  owned  by  George 
Mayhew.  Agreements  were  at  once  entered 
into  and  the  contract  was  let  to  Clifford 
Brothers,  builders,  to  do  the  work. 

Grand  Master  Leander  Burdick  of  Toledo, 
Ohio,  issued  his  proxy  to  Jesse  R.  Purnell  of 
Ionic  Lodge,  No.  438,  Bellaire,  Ohio,  to  dedi- 
cate the  new  hall,  and  on  the  evening  of  June 

24,  1888,  he  convened  the  Grand  Lodge  of 
Ohio  in  special  session,  assisted  by  brethren 
from  Bellaire,  Morristown  and  Beallsville,  and 
performed  the  ceremonies  of  dedication  in  a 
very  able  and  satisfactory  manner. 

The  following  is  a list  of  past  masters : 
T.  J.  Rowles,  one  year;  Spencer  Gregg,  one 
year;  A.  W.  McMaster,  six  years;  H.  A.  Neff, 
one  year;  T.  W.  Armstrong,  one  year;  J.  K. 
Piper,  six  years;  all  living  except  T.  J.  Rowles. 

The  oldest  member  of  Weyer  Lodge  and 
probably  the  oldest  Mason  in  the  county  is 
Samuel  McMaster,  who  was  born  December 

25,  1813,  in  Washington  County,  Pennsyl- 
vania. He  was  made  a Mason  in  Moriah 
Lodge,  No.  105,  at  Jacobsburg. 

The  present  officers  of  the  lodge  are ; J.  K. 
Piper,  W.  M. ; J.  F.  Graham,  S.  W. ; George 
C.  Meek,  J.  W. ; I.  T.  Barnes,  treasurer;  A.  W. 
McMaster,  secretary;  E.  E.  Scatterday,  S.  D. ; 
W.  C.  Hutchinson,  J.  D. ; W.  McCloud,  tyler. 

The  stated  meetings  of  the  lodge  are  held 
Saturday  evening  on  or  before  the  full  moon 
each  month.  There  is  a membership  of  about 
60. 

Let  us  pause  for  a moment  as  we  close  this 
sketch  and  call  to  memory  those  of  our  breth- 
ren who  have  been  touched  by  the  “grim  mes- 
senger” Death,  and  passed  over  the  river. 

During  the  16  years  of  the  lodge’s  existence, 
13  members  have  died, — W.  T.  Minamyer, 
Joshua  Pryor,  Silas  Hart,  T.  J.  Rowles,  char- 
ter members;  G.  E.  Garrett,  Rev.  R.  W.  Scott, 
J.  T.  Carlisle,  F.  M.  Halleren,  T.  W.  Whit- 
tington, C.  W.  Minamyer,  R.  MclMaster  and 
Z.  M.  Master. 

— Dr.  I.  N . McMaster. 


SOME  DISTINGUISHED  SONS. 

Some  men  of  distinction  were  reared  in 
Smith  township  whose  birthplaces  are  not  often 
accredited  to  Belmont  County.  Rev.  Frank  De 
Haas,  A.  M.,  a Methodist  minister  of  national 
distinction  and  a pulpit  orator  of  wide  celebri- 
ty, was  reared  in  Centreville. 

Dr.  DeHaas  was  pastor  of  the  Metropolitan 
Church  in  Washington,  D.  C.,  during  the  ad- 
ministration of  President  Grant,  who  was  a 
member  of  his  congregation,  and  was  appoint- 
ed by  President  Grant,  United  States  Consul 
to  Jerusalem. 

Ex-Congressman  A.  J.  Pearson  and  Attor- 
neys J.  P.  and  William  Spriggs  of  Monroe 
County,  were  also  born  and  reared  in  Smith 
township. 

Rev.  T.  B.  Gay,  who  was  brought  up  in 
Smith  township  and  educated  at  Franklin  Col- 
lege, has  taken  charge  of  the  Anacosta  Pres- 
byterian Church  in  the  District  of  Columbia. 

W.\RNOCK'’s  STATION 

Is  a little  village  of  about  125  inhabitants,  lo- 
cated on  the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad,  and 
is  the  terminus  of  what  was  formerly  the  AAHr- 
nock  Pike.  The  village  was  named  after  the 
Warnock  family,  who  are  the  principal  land 
owners  at  and  surrounding  the  station. 

THE  FIRST  SETTLEMENTS  AND  MILLS. 

The  first  settlement  was  made  by  William 
Smith  in  1805,  and,  as  heretofore  stated,  Air. 
Smith  erected  a log  grist  mill,  the  first  in  the 
township,  at  what  is  now  Warnock’s  station, 
and  the  place  was  for  years  known  as  Smith’s 
Mills. 

John  Warnock  settled  on  land  one  half  mile 
below  the  Smith  settlement  near  the  present 
site  of  Marbletown,  and  there  built  a sawmill, 
the  first  erected  in  the  township. 

In  1813-14,  Air.  \ATrnock  built  and  operated 
a woolen  factory  in  connection  with  the  saw- 
mill, in  which  carding,  spinning  and  weaving 
machines  were  operated.  His  son  William 


288 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


took  charge  of  the  mill  in  1819  and  continued 
to  operate  it  until  1834,  when  he  disposed  of 
his  factory  to  Robert  McGraw  and  purchased 
the  Hour  mill  of  Mr.  Smith,  since  which  time 
it  has  been  known  as  Warnock’s  Mills,  and  is 
operated  by  J.  M.  ^Varnock  & Brother  today. 
The  present  mill  is  operated  by  steam  and  has 
a capacity  of  40  Ijarrels  per  day. 

,\side  from  the  residences  of  William  Smith, 
and  his  successor  William  Warnock,  there  were 
no  houses  built  at  Warnock’s  station  until 
after  the  completion  of  the  Baltimore  & Ohio 
Railroad.  Now  it  is  a village  with  two 
churches,  a school  and  a population  of  about 
125. 

The  Baltimore  & Ohio  station  house  is  a ver- 
ital)le  landmark.  It  is  the  same  old  “rambling, 
shaky,  unattractive”  frame  structure,  erected 
half  a century  ago. 

KNIGHTS  OF  PYTHIAS. 

There  is  a lodge  of  Knights  of  Pythias  es- 
tablished at  Warnock’s  station  and  known  as 
Ideal  Lodge,  No.  629.  This  lodge  meets  every 
d'hursday.  It  has  a membership  of  30  and  the 
value  of  its  property  with  cash  on  hand  is 
v$620.84.  The  recording  secretary  is  C.  A. 
Strahl. 

THE  CHURCHES  AND  SCHOOLS. 

The  Mcihodist  Episcopal  Church  of  War- 
nock was  built  in  1887  and  has  a membership 
today  of  about  55.  The  Sunday-school  is  also 
conducteil  each  Sabbath. 

The  pastor  is  Rev.  Mr.  Bevington  of  the 
Jacobsburg  circuit.  The  official  board  consists 
of  E.  M.  Neff,  C.  S.  Strahl,  Zenas  Piper  and 
J.  K.  Piper. 

The  Presbyterian  Church. — The  present 
Presbyterian  Church  was  built  in  1871  and  the 
society  has  a membership  of  50  or  60.  The 
pastor  is  Rev.  A.  D.  McKay  and  the  board  of 
elders  consists  of  J.  M.  Warnock,  A.  J.  Myers, 
J.  J.  Robinson,  John  Workman  and  Austin 
IMcNiece. 

The  families  that  formed  the  first  organiza- 
tion were  the  Parks,  Hutchinsons,  Boggses, 
Workmans,  Matthews  and  Irwins.  The  first 


elders  were  John  Workman  and  Josiah  Boggs, 
Jr.  Rev.  Dr.  Alexander  of  St.  Clairsville,  Rev. 
Mr.  Wallace  and  Rev.  Mr.  Gaston  conducted 
the  dedicatory  exercises. 

The  United  Presbyterian  Church.- — This 
old  congregation  formerly  known  as  the  Asso- 
ciate Reform  Presbyterian  Church  was  organ- 
ized in  1827  and  the  first  pastor  was  Rev.  Jo- 
seph Closkey.  John  Warnock,  Sr.,  James 
Cook  and  William  Bigger  constituted  the  first 
board  of  elders. 

Some  of  the  first  members  were  David  Mil- 
ligan and  family,  Hugh  Hodge  and  wife,  John 
Warnock  and  wife,  William  Tracy,  Elizabeth 
McKisson,  Hugh  Plodge,  Margaret  McCrew, 
Susan  Hutchison,  Sarah  ITolmes,  Robert  and 
Mary  McMillen,  John  Wiley  and  wife,  Wil- 
liaf  McKee,  Robert  and  Elizabeth  McCrew, 
Mrs.  Tracy,  George  Holmes,  Lillie  Milligan, 
James  Smith,  James  Polk  and  Eliza  Hutchi- 
son. 

Rev.  Samuel  McArthur  succeeded  Rev.  Mr. 
Closkey,  in  1838.  Rev.  Josiah  Alexander  suc- 
ceeded Rev.  Mr.  McArthur  in  1853  but  after 
a lapse  of  a few  years  Rev.  William  Grimes 
was  called  in  1858,  when  the  church  name  was 
changed  to  the  United  Presbyterian. 

Here  as  at  Uniontown  there  was  much  poli- 
tical excitement  during  the  war,  and  this  ex- 
citement pervaded  the  churches.  Because  of 
his  anti-slavery  views.  Dr.  Grimes  retired  in 
1862  and  the  secession  of  the  church  from  the 
United  Presbyterians  took  place  and  the  con- 
gregation afterward  united  with  the  Associate 
Reform  Synod  of  the  South. 

In  1868,  Dr.  \N.  S.  Moffat  became  pastor, 
and  in  1871  the  congregation  built  the  present 
commodious  brick  building  at  a cost  of  $3,500. 
The  present  pastor  is  Rev.  W.  F.  Boyce,  and 
the  board  of  elders  is  constituted  as  follows : 
H.  H.  Ault,  D.  Johnston,  Thomas  McKelvey 
and  Robert  Barrett.  The  membership  in  1902 
is  75- 

There  is  a large  and  well  conducted  school 
at  Warnock’s  station,  in  charge  of  Mr.  Fore- 
man, with  Miss  McKelvey  as  assistant.  The 
total  enrollment  is  70.  C.  A.  Strahl,  J.  N. 
Warnock  and  J.  K.  Piper  constitute  the  School 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


289 


Board.  The  postmaster  at  Warnock’s  station 
is  J.  K.  Piper. 

AN  OLD  TIME  TEMPERANCE  RESOLUTION. 

As  an  indication  of  the  growth  and  develop- 
ment of  temperance  sentiments  in  the  church, 
we  find  this  record  in  the  minutes  of  1839 : 

“On  motion  it  was  resolved  that  the  mem- 
bers of  this  session  will  discountenance  the  use 
of  distilled  licjuors  by  not  using  them  them- 
selves except  as  medicine  or  in  case  of  actual 
sickness,  nor  furnish  it  to  others  in  their  em- 
ploy.”' 

LAMIRA  OR  lewis"  MILLS. 

Lewis’  Mills  is  a small  village  on  the  line  of 


the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad,  near  the  north- 
west corner  of  the  township.  It  contains  a post 
office  and  railroad  station  and  a few  stores  and 
residences. 

The  old  mill  built  50  years  ago  was  success- 
fully operated  by  Jacob  and  Ira  Lewis,  after 
whom  the  village  was  named.  The  mill  is  not 
at  present  in  use  but  is  preserved  as  one  of  the 
old  landmarks  of  the  county. 

Caleb  Engle  was  the  first  settler  and  built  the 
old  original  mill  in  1806.  In  1822  the  property 
was  purchased  by  Jacob  Lewis,  in  whose  fam- 
ily it  remained  until  1848,  when  the  present 
structure  was  erected.  The  mill  formerly  did  a 
large  trade,  both  in  merchant  work  and  grist 
grinding.  In  connection  with  the  flour  mill, 
a sawmill  was  also  operated. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 


GOSHEN  TOWNSHIP. 

Capture  of  Lewis  Wetzel  and  His  Brother — The  First  Settlements — Spinning 
IN  THE  Olden  Time — Early  Settlers — Township  Officials  and  Population 
— Goshen  Township  in  the  Civil  War — Belmont  Village — The  School — The 
Industries — Natural  Gas  Developments — Odd  Fellows — The  Banks— The 
Churches — Bethesda — The  Epworth  Assembly — The  Chautauqua  Assembly 
— The  Growth  of  the  Village — The  First  National  Bank — The  School — 
The  Bethesda  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 


Goslien  township  was  probably  named  after 
a township  in  Chester  County,  Pennsylvania, 
from  whence  many  of  the  early  settlers  mi- 
grated, and  its  history  is  replete  with  many 
stirring  incidents. 

capture  of  lewis  WETZEL  AND  HIS  BROTHER. 

It  was  at  a point  midway  between  Burton 
and  Betbesda  in  this  township,  and  on  the 
farm  formerly  owned  hy  Hendly  Gregg,  that 
one  of  the  most  stirring  events  in  Indian  war- 
fare occurred. 

Lewis  Wetzel  and  his  brother  Jacob  had 
been  captured  liy  the  Indians  near  Wheeling 
and  carried  from  their  homes  east  of  Wheel- 
ing, across  the  river.  The  hoys  were  only  12 
and  14  years  old,  respectively. 

The  second  night  they  camped  on  the  Big 
Lick.  20  miles  from  the  river  on  AdcMechen’s 
Creek,  as  above  mentioned. 

The  Wetzels  as  well  as  the  Indians  were 
footsore  and  weary,  and  the  Indians  fell  into 
a sound  sleep  without  tying  the  boys.  When 
the  Indians  were  asleep,  Lewis  whispered  to 
his  brother.  “We  must  now  run.” 

Jacob  at  first  demurred,  but  yielding  to 


Lewis’  importunities,  he  arose  and  they  slip- 
ped away  cjuietly.  When  they  had  run  a hun- 
dred yards,  Lewis  said,  “Well,  we  can’t  go 
home  barefooted.  You  stay  here  and  I will  go 
back  and  get  a pair  of  moccasins  for  each.” 
And  he  accordingly  did  so.  Then  remember- 
ing he  had  left  his  father’s  gun  behind  he  again 
slipped  back  cautiously  and  secured  the  gun. 
However  they  had  not  proceeded  far  on  their 
return  until  they  heard  the  Indians  following 
them.  It  was  a moonlight  night  and  they  were 
obliged  to  travel  with  caution.  When  the  In- 
dians approached  they  stepped  aside  into  the 
bushes,  and  then  fell  into  the  trail  behind  them. 
On  the  return  of  the  Indians  they  pursued 
the  same  tactics.  They  were  then  pursued  by 
the  Indians  on  horseback,  whom  they  also  suc- 
cessfully dodged,  and  reached  the  river,  oppo- 
site Wheeling  the  next  day,  which  they  crossed 
upon  a raft  of  their  own  construction.  Lewis 
Wetzel  had  in  the  meantime  become  much  ex- 
hausted hy  the  loss  of  blood  from  the  wound 
he  received  when  captured. 

THE  FIRST  SETTLEMENTS. 

It  is  believed  that  the  first  settlement  was 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


made  by  a squatter,  named  John  Adams,  and 
his  family  about  1797  and  that  they  lived  in 
the  most  primitive  way.  About  the  same  time 
three  squatters,  named  Christian  Wyaman  and 
a man  named  Keeler  and  John  Dunlap,  settled 
on  government  land  and  tradition  reports  these 
pioneers  as  living  in  log  houses,  chinked  with 
mud  and  covered  with  coarse  clapboard  roofs. 
The  chimneys  were  of  stone  and  mud  at  the 
base,  with  a frame  work  of  sticks  narrowing 
to  the  top.  The  floors  were  made  of  puncheons 
and  a quilt  sometimes  answered  the  purpose  of 
a door.  The  clothing  was  equally  plain,  but 
serviceable  and  all  home-made. 

SPINNING  IN  THE  OLDEN  TIME. 

John  S.  Williams,  an  old  pioneer,  in  an  arti- 
cle published  a half  century  ago,  said : 

“One  of  our  employments  upon  winter  even- 
ings, after  we  had  raised  flax,  was  the  spin- 
ning of  rope  yarn  from  the  coarsest  ‘swing- 
ling’ tow  to  make  bed-cords.  The  manner  of 
spinning  rope  yarn  was  by  means  of  a drum 
which  turned  upon  a horizontal  shaft  driven 
into  a hole  in  one  of  the  cabin  logs  near  the 
fire. 

“The  yarn  was  hitched  to  a nail  on  one  side 
of  the  circumference  next  to  me;  by  taking  an 
oblique  direction  and  keeping  up  a regular 
jerking  or  pulling  of  the  thread,  the  drum  was 
kept  in  constant  motion  and  thus  the  twisting 
and  pulling  went  on  until  the  length  of  the 
walk  was  taken  up. 

“Then  by  winding  the  yarn  first  on  my  fore- 
arm and  from  that  on  the  drum  I was  ready 
to  spin  another  thread. 

“A  finer  kind  of  tow  was  used  as  filling  for 
trousers  and  aprons. 

“A  warp  still  finer  was  used  for  shirts  and 
frocks  and  a still  finer  thread  for  sheets  and 
frocks. 

“Linen  shirts,  especially  700  thread,  were 
counted  ‘dandyish’ ; hut  that  animal  was  yet 
unknown.  Pioneers  found  it  to  their  ad- 
vantage to  wear  tow  linen  and  eat  skimmed 
milk  and  sell  their  flax,  linen  and  butter. 

“Frocks  were  a short  shirt,  worn  over  the 


291 


trousers,  and  we  saved  our  shirts  by  pulling 
them  off  in  warm  weather  and  wearing  nothing 
hut  our  frocks,  trousers  and  a straw  hat. 

“These  things  took  place  before  the  days  of 
suspenders,  when  everyone's  trousers  lacked 
about  two  inches  of  reaching  up  to  where  the 
waistcoat  reached  down. 

“The  girls  then  had  forms  without  hustles, 
and  rosy  cheeks  without  paint,  and  this  was 
the  children’s  emploAmient  on  winter  evenings 
in  the  old  pioneers'  cabins. 

“At  a later  period,  and  when  the  wolves  had 
been  in  a measure  exterminated,  the  pioneers 
began  to  grow  wool.  Previous  to  that  time, 
the  wolves  were  almost  as  numerous  as  sheep 
today,  and  the  farmer’s  flocks  could  only  be 
protected  by  housing  them  with  other  young 
animals  at  night. 

“When  wool  became  a part  of  the  farmer’s 
stock  in  trade,  the  good  wife  would  card  and 
weave  it,  and  spin  it  into  cloth,  and  with  cop- 
peras water  the  cloth  was  colored  and  striped 
and  checkered,  for  those  who  would  be  gay. 

“The  principal  food  of  these  hearty  pioneers 
was  cornmeal  and  pounded  hominy,  and  the 
meat  was  mainly  wild  game.’’ 

EARLY  SETTLERS. 

Probably  the  first  land  entered  lawfully  was 
that  of  Joseph  AYright.  Associated  with  him 
was  Ralph  Heath  and  AAhlliam  Philpot.  Then 
in  the  order  of  time  came  John  Gregg,  Darling 
Conrow,  Ezekiel  Smith,  Joseph  Danner, 
George  and  John  Ewers,  David  Fawcett,  Na- 
than McNichols,  George  Burns,  William  Phil- 
lips and  Stephen  Gregg. 

At  the  earliest  period  land  could  only  be 
entered  by  the  section  and  was  sold  at  $2  per 
acre. 

The  forests  of  Goshen  in  that  pioneer  period 
were  dense  groves  of  hickory,  chestnut,  white 
and  black  oak  and  poplar,  and  the  ground  was 
fairl}'-  carpeted  with  wild  peas. 

The  soil  is  a clayey  loam,  and  the  chief  prod- 
uct years  ago  was  tobacco.  Today  wheat,  corn 
and  grasses  are  grown,  rvith  large  herds  of  cat- 
tle and  flocks  of  sheep. 


2Q2 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


'I'lierc  is  little  coal  for  commercial  purposes 
mined  in  this  township.  The  fonr-foot  vein 
is  abundant,  hut  only  used  for  domestic  pur- 
poses. 

It  is  not  known  definitely  the  year  the  town- 
shi]i  was  organized,  as  the  records  do  not  ex- 
tend hack  beyond  1835,  but  it  is  supposed  to 
have  been  organized  about  the  time  VVrights- 
town  was  laid  out,  namely:  1808-09. 

TOWNSHIP  OFFTCTALS  AND  POPULATION. 

In  T900  the  township  officers  were  as  fol- 
lows: Trustees, — R.  B.  Lawrence,  R.  F.  P. 

Patterson  and  John  I.  Lewis;  justices  of  the 
])eace, — David  E.  Ault,  Archibald  Cole  and 
A.  W.  Wilcox;  clerk, — Charles  Seylaws;  treas- 
urer,— R.  S.  Burriss. 

1'he  population  of  the  township  in  1890  was 
2,645;  according  to  the  census  of  1900,  it  was 
2.893,  <-'■  of  248  in  the  last  decade. 

d’he  assessor’s  returns  for  1902  reveal  an 
increase  upon  the  tax  duplicate  of  $9,483,  while 
the  tax  levy  in  the  township  is  reduced  from 
1.77  in  1901  to  1.46  in  1902  and  in  Belmont 
corporation  it  is  reduced  from  2.60  in  1901  to 
2.42  in  1902. 

GOSHEN  TOWNSHIP  IN  THE  CIVIL  WAR. 

Goshen  township  in  the  War  of  the  Rebellion 
was  very  patriotic  and  furnished  a whole  com- 
])any  of  soldiers  for  service  in  the  98th  Ohio 
Regiment,  under  command  of  Captain  Cord- 
ner.  Dr.  Schooley  says  that  at  the  battle  of 
PerryvilTe  this  company  was  in  an  exposed  po- 
sition, lint  heroically  maintained  it  until  the 
company  was  practically  annihilated. 

BELMONT  VILLAGE. 

Belmont  or  Wrightstown  was  laid  out  by 
Jose])h  Wright  in  1808.  The  name  Wrights- 
town ought  to  have  been  perpetuated  in  honor 
of  the  enterprising'  and  intelligent  Irish  gen- 
tleman who  first  settled  there.  Mr.  Wright 
was  the  first  school  teacher  and  taught  in  the 
old.  round-log  school  house  for  years.  He  was 


also  the  first  postmaster.  One  of  the  oldest 
citizens  in  Belmont  today  is  George  Ewers, 
aged  75  years. 

The  population  of  the  village  in  1880  was 
350.  In  1900  it  is  returned  at  422.  The  vil- 
lage was  incorporated  December  17,  1897,  with 
W.  IT.  White,  mayor,  and  W.  D.  Strahl, 
clerk. 

The  village  officers  in  1902  are:  Mayor,  J. 
M.  Gordon;  clerk,  J.  E.  Davis;  treasurer,  Ira 
Vail;  councilmen, — A.  P.  Stewart,  C.  W.  Up- 
ham,  Michael  King,  C.  C.  Lynn,  Mix  Netzel 
and  James  Burson. 

The  regularly  appointed  postmaster  having 
resigned,  John  E.  Davis  is  holding  the  office 
by  appointment  until  a successor  is  nominated 
and  confirmed. 

THE  SCHOOL. 

The  first  log-cabin  school  house  was  built  in 
1807.  The  second  was  a hewed-log  house,  date 
not  given.  The  third  was  a frame  structure  in 
1836.  The  fourth,  a brick  structure  in  1861, 
and  the  last  a three-room  brick  house  in  1875. 

The  present  superintendent  is  J.  W.  Jeffries, 
with  Tompkins  Dillon  and  Miss  L.  Griffith  as 
assistants.  The  enrollment  is  168  and  the 
school  house  is  too  small  to  accommodate  the 
increasing  numbers.  The  members  of  the 
School  Board  are:  Elmer  Kinney,  president; 

J.  M.  Gordon,  secretary;  W.  A.  DeLong, 
Leonard  Hart,  Fred  Wright  and  J.  W.  Mc- 
Clellan. Since  the  above  was  written,  Mr. 
Dillon,  the  assistant  superintendent,  was 
thrown  out  of  his  buggy  in  some  mysterious 
way  and  killed.  The  accident  occurred  upon 
his  return  from  the  polls  at  Morristown. 

THE  INDUSTRIES. 

There  is  one  large  modern  steam  flour  mill, 
that  is  kept  constantly  employed  in  Belmont 
today.  It  has  a capacity  of  30  barrels  of  flour 
daily. 

There  is  also  an  overall  and  glove  factory 
conducted  liy  Carmen  & Taylor  that  gives  em- 
ployment to  60  women  and  twO'  or  three  men. 
Recently  the  factory  was  destroyed  by  fire,  but 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


293 


the  company  has  sought  new  quarters  and  the 
work  is  again  in  operation. 

The  fire  referred  to  also  destroyed  the  Odd 
Fellows’  building  with  all  their  valuable  re- 
galias, entailing  a total  loss  of  about  $5,000. 

NATURAL  GAS  DEVELOPMENTS. 

Belmont  is  to  be  supplied  with  natural  gas. 
A company  is  now  laying  mains.  Some  time 
ago  a well  was  put  down  a little  way  north  of 
town.  A considerable  flow  of  gas  was  found 
at  a depth  of  about  900  feet.  The  well  was 
closed  up  and  nothing  done  with  it  until  a few 
months  ago,  when  parties  purchased  the  farm 
on  which  the  well  is  located  and  began  arrange- 
ments to  carry  the  gas  into  town.  Other  wells 
will  be  put  down  and  the  supply  will,  it  is 
thought,  be  equal  to  the  demand.  ' 

ODD  FELLOWS. 

Belmont  Lodge,  No.  257,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  con- 
tains a membership  of  80,  but  the  records  were 
all  destroyed  in  the  late  fire.  The  present  offi- 
cers are : W.  Smith,  N.  G. ; Elmer  Colley,  V. 
G. : L.  D.  McKisson,  secretary ; W.  D.  Strahl, 
recording  secretary;  and  FI.  L.  Hoge,  treas- 
urer. 

THE  BANKS. 

The  First  National  Bank  of  Belmont,  which 
was  only  in  operation  a few  years,  failed  in 
1902.  A receiver  was  appointed  by  the  gov- 
ernment and  its  affairs  are  now  in  course  of 
settlement.  It  is  belie\ed  depositors  will  be 
reimbursed  in  part,  but  the  stockholders  will 
sustain  heavy  losses.  At  this  writing  it  is 
feared  a levy  will  be  made  upon  them  equal 
to  double  the  amount  of  their  stock. 

The  failure  was  a great  blow  to  the  town  and 
surrounding  country  and  the  bitter  feeling  en- 
gendered has  been  a menace  to  the  town’s  pros- 
perity, but  a better  feeling  prevails  today,  and 
a speedy  recovery  is  hoped  for. 

The  (Neza)  First  National  Bank. — After 
the  failure  of  the  First  National  Bank,  a new 
First  National  Bank  was  organized,  September 
2,  1902.  Many  of  the  stockholders  in  the  new 


hank  were  formerly  connected  with  the  first 
bank  as  officers  or  stockholders.  The  capital 
stock  of  the  new  bank  is  $25,000  and  its  offi- 
cers are : Dr.  L.  Schooley,  president ; William 
Nichols,  vice-president;  J.  F.  Neff,  cashier;  di- 
rectors,— J.  A.  Bryson  and  Jonas  Perkins. 

THE  CHURCHES. 

The  Belmont  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
was  organized  in  1868,  and  in  1869  ^ 
church  was  erected  at  a cost  of  $3,210.  The 
work  was  done  under  the  supervision  of  Rev. 
Josiah  Dillon.  At  the  dedicatory  exercises, 
over  $1,000  was  raised  to  meet  the  indebted- 
ness. Some  of  the  members  active  in  the  or- 
ganization of  the  church  were  A.  P.  Miller, 
Sarah  Schooley,  Jacob  Mays,  Alice  Wright, 
William  A.  Dowdell,  Jane  Calhoun,  J.  A. 
Grove,  Margaret  Dillon,  J.  B.  Hollingsworth, 
Nancy  Lowry,  P.  E.  McKisson  and  David 
Perry. 

Some  of  the  pastors  who  have  served  the 
people  are : Revs.  Sweeny.  Hollister,  Cooper, 
Rolrb  and  Darby. 

The  present  church  is  a neat  frame  structure 
on  the  Belmont  and  Bethesda  circuit,  and  the 
pastor  is  Rev.  Mr.  Patterson.  The  official 
members  are  Harry  Wright,  O.  C.  Weir,  Na- 
than Barnes,  Mrs.  Fred,  E.  P.  McMurry,  Ira 
Vail,  William  McClellan,  John  Wright,  C.  S. 
Dunn  and  William  Nichols. 

The  Methodist  Protestant  Church  was  or- 
ganized about  1831,  though  the  present  church 
was  erected  in  1838.  Previous  to  that  time, 
services  were  conducted  in  the  the  school  house. 

The  present  pastor  is  Rev.  Mr.  Murphy, 
and  the  official  board  is  as  follows : Trustees, — 
Herman  L.  Hoge,  Thomas  Orr  and  W.  W. 
Gregg;  stewards, — Elma  Gregg  and  Rhoda 
Green;  janitor. — Clyde  Gregg. 

- The  pastors  who  have  served  this  church  in 
the  past  have  been : Revs.  G.  W.  Hissey, 

John  Woodward,  H.  T.  Lawson,  Patrick  King, 
T.  H.  Scott.  Thomas  Orr,  J.  B.  McCormick,  S. 
Lancaster,  E.  Hoagland,  E.  Looman,  J.  D. 
Murphy,  Dr.  Link.  E.  S.  Dollison,*M.  Lee,  E. 
M.  Hougland,  John  Cooper,  f.  M.  Wells  and 
W.  S.  Murphy. 


294 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


The  Christian  Church  of  Belmont  was  or- 
ganized in  i8<S9.  and  the  members  worshiped 
in  a neat  frame  church.  The  membership  in 
1902  numbers  80  and  the  elders  in  charge  are 
Joseph  Burson,  Joseph  Bolon  and  Alonzo  Or- 
rison.  They  have  no  stated  pastor. 

BETHESDA 

Is  a town  of  850  population  and  is  situated 
about  six  mlies  east  of  Barnesville. 

It  was  named  after  Bethesda  Church  and  P. 
O.,  which  were  located  a mile  or  more  south. 
When  the  post  office  was  removed  to  the  rail- 
road station,  the  postmaster,  Mr.  Patterson, 
carried  the  name  of  the  post  office  with  him. 
The  railroad  station,  however,  was  called 
Burr’s  Mills,  after  the  gentleman  who  erected 
a mill  on  the  railroad  at  that  point.  Mr.  Burr 
suhsec[uently  laid  out  a little  village,  which  was 
established  in  1855.  This  village,  because  of 
its  high  and  beautiful  location,  was  called 
Fairmount.  Thus  the  village  and  railroad  sta- 
tion and  post  office  had  each  different  names. 
Eventually  the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad 
adopted  Bethesda  as  the  name  of  the  station, 
when  by  common  consent  the  other  titles, 
Burr’s  Mills  and  Fairmount,  were  dropped, 
and  the  village  is  now  known  as  Bethesda. 

THE  EPWORTH  ASSEMBLY. 

On  August  37,  1870,  the  Barnesville  District 
Camp  Meeting  Association  met  at  the  Shirer 
Methodist  Episcopal  Chapel,  adjoining  the  vil- 
lage, and  after  discussion  determined  to  pur- 
chase the  beautiful  grove  adjoining  for  camp 
meeting  purposes.  These  grounds  contained 
18  acres,  well-watered,  with  bountiful  shade, 
and  capable  of  accommodating  10,000  people. 
Subscription  papers  were  circulated  by  William 
Dowdell.  William  Davis,  Frank  McMillan, 
John  Walker  and  J.  B.  Shipman.  Soon  there- 
after the  sum  of  $1,410.58  was  realized  and 
the  grounds  were  purchased. 

Forty  or  fifty  neat  cottages  were  built  and 
immense  assemblies  thereafter  collected  annu- 
ally for  a period  of  20  years. 


And  thus  the  camp  meetings  continued  un- 
til 1890  which  was  the  last  one  held. 

CHAUTAUQUA  ASSEMBLY. 

At  a business  meeting  held  November  ii, 
1890,  three  ministers  of  the  Barnesville  dis- 
trict were  appointed  a committee  to  arrange 
for  Chautauqua  Assembly  for  the  year  1891, 
the  committee  being  Rev.  T.  W.  Lane,  Dr.  C. 
E.  Manchester  and  Rev.  C.  M.  Hollett.  May 
2 1st,  at  a meeting  of  the  board  of  managers 
held  on  the  Epworth  Park  grounds,  the  said 
committee  submitted  their  plans,  and  program, 
which  was  approved  and  the  sum  of  $500  ap- 
propriated for  the  purpose  and  placed  at  their 
disposal.  J.  Melvin  Richards  and  A.  Gregg 
were  added  to  the  committee.  It  was  ordered 
that  an  auditorium  be  built  in  the  square  at  a 
cost  not  to  exceed  $500.  The  first  Epworth 
Park  Assembly  was  held  in  July,  1891,  and 
proved  a grand  success.  The  work  has  con- 
tinued without  interruption  and  has  long  since 
passed  the  experimental  stage.  Among  the 
many  improvements  added  is  a beautiful  lake 
for  boating  and  bathing.  The  12th  Annual 
Assembly  held  this  year  (1902)  was  the  most 
satisfactory  of  any  yet  held. 

The  present  officers  are:  J.  A.  Judkins,  M. 
D..  chairman;  G.  E.  Hunt,  treasurer;  J.  Mel- 
vin Richards,  secretary  and  superintendent  of 
grounds;  J.  A.  Judkins,  J.  L.  Woodward,  C. 
H.  Dankworth,  J.  W.  Garber,  J.  H.  Hoffman 
and  M.  Aldredge;  Dr.  M.  J.  Slutz,  superinten- 
dent of  instruction ; Revs.  A.  J.  Hiatt,  D.  W. 
Knight  and  J.  A.  Judkins,  M.  D.,  and  J.  Mel- 
vin Richards,  committee  on  program. 

THE  GROWTH  OF  THE  VILLAGE. 

The  population  of  the  village  in  1880  was 
but  150  and  there  were  but  a few  stores.  To- 
day the  population  is  nearly  900  and  there  are 
in  successful  operation  10  cigar  factories  that 
yield  an  annual  output  of  20,000,000  cigars 
and  give  employment  to  250  hands,  and  there 
are  in  addition  1 1 business  houses  and  one  box 
factory. 


EPWORTH  PARK. 


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AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


297 


The  assessor’s  returns  reveal  a gain  of  $14,- 
216  in  the  personal  property  upon  the  tax  dup- 
licate, while  the  tax  levy  has  been  reduced  to 
1.60.  The  postmaster  in  1902  is  T.  F.  Thomp- 
son. 

THE  FIRST  NATIONAL  BANK 

Of  Bethesda  was  organized  May  25,  1900.  and 
comenmced  business  December  16,  1900.  The 
original  board  of  directors  consisted  of  H.  H. 
Gregg,  J.  E.  Lucas,  T.  M.  Kildow,  H.  R. 
Wilson,  J.  T.  Patterson,  A.  L.  Kemp,  J.  W. 
Wilkinson  and  John  Shepherd,  with  T.  M. 
Kildow,  president;  J.  E.  Lucas,  vice-president; 
and  E.  F.  Barnes,  cashier.  There  have  been 
added  to  the  board  of  directors  since  organi- 
zation C.  O.  Kelly  and  A.  E.  Flogue. 

The  capital  stock  is  $25,000,  with  a surplus 
of  $2,500  and  deposits  amounting  to  $135,000. 
The  bank  has  enjoyed  the  entire  confidence  of 
the  community  from  the  beginning. 

THE  SCHOOL. 

The  village  school  has  kept  pace  with  the 
town  in  growth.  Twenty  years  ago  it  was  a 
little  brick  building  near  the  Shirer  Church. 
Today  it  is  a commodious  school  building,  with 
five  rooms  and  an  enrollment  of  183,  namely; 
Male,  loi ; female,  82.  The  school  is  in  a 


prosperous  condition  and  furnished  with  all 
modern  appointments.  The  instructors  are  A. 
H.  Rummel,  superintendent ; E.  L.  Mavis, 
grammar  department ; Eflie  Berry,  intermedi- 
ate department ; and  Elsie  Langle,  primary  de- 
partment. 

THE  BETHESDA  METHODIST  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH, 

As  heretofore  stated,  was  organized  in  1834-35 
at  a point  nearly  two  miles  south  of  the  pres- 
ent village.  When  in  i860  a new  building  was 
reciuired  to  accommodate  the  increasing  num- 
bers, it  was  decided  to  erect  the  building  in 
the  village  and  adjoining  the  camp  grounds. 
This  little  frame  church  was  called  Shirer 
Chapel,  after  an  esteemed  pastor. 

Some  of  the  ministers  who  have  served  this 
people  are : Revs.  S.  Y.  Kennedy,  D.  M.  Hol- 
lister, Gideon  Martin,  A.  G.  Robb  and  W.  D. 
Starkey.  The  present  pastor  is  Rev.  Mr.  Pat- 
terson and  the  official  lioard  consists  of  Arthur 
Gregg,  president ; J.  Melvin  Richards,  secre- 
tary; J.  A.  Latham,  treasurer;  Dr.  J.  W. 
Piper.  W.  W.  Gilmore,  John  Hatcher  and  E.  S. 
McMillen. 

The  building  committee  for  the  new  church 
in  course  of  construction  is  composed  of  Ar- 
thur Gregg,  Dr.  J.  W.  Piper  and  J.  Melvin 
Richards. 


CHAPTER.  XXV. 


MEAD  TOWNSHIP. 

Col.  Davtd  Lockwood — The  First  Settlers — The  Mining  Industry — The  Milling 
Industry — The  Population  and  Township  Officials — Bethel — Mount  Summit 
Park— The  Bethel  Presbyterian  Church — Businessburg — Old  Citizens — 
The  Great  Flood  of  1884 — The  Schools  and  Churches — Canning  Factory — 
Reminiscences — A Bloody  Tragedy — An  Incident  of  Pioneer  Days — An 
Anecdote  of  Lewis  Wetzel. 


COL.  DAVID  LOCKWOOD. 

One  of  the  first  settlers  of  Mead  township 
was  Col.  David  Lockwood  of  Revolutionary 
fame,  who,  at  the  conclusion  of  the  war,  located 
at  Dillie’s  Bottom  in  1800. 

Because  of  his  zeal  and  patriotism  in  the 
cause  of  America,  Colonel  Lockwood  was  hon- 
ored by  his  fellow  citizens  with  a position  as 
one  of  the  first  associate  judges  of  the  county, 
a position  he  filled  with  much  honor  and  ability 
for  years. 

After  the  formation  of  the  township,  it  Avas 
named  Mead,  in  honor  of  Colonel  Lockwood’s 
mother. 

the  first  settlers. 

Old  Squire  McMasters,  who  is  still  living  at 
a ripe  old  age,  says  the  first  settlement  in  Mead 
toAvnship  Avas  made  along  the  river  front  in 
1793-95  the  IDillies,  Hayeses,  Colemans, 
SheAveys,  Smiths,  Rileys,  Dunfees,  Creamers, 
LockAYOods  and  McElherrens. 

A number  of  these  early  settlers,  notably  the 
Smiths,  Colemans  and  Sheweys,  located  at  Dil- 
lie's  Bottom  for  the  protection  that  the  fort  af- 
forded. The  depredations  of  the  Indians  were 
so  hostile  that  the  Dillies  and  their  neighbors 
Avere  obliged  in  self  protection  to  erect  a block- 
house. 


Many  of  the  early  settlers,  however,  sought 
homes  on  the  ridge  aboA^e,  on  what  afterwards 
became  the  “Drovers’  Road.”  This  is  notably 
true  of  Revs.  Rolnnson  and  Hall,  the  Rileys, 
Dunfees  and  McElherrens.  As  heretofore 
mentioned,  it  Avas  in  the  McElherren’s  home 
that  the  first  court  in  Belmont  County  was  held. 
Among  the  old  families  of  a later  date  were 
the  Dents,  Taylors,  Loys,  Ramseys,  McMas- 
ters, Duvalls,  McKelveys,  Linns,  Amblers, 
McKinleys  and  McNieces. 

Squire  SoAverhaver  of  Dillie’s  Bottom  was 
the  first  justice  of  the  peace. 

While  Mead  township  is  six  miles  long  by 
four  in  breadth,  its  topography  is  very  hilly, 
and  it  is  abundantly  Avatered  by  the  waters  of 
Wegee  and  Pipe  creeks. 

Dillie’s  Bottom  and  the  rich  bottom  lands  ex- 
tending back  from  the  river  for  several  miles 
are  very  fertile.  In  the  past  much  valuable 
coal  Avas  mined  from  the  river  hills,  and  ship- 
ped by  flatboats  to  Southern  markets.  The 
great  Cleveland  Gas  Pipe  Line  crosses  the 
river  at  the  mouth  of  Pipe  Creek,  and  tra- 
verses the  entire  length  of  the  township. 

THE  MINING  INDUSTRY. 

In  1865-66  there  were  five  extensive  mining 
companies  in  operation  that  yielded  700,000 
bushels  of  coal  per  annum. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


299 


These  companies  were  the  Pipe  Creek  Coal  & 
Iron  Company,  the  Empire  Coal  Company,  Col. 
Thompson's  mines,  the  U.  V.  Wallace  mines 
and  the  Wegee  mines. 

There  are  also  several  immense  veins  of  lime- 
stone and  sandstone  rock,  suitable  for  building 
and  road  purposes. 

Within  the  past  six  months,  one  of  the  most 
important  deals  in  coal  lands  since  the  or- 
ganization of  the  township  has  been  consum- 
mated. This  purchase  comprises  the  Pipe 
Creek  mines  owned  by  Johnson  Brothers  of 
Pittsburg,  and  their  big  block  of  coal,  compris- 
ing over  2,000  acres,  fronting  on  the  Ohio 
River.  The  prospective  purchasers  are  Eastern 
capitalists,  and  George  Hernickle,  an  Eastern 
Ohio  coal  operator,  is  credited  with  engineer- 
ing the  deal.  There  is  no  reason  to  doubt  that 
the  deal  will  be  made  in  a very  short  time  and 
a vast  sum  of  money  will  be  involved  as  the 
property  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  in  the 
eastern  part  of  the  State. 

It  is  a slope  mine,  at  present  employing  about 
100  men,  but  if  the  Eastern  parties  take  hold 
they  purpose  to  spend  over  $20,000  immediate- 
ly to  equip  it  with  modern  machinery.  It  will 
be  their  plan  to  make  it  a model  mine  and  in- 
crease the  number  of  employees  several  times 
over.  This  will  necessitate  the  erection  of 
a large  number  of  new  houses  and  the  form- 
ation of  a new  town. 

THE  MILLING  INDUSTRY. 

Because  of  superior  water  power,  the  mill- 
ing industry  was  of  foremost  importance  in 
the  early  history  of  Mead  township.  In  1821 
David  Lockwood  erected  a mill  at  Dillie’s 
Bottom.  Thirteen  years  later  Benjamin  Lock- 
wood  built  a mill  three  stories  high  with  three 
runs  of  burrs  and  a capacity  of  50  barrels 
daily. 

In  1845  steam  was  introduced,  but  in  1868 
the  boiler  exploded,  killing  two  men;  there- 
upon steam  was  discarded  and  the  mill  was 
again  operated  by  water  power. 

While  sheep  husbandry  is  perhaps  the  fore- 
most industry  in  agriculture,  the  farmers  for 


the  most  part  pursue  mixed  farming,  namely, — 
gardening  upon  the  rich  bottom  lands  and 
growing  grain  and  stock  on  the  hills.  The 
farmers’  surrooundings  are  for  the  most  part 
comfortable  and  cozy. 

THE  POPULATION  AND  TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS. 

The  population  of  the  township  in  1880  was 
reported  at  2,000.  In  1890  it  was  returned  at 
1,705  and  in  1900  it  was  given  at  1,726. 

While  the  census  reveals  a loss  in  popula- 
tion ,the  tax  duplicate  shows  a gain  in  the  last 
year  of  $4,981  in  the  Businessburg  precinct 
and  $8,485  in  the  Wegee  district,  or  a total  in- 
crease of  $13,466.  The  tax  levy  in  1901  was 
1.98;  in  1902,  it  is  given  at  1.8 1. 

The  townsliip  trstees  are : James  Hervey, 
S.  F.  Workman  and  William  Unterzuber; 
township  clerk,  D.  M.  Albright;  treasurer,  E. 
Wallace;  justices  of  the  peace, — M.  C.  Stone- 
braker  and  Frank  Finicum. 

BETHEL 

Is  a station  upon  the  Bellaire,  Zanesville  & 
Cincinnati  Railway,  containing  a post  office, 
railroad  station,  telephone  exchange  and  a 
school  and  church. 

The  telephone  company  is  known  as  the  En- 
terprise Telephone  Company,  and  is  connected 
with  all  the  independent  telephone  companies 
(as  opposed  to  the  Bell)  in  the  county. 

Located  at  Bethel  is  a school  with  an  at- 
tendance of  50,  conducted  by  Miss  Nora  Myers. 
The  School  Board  consists  of  M.  C.  Stone- 
braker,  S.  A.  White  and  D.  F.  McKelvey. 

MOUNT  SUMMIT  PARK. 

Not  far  from  Bethel  station  is  Mount  Sum- 
mit Park,  one  of  the  largest  and  most  attract- 
ive picnic  grounds  in  the  southern  part  of  the 
county,  whereat  immense  gatherings  attend 
the  annual  farmers’  picnic. 

THE  BETHEL  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH 

Was  organized  by  Rev.  Tliomas  Groves  in 
1855,  and  a church  building  was  erected  in 


300 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


1857.  Fourteen  years  thereafter  it  was  found 
necessary  to  enlarge  and  remodel  the  church 
edifice  to  accommodate  the  increasing  num- 
bers, and  this  work  was  done  under  the  super- 
vision of  the  pastor,  Rev.  James  Day.  The 
membership  then  numbered  200,  and  the  board 
of  elders  consisted  of  Thomas  Ault,  M.  Watt, 
J.  M.  Watt,  Martin  Curtland,  James  Flopton 
and  Dr.  Michael.  The  present  pastor  is  Rev. 
Mr.  Minnemeyer,  and  the  board  of  elders  is 
constituted  as  follows:  W.  W.  Watt,  William 
King  and  Thomas  Watt.  The  membership  is 

135- 

BUSINESSBURG 

Is  a little  village  located  on  Pipe  Creek, 
hemmed  in  by  hills  that  are  almost  as  precipi- 
tous as  mountains.  It<  contains  an  old-time 
water  mill,  erected  in  1848  by  Archibald  Mc- 
Grew  and  Robert  Hammond.  In  those  days 
Pipe  Creek  supplied  ample  water  power  and 
for  seven  years  the  mill  was  thus  operated. 
In  1855  steam  was  introduced,  and  thereafter 
the  mill  was  successfully  operated  for  a period 
of  25  years  by  Allen  Ramsey,  James  Shipman, 
Sylvester  Creamer,  David  McGrew,  ■ Isaac 
Richner  and  Thomas  McNiece,  respectively. 

OLD  CITIZENS. 

The  store  and  post  office  are  conducted  by 
William  Duvall,  a venerable  citizen  who  has 
been  a merchant  in  Businessburg  for  half  a 
century,  and  recalls  the  men  prominent  in  the 
days  of  the  town's  prosperity.  He  says  that 
the  men  active  in  township  affairs  in  the  olden 
times  were  Arch  McGrew,  C.  Ambler,  James 
Campbell,  Allen  Ramsey  and  Squire  McMas- 
ter. 

Among  other  old  citizens  of  the  township 
still  living  are  John  Giffen,  past  90,  and  George 
Crozier,  71  years  old.  At  the  outlireak  of  the 
Civil  W'ar  Mr.  Crozier,  prompted  by  a spirit 
of  patriotism,  left  home  to  fight  the  battles  of 
his  country  in  the  ranks  of  the  170th  Ohio 
Regiment,  leaving  his  wife  and  six  little  ones 
at  home.  At  the  close  of  the  war,  he  returned 
'to  the  old  farm,  where  he  is  still  living  vigor- 
ous in  mind  and  body. 


The  present  population  of  the  village  is  be- 
tween 50  and  55. 

THE  GREAT  FLOOD  OF  1884 

Nearly  destroyed  Businessburg.  The  waters 
of  Pipe  Creek  rose  to  a height  of  15  feet,  and 
the  town  was  practically  submerged.  Many 
houses  were  carried  away  and  the  loss  was 
very  heavy. 

THE  SCHOOLS  AND  CHURCHES. 

The  district  school  is  conducted  by  Mr. 
Bethel  and  has  an  enrollment  of  55.  The 
school  directors  are:  Alexander  McMaster, 

William  Ramsey  and  Mr.  Lucas. 

The  first  school  in  Mead  township  was  built 
on  section  32  in  1818.  Another  was  built 
on  Beallsville  Ridge  about  five  years  later. 
In  those  days  the  school  term  was  very  short. 
The  number  of  book  were  few  and  the  teach- 
ers were  not  well  qualified.  Now  the  town- 
ship contains  18  excellent  schools,  which  are 
conducted  for  nine  months  in  the  year. 

There  are  three  churches  in  and  near  Busi- 
nessburg, namely : The  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  of  Businessburg  which  is  included  in 
the  circuit  of  Rev.  Mr.  Bevington,  with  a mem- 
bership of  30.  About  one  and  a half  miles 
down  Pi]ie  Creek  there  is  another  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  in  charge  of  Rev.  Thomas 
AIcGuire.  In  Businessburg  there  is  also  a 
Christian  Church,  with  a membership  of  25 
or  30,  under  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  Mr.  Lucas. 

One  of  the  most  distinguished  ministers  in 
the  Presbyterian  Church  was  born  on  Pipe 
Creek.  Rev.  Dr.  Gillaspie,  for  years  secretary 
of  the  Board  of  Eoreign  Missions  of  the  Pres- 
byterian Church  in  this  country  was  a native  of 
Mead  township. 

The  Doctor  was  a graduate  of  Washington- 
Jefferson  College,  and  also  of  Allegheny  Theo- 
logical Seminary.  After  his  appointment  as 
secretary  of  the  Board  of  Foreign  Missions,  he 
made  a tour  of  investigation  around  the  world 
and  his  reports  were  received  with  much  favor. 
Dr.  Gillaspie  died  in  February,  1899. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


301 


CANNING  FACTORY. 

Near  VVegee  a large  tomato  canning  factory 
is  operated  by  the  McMillens,  an  industry  that 
furnishes  a ready  market . for  the  product  of 
the  extensive  tomato  fields  in  that  vicinity. 

REMINISCENCES. 

Cummings  in  his  “Tour  Down  the  Ohio’'  in 
1807  speaks  of  Dillie's  farm  thus  : “Passing  the 
Indian  Mound,  we  found  a floating  store  at 
the  landing. 

“It  was  a large  square  flatboat,  roofed  and 
fitted  with  shelves  and  counter,  and  contain- 
ing a various  assortment  of  merchandise, 
among  which  were  several  copper  stills,  of 
which  much  use  is  now  made  throughout  the 
whole  Western  Country  for  distilling  peach 
and  apple  brandy  and  rye  whisky. 

“About  one  o’clock,  we  proceeded  on  our 
voyage,  passing  on  the  right  Mr.  Dillie’s  large 
frame  house  and  fine  farm,  round  which  the 
river  takes  a great  bend  to  the  westward.” 

A BLOODY  TRAGEDY. 

The  old  fort  at  Dillie’s  Bottom  was  con- 
structed about  1790  by  Mr.  Dillie  as  a protec- 
tion from  the  attacks  of  the  Indians,  and  many 
thrilling  stories  of  adventure  cluster  around  its 
historic  ruins.  The  early  settlers  had  built 
their  cabins  within  easy  range  of  the  fort  for 
the  shelter  it  would  afford. 

Between  1790  and  1795  a bloody  tragedy  oc- 
curred under  the  very  guns  of  the  fort,  which 
might  have  been  averted  by  a little  more  cour- 
age upon  the  part  of  the  fort’s  defenders. 

One  morning  an  old  pioneer  named  Tate  was 
shot  down  by  some  concealed  Indians  the  mo- 
ment he  stepped  out  of  his  door.  His  children 
quickly  pulled  him  in  and  barred  the  door.  But 
the  Indians  ran  forward  with  yells  and  tried 
to  break  down  the  barrier,  and  failing  in  their 
efforts  they  fired  through  the  closed  doors  and 
seriously  wounded  the  boy.  As  the  woman 
sought  to  escape  through  the  chimney,  she  was 
shot  and  fell  into  the  fire.  The  wounded  boy 


pulled  her  out  and  then  sought  a hiding  place. 
Eventually  the  Indians  forced  an  entrance  and 
killed  the  girl  at  the  door  and  brutally  scalped 
the  three  that  were  shot. 

The  wounded  boy  who  was  hidden  escaped 
to  the  fort  while  the  Indians  were  slaughtering 
his  kindred,  and  when  the  massacre  was  com- 
pleted the  Indians  escaped. 

The  entire  bloody  deed  was  witnessed  by  the 
inmates  of  the  fort,  who  had  not  the  skill  nor 
courage  to  attack,  though  the  number  of  sav- 
ages did  not  exceed  13  in  number. 

The  Lockwoods,  both  David  and  Benjamin, 
were  great  hunters  as  rvell  as  valiant  soldiers. 
Benjamin  was  attacked  at  one  time  by  a horde 
of  howling  wolves  and  only  escaped  death  by 
the  speed  of  his  alarmed  and  excited  beast. 

AN  INCIDENT  OF  PIONEER  DAYS. 

It  is  related  of  the  wife  of  Major  Smith,  one 
of  the  pioneer  residents  of  Dillie’s  Bottom,  that 
on  one  occasion  a great  bear  entered  the  door- 
yard.  With  courage  she  called  the  dogs  and 
<50011  a life  and  death  struggle  began.  The  dogs 
began  to  worry  and  annoy  the  wild  beast  to 
.such  an  extent  that  it  took  to  a tree  for  self 
preservation.  Then  Mrs.  Smith  with  consum- 
mate skill  fired  tlie  trusty  rifle  at  the  wild  beast, 
killing  it  at  one  shot. 

AN  anecdote:  of  lewis  WETZEL. 

Before  General  Wayne  achieved  his  great 
victory  over  the  British  and  Indians,  Lewis 
Wetzel  had  just  got  back  from  a long  visit  to 
his  brothers  and  was  at  Dillie’s  fort  for  a few 
days. 

Below  the  fort  was  a boastful  fellow  named 
Forshay,  who  was  somewhat  of  a scout  and 
hunter  but  who  was  constantly  boasting  of  his 
prowess  in  these  acts.  He  had  a great  jealousy 
of  Wetzel  and  the  fame  he  had  acquired  and 
delighted  to  spread  his  feats  of  hunting  and 
scouting  in  Wetzel’s  presence.  On  this  oc- 
casion he  asked  who  Wetzel  was  and  when  told 
he  replied  with  the  air  of  a braggart : “No 
white  man  or  hunter  either  could  come  upon 
him  in  the  woods.” 


302 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Wetzel  smiled  sneeringly.  Forshay  repeated 
his  boast  with  a proud  shake  of  the  head.  Wet- 
zel eould  stand  it  no  longer  and  turning  to 
Forshay  said:  “See  here,  Mister,  I ain't  much 
on  the  hunt,  but  Fll  bet  you  I can  pounce  upon 
you  in  the  woods  any  wbar  and  you  won’t 
see  nor  bear  me,  till  I slap  you  on  the  shoul- 
ders.” Forshay  laughed  scornfully  and  ac- 
cepted the  challenge. 

The  crowd  eagerly  followed  to  witness  the 
feat.  Forshay  selected  an  open  piece  of  ground 
near  Kirkwood’s  cabin  at  Bridgeport.  There 
was  hut  little  undergrowth  for  a quarter  of  an 
acre,  with  hut  an  occasional  tree  here  and  there, 
and  a thicket  all  around. 

On  the  north  side  there  was  a very  steep 
l)ank,  leaving  Forshay  with  practically  but 


three  sides  to  guard.  Wetzel  entered  the  thick- 
et and  when  Forshay  was  ready  Wetzel  shout- 
ed from  the  thicket : “Look  out  or  Fll  scalp 
you.” 

Forshay  kept  a vigilant  watch,  and  the  crowd 
looked  on  eagerly,  but  in  silence,  when  Wet- 
zel like  a spirit  sprang  from  the  thicket  with- 
out the  rustle  of  a leaf,  and  struck  Forshay  on 
the  shoulder  a blow  so  hard  that  he  fell. 
Springing  to  his  feet,  he  cried  in  anger,  “I 
dare  you  to  do  that  again.”  Without  bluster 
Wetzel  again  stepped  into  the  woods  and  again 
shouted,  “Ready,”  and  before  either  the  crowd 
or  the  victim  was  prepared,  Wetzel  had  again 
sprung  upon  Forshay,  and  struck  him  on  the 
shoulder. 

Forshay  reluctantly  acknowledged  he  was 
beaten. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 


WASHINGTON  TOWNSHIP. 

The  First  Settlements — Deprivations  of,  the  Pioneers — The  First  Settlers 
— The  Population — The  Industries — The  Mineral  Resources — The  First 
Mills — Township  Officials — Armstrong’s  Mills — The  Churches  and  School 
— Eminent  Citizens — Hon.  Isaac  Welsh  and  Leroy  Welsh. 


Washington  township  was  organized  in 
1830-31.  It  was  the  last  township  erected  in 
the  county,  and  it  was  formed  from  sections 
of  York  and  Wayne  townships.  Its  bounda- 
ries have  been  elsewhere  described.  . 

the  first  settlements 

Were  made  along  the  banks  of  the  Captina  in 
1797.  This  beautiful  stream,  and  its  tributaries, 
traverse  the  entire  length  of  the  township,  emp- 
tying into  the  Ohio  at  Powhatan.  In  many 
places  the  creek  is  as  wide  and  deep  as  a little 
river,  and  the  limpid  waters  are  well  stocked 
with  fish.  Some  of  the  old  settlers  boasted  of 
having  caught  salmon  weighing  16  pounds  and 
upwards,  and  in  the  spring  the  stream  was 
thronged  with  schools  of  bass,  suckers,  stur- 
geons, perch,  salmon  and  sunfish.  The  death 
lioles  in  the  streams  were  numerous,  and  had 
to  be  carefully  avoided  by  swimmers. 

deprivations  of  the  pioneers. 

The  bottom  lands  were  first  settled,  but  the 
clearing  was  very  difficult;  times  were  very 
hard,  and  while  game  was  plentiful,  they  had 
no  mills  or  stores  or  roads,  but  were  obliged  to 
travel  over  bridle  paths  to  Wheeling  to  buy 
food,  which  consisted  principally  of  corn  and 
bacon.  The  corn  was  purchased  at  high  prices. 
It  was  packed  home  on  horses,  and  pounded  in 


a home-made  mortar,  which  was  made  of  gum 
wood,  with  one  end  burnt  in  a funnel  shape. 
It  was  the  boast  of  the  first  settlers  that  they 
subsisted  on  but  one  meal  a day.  Sometimes 
they  were  obliged  through  necessity  to  abstain 
from  eating  food  for  several  days.  After 
these  prolonged  fasts,  a large  wild  turkey 
roasted  was  eaten  at  a single  meal.  Because 
of  these  great  privations,  the  pioneers  were 
compelled  to  practice  the  utmost  economy. 
Their  clothes  consisted  of  buckskins  of  their 
own  tanning.  Their  plows  were  rudely  made, 
with  wooden  mold-boards,  which  were  split 
out  of  a block  of  wood.  This  was  an  excellent 
plow  for  rooty  ground.  In  the  matter  of  har- 
ness for  their  horses,  ropes  were  used  for  trace- 
chains,  corn  husks  were  formed  into  collars, 
and  hickory  withes  served  for  log  chains. 

the  first  settlers. 

The  pioneers  that  first  effected  settlements 
in  Washington  township  were  the  Danfords, 
Perkinses,  Reeds,  Hendershots,  Armstrongs, 
Welshes.  Groveses,  Caldwells,  etc. 

The  descendants  of  these  old  settlers  have 
been  prominently  identified  with  every  move- 
ment looking  to  the  gro.wth  and  development 
of  the  county  and  the  State,  and  their  children 
and  children’s  children  have  been  and  are  to- 


3°4 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


(lay  active  in  politics,  earnest  in  education,  and 
foremost  in  religion. 

THE  POrULATION 

Of  the  township  in  1879-80  was  placed  at 
1,500.  The  census  of  1900  shows  an  increase 
of  about  50.  The  valuation  of  personal  prop- 
erty upon  the  tax  duplicate  for  1901  is  $115,-' 
586,  and  in  1902  $120,621,  showing  an  in- 
crease of  $5,035,  while  the  tax  levy  has  been  re- 
duced from  1.93  in  1901  to  1.74  in  1902. 

THE  INDUSTRIES. 

Washington  being  an  inland  township,  its 
citizens  are  for  the  most  part  engaged  in  agri- 
cultural pursuits.  The  bottom  lands  bordering 
the  banks  of  the  Captina  are  extremely  fertile 
and  while  the  hills  are  abrupt  and  broken  by 
streams  they  are  highly  productive  when  sub- 
jected to  careful  farming. 

One  of  the  leading  merchants  of  Arm- 
strong’s Mills  informed  me  that  while  sheep 
and  wool  and  grain  and  grass  were  extensively 
grown  in  Washington  township,  the  leading 
farm  crops — the  crops  that  brought  in  the 
largest  returns — were 'poultry  and  eggs. 

THE  MINERAE  RESOURCES 

Of  Washington  township  have  never  been  fully 
developed,  though  the  hills  are  underlaid  with 
profitable  veins  of  bituminous  coal  and  numer- 
ous quarries  of  valuable  building  stone. 

The  Welsh  mines  at  Armstrong’s  Mills  have 
lieen  in  operation  between  20  and  22  years,  and 
not  only  supply  the  Bellaire,  Zanesville  & Cin- 
cinnati Railway  with  all  the  fuel  they  recjuire, 
but  all  the  towns  touched  by  that  railroad  are 
supplied  with  coal  from  these  mines. 

The  company  at  present  employs  31  hands 
that  mine  from  2,000  to  2,500  bushels  of  coal 
daily.  The  coal  mined  is  the  No.  8 or  Pitts- 
burg vein. 

Practically  all  the  undeveloped  coal  in  the 
township  has  been  purchased  and  Messrs. 
WTlsh  and  Armstrong,  representing  the  Inter- 


national Coal  Company,  have  bought  and  paid 
for  60,000  acres  of  coal  at  prices  ranging  from 
$8  to  $20  per  acre. 

If  the  narrow-gauge  road,  which  now  tra- 
verses the  township  and  which  has  been  re- 
cently purchased  by  the  Ohio  & Western  Rail- 
road Company,  is  changed  to  a broad-gauge 
road  in  the  near  future,  it  is  believed  that  this 
great  coal  field  will  be  developed  at  an  early 
day. 

THE  FIRST  MILLS. 

One  of  the  first  grist  mills  erected  in  the 
township  was  at  Armstrong’s  Mills  in  1828 
by  Thomas  Armstrong,  one  of  the  pioneers, 
and  the  old  water  mill  remodeled  and  repaired 
is  still  in  operation  after  the  lapse  of  75  years. 
The  present  splendid  steam  mill  has  adopted 
the  universal  bolter  system,  with  a capacity  of 
-j.o  barrels  per  day.  An  extensive  sawmill  is 
also  operated  in  connection  with  the  flour  mill. 
The  first  mills  erected  in  the  township  were  on 
P)end  Foi'k  and  Crab  Apple  Creek,  the  former 
by  William  Frost,  Walter  Ring  and  Robert 
Lindsey,  and  the  latter  by  the  Patterson 
Brothers. 

TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS. 

The  township  officers  in  1902  are:  Trustees, 
— J.  M.  Wright,  W.  R.  Carle  and  John  Dan- 
ford;  township  clerk, — T.  H.  Stoffel;  treas- 
urer,— C.  E.  Welsh;  justices  of  the  peace, — 
E.  B.  Armstrong,  David  Brown  and  Winfield 
Moore. 

Armstrong's  mills. 

The  foremost  village  in  the  township  is 
Armstrong’s  Mills,  which  was  settled  by 
Thomas  Armstrong  in  18 ii.  It  is  one  of  the 
principal  stations  on  the  Bellaire,  Zanesville  St’ 
Cincinnati  Railway,  with  a post  office,  tele- 
graph office  and  telephone  exchange  attached. 
In  1846  a woolen  factory  was  operated  by 
Alexander  Armstrong,  who  with  his  brothers 
owned  and  operated  practically  all  the  stores 
and  mills  in  the  village,  Alexander  Armstrong 
alone  owning  1,000  acres  of  land  in  addition 
to  his  mill.  The  village  has  a population  in 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


305 


1902  of  upwards  of  100  and  supports  three 
stores,  a flour  mill,  sawmill  and  coal  mines. 

THE  CHURCHES  AND  SCHOOL. 

There  are  two  churches  at  Armstrong’s 
Mills,  namely ; The  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  and  Christian  Church. 

The  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  was  estab- 
lished in  1843  ill  tiis  oid  cemetery,  and  the 
first  minister  in  the  church,  and  it  is  believed 
the  first  in  the  Captina  Valley,  was  Rev.  Mr. 
Fordyce,  who  preached  near  the  old  graveyard 
at  a very  early  day.  In  1868  the  church  was 
removecl  from  the  cemetery  to  the  village, 
where  it  now  stands  in  charge  of  Rev.  W.  B. 
West. 

The  present  board  of  stewards  consists  of ; 
Lizzie  C.  Welsh,  T.  D.  Boston,  Mrs.  Emma 
Shipman  and  J.  W.  Taylor;  trustees, — Silas 
Durig,  William  Rankin,  C.  W.  Armstrong, 
John  McKim,  John  W.  Taylor  and  Richard 
Shepherd;  class  leaders, — J.  R.  Taylor  and  L. 
W.  Armstrong. 

The  Christian  Church  has  a membership  of 
about  30,  with  three  elders,  namely : A.  W. 

Burkhart,  D.  P.  Meyers  and  J.  W.  Hess.  The 
church  at  presentis  without  a pastor. 

The  Belmont  Ridge  Christian  Church. — The 
first  meeting  of  the  primitive  organization  was 
held  June  28,  1856,  at  the  residence  of  Lewis 
Mechem.  The  house  of  worship  was  built  in 
1857,  the  carpenters  being  Erastus  and  A.  T. 
Moore.  The  present  edifice  was  erected  in 
1885,  with  a seating  capacity  for  350  or  400 
people.  The  present  membership  is  199.  The 
first  officers  were : Elders, — Lewis  IMechem, 
Jennings  Perkins  and  Elihu  Duvall ; deacons, 
— Jacob  Stukey,  George  Dawson  and  Erastus 
Moore. 

The  present  officers  are:  Elders, — Jennings 
Perkins, Harvey  Danford  and  Erastus  Moore; 
deacons, — J.  J.  Phillips,  Clark  Phillips  and  A. 
T.  Moore.  The  present  pastor  is  Rev.  John 
A.  Armstrong. 

Mr.  Reed  says : “The  first  school  teacher 
that  I ever  heard  of  in  this  country  was  old 
'J’osiah  Rogers.  He  taught  in  a log  house,  not 
far  from  where  the  people  of  Washington 


township  now  do  their  voting.  He  took  his 
pay  in  anything  he  could  get  to  eat,  and  board- 
ed in  his  own  cabin. 

“People  used  to  make  fun  of  him  for  being 
so  lazy.  He  never  chopped  any  wood,  but 
made  a hole  in  his  chimney  and  poked  in  the 
end  of  a log. 

“The  water  he  used  was  taken  from  a hole 
where  the  clay  had  been  gotten  to  daub  his 
cabin.  He  was  a very  exact  man.  I recollect 
his  whipping  some  boys  for  snow  balling.  For 
some  reason  he  struck  each  one  of  them  just 
four  times.” 

There  is  a village  school  conducted  by  Luther 
Perkins,  with  an  enrollment  of  40.  The  pres- 
ent School  Board  is  composed  of  Z.  Armstrong, 
R.  Shepherd  and  J.  W.  Hess. 

EMINENT  CITIZENS, HON.  ISAAC  WELSH  AND 

LEROY  WELSH. 

Hon.  Isaac  Welsh  of  Washington  township 
deserves  to  be  classed  with  such  statesmen  as 
Shannon,  Cowen  and  Danford. 

He  was  closely  identified  with  the  political 
and  literary  affairs  of  the  day.  Mr.  Welsh  was 
a farmer  by  choice,  but  found  time  to  pursue  a 
study  of  the  political  issues  of  the  day.  In 
1855-59  he  was  elected  for  two  terms  as  mem- 
ber of  the  Ohio  General  Assembly,  and  at  the 
expiration  of  his  term  was  chosen  State  Sen- 
ator from  the  Belmont  and  Harrison  district. 
Mr.  Welsh  was  a Whig  in  politics,  but  strongly 
opposed  to  the  extension  of  slavery. 

In  1868  he  was  chosen  as  presidential  elector 
of  the  1 6th  Congressional  District  to  carry  the 
vote  of  Ohio  to  Washington,  D.  C. 

In  the  hard  fought  political  contest  of  1871, 
Mr.  Welsh  was  elected  Treasurer  of  Ohio,  a 
position  he  filled  with  great  acceptability  for 
two  terms,  and  died  near  the  close  of  his  term 
of  office.  He  was  an  author  of  ability  and 
contributed  to  the  press  many  political  and  eco- 
nomic essays  that  gave  him  a wide  reputation. 
He  was  also  an  able  and  convincing  public 
speaker,  because  of  the  sincerity  and  fairness  of 
his  remarks. 

His  son.  Leroy  Welsh,  was  appointed  Treas- 
urer of  Ohio  by  Governor  Allen  on  the  occa- 


3o6 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


sion  of  his  father’s  death  in  November,  1875. 

J.eroy  Welsh  was  a promising  young  man  of 
broad  culture,  wbo  was  cut  off  at  tbe  outset  of 
a useful  public  carer.  He  was  an  bistorian  of 
no  mean  ability  and  bad  collected  a valuable 
store  of  local  bistoric  matter  that  unhappily 
fell  into  the  hands  of  one  who  selfishly  refuses 
to  make  it  public. 

In  speaking  of  tbe  death  of  Leroy  Welsh, 
The  Belmont  Chronicle  says:  “The  tidings  of 
the  death  of  Mr.  Welsh  were  received  with 
feelings  of  sincere  regret,  not  only  by  the 
friends  of  tbe  family,  but  acquaintances 
throughout  tbe  State. 

“The  subject  of  this  sketch,  after  receiving  a 
common  school  education,  entered  college  at 


Delaware,  Ohio,  where  he  completed  the  six 
years’  course.  The  next  year  he  spent  in  the 
study  of  the  law,  after  which  he  entered  the 
Cincinnati  Law  School,  where  he  graduated  in 
the  summer  of  1871. 

“At  the  beginning  of  the  following  year,  he 
entered  tbe  office  of  tbe  Treasurer  of  the  State 
of  Ohio,  as  the  chief  assistant  of  his  father, 
Hon.  Isaac  Welsh. 

“At  the  close  of  his  term,  he  opened  an  of- 
fice for  the  practice  of  law  in  Columbus,  Ohio. 

“Mr.  Welsh  was  a young  man  of  fine  intel- 
lect and  broad  culture;  combined  with  these, 
his  excellent  social  cjualities  made  him  one  of 
our  best  and  most  esteemed  citizens.” 


CHAPTER.  XXVII. 


YORK  TOWNSHIP. 

The  First  Election — The  Battle  of  Captina— The  First  Squatters — An  Indian 
Village — Another  Indian  Massacre — The  Early  Mills  and  Distilleries — 
Township  Officials  and  Population — Powhatan — Town  Officials — The 
Flour  Mills — The  Schools — The  Churches — Free  Masons — The  Ferries. 


THE  first  election. 

The  first  court  of  Belmont  County,  which 
was  held  at  Pultney  (the  first  county  seat),  ap- 
pointed a commission,  consisting  of  Michael 
Moore,  John  Dillie  and  Ephraim  Bates  to  act 
as  supervisors  of  York  township,  and  this 
commission  ordered  the  first  election  to  be 
held  in  1802. 

The  court  had  in  the  meantime  defined  the 
boundaries  of  York,  which  have  been  elsewhere 
described,  and  appointed  Samuel  Dillie  as  con- 
stable, and  the  first  township  election  was  held 
in  the  home  of  James  Smith. 

York  township  has  been  the  scene  of  some 
of  the  bloodiest  conflicts  in  Indian  warfare. 
Before  the  occupation  by  the  whites,  a cruel 
massacre  of  the  Indians  at  the  mouth  of  the 
Captina  was  one  of  the  causes  of  the  disas- 
trous war  of  Governor  Dunmore  in  1774. 

THE  BATTLE  OF  CAPTINA. 

Twenty  years  later  occurred  the  disastrous 
and  bloody  battle  of  Captina,  as  related  in 
“Howe’s  Historical  Collection 

“One  mile  below  the  mouth  of  Captina,  on 
the  Virginia  shore,  was  Baker’s  fort,  so  named 
after  IMartin  Baker,  from  whose  lips  the  au- 
thor obtained  this  narrative. 


“One  morning  in  iMay,  1794,  four  men  were 
sent  over,  according  to  the  custom,  to  the 
Ohio  side  to  reconnoiter.  They  were  Adam 
Miller,  John  Daniels,  Isaac  JMcGowan  and 
John  Shoptaw.  Miller  and  Daniels  took  up 
stream  and  the  other  two  down.  The  upper 
scouts  were  soon  attacked  by  Indians  and  Mil- 
ler was  killed.  Daniels  ran  up  Captina  about 
three  miles,  but,  being  weak  from  the  loss  of 
blood  issuing  from  a wound  in  his  arm,  was 
taken  prisoner  and  carried  into  captivity  and 
subsequently  released  at  the  treaty  of  Green- 
ville. 

“The  lower  scouts  having  discovered  signs 
of  the  enemy,  Shoptaw  swam  across  the  Ohio 
and  escaped,  but  INIcGowan  going  up  toward 
the  canoe  was  shot  by  the  Indians  in  ambush. 
Upon  this  he  ran  down  to  the  bank,  and 
sprang  into  the  water,  pursued  by  the  enemy, 
who  overtook  and  scalped  him. 

“The  firing  being  heard  at  the  fort,  they 
heat  up  for  volunteers.  There  were  about  50 
men  in  the  fort.  There  being  much  reluctance 
among  them  to  volunteer,  my  sister  exclaimed 
that  she  wouldn’t  be  a coward.  This  aroused 
the  pride  of  my  brother,  John  Baker,  who  be- 
fore had  determined  not  to  go.  He  joined  the 
others,  14  in  number,  including  Capt.  Abraham 
Enochs, 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


308 


“They  soon  crossed  the  river,  and  went  up 
Caplina  in  single  file,  a distance  of  a mile  and 
a half,  following  the  Indian  trail.  The  enemy 
had  come  back  on  their  trail,  and  were  in  am- 
hush  on  tlie  hillside  awaiting  their  approach. 

“When  sufficiently  near,  they  fired  upon  our 
people,  hut,  being  on  an  elevated  position,  their 
i)alls  passed  harmlessly  over  the  latter.  The 
whites  then  irccd.  Some  of  the  Indians  came 
behind,  and  shot  Captain  Enochs  and  Mr. 
Hoffman.  Our  people  soon  retreated,  and  the 
Indians  pursued  hut  a short  dstance.  On 
their  retreat  my  brother  was  shot  in  the  hip. 
Determined  to  sell  his  life  as  dearly  as  possible, 
he  drew  off  to  one  side  and  secreted  himself  in 
a hollow,  with  a rock  at  his  back  offering  no 
chance  for  the  enemy  to  approach  but  in  front. 
Shortly  after  two  guns  were  heard  in  quick 
succession.  Doubtless  one  of  them  was  fired 
by  my  brother  and  from  the  signs  afterward 
it  was  supposed  he  had  killed  the  Indian. 

“The  next  day  the  men  turned  out  and  vis- 
ited the  spot.  Enochs,  Hoffman  and  John 
Taker  were  found  dead  and  scalped.  Enoch’s 
bowels  were  torn  out  and  his  eyes  and  those 
of  I loffman  screwed  out  with  a wiping  stick. 

“The  dead  were  wra]:>ped  in  white  hickory 
hark  and  brought  over  to  the  Virginia  shore 
and  buried  in  their  bark  coffins.  There  were 
about  30  Indians  engaged  in  this  action  and 
seven  skeletons  of  their  slain  were  found  long 
after,  secreted  in  the  crevices  of  rocks.” 

McDonald  in  his  Ifiographical  sketch  of  Gov- 
ernor McArthur,  who  was  in  the  action,  says 
that  after  the  death  of  Captain  Enochs,  McAr- 
thur, although  the  youngest  man  in  the  com- 
pany. was  unanimously  called  upon  to  direct 
a retreat. 

The  wounded  who  were  al)le  to  walk  were 
placed  in  front,  while  McArthur  with  his  Spar- 
tan hand  covered  their  retreat.  The  moment 
an  Indian  showed  himself  in  pursuit  he  was 
fired  upon  and  generally,  it  is  believed,  with 
effect.  The  Indians  were  so  severely  handled 
that  they  gave  up  the  pursuit. 

The  Indians  were  commanded  by  the  Shaw- 
nee chief,  Charlie  Wilkie.  He  told  the  author 
of  this  narrative  that  the  battle  of  Captina  was 


the  most  severe  conflict  he  ever  witnessed,  and, 
although  he  had  the  advantage  of  the  ground 
and  the  first  fire,  he  lost  the  most  of  his  men, 
half  of  them  having  been  either  killed  or 
wounded. 

THE  FIRST  SQUATTERS. 

Soon  after  the  battle  of  Captina,  squatters 
began  to  pour  in  and  build  rude  cabins.  These 
settlers  were  unstable  and  removed  farther 
into  the  interior  as  the  country  opened  up.  It 
was  only  those  who  purchased  tracts  of  land 
that  were  stable  and  industrious.  Many  of  the 
squatters  were  indolent  and  careless.  Among 
the  first  permanent  settlers  we  might  mention 
the  Brices,  the  Hoffmans  and  Lemleys,  in 
1801.  The  DeLongs  and  Okeys  in  1802.  Mc- 
Vey,  Bakers,  Doteys,  Swaneys,  Bristers,  Col- 
lins and  Aldredge  in  1803.  Brewer,  Minse, 
Davis,  Rouble  and  Gates,  in  1804.  Stackhous- 
er,  Neff  singer,  Cree,  Browns,  Thomas,  Hoff- 
man, Gilkesons,  in  1805.  Waller,  Baker,  Way, 
Vanschoup,  Mills,  Stokey,  in  1806;  and  Shep- 
herd, Moore,  Gray,  Powell,  Dillon,  McKnight, 
Green,  and  Woods  in  1815. 

AN  INDIAN  VILLAGE. 

In  early  days,  an  Indian  village  was  located 
in  section  32;  some  miles  back  of  the  river. 
On  the  banks  of  the  Captina  and  on  the  settle- 
ment of  the  Brysons  an  unusual  number  of 
grape  vines  were  discovered,  and  the  soil  was 
beaten  hard  in  places,  as  if  formerly  the  homes 
and  streets  of  an  Indian  village.  Skeletons, 
Indian  arrows  in  great  numbers,  Indian  pipes 
and  engravings  on  rocks  were  found  in  abund- 
ance. General  Washington  in  his  trip  down 
the  Ohio  in  1 770  makes  mention  of  this  village 
as  a trading  post. 

ANOTHER  INDIAN  MASSACRE.  ' 

McDonald  in  his  biography  of  Governor 
McArthur  has  this  to  say  of  the  killing  of  six 
men  by  the  Indians  in  1795  : 

“Lieut.  Duncan  McArthur  and  a posse  of 
men,  numbering  in  all  a dozen,  were  stationed 
at  the  block-house  on  the  lands  of  Robert 


BELMONT  COUNTY  CHILDREN’S  HOME 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


Kirkwood,  near  the  mouth  of  Indian  Wheeling 
Creek. 

“One  morning  they  noticed  a young  Indian 
dodging  along  not  far  from  the  fort  among 
the  trees.  He  had  been  sent  by  a body  of 
Indians  who  had  ambushed  about  three  miles 
below,  on  the  banks  of  the  Ohio  River,  to 
decoy  the  soldiers  from  the  fort.  As  soon  as 
he  was  discovered,  Lieutenant  McArthur  and 
his  men  started  out  to  catch  him. 

“They  followed  him  as  he  ran  down  the  river 
about  three  miles  to  where  the  Indians  had 
secreted  themselves,  when  15  of  the  redskins 
fired  into  their  company,  killing  six  of  their 
number  instantly.  So  unexpected  was  the 
attack  that  the  remaining  six,  completely  be- 
wildered, turned  and  retreated,  McArthur  be- 
hind. 

“As  he  turned  his  head,  to  take  in  the  situa- 
tion, his  foot  caught  in  a grape  vine,  and  he 
was  sent  sprawling  on  his  face  just  as  the 
Indians  fired  a volley  of  bullets  after  him,  and 
the  limbs  and  leaves  dropped  all  around  him. 
He  regained  his  feet  and  started  at  full  speed 
following  the  course  of  his  men.  He  was 
closely  pursued  by  the  savages,  but  he  being 
\-ery  swift  of  foot,  they  soon  gave  up  the  chase, 
and  he  reached  the  block-house  in  safety. 

“Later  in  the  day  the  soldiers  returned  to 
the  spot  in  stronger  numbers,  and  buried  their 
dead.” 

THE  EARLY  MILLS  AND  DISTILLERIES. 

The  first  grist  mill  was  erected  as  early  as 
1804  upon  Cat’s  Run  by  George  Gates.  In 
1822  Judge  Dillon  built  an  improved  mill 
about  five  miles  above  the  mouth  of  the 
Captina  and  in  connection  with  the  grist  mills 
he  operated  a sawmill.  These  were  probably 
the  first  mills  operated  in  the  township.  This 
mill  is  today  known  as  the  Potts’  Mills,  with 
a capacity  of  50  barrels  per  day,  and  is  re- 
ported as  the  onl}^  water  mill  in  the  county. 
The  mill-race,  through  which  flows  the  water 
for  the  operation  of  the  mill,  passes  through  a 
hill  tunnel,  300  feet  in  length. 

In  early  days  York  township  was  noted  for 
the  number  of  its  distilleries.  As  early  as  1818 


311 


a distillery  was  erected  on  section  15  by  a Mr. 
Shepler,  and  a number  were  erected  at  a 
later  period,  but  in  1880  all  the  distilleries  in 
the  county  were  abandoned  except  one  con- 
ducted by  John  Ramser  in  York  township, 
which  is  still  in  operation. 

TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS  AND  POPULATION. 

The  earliest  record  we  have  of  township 
officials  in  York  is  in  1808,  and  is  as  follows : 
Clerk,  Ed.  Bryson;  treasurer,  Joseph  Martin; 
trustees, — Uriah  Martin,  Abel  Brown  and 
Ed.  Bryson;  constable,  William  Atkinson; 
fence  viewers, — John  Brown  and  James  Bar- 
rett; lister,  Uriah  Martin. 

The  township  officers  in  1902  are:  Trus- 
tees,— David  Mclntire,  Williayi  Johnson  and 
George  Gillespie;  clerk,  George  Boner;  treas- 
urer, H.  J.  Zink ; assessor,  Everett  Balieu ; 
justices  of  the  peace, — A.  A.  Caldwell  and 
John  Eggerman. 

The  population  of  the  township  in  1900  was 
1,400,  a loss  of  58  in  the  last  decade.  How- 
ever, the  value  of  personah  property  on  the  tax 
.duplicate  for  1902  is  $193,270  as  against  $155,- 
584  in  1901,  revealing  a gain  of  $37,686,  while 
the  tax  levy  has  been  reduced  from  2.11  in 
1901  to  1.89  in  1902. 

SOME  INFLUENTIAL  CITIZENS. 

Some  of  the  influential  men  of  York  town- 
ship of  modern  times  are  the  Disques,  Swifts, 
Days,  Ramseys,  Craigs,  Brices,  Warrens, 
Trimbles,  Carles  and  Givens. 

POWHATAN 

Is  the  leading  village  in  the  township,  and  is 
located  on  the  Ohio  River  at  the  mouth  of  the 
Captina.  The  village  was  surveyed  by  Dr. 
DeHaas  in  1849.  Thirty  years  previous, 
however,  the  first  building  was  erected  by  a 
grandson  of  Archibald  Woods,  one  of  the 
pioneer  settlers.  The  building  was  used  for 
a store. 

The  first  hotel  was  a log  house  built  in  1825, 
and  known  as  the  “Point  House.”  The  first 
brick  buildings  were  built  by  the  Roger 


312 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY. 


Rrollicrs  and  were  afterward  known  as  the 
“Powhatan  Flour  Mills  and  Woolen  Factory.” 

d'wenty  years  ago,  the  village  was  quite  a 
shi])|)ing  point  for  grain  and  produce,  and  con- 
tained a population  of  300.  In  1890  the  vil- 
lage was  incorporated  and  in  1902  it  had  a 
population  of  about  600. 

d'he  present  postmaster  is  Jacob  Roger,  who 
was  preceded  by  H.  J.  Zink. 

TOWN  OFFICIALS. 

The  following  are  the  officers  of  the  town : 
mayor  and  attorney,  George  Arnold;  town 
clerk,  J.  Fish ; councilmen,  — G.  W. 

Wright,  Ed.  Thomas,  Frank  Ricker,  Thomas 
Stewart,  J.  W.  Ramsey  and  Albert  Sauer. 

THE  FLOUR  MILLS. 

The  Powhatan  Mills  as  heretofore  referred 
to  was  the  first  brick  building  constructed  in 
the  town  by  the  Roger  Rrothers.  It  has  since 
passed  through  various  hands  and  been  re- 
modeled until  it  is  today  owned  and  operated 
by  Ferdinand  Dorsey,  with  a capacity  of  100 
barrels  daily,  and  employs  four  men. 

THE  SCHOOLS. 

'I'here  is  no  record  of  the  first  schools  estab- 
lished, but  the  first  log  structure  especially 
constructed  for  school  purposes  was  erected 
at  a very  early  day  on  section  16. 

In  Powhatan  the  school  building  is  of 
brick  with  four  rooms  and  an  attendance  of 
about  150.  The  superintendent  is  Flenry 
Rriggs ; assistant  superintendent.  Miss  Mary 
Cox;  assistant.  Charity  Myers;  primary  de- 
partment, Eula  Fish.  The  School  Roard  con- 
sists of  R.  L.  Rowman,  president;  S.  S. 
Reamer,  treasurer;  Lou  Ruble,  clerk;  and 
James  Richison  and  John  K.  Goodhue. 

There  is  mention  made  of  another  school 
building  erected  in  1836-37  near  Powhatan 
Point  and  it  is  said  to  have  been  a small  frame 
structure. 

There  are  in  the  township  seven  school  dis- 
tricts and  one  special  district  all  of  which  are 
frame  buildings  save  the  one  in  Powhatan. 


THE  CHURCHES. 

The  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. — The  first 
church  of  this  denomination  at  Powhatan  was 
started  early  in  the  Civil  War  under  the  pastor- 
ate of  Rev.  David  Trueman.  The  society  was 
weak  and  for  a time  met  in  the  Presbyterian 
Church.  In  1862  Rev.  Josiah  Dillon  was 
appointed  pastor  in  charge  and  during  his  pas- 
torate the  church  continued  to  worship  in  the 
Presbyterian  Church.  The  next  pastor  was 
Rev.  Mr.  Gregg,  during  whose  administration 
a neat  brick  church  was  erected  and  the  society 
worshiped  in  their  own  building. 

Rev.  Mr.  Gregg  was  blessed  with  a gracious 
revival  during  his  ministry,  and  many  were 
added  to  the  church. 

In  the  construction  of  the  new  church,  Mrs. 
McMurry  who  still  resides  at  Powhatan  and 
Mrs.  Raer  solicited  funds  to  the  amount  pf 
$1,000,  and  Joseph  Green  supplemented  that 
amount  with  a personal  contribution  of  $800. 
Mr.  Green  was  an  active  and  influential  sup- 
porter of  the  church,  and  Sunday-school 
superintendent  for  many  years.  The  present 
pastor  is  Rev.  Lee  LePage,  and  the  Sunday- 
school  superintendent  is  John  Eggerman. 
The  Sunday-school  has  a membership  of  about 
100. 

The  Pozvhatan  Presbyterian  Church  was 
organized  in  1850.  The  pastor  in  1901  and 
1092  was  Rev.  W.  A.  Williams,  formerly  of 
Franklin  College.  It  is  at  present  without  a 
pastor  and  we  were  unable  to  obtain  a list  of 
the  officials. 

FREE  MASONS. 

Moriah  Lodge,  No.  105,  F.  & A.  M.,  was 
organized  at  Jacobsliurg  October  20,  1840,  and 
is  consequently  one  of  the  oldest  Masonic 
lodges  in  the  county.  The  date  of  the  charter 
was  1842.  The  charter  officers  were:  John  A. 
Weyer,  W.  M. ; John  W.  Calvert,  S.  W;  and 
Isaac  S.  Hoopes,  J.  W. 

The  membership  today  is  38  and  the  officers 
for  1902  are:  J.  E.  Gibson,  W.  M.;  Dr.  S.  S. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


313 


Reamer,  S.  W. ; A.  B.  Ricker,  J.  W. ; A.  G. 
Bonar,  treasurer;  F.  A.  Gibson;  secretary; 
J.  E.  Bennett,  S.  D. ; C.  E.  Green,  J.  D. ; and 
John  Ricker,  tyler.  Among  the  past  masters 
are : W.  C.  Bergundthall,  Dr.  S.  S.  Reamer 
and  J.  E.  Gibson. 


THE  FERRIES 

Of  Powhatan  are  owned  and  operated  by  E. 
R.  Potts,  and  are  constantly  in  operation  when 
navigation  will  admit  of  it.  Mr.  Potts  is  like- 
wise the  postmaster  at  Captina. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII 


SOMERSET  TOWNSHIP. 

The  First  Families — The  Industries — The  First  Mills — Township  Officials  and 
Population— SoMERTON — Some  Old  Citizens — The  Schools — The  Belmont 
Bank — The  Churches — Secret  Societies — Taylor  Post,  G.  A.  R. — Boston 
andTemperanceville — The  Churches — The  Oil  Field — The  Warrick  Murder. 


Al)out  1809  a few  .squatters  had  built  rude 
log  cal)ins  and  cultivated  land  along  the  banks 
of  Captina  Imt  had  not  entered  land.  These 
wandering  squatters  were  superseded  by  per- 
manent settlers  who  had  purchased  and  occu- 
])ied  government  lands, between  1809  and  1814. 

the  first  families. 

.\mong  the  first  families  were  the  Englishes, 
Gilihonses,  Stantons,  Williamses,  Bishops  and 
Edgertons. 

The  township,  like  Wayne,  is  in  the  form  of 
a square,  and  contains  36  sections.  Its  boun- 
daries Iiave  been  previously  given  and  we  need 
only  add  that  it  occupies  the  southwest  corner 
of  tlie  county.  This  township  being  off  the 
leading  lines  of  travel  was  among  the  last  to 
he  settled,  wherefore  one  of  the  leading 
improvements  is  the  Barnesville  & Somerton 
Pike  which  rvas  Iniilt  about  25  years  ago  and 
extends  to  the  county  line,  a distance  of  1 1 
miles.  The  road  is  supported  in  main  by  tolls. 
It  traverses  a rich  agricultural  country  some- 
what hilly  in  places  but  susceptible  of  the 
highest  cultivation. 

the  industries 

Of  the  township  as  a whole  are  strictly  agri- 
cultural, producing  fine  crops  of  wheat,  corn. 


wool  and  tobacco.  Because  of  prevailing  high 
prices,  tobacco  is  at  present  the  leading  crop, 
and  for  a number  of  years  has  yielded  the 
principal  revenues. 

Twenty  years  ago  tobacco  was  grown  to 
such  an  extent,  that  the  total  product  amounted 
to  700,000  pounds,  and  the  average  yield  per 
acre  was  1,000  pounds.  In  1902  the  acreage 
is  lessened  but  the  price  of  tobacco  ranges 
from  $6  to  $12  per  hundred. 

TtlE  FIRST  mills. 

The  township  is  well  watered  by  Leather- 
wood,  Beaver  and  Captina  creeks,  along  the 
banks  of  which  many  grist  mills  were  erected. 

The  first  was  built  in  1819-20  near  Somer- 
ton by  Jonathan  Pogue.  B 1 

Two  years  later,  Abraham  Packer  built  one 
farther  up  the  creek.  This  mill  was  rebuilt 
about  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  War,  and  con- 
ducted by  Thomas  Smith.  There  is  said  to 
have  been  a hand  mill  conducted  by  a man  by 
the  name  of  Joseph  Davis,  which  served  the 
people  in  the  early  times  when  the  creeks  were 
dry. 

TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS  AND  POPULATION. 

The  present  township  officers  are:  Trus- 
tees,— Simon  Howell,  William  Dewer  and 
P.  S.  Butler;  clerk,  H.  W.  Pakavi;  treasurer. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


315 


T.  P.  Rhinehart;  justices  of  the  peace, — D.  J. 
Ewers,  M.  Malone  and  J.  C.  Hampton. 

The  population  of  the  township  at  the  last 
census  was  1,862,  while  in  1890  it  was  re- 
corded at  2,045,  showing  a loss  of  183. 

The  tax  duplicate  for  1901  shows  an  assess- 
ment in  Somerset  precinct  of  $163,365.  In 
1902  it  is  recorded  at  $158,182,  showing  a 
loss  of  $5,183.  In  Boston  precinct,  the  assess- 
ment of  personal  property  in  1901  is  placed  at 
$75,273.  In  1902  it  is  recorded  as  $72,153, 
revealing  a loss  of  $3,119,  or  a total  loss  in  the 
township  of  $8,302.  However  the  tax  levy  for 
1902  is  only  1.61  as  against  1.63  in  1901. 

SOMERTON. 

The  village  of  Somerton  is  a pretty  upland 
town,  with  a population  of  about  250.  It  was 
established  between  1816  and  1818  by  one  of 
the  pioneer  settlers  heretofore  mentioned, 
namely,  Boden  Stanton. 

It  is  asserted  that  the  first  postmaster  was 
Richard  Andrews,  who  huilt  one  of  the  first 
houses  in  the  village.  The  present  postmaster 
is  J.  S.  Wilson.  The  first  mail  was  carried 
upon  horseback  from  St.  Clairsville  weekly 
and  some  years  later  it  was  received  twice  a 
week  via  Fairview. 

The  first  buildings  erected  were  a house 
and  blacksmith  shop  by  Moses  Davis.  Today 
the  streets  are. bordered  by  numerous  comfort- 
able homes  and  a number, of  .stores,  wagon 
shops,  etc. 

SOME  OLD  CITIZENS. 

Some  of  the  old  citizens  of  Somerset  town- 
ship are  James  Bishop,  85  years  of  age,  J.  P. 
Strahl,  84  5^ears  of  age,  Samuel  Starbuck,  80, 
and  Jacob  Bishop,  nearly  70. 

THE  SCHOOLS 

Of  Somerton  were  built  in  1820  and  consisted 
of  a round  log  building  chinked  with  mud  and 
a clapboard  roof,  with  the  usual  accompani- 
ments of  a puncheon  floor. 

The  present  modern  building  was  erected  in 
1890  and  is  presided  over  by  Prof.  T.  P. 


Harris,  who  is  assisted  by  Miss  Lona  Hobbs. 
The  enrollment  numbers  105.  The  village 
Board  of  Education  in  1902  consists  of 
Atwood  Warrick,  S.  B.  Warrick  and  W.  A. 
Lucas,  clerk. 

THE  BELMONT  BANK 

Is  a private  institution  that  has  been  in  suc- 
cessful operation  since  January  25,  1875.  It 
was  organized  as  a State  bank  with  a capital  of 
$50,000,  with  R.  C.  Miles,  president,  and  T. 
F.  Martin,  cashier.  The  directors  were 
Solomon  Hogue.  Hiram  Whitacre,  Samuel 
Starhuck,  R.  C.  Miles,  M.  P.  Miles,  W.  H. 
Atkinson  and  S.  L.  Alooney. 

This  organization  was  maintained  until 
April,  1887,  when  the  bank  was  converted  into 
a private  bank,  under  the  firm  name  of  E.  J. 
Hogue  & Company.  Solomon  Hogue,  one  of 
the  organizers  of  the  bank,  was  for  several 
years  county  comissioner,  and  in  the  perform- 
ance of  his  official  duties  enjoyed  public  confi- 
dence to  a marked  degree. 

THE  CHURCHES. 

The  Society  of  Friends. — The  first  religious 
service  conducted  in  Somerset  township  was  by 
the  Friends  in  1818.  The  first  overseer  was 
Isaac  Stahl,  who  was  appointed  at  the  first 
monthly  meeting  in  April  of  the  same  year, 
and  John  Middleton  was  approved  as  minister. 
The  old  house  is  still  standing,  and  the  organi- 
zation is  maintained,  hut  the  congregation 
from  various  causes  has  become  so  reduced 
that  services  are  no  longer  held  with  regu- 
larity. The  surroundings  of  the  church  and 
cemetery  are  neatly  and  tastefully  maintained. 

The  AlctJiodist  Episcopal  Church. — The 
first  church  established  in  Somerton,  was  by 
the  Methodist  Episcopals  in  1831.  The  church 
service  was  first  held  in  the  home  of  John 
Koontz,  and  the  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev. 
Philip  Darhy.  The  first  class  was  conducted 
by  Mr.  Koontz.  and  the  first  members  were 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Joseph  hliller,  Mr.  and  ]\Irs. 
Koontz.  Mr.  and  i\Irs.  Yocum  and  Mrs. 
Davenport.  Three  years  later,  a neat  hrick 
structure  was  built,  and  it  in  turn  was  super- 


3x6 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


seded  by  a new  and  modern  brick  chnrch 
in  1872. 

Some  of  the  preachers  who  have  served  this 
people  are : Revs.  Darhy,  Bradshaw,  Battelle, 
.Vrmstrong',  Green,  Cook,  Petty,  Miner, 
Ingram,  and  Rohh.  The  present  pastor  is  P. 

U.  Hawkins,  and  the  present  membership  is 
165.  The  official  board  consists  of  F.  Skin- 
ner, L.  Whitacre,  Minnie  Bircher,  R.  H.  Skin- 
ner, D.  L.  Warrick,  James  S.  Wilson,  A.  J. 
Warrick,  John  Finch  and  E.  J.  Hogne.  The 
Sunday-school  superintendent  is  E.  B.  Broom- 
hall. 

The  Presbyterian  Chnreli. — The  first  church 
edifice  of  this  denomination  at  Somerton  was 
erected  in  1870  and  dedicated  the  same  year 
hy  Rev.  Mr.  Cross  of  Wheeling.  Prior  to  the 
construction  of  the  church,  services  were  held 
in  homes  of  members  and  in  school  houses. 
The  first  church  thus  constructed  consisted  of 
1 1 memhers,  namely,  Rebecca  Miles,  G.  W. 
Shepherd,  .A..  G.  McCullough,  wife  and  daugh- 
ter, Alcinda  Hultz,  Emily  Findley,  Katherine 
Benton,  Lucy  Williams,  Stephen  Brown  and 
Keziah  Brown.  The  first  pastor  was  Rev.  T. 
R.  Crawford,  and  the  first  elders  were  A.  G. 
McCullough  and  G.  W.  Shepherd.  Gradually 
the  church  declined  in  numbers  and  it  is  today 
practically  without  an  existence. 

The  Christian  Church  of  Somerton  was 
established  in  1892  and  has  today  a member- 
ship of  about  75.  At  the  present  time  it  is 
without  a pastor. 

SECRET  .SOCIETIES. 

Somerset  Lodge,  No.  yj4,  F.  & A.  M.,  was 
instituted  in  Somerton  by  virtue  of  a charter 
from  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Ohio,  October  19, 
1865,  in  a building  purchased  from  G.  W. 
Ramsey  and  used  by  him  as  a general  store 
room.  The  first  master  was  Emor  Danford. 

The  past  masters  of  the  lodge  are : Emor 
Danford,  G.  W.  Ramsey,  W.  H.  Helphringer, 
.A.  C.  Thomas,  J.  P.  Strahl,  William  Star- 
Ixuck,  Hez.  Thomas,  Mechem  Moore,  W.  O. 
Merrill,  G.  A.  Millison,  W.  S.  Strahl  and  W. 
A.  Lucas.  The  number  of  memhers  is  48. 

On  November  20,  1899,  the  building  with 


its  contents,  including  the  records,  jewels  and 
entire  paraphernalia,  was  consumed  by  fire, 
cause  unknown.  The  first  story  of  the  building 
was  occupied  by  Erank  Detling  & Company, 
groceries,  dry  goods,  etc.  The  lodge  then  held 
regular  meetings  in  the  room  over  the  Belmont 
Bank.  Arrangements  were  at  once  made  to 
erect  a new  building  on  the  site  of  the  burned 
one.  and  the  contract  for  building  the  same 
was  let  to  William  Wiley  of  Jenisalem.  On 
August  16,  1900,  the  lodge  met  for  the  first 
lime  in  their  new  building  which  was  fully 
completed.  The  oresent  officers  are : W.  D. 
Strahl,  W.  M.;  W.  S.  Strahl,  S.  W.;  Carl 
Thomas,  J.  W. ; O.  T.  Severns,  treasurer ; 
W.  A.  Lucas,  secretary;  P.  J.  Creamer,  S.  D.; 
G.  A.  Millison,  J.  D. ; and  Erank  Einch,  tyler. 
Regular  meetings  are  held  on  Eriday  evening, 
on  or  before  the  full  moon  in  each  lunar  month. 

.Somerton  Lodge,  Knights  of  Pythias,  was 
organized  February  21,  1893,  with  P.  J. 
Creamer,  P.  C. ; E.  E.  Barnes,  C.  C. ; J.  K. 
Shotwell,  V.  C. ; and  D.  L.  Warrick,  prelate. 

The  membership  of  the  lodge  in  1900  was 
40,  the  financial  condition  is  good,  and  the 
present  officers  are:  C.  C.,  D.  Thornberry; 

V.  C..  Alonzo  Neptune;  prelate.  Rev.  Hawk- 
ins; K.  of  R.,  A.  B.  Warfield;  M.  E.,  P.  J. 
Creamer;  M.  F.,  J.  K.  Shotwell;  M.  A., 
Frank  Ebeling;  I.  G.,  O.  T.  Smith;  and  O.  G., 
A.  J.  Warrick. 

TAYLOR  POST,  G.  A.  R. 

The  old  soldiers  of  Somerset  township 
established  a post  in  1885  in  Somerton  known 
as  Taylor  Post.  The  first  post  commander 
was  A.  C.  Thomas ; senior  vice  commander, 
Thomas  Wilson;  junior  vice  commander, 

W.  S.  Strahl;  adjutant,  T.  P.  Harris;  offi- 
cer of  the  day,  J.  R.  Finch;  surgeon,  F. 
Thornberry;  chaplain,  L.  W.  Jones;  and 
quartermaster,  J.  F.  Skinner. 

After  the  lapse  of  17  years  the  members 
have  been  reduced  until  today  they  number 
but  21.  The  present  officers  are:  Post  com- 
mander, J.  Bishop;  senior  vice  commander, 
William  Starbuck ; junior  vice  commander, 
Thomas  Yarnell;  quartermaster,  Thomas  Wil- 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


317 


son;  guard,  A.  C.  Thomas;  surgeon,  John 
Finch;  chaplain,  AV.  S.  Strahl  (lately  de- 
ceased) ; and  adjutant,  T.  P.  Harris. 

BOSTON  AND  TEMPERANCEYILLE 

Are  the  two  other  villages  of  the  township, 
the  former  being  laid  out  in  1834  and  the 
latter  in  1837. 

Boston. — AVliile  IMordecai  Harper  was  the 
first  land  owner  in  Boston,  the  first  house  was 
built  by  Joseph  McMullen  and  the  second  by 
David  AAdiite.  The  first  church  built  in  Boston 
was  what  was  known  as  the  Disciples’  or 
Christian  Church  which  was  erected  in  1830. 
In  1852  a new  church  was  erected.  Today  the 
organization  is  maintained  but  the  congrega- 
tion is  reported  small. 

The  present  population  of  Boston  is  esti- 
mated at  100.  There  are  two  stores  and  an 
extensive  cigar  factory,  conducted  by  Wheatley 
&L  Company.  The  school  in  Boston  is  under 
the  management  of  the  Misses  S.  Skinner 
and  Pearl  Jones. 

Temperanceville  was  established  by  Rob- 
ert Gallagher,  a man  of  intense  temperance 
principles  for  the  age  in  which  he  lived,  and 
who  thus  sought  to  advance  the  cause  so  dear 
to  his  heart. 

The  present  population  of  Temperanceville 
is  between  150  and  200.  The  village  school 
contains  two  rooms,  under  the  supervision  of 
Harmon  Skinner,  with  Miss  Armstrong  as 
assistant.  Two  cigar  factories  are  in  oper- 
ation that  employ  cjuite  a number  of  hands. 

THE  CHURCHES. 

The  Boston  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. — 
Before  the  Boston  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
was  organized,  a little  class  was  formed  that 
met  weekly  in  the  homes  of  the  members.  The 
members  of  this  class  were:  Isaac  Taylor 

and  wife,  Hugh  McMullen  and  wife,-  William 
McElfresh  and  wife  and  the  Custer  family. 
Perhaps  the  first  Methodist  sermon  was 
preached  in  the  house  of  Israel  Taylor  by  Rev. 
Mr.  Boyd  in  1834. 

However,  the  first  church  building  was  not 
erected  until  1843.  The  present  church  build- 
ing is  a new  brick  edifice  erected  in  1876. 


Boston  was  formerly  connected  with  the 
Alorristown  circuit  and  subsequently  the 
Barnesville  and  Somerton  circuits.  Some  of 
the  ministers  who  have  served  the  congrega- 
tion are:  Revs.  AAIorthington,  Hamilton,  Tay- 
lor, AA^olf,  Best,  Coen,  Edmunds,  Lane,  Mc- 
Cue,  McCormick,  Ellison,  Vertican,  Ingram, 
Weaver  and  Robb.  The  present  pastor  is  P. 
U.  Hawkins,  and  the  membership  numbers  30. 
When  the  old  frame  meeting  house  was  re- 
moved and  the  new  brick  structure  erected, 
the  membership  numbered  88. 

St.  Francis’  Catholic  Church. — Mr.  Gal- 
lagher, the  founder  of  Temperanceville,  was 
an  ardent  Catholic  as  well  as  an  intense  tem- 
perance man,  and  devoted  his  highest  endeav- 
ors to  the  establishment  of  a Catholic  Church 
and  it  was  principally  through  his  liberality 
that  St.  Erancis’  Church  was  organized.  At 
that  time  the  congregation  consisted  of  but 
four  families,  namely : McConaheys,  DeLongs, 
Gallaghers  and  Jeffries. 

Because  of  the  liberality  of  Mr.  Gallagher 
the  church  was  established  in  1822  and  was 
first  known  as  St.  Dominic’s  Church;  32  years 
thereafter  the  little  log  structure  was  removed 
and  a large  brick  building  was  constructed  and 
in  1880  the  congregation  numbered  200. 

The  priests  who  have  served  this  people 
were  Fathers  Dominie,  Young,  Murphy, 
Reed,  Blumer,  Jacquet,  O’Brien,  Daley, 
Meagher,  Pelzar.  Laffin  and  Howes. 

The  present  pastor  is  Rev.  H.  Aloellar,  and 
the  membership  practically  embraces  the  citi- 
zens of  the  entire  village. 

THE  OIL  FIELD. 

The  leading  industry  of  Temperanceville  is 
the  development  of  the  oil  field.  Fifteen  wells 
are  already  in  operation,  yielding  a total  aver- 
age of  about  150  barrels  per  day,  and  new 
openings  are  under  contemplation.  The  oil 
prospects  in  Temperanceville  are  promising. 

THE  WARRICK  MURDER. 

One  of  the  most  frightful  tragedies  in  the 
history  of  the  county  occurred  near  Somerton 
in  1900.  Two  professional  burglars  named 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


318 


Stevens  and  Divine,  who  were  reported  to  be 
from  Zanesville,  Ohio,  entered  the  qniet  vil- 
lage a few  days  preceding  the  tragedy  and 
subsequent  testimony  indicated  they  were 
planning  to  rob  the  Belmont  Bank,  but  failing 
to  obtain  a supply  of  nitroglycerine  from  Bel- 
laire  they  changed  their  plans. 

A widow  lady  named  Mrs.  James  Warrick 
lived  about  a mile  from  the  village  and  her 
grandson,  Clarence  Warrick,  a young  man  of 
16  and  a maiden  lady  named  Miss  Markey, 
made  their  homes  with  the  old  lady. 

The  day  preceding  the  tragedy,  the  father 
of  Clarence  Warrick  who  was  administrator 
or  trustee  of  the  widow’s  estate,  had  drawn 
$300  from  the  Barnesville  bank  for  a year’s 
living  for  the  widow,  and  it  is  supposed  that 
these  rol)bers  obtained  information  of  the  fact 


and  they  believed  he  would  take  it  to  the 
widow’s  house. 

The  house  was  entered  and  the  old  lady  and 
her  companion  were  bound  hand  and  foot  and 
when  Clarence  was  aroused  he  was  foully 
murdered. 

The  robbers  made  their  escape  but  public 
sentiment  was  so  aroused  that  the  murderers 
would  have  been  summarily  dealt  with  if 
caught.  They  were  subsequently  arrested, 
tried  and  convicted  of  murder,  and  sentenced 
to  the  penitentiary  for  life.  After  serving  a 
brief  term  of  imprisonment  they  were  released 
upon  a writ  of  error,  and  returned  to  the  Bel- 
mont County  jail  to  await  another  trial,  but 
before  the  trial  came  off  the  murderers 
escaped  from  jail  and  have  not  since  been  heard 
from. 


CHAPTER.  XXIX 


WAYNE  TOWNSHIP. 

The  First  Settlers — Some  Old  Citizens — The  Soil — Coal  Lands — New  Castle 
AND  Hunter — The  G.  A.  R.  Hall — The  New  Castle  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church — The  Hunter  Disciples’  Church — Noted  Hunters. 


Tradition  says  Wayne  township  was  named 
after  “Mad  Anthony”  Wayne — then  at  the 
pinnacle  of  his  glory  and  fame.  The  township 
contains  36  sections,  and  like  Smith  township 
is  in  the  form  of  a perfect  square. 

The  first  division  was  made  in  1811,  and  in 
1819  and  1831  divisions  were  again,  made  for 
the  completion  of  Washington  and  Somerset 
townships. 

The  first  settlements  were  made  along  the 
banks  of  the  Captina,  whose  branches  tra- 
verse the  township  from  east  to  west. 

the  first  settlers. 

Among  the  first  settlers  were  the  Houstons, 
Moores,  Umsteads,  Halls,  Milhorns,  Barretts, 
Martins,  Skinners,  Coons,  Stanleys  and 
Woodses. 

George  Hall  effected  a settlement  in  1798  in 
section  10  with  no  neighbors  or  associates  but 
the  hunters  who  traveled  the  Indian  trails  and 
sought  his  cabin  for  a shelter  upon  the  ap- 
proach of  night. 

Mr.  Hall’s  wife  was  a beautiful  and  cultured 
Irish  woman,  from  the  city  of  Belfast  in  the 
north  of  Ireland,  who  excited  the  admiration  of 
all  who  visited  her  humble  home.  Henry  Mil- 
horn,  another  old  citizen,  erected  the  first  water- 
power grist  mill  on  the  banks  of  the  Captina. 
Since  writing  the  above  we  have  learned  of 
his  recent  death,  in  his  8ist  year.  The  mill 
has  been  reconstructed  and  is  still  in  operation. 


SOME  OLD  citizens. 

Some  of  the  oldest  citizens  of  Wayne  town- 
ship are  Harvey  Danford,  aged  84,  Lee  Evans, 
79,  Ham.  Murphy,  75,  Henry  Milhorn,  81, 
Samuel  Stonebraker,  65,  and  Mrs.  Plummer  of 
New'  Castle  who  is  92  years  of  age,  with  men- 
tal faculties  unimpaired.  On  the  29th  of  Oc- 
tober, 1902,  and  since  writing  the  above,  Mrs. 
Plummer  passed  away. 

the  soil 

Of  Wayne  township,  particularly  on  the  ridges 
leading  to  New  Castle,  is  very  sandy  and  on 
“Sand  Ridge”  in  particular  it  is  in  places  so 
deep  on  the  surface  as  to  bury  the  felloes  of 
the  riding  conyeyance.  Nevertheless  it  is  pro- 
ductive of  good  corn,  wheat  and  tobacco. 

The  latter  is  still  a staple  crop,  and  in  the 
last  week  in  September  we  saw  many  men  and 
women  in  the  fields  stripping  tobacco  leaves 
and  carrying  the  sticks  to  the  numerous  to- 
bacco houses  that  bordered  the  roadside  where 
the  crop  was  in  course  of  drying. 

Old  citizens  tell  us  that  the  township  in 
early  days  was  infested  with  wild  beasts, — 
wolves,  bears,  panthers  and  deer  and  we  are 
told  that  the  banks  of  Captina  always  furnished 
a fine  field  for  sportsmen. 

COAL  lands. 

There  are  two  strata  of  coal  in  Wayne 


320 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


township, — one,  the  four  and  the  other  the 
six-foot  coal  underlying  the  surface.  The  prin- 
cipal part  of  the  last  named  vein  has  been  sold 
at  ])rices  ranging  from  $7  to  $12  per  acre.  Of 
the  four-foot  vein  many  hanks  are  operated  for 
domestic  use  hut  none  is  shipped  from  the 
township.  Iron  ore  is  also  found  in  limited 
quantities. 

THE  POPULATION  AND  TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS. 

The  present  population  of  Wayne  township 
is  1,415  as  against  1,704  in  1890,  and  1,500 
in  1880,  showing  a loss  of  289  in  the  last  de- 
cade. 

The  returns  of  personal  property  as  shown 
hy  the  tax  duplicate  is  $81,309  for  1902  as 
against  $88,649  'i'*  190T.  The  tax  levy,  how- 
ever, is  reduced  from  1.95  in  1901  to  1.77  in 
1902. 

The  township  officers  for  1902  are  as  fol- 
lows: Trustees, — John  Phillips,  W.  J.  Davis 

and  John  Shry ; clerk,  John  Creighton;  treas- 
urer, V.  A.  Danford ; justices  of  the  peace, — 
y\.  B.  Warfield  and  Charles  Love. 

The  first  township  trustees  of  which  we  can 
find  a record  are  Ambrose  Danford,  Isaac 
Barrett  and  Philip  Skinner.  The  earliest  jus- 
tices of  which  mention  is  made  are  Thomas 
Williams,  J.  N.  Evans,  Isaac  Moore,  Joseph 
Moos  and  Elislia  Harris.  The  service  of  these 
officers  proliahly  go  hack  to  the  erection  of  the 
township. 

The  township  officers  22  years  ago  were ; 
I'rustees, — George  Powell,  A.  R.  Wilcox  and 
B.  Starkey;  justices  of  the  peace, — D.  Okey, 
P.  King  and  S.  F.  Davis;  clerk, — S.  F.  Davis; 
treasurer,  — Lee  Evans;  constables, — J.  H. 
Morrison  and  J.  W.  Craig. 

THE  SCHOOLS. 

The  first  school  was  a combined  school  and 
Methodist  meeting  house.  It  was  a typical  log 
house,  built  in  1805.  Five  years  later  a new 
school  house  was  Imilt  in  its  stead.  Today 
there  are  14  neat  well-conducted  schools  in  the 
township.  The  Board  of  Education  for  1902 
consists  of  G.  L.  Miliman,  Harvey  Danford, 
E.  P.  Frost,  John  Hinton,  W.  J.  Davis,  M.  D. 


Craig,  N.  H.  Warfield,  J.  E.  Duvall,  John 
Shry,  J.  S.  Wilcox,  John  Phillips,  I.  Phillips, 
A.  H.  Jenewine  and  Leander  Davis. 

NEW  CASTI.E  AND  HUNTER. 

New  Castle  and  Hunter  are  the  two  princi- 
pal villages  of  Wayne  township. 

NEW  CASTLE 

Is  situated  near  the  center  of  the  township 
with  a population  approximating  100.  There 
are  two  stores,  a small-sized  cigar  factory,  G. 
A.  R.  Hall  and  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 
The  postmaster  (Pilcher  P.  O.)  is  Isaac  H. 
Pittman.  The  school  at  New  Castle  is  con- 
ducted by  Miss  Emma  Turner,  and  at  this  time 
has  an  enrollment  of  35. 

A tragedy  occurred  near  here  in  1901  that 
stirred  the  whole  community.  William  Mont- 
gomery, crazed  by  drink,  shot  his  wife  with 
murderous  intent,  and  then  killed  himself. 

THE  G.  A.  R.  HALL. 

In  1885  the  Civil  War  veterans  of  Wayne 
township  determined  to  possess  a hall  of  their 
own,  and  uniting  their  efforts  erected  a neat 
frame  building  in  the  center  of  the  town  and 
fitted  it  up  with  all  the  necessary  paraphernalia. 
Of  the  original  post  but  25  members  survive. 

The  officers  for  1902  are : Post  commander, 
Ambrose  G.  King;  vice  commander,  L.  Davis; 
senior  vice  commander,  Seth  Williams;  chap- 
lain, J.  A.  Budcl;  and  quartermaster,  S.  M. 
Stonebraker. 

Colonel  Charlesworth  of  St.  Clairsville  says : 
“Wayne  township  contributed  more  soldiers  to 
the  service  of  the  Union  in  proportion  to  its 
population  than  any  other  township  in  the 
county.” 

Among  the  veterans  yet  living  many  com- 
rades tell  thrilling  stories  of  their  perilous  es- 
capes. Ambrose  G.  King,  the  post  commander, 
was  shot  in  the  mouth  and  received  a bullet 
wound  on  the  front  of  his  head  deep  enough 
to  conceal  a finger  of  the  hand  if  placed  in  the 
indenture. 

Mr.  Shepherd,  of  the  3rd  Ohio  Regiment, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


321 


was  struck  by  a shell  at  the  battle  of  Perry- 
ville  and  thrown  heels  over  head,  smashing 
his  canteen,  bursting  his  belt,  breaking  his  gun 
and  stretching  him  upon  the  battlefield  sense- 
less for  a long  time,  hut  he  providentially  es- 
caped death. 

In  the  same  battle  of  Perryville,  Joseph 
Creighton  was  shot  through  the  hips  in  the  heat 
of  the  conflict,  leaving  him  a helpless  cripple 
for  life. 

THE  NEW  CASTLE  METHODIST  EPISCOPAL 
CHURCH. 

This  old  church  was  erected  50  years  ago, 
and  is  still  vigorous  and  strong.  Rev.  John 
Clinzer  was  an  old-fashioned  Methodist  cir- 
cuit rider  who  preached  between  Wayne  and 
Washington  townships  early  in  their  history. 
The  pastor  of  the  present  church  is  Rev.  H.  A. 
Cohhledick,  and  the  official  board  consists  of 
Mrs.  M.  Stonehraker,  Emma  Van  Horn  and 
Arabella  Rhines,  stewards ; Samuel  Stonehrak- 
er,  R.  Van  Horn  and  A.  King,  trustees. 

Some  of  the  old  pastors  who  have  served  the 
congregation  are : Revs.  Coen,  McKilyer,  Pet- 
ty and  McCormick. 

There  is  also  near  here  a church  known  as 
the  “Smithites,”  a branch  of  the  Christian 
Church,  but  at  present  it  is  without  organiza- 
tion. 

Hunter  is  named  after  ex-Congressman 
Hunter  of  Monroe  County,  and  is  situated  near 
the  township  line.  It  is  in  size  and  population 
about  the  equal  of  New  Castle  and  contains  one 
school  and  a church.  The  town  was  laid  out 
over  half  a century  ago  liy  N.  Anderson,  and 
has  a population  today  of  less  than  100.  There 
are  several  stores  in  the  village  and  a post 
office.  The  school  is  in  charge  of  J.  C.  Hicks, 
and  has  an  average  attendance  of  35. 

THE  HUNTER  DISCIPLES’  CHURCH 

Was  established  before  the  village.  The  found- 
er of  the  village,  N.  Anderson,  donated  an 
acre  of  ground  upon  which  to  erect  a church, 
and  contributed  the  greater  portion  of  the 
building  expense. 


This  plain  little  church  was  burned  in  1850. 
It  is  believed  to  have  been  the  work  of  an  in- 
cendiary. After  the  lapse  of  three  years,  a 
new  brick  church  was  erected  and  furnished  at 
a cost  of  $1,500. 

Some  of  the  early  officers  were  John  Mil- 
horn  and  David  White,  and  some  of  the  early 
members  were  Eleazer  Evans  and  wife,  Wil- 
liam Numan  and  wife,  Nathaniel  Anderson 
and  wife. 

Some  of  the  first  preachers  were  John  Frick, 
Jacob  Yocum,  Alexander  Hall  and  Joseph 
Dunn. 

About  1850  a large  number  of  members 
withdrew  and  established  a church  on  what 
was  known  as  Chestnut  Level. 

The  present  congregation  numbers  about  50, 
and  the  stated  pastor  is  Rev.  A.  W.  Todd. 

NOTED  HUNTERS. 

Among  the  noted  hunters  of  early  days  was 
John  Adams,  who  was  a veteran  soldier,  and 
fought  under  General  Wayne  in  the  battle  of 
the  ‘‘Fallen  Timbers.”  His  attire  was  a blue 
hunting  skirt,  not  unlike  that  of  an  army  over- 
coat, and  a showy  cape  fringed  with  yellow  in 
front  and  at  the  bottom.  Although  a giant  in 
stature,  Adams  was  quick  of  foot  and  of  her- 
culean strength.  After  Wayne's  treaty  of 
peace,  he  was  hunting  upon  the  banks  of  Cap- 
tina  where  the  forest  was  thick,  and  came 
across  an  Indian  who  had  refused  to  abandon 
his  wigwam  and  hunting  ground.  When  this 
Indian  beheld  Adams,  he  immediately  con- 
cealed himself  behind  trees  and  brush  with  a 
view  evidently  of  taking  the  latter's  life. 
Adams  also  concealed  himself  and  waited  for 
an  advantage.  At  last  when  a part  of  the 
Indian's  body  was  exposed.  Adams  took  de- 
liberate aim,  fired,  and  the  Indian  fell.  As 
Adams  expressed  it,  “That  was  the  last  time 
that  Indian  watched  for  a white  man.” 

An  old  settler  says  that  it  was  customary 
with  hunters  to  rub  assafoetida  on  the  soles  of 
their  shoes  in  order  to  attract  wolves  into  un- 
occupied cabins.  Tbe  wolves  would  follow  the 
scent  of  the  drug  and  would  enter  the  cabins, 
when  the  hunters  would  crawl  up  from  the  out- 


322 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


side  of  the  cabin  into  the  loft  and  shoot  them 
at  leisure. 

It  is  related  of  two  old  settlers  named  Newell 
and  Mall,  who  were  detained  on  their  business 
at  the  county  seat  longer  than  they  had  antici- 
pated, that  they  were  actually  surrounded  with 
wolves  on  their  return  home.  When  they 
reached  Bend  Fork,  a den  of  wolves  attacked 


them  and  it  was  only  by  the  utmost  cunning 
and  care  that  they  escaped  with  their  lives. 
Bend  Fork  was  a veritable  haunt  for  wolves  in 
pioneer  days  and  it  was  perilous  to  travel  that 
way  alone  at  any  time. 

In  this  instance  death  would  inevitably  have 
ensued  but  for  the  skill  and  courage  of  the  old 
settlers. 


Represeniatioe  Citizens 


OHN  BRADFIELD  was,  for  a long  pe- 
riod, a resident  of  Barnesville,  Ohio, 
and  was  ever  in  the  foreground  of  its 
business  life.  In  the  matter  of  public 
improvements,  he  probably  left  a greater  im- 
press upon  the  city  than  any  other  person  who 
has  ever  made  it  his  home. 

The  birth  of  John  Bradfield  occurred  in 
Yorkshire,  England,  in  1813,  and  in  1827  he 
accompanied  his  parents,  John  and  Isabella 
Bradfield,  to  the  United  States.  The  little 
family  remained  for  a short  time  in  Balti- 
more, Maryland,  but  it  was  the  father’s  in- 
tention to  engage  in  farming,  and  with  this 
object  in  view  a suitable  location  was  found 
in  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  within  four  miles 
of  the  growing  town  of  Barnesville.  Al- 
though he  was  ambitious  to  learn,  he  enjoyed 
few  early  advantages.  His  superior  mental 
acciuirements,  so  noticeable  in  after  years, 
were  gained  through  much  reading  and  asso- 
ciation with  the  world.  Until  1838,  he  re- 
mained on  the  farm  and  then  first  engaged 


in  the  buying  and  shipping  of  tobacco.  His 
initial  ventures  proved  profitable,  and  with 
continued  success  he  remained  in  the  busi- 
ness for  the  three  succeeding  years.  Then, 
with  his  ambition  stimulated  by  enlarged  op- 
portunities, he  conceived  and  carried  out  the 
idea  of  buying  out  the  large  firm  of  James 
Barnes  & Sons,  general  merchants,  and  thus 
entered  upon  a business  career  in  Barnes- 
ville, Avhich  resulted  in  the  legitimate  accumu- 
lation of  a large  fortune.  From  time  to  time 


his  sons  were  admitted  to  partnership,  and 
the  business  was  still  further  expanded,  until 
the  name  of  Bradfield  became  one  of  the  lead- 
ing ones  in- the  tobacco  trade  throughout  the 
State,  and  far  beyond.  After  an  honorable 
business  career  of  more  than  50  years,  Mr. 
Bradfield  retired  from  active  labors  in  1889, 
resigning  his  large  interests  to  his  capable 
sons,  who  have  followed  his  business  meth 
ods,  as  they  have  been  the  fortunate  inheri- 
tors of  much  of  his  sagacity. 

John  Bradfield,  during  his  busiest  years, 
however,  was  constantly  keeping  in  mind  the 
development  of  Barnesville,  and,  as  he  was 
gifted  with  that  foresight  which  enabled  him 
to  comprehend  its  needs  fully,  devoted  him- 
self, with  his  wealth  and  infiuence,  in  a pub- 
lic-spirited manner,  to  meet  them.  The  First 
National  Bank  will  long  be  a monument  to 
his  public  interest  and  business  enterprise. 
From  the  time  of  its  organization,  in  1864, 
until  1875,  its  president,  and  retired 

then  on  account  of  the  pressure  of  other  en- 
terprises. This  bank,  in  connection  with  the 
mercantile  firm  of  which  he  was  the  head, 
built  one  of  the  finest  business  blocks  to  be 
found  in  any  city  of  equal  size  in  the  State, 
and  this  will  stand  as  another  monument  to 
his  public  spirit.  Both  gas  and  electric  light- 
ing received  his  attention,  and  with  his  in- 
fluential backing  became  accomplished  facts 
in  Barnesville,  contributing  to  its  general 
prosperity.  For  many  years  he  was  the  presi- 
dent of  the  gas  company,  retaining  that  of- 


324 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


lice  until  his  decease,  at  which  time  the  com- 
pany was  undei'  contract  to  furnish  electric 
light  for  the  city. 

Mr.  Bradheld  was  a man  of  business  and 
not  a politician,  declining  the  flattering  of- 
fers made  to  him,  although  few  men  were 
better  equipped  to  hold  positions  of  public  re- 
sponsibility. Mr.  Bradheld  lived  an  active 
life  that  brought  him  prominence,  but  it  was 
in  the  line  of  business.  Ble  was  ever  a gen- 
erous contributor  to  the  various  educational 
and  charitable  enterprises  of  Barnesville,  and 
so  employed  his  wealth  that  his  name  is  re- 
called by  his  fellow  citizens  with  feelings  of 
the  deepest  esteem  and  veneration. 

In  1843,  Bradheld  was  united  in  mar- 
riage with  Eliza  Anna  Shannon,  who  was  a 
daughter  of  Thomas  Shannon,  and  a niece  of 
ex-Governor  Shannon.  To  this  union  were 
born  nine  children,  six  of  whom  are  promi- 
nent in  the  highest  social  circles  of  this  city; 
Thomas  and  John  W.  Bradheld,  widely- 
known  merchants;  G.  E.  Bradheld,  cashier  of 
the  Eirst  National  Bank;  Charles  Bradheld, 
a bookkeeper  in  the  same  institution;  Mrs. 
Otho  P.  Norris,  wife  of  the  cashier  of  the 
People’s  National  Bank;  and  Mrs.  A.  Rogers, 
wife  of  a prominent  lumber  dealer.  All  of 
these  are  most  highly  respected  residents  of 
Barnesville.  The  mother  of  this  family  passed 
away  in  1889. 

Although  so  much  of  his  time  was  neces- 
sarily devoted  to  his  great  business,  Mr 
Bradheld  never  forgot  the  needs  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  of  which  both  he  and 
wife  were  devoted  members.  From  its  hrst 
beginnings,  he  was  one  of  its  supporters  and 
was  always  ready  with  time,  inhuence  and 
means,  to  promote  its  good  work.  In  the 
death  of  Mr.  Bradheld,  on  October  10,  1893, 
the  city  of  Barnesville  parted  with  one  of  its 
most  substantial,  useful  and  prominent  citi- 
zens. 


HON,  A.  T.  McKELVEY,  a distinguished 
citizen  of  Belmont  County,  was  born  March 
23,  1844,  in  the  city  of  Belfast,  Ireland. 


Mr.  McKelvey  was  brought  by  his  parents 
to  America  when  but  hve  years  of  age  and 
located  in  Wheeling,  (West)  Virginia,  where 
he  grew  up  to  manhood. 

Mr.  McKelvey  obtained  a common  school 
education,  but  withdrew  from  school  at  15 
years  of  age  to  enter  the  Western  Union 
telegraph  office,  where  he  served  as  “mes- 
senger boy,”  while  studying  telegraphy. 
When  but  20  years  of  age,  he  was  advanced 
to  the  responsible  position  of  manager  of 
the  Wheeling  office.  Wheeling  was  at  that 
time  the  headquarters  of  the  Army  of  West 
Virginia  and  all  the  important  dispatches 
that  were  exchanged  between  the  headquar- 
ters of  the  army  in  the  field  and  the  com- 
manding general  at  Washington  passed 
through  his  hands.  Wherefore  his  duties 
were  not  only  arduous  and  exacting,  but,  in 
relation  to  the  government,  of  a highly  con- 
fidential character. 

Mr.  McKelvey’s  health  was  greatly  im- 
paired by  the  close  confinement  and  long 
hours  of  service  which  the  stress  of  war  en- 
tailed, and  in  1890  he  was  obliged  to  resign 
his  office  and  seek  a restoration  of  health. 
To  that  end  he  purchased  the  fruit  farm  upon 
which  he  now  resides. 

Since  1875  Mr.  McKelvey  has  been  promi- 
nently identified  with  the  agricultural  in- 
terests of  the  county.  For  a number  of  years 
he  has  been  identified  with  the  Belmont 
County  Agricultural  Society,  serving  that  or- 
ganization as  superintendent  of  the  horti- 
cultural department  for  four  years  and  presi- 
dent of  the  society  for  two  years. 

He  was  one  of  the  charter  members  of  the 
Belmont  County  Farmers’  Club  and  has 
served  that  organization  both  as  president 
and  secretary.  He  was  employed  for  many 
winters  as  a State  speaker  at  “Farmers’  In- 
stitutes” and  has  been  a regular  contributor 
to  the  agricultural  press. 

Mr.  McKelvey  was  chosen  to  represent 
Belmont  County  in  the  General  Assembly 
of  Ohio  in  1887,  and  upon  the  expiration  of 
his  first  term  was  re-elected  for  a second 
term. 


p-. 


sr- 

i 


I 


WILLIAM  II.  BARLOW 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


327 


In  1891  he  Avas  appointed  by  Governor 
Campbell  a delegate  to  represent  Ohio  in  the 
Western  States  Commercial  College  that 
convened  in  Kansas  City  April  15th. 

He  is  also  a member  of  the  United  States 
Military  Telegraph  Corps,  having  served  the 
government  in  the  capacity  of  military  tele- 
graph operator  'during  the  Civil  War. 

In  church  matters  he  has  been  an  active 
worker  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
since  1870,  having  served  in  the  capacity  of 
Sunday  school  superintendent  for  26  con- 
secutive years. 

Mr.  McKelvey  was  married  April  29,  1869, 
to  Julia  S.  Irwin,  of  Wheeling,  West  Vir- 
ginia, and  the  fruits  of  this  marriage  were 
five  sons,  the  eldest  of  whom — William 
Thomson — has  but  recently  passed  away. 
The  surviving  children  are  Robert  Irwin, 
Charles  Leavitt,  Clarence  Burt  and  James 
Thoburn.  Mrs.  AIcKelvey  is  a lineal  descend- 
ant of  Jonathan  Zane,  one  of  the  heroic  de- 
fenders of  Fort  Henry. 


WILIJAM  H.  BARLOW,  proprietor  of  the 
Barnesville  Cigar  Company,  is  one  of  the  lead- 
ing business  men  of  Barnesville,  Ohio,  having 
been  identified  with  a number  of  its  industries, 
and  an  important  factor  in  the  development  of 
the  city’s  resources.  He  is  a son  of  Amos  and 
Martha  (Hunt)  Barlow.  Amos  Barlow  is  one 
of  the  old,  representative,  business  men  of 
Barnesville,  Avho  is  .spending  his  declining  years 
in  comfortable  retirement. 

William  H.  Barlow  acquired  a good,  com- 
mon-school education,  and  at  the  age  of  25 
years  embarked  in  the  box  manufacturing  busi- 
ness, in  which  he  continued  until  1898.  At 
that  time  he  engaged  in  the  cigar  business,  but 
retained  his  interest  in  the  box  concern  until 
1902,  when  he  disposed  of  it  to  his  brother-in- 
law,  Mr.  Wise.  That  business  is  now  con- 
ducted under  the  firm  style  of  Wise  & Dewees. 

The  Barnesville  Cigar  Company  is  the  larg- 
est institution  of  its  kind  in  the  city,  and  one 
of  the  largest  in  the  county.  Mr.  Barlow  car- 


ries a stock  worth  $10,000,  and  manufactures 
high  grade  .stogies,  mould,  hand  made,  long 
filler,  Havana  seed  and  Little  Dutch  cigars, 
pouch  goods  and  private  brands.  In  connec- 
tion with  the  manufacturing  plant,  Mr.  BarloAy 
has  a retail  store.  He  conducts  the  business 
on  lines  which  have  gained  both  the  custom 
of  the  public  and  the  confidence  of  the  trade. 
In  1902  he  opened  up  a first-class  fancy  gro- 
cery, in  partnership  with  N.  W.  Bastain.  This 
enterprise  also  promises  to  be  a success,  under 
the  able  management  of  Mr.  Barlow. 

On  December  23,  1898,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch  Avas  united  in  marriage  Avith  Bertha 
kloore,  the  acomplished  daughter  of  Samuel 
Moore,  of  Barnesville,  and  one  bright,  little 
son,  Arthur,  has  been  born  to  their  union.  Mr. 
BarloAV  and  his  Avife  are  consistent  members  of 
the  Methodist  Church,  and  are  prominent  in 
social  circles.  Politically,  the  former  affiliates 
Avith  the  Republican  party,  Avhile  his  fraternal 
connections  are  Avith  the  Odd  FelloAvs,  of 
Barnesville,  and  the  Elks,  Lodge  No.  28,  of 
Wheeling. 


JAMES  F.  ANDERSON,  an  attorney  of 
Bellaire,  Ohio,  has.  since  1871,  been  the  pub- 
lisher and  editor  of  the  “Independent,”  the 
oldest  surviving  ncAvspaper  in  the  city.  He 
Avas  born  in  Pultney  toAvnship,  Belmont 
County,  and  has  ahvays  resided  in  the  tOAvn- 
ship  and  Bellaire. 

In  the  CiA’il  Wr  he  served  as  sergeant  of 
Company  I,  170th  Reg,.  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.  In 
1870  he  Avas  admitted  to  the  Ohio  bar.  For 
the  past  30  years  he  has  taken  an  active  part 
in  politics,  being  a Republican.  He  has  been 
a member  of  the  county  and  city  boards  of 
school  examiners. 

In  1871  Mr.  .Anderson  took  charge  of  the 
“Independent,”  and  has,  except  for  an  inter- 
val of  about  tAA’o  years,  conducted  it  since  that 
time.  He  is  interested  in  a number  of  the 
business  enterprises  of  his  locality,  has  been 
president  of  the  Belmont  SaAungs  & Loan 
Company  since  its  organization,  and  is  presi- 
dent of  the  Board  of  Trade  of  Bellaire. 


328 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


OTHO  P.  NORRIS,  cashier  of  the  Peo- 
ple’s National  Bank  of  Barnesville,  Ohio,  has 
l)een  connected  with  that  institution  since 
its  organization  in  1883,  and  during'  his  long 
term  of  service  he  has  made  a record  that 
has  been  unusually  satisfactory  to  his  direc- 
tors. Mr.  Norris  was  born  on  the  8th  of 
March,  1859,  in  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  and 
is  one  of  a family  of  six  children  born  to  Dr. 
Otho  Norris  and  his  wife,  Rachel  (Barlow) 
Norris,  both  of  whom  are  deceased. 

Dr.  Otho  Norris  was  one  of  Belmont 
County’s  most  promising  physicians.  His 
useful  career  was  terminated  by  his 
death  in  1859,  and  many  of  the  older  resi- 
dents of  the  county  recall  to  mind  his  use- 
ful deeds  and  lofty  character. 

Otho  P.  Norris  spent  his  boyhood’s  days 
chiefly  in  Morristown,  where  he  received  his 
primary  education.  This  was  supplemented 
by  a thorough  course  in  Muskingum  College, 
from  which  he  was  graduated  in  1881.  The 
following  year  was  spent  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio, 
and  in  1882  he  located  in  Barnesville,  engag- 
ing at  that  time  in  the  real  estate  and  insur- 
ance business  in  the  office  of  his  brother, 
Perry  E.  Norris. 

In  1883  he  entered  the  People’s  National 
Bank  as  teller,  and  has  been  with  that  suc- 
cessful institution  ever  since,  being  elected 
cashier  of  the  bank  in  1895.  ’s  pertinent 
in  this  connection  to  notice  that  more  than 
a half  million  d-ollars  have  been  added  to  the 
resources  of  the  bank  since  he  assumed  the 
cashiership  seven  years  ago,  the  addition 
being  due  largely  to  Ins  energy,  thorough 
equipment  and  experience. 

November  16,  1887,  our  subject  was  united 
in  marriage  to  Kate  Shannon  Bradfield,  the 
accomplished  daughter  of  the  late  John 
Bradfield,  formerly  one  of  Barnesville’s  most 
illustrious  citizens,  and  whose  biography  ap- 
pears elsewhere  in  this  volume.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Norris  have  one  daughter,  Anna  B. 

In  fraternal  circles  our  subject  is  identified 
with  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  and  in  local 
educational  affairs  he  has  given  freely  of  his 
services,  having  been  closely  identified  with 


the  management  of  the  public  schools  for 
many  years.  In  politics  he  is  a Republican, 
but  he  has  never  sought  publicity  in  an  offi- 
cial capacity. 


CHARLES  P.  DOBBINS,  a well-known 
wool  and  fur  dealer  of  Barnesville,  Ohio,  has, 
for  over  30  years,  prominently  identified 
himself  with  the  business  interests  of  the 
town.  Plis  present  business  undertaking, 
which  he  has  conducted  for  several  years,  is 
the  largest  of  its  kind  in  Belmont  County, 
and  his  successful  management  of  its  affairs 
has  won  him  the  confidence  of  the  people  far 
and  near.  He  is  a stockholder  in  the  Eirst 
National  Bank,  and  has  long  served  as  a 
member  of  the  board  of  directors  of  that  in- 
stitution. He  is  a product  of  healthy  coun- 
try life  and  a practical  business  atmosphere, 
and  was  born  on  a farm  in  Belmont  County, 
Ohio,  August  I,  1850,  being  a son  of  James 
and  Lydia  (Nichols)  (Hatcher)  Dobbins. 

Jkmes  Dobbins  was  a native  of  New  Jer- 
sey, and  was  a well-known  figure  in  Barnes- 
ville for  many  years.  In  early  life,  he  learned 
the  cooper’s  trade,  which,  together  with  ag- 
ricultural occupations,  he  followed  through- 
out his  active  life.  Upon  coming  to  Ohio, 
James  Dobbins  settled  near  Morristown, 
where  he  engaged  in  coopering  and  also  in 
farming.  After  remaining  there  for  some 
years,  he  settled  in  Warren  township,  near 
Barnesville,  upon  a farm,  which  he  operated 
in  connection  with  the  coopering  business, 
and  achieved  a fair  amount  of  success.  He 
later  located  near  Somerton,  Ohio,  following 
the  same  occupations  there.  About  1842,  he 
removed  to  Barnesville,  where  he  spent  the 
remainder  of  his  life,  dying  May  30,  1883,  at 
the  advanced  age  of  86  years.  In  early  man- 
hood, he  married  Mrs.  Lydia  (Nichols) 
Hatcher,  by  whom  he  reared  three  children, 
as  follows;  Annie  M.,  James  A.,  and  Charles 
P.  Mrs.  Dobbins’  life  came  to  a close  Eeb- 
ruarv  27,  1892,  at  the  age  of  76  years. 

Charles  P.  Dobbins  was  mainly  reared  in 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


329 


Barnesville,  Ohio,  and  in  the  town’s  public 
schools  secured  the  educational  training  and 
developed  the  habits  of  industry  which  have 
so  materially  assisted  him  in  his  business  life. 
At  the  early  age  of  10  years,  he  began  work 
in  a wool  factory,  where  he  remained  for  six 
year,  in  this  period  acquiring  a good  knowl- 
edge of  the  wool  industry.  Later,  he  went 
into  a cooper  shop,  and  learned  the  .business 
with  the  intention  of  making  it  his  life’s 
work,  but  soon  after  he  had  established  him- 
self in  a knowledge  of  the  craft,  new  machin- 
ery was  introduced  into  cooper  shops  that 
rendered  his  knowledge  of  the  trade  of  little 
use  to  him.  With  this  obstacle  confronting 
him,  he  decided  to  turn  his  attention  to  the 
fur  and  wool  business,  in  which  he  had  pre- 
viously acquired  considerable  knowledge. 
Accordingly,  he  opened  an  establishment  for 
this  industry  in  Barnesville,  and  had  no  dif- 
ficulty in  working  up  a good  trade.  From 
time  to  time  he  has  enlarged  his  business, 
buying  up  large  quantities  of  wool  and  pelts, 
which  he  shipped  to  the  various  markets, 
and,  as  stated  before,  he  now  operates  one 
of  the  largest  concerns  of  the  kind  in  Bel- 
mont County.  The  success  that  has  come 
to  him  is  certainly  well  merited. 

Mr.  Dobbins  married  Amanda  M.  Blake- 
more,  and  this  union  has  been  blessed  by  two 
children — Laura  M.,  who  resides  at  home, 
and  Willard  B.,  who  passed  from  this  life  De- 
cember 29,  1900.  Mr.  Dobbins  has  always 
evinced  a keen  interest  in  public  affairs. 
Though  but  16  years  of  age  when  the  Civil 
War  broke  out,  he  secured  his  father’s  per- 
mission to  become  a soldier,  and  enlisted  in 
Company  D,  185th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  and 
served  with  distinction  under  Captain  Ro- 
decker,  in  the  Army  of  Kentucky,  with  Gen- 
eral Thomas.  He  received  his  honorable  dis- 
charge in  1865.  He  has  served  six  years  as 
a member  of  the  City  Council  and  two  terms 
as  a member  of  the  Board  of  Education,  of 
which  he  is  now  serving  as  president.  He  is 
a stanch  supporter  of  Republican  principles 
and  is  quite  influential  in  the  ranks  of  that 
party.  His  wife  and  family  are  members  of 


the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  of  Barnes- 
ville. Fraternally,  he  is  a valued  member 
of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows. 


WILLIAM  WATERS  HANLON,  presi- 
dent and  manager  of  the  Hanlon-Sharps 
Company,  one  of  the  large  and  prosperous 
enterprises  which  have  had  their  origin  and 
development  in  Belmont  County,  is  a lead- 
ing citizen  and  a representative  of  Barnes- 
ville’s  best  commercial  and  social  life.  The 
birth  of  Mr.  Hanlon  occurred  at  Malaga, 
Alonroe  County,  Ohio,  March  9,  1855,  and 
he  is  one  of  two  sons  born  to  T.  T.  and  Agnes 
(Waters)  Hanlon,  the  latter  being  a daugh- 
ter of  George  Waters,  a native  of  Loudoun 
County,  Virginia.  Her  death  occurred  in 
1858,  when  William  W.  was  about  three 
years  old,  and  his  brother,  Oliver  O.,  was 
about  12  days  old. 

T.  T.  Hanlon  was  born  December  17, 
1828,  in  Jefferson  Countyf  Ohio,  the  eldest 
child  of  William  and  Elizabeth  (Duval)  Han- 
lon, the  former  of  whom  was  born  in  Orange 
County.  New  York,  and  the  latter  in  Wells- 
burg.  West  Virginia.  William  Hanlon  was  a 
shoemaker  by  trade,  but  later  engaged  in 
farming  and  teaching  school.  T.  T.  Hanlon 
learned  the  merchant-tailoring  business  and 
first  located  in  Belmont  County  in  1849 
has  been  identified  with  Barnesville  since  the 
fall  of  1862.  In  i860  Mr.  Hanlon  contracted 
a second  marriage  with  Elizabeth  Hyde,  of 
Boston,  this  county,  and  one  daughter, 
Agnes  Amelia — now  Mrs.  Walter  Murray — 
was  born  to  this  union.  Until  1874  Mr. 
Hanlon  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  in 
Barnesville  and  later  became  interested  in 
the  paper  jobbing  trade,  still  later  adding  a 
printing  house,  the  firm  name  of  the  busi- 
ness at  its  birth  being  T.  T.  Hanlon  & Sons. 
In  1882  the  firm  established  the  “Barnesville 
Republican,”  with  W.  W.  Hanlon  as  editor, 
and  conducted  it  in  connection  with  their 
general  paper  business.  About  1885  the 
firm  name  underwent  a change  to  that  of 


33° 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY. 


Hanlon  Brothers  & Company,  which  name 
held  until  a few  years  later,  when  William 
W.  and  Oliver  O.  Hanlon  purchased  all  other 
interests  and  the  firm  then  assumed  the  style 
of  Id  anion  Brothers’  Paper  Company. 

When  our  subject,  William  W.  Hanlon, 
was  about  six  years  of  age,  his  parents  lo- 
cated in  Barnesville,  and  it  was  in  this  city 
that  he  received  the  larger  portion  of  his 
education,  although  no  small  credit  must  be 
given  to  the  printing  business  with  which  he 
soon  became  associated,  and  pursued  stud- 
iously in  various  parts  of  the  country  for  that 
ready  and  facile  use  of  the  English  language 
which  distinguished  him  in  his  newspaper 
work  — many  people  claiming  that  the 
“Barnesville  Republican,”  under  his  tireless 
leadership,  was  the  best  country  weekly  in 
the  State.  Mr.  Hanlon  has  possessed  a won- 
derful constitution;  was  ever  hungry  for 
work,  claiming  that  it  was  better  to  ‘‘wear 
out  than  rust  out,”  and  that,  be  it  work  or 
play,  it  should  be  done  “like  thunder.”  He 
has  always  been  a friend  and  patron  of  out- 
door games — the  good  ones.  He  has  also 
been  a strong  advocate  for  municipal 
growth,  and  Barnesville  never  had  a better 
friend. 

The  firm  of  TTaidon  Brothers’  Paper  Com- 
pany was  cha  ygcd  to  that  of  Hanlon  Broth- 
ers’ Paper  & l''Tanufacturing  Company  in 
1890,  when  W.  E.  Sharps,  of  Independence, 
West  Virginia,  bought  a third  interest  in  the 
business.  The  business  prospered — “Genius 
is  nine-tenths  work.”  In  May.  1902,  the 
business  was  incorporated — with  William  W. 
Hanlon  as  president,  W.  E.  Sharps  as  secre- 
tary and  Oliver  O.  Hanlon  as  treasurer — as 
a stock  company,  with  a capital  of  $100,000, 
and  with  a paid-up  stock  of  $60,000.  In  the 
summer  and  fall  of  1902,  to  meet  the  de- 
mands of  their  rapidly  increasing  trade,  the 
comjxmy  was  obliged  to  enlarge  the  plant, 
and  built  one  of  the  most  complete  estab- 
lishments in  the  State  of  Ohio,  ecpiipped 
with  all  modern  appliances  and  high-priced 
machinery  for  the  expeditious  and  economi- 
cal manufacture  of  envelopes,  sheet  and  roll 


wrapping  paper,  paper  sacks,  calendars,  office 
supplies,  weatherproof  signs,  and  advertis- 
ing novelties.  They  also  do  special  design- 
ing and  engraving  in  certain  departments. 
Their  plant  is  one  of  the  “busy  marts”  of  the 
town,  their  “sign”  the  handsomest  in  the 
county,  and  their  goods  go  all  over  the 
United  States. 

William  W.  Hanlon  was  married  on  Sep- 
tember 12,  1879,  to  Anna  M.  Sullivan, 

daughter  of  Rev.  J.  C.  Sullivan,  and  they  are 
the  parents  of  three  grown  sons:  Erank  E., 
Lieuy  L.  and  Ralph  R. — all  of  whom  are  con- 
nected with  the  above  business,  each  holdin'g 
a responsible  position  and  “filling”  it.  The 
religious  connection  of  the  family  is  with  the 
Methodist  Church.  Mr.  Hanlon  is  one  of 
the  “four  fathers”  of  the  Belmont-Monroe 
Reunion  Society,  has  been  actively  identified 
with  secret  orders,  is  widely  known  as  an  ag- 
gressive Republican,  and  is  a member  of 
Wheeling  Lodge,  No.  28,  B.  P.  O.  E. 


WILLIAM  MANN  has  for  nearly  23 
years  been  prominently  identified  with  the 
business  interests  of  Martin’s  Eerry,  as  the 
proprietor  of  one  of  the  largest  foundries  in 
iiis  vicinity.  He  gives  employment  to  some 
25  experienced  workmen,  and  in  this  way 
alone  has  been  of  great  service  to  his  com- 
munity. He  inherited  from  good  Scotch  an- 
cestors those  qualities  that  help  win  success 
for  a man  at  every  step  in  life.  Born  at  Coat- 
bridge, Lanarkshire,  Scotland,  October  28, 
1845,  he  is  a son  of  James  and  Elizabeth 
(Walker)  Mann. 

James  Mann  was  born  in  the  shire  of  Fife, 
Scotland.  In  early  life  he  settled  in  Coat- 
bridge, where  he  secured  a position  with  the 
Summerlee  Iron  Company,  his  work  being 
that  of  contractor  in  the  blacksmith  and  car- 
pentry department.  Eminently  successful  in 
this  line,  he  remained  with  the  firm  for  25 
years.  In  1870  he  and  his  family  came  vo 
the  United  States.  For  some  years  he  fol- 
lowed farming  here,  meeting  with  very  good 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


331 


results.  Later  he  settled  in  Little  Falls, 
Minnesota,  where  he  spent  his  last  ch'ys, 
dying  there  at  the  advanced  age  of  86  years. 
He  married  Elizabeth  Walker,  who  was  born 
in  the  shire  of  Fife,  Scotland.  She  lived  to 
the  age  of  76  and  died  in  1884.  To  Mr.  and 
J\Irs.  Mann  were  born  six  children,  five  of 
whom  are  now  living.  Mr.  Mann  was  a per- 
son of  great  integrity  and  won  the  respect  of 
all  who  knew  him.  Both  he  and  his  wife  be- 
longed to  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

William  Mann  received  his  education 
under  an  instructor  in  his  own  home  in  Scot- 
land, after  the  completion  of  which  he  served 
an  apprenticeship  of  five  years  as  a pattern- 
maker in  the  Summerlee  Iron  Works.  At 
the  end  of  this  period,  being  well  qualified 
for  any  position  in  his  line,  he  accepted  a 
place  in  the  Atlas  Foundry  and  Machine 
Shops.  So  acceptably  did  he  fill  this  position 
that  in  the  course  of  six  months  he  was  made 
foreman.  He  continued  as  such  for  six 
years,  acquiring  a knowledge  of  business  and 
an  experience  in  dealing  with  men  that  was 
of  inestimable  value  to  him  in  after  years. 
In  1870  he  came  to  the  United  States,  and 
soon  after  landing  proceeded  to  Chicago, 
where  he  accepted  a position  with  D.  M. 
Ford  & Company.  Later  he  worked  with 
Dixon,  Marshall  & Company  of  Pittsburg 
for  three  years.  It  was  in  1874  that  he  set- 
tled in  Martin’s  Ferry,  where  he  soon  en- 
gaged himself  as  a pattern-maker  for  Cul- 
berton,  Willey  & Company,  who  established 
the  foundry  and  machine  shop  in  1872.  With 
this  company  he  remained  some  six  years, 
commanding  the  salary  of  a skilled  work- 
man. At  the  end  of  this  period,  in  1879, 
though  possessed  of  but  little  means,  he  de- 
termined to  go  into  business  by  himself,  and 
leased  the  iron  works,  where  he  bad  recently 
been  an  employee.  Conducting  the  business 
with  care  and  skill,  he  was  soon  enabled  to 
purchase  the  property,  and  he  is  now  its  sole 
owner.  In  his  foundry  and  machine  shops 
he  is  doing,  a good  business — in  fact,  the 
largest  of  any  similar  concern  in  his  vicinity. 
He  is  fully  prepared,  with  all  necessary  facili- 


ties and  appliances,  for  the  manufacture  of 
light  and  heavy  castings  of  every  descrip- 
tion, and  makes  a specialty  of  roling  mill, 
steel  plant  and  blast  furnace  work.  The  ma- 
chinery is  run  by  a 40-horse  power  steam 
engine.  The  iron  castings  that  are  made  at 
Mr.  Mann’s  foundry  are  unsurpassed  any- 
where in  the  country,  while  the  prices  are 
quite  moderate.  The  trade  extends  through- 
out the  Middle,  Western  and  Southern 
States. 

Mr.  Mann  married  Janet  McGilvray,  who 
has  proved  a most  estimable  wife.  Both  he 
and  she  are  active  and  substantial  members 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  He  is  also 
active  socially  and  musically,  and  exerts  a 
good  influence  in  his  community. 


THOMAS  L.  STRONG,  vice-president 
and  general  manager  of  the  Enterprise 
Enamel  Company,  of  Bellaire,  Ohio,  is  one 
of  the  enterprising  and  public-spirited  young 
business  men  of  this  city.  Mr.  Strong  was 
born  at  Frankfort.  Kansas,  although  his  par- 
ents, James  H.  and  Jane  (Bradford)  Strong, 
were  natives  of  Ohio. 

William  Strong,  the  grandfather  of 
Thomas  L..  was  well  known  in  his  day  as 
ut  reliable  cooper,  his  kegs  being  the  first 
ones  made  use  of  by  the  Laughlin  Nail 
Works,  or  the  old  Top  Mill  at  Wheeling, 
klr.  Strong  was  then  in  partnership  with 
Elijah  Woods,  and  they  made  the  kegs  at 
Martin’s  Ferry  and  sent  them  across  the 
river  in  skiffs.  William  Strong  conducted 
the  first  coopering  establishment  in  this  lo- 
cality. James  H.  Strong,  his  son,  was  born 
at  Martin’s  Ferry  and  now  resides  at  Bel- 
laire. He  lost  his  wife  some  years  since.  In 
1856.  with  his  family,  he  moved  to  Kansas 
and  there  engaged  in  coopering  and  farming 
until  his  return  to  Belmont  County  in  1873. 

Thomas  L.  Strong  spent  a three-year  ap- 
prenticeship to  the  glass  business,  learning 
the  trade  thoroughly,  and  for  10  years  was 
foreman  in  the  engraving  room  of  the  Bel- 


332 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


laire  Goblet  Company.  His  business  ability 
was  thus  demonstrated  and  his  appointment 
as  general  manager  of  the  great  and  increas- 
ing Enterprise  interests  has  proven  very 
judicious.  The  Enterprise  enameling  plant 
was  started  in  Bellaire  and  was  operated  in  a 
small  way  by  Theodore  Rossbach  and  Carl  L. 
Dorer,  on  the  site  of  the  present  Enterprise 
l)lant,  on  Union  street,  between  17th  and 
1 8th  streets.  Through  the  active  efforts  of 
James  F.  DuBois,  William  Lipphardt  and 
others  were  interested,  and  the  business  has 
been  reorganized  and  placed  on  a sound 
basis  and  has  increased  to  gigantic  propor 
tions.  Idle  first  meeting  of  the  board  of  di 
rectors  was  held  December  13,  1897,  the 

members  l)eing:  William  Lipphardt,  presi- 
dent; E.  H.  Eick,  vice-president;  James  F. 
DuBois,  secretary  and  treasurer;  Carl  L. 
Dorer,  vice-president;  J.  A.  Green,  Theodore 
Neff  and  Theodore  Rossbach.  In  February, 
1899,  the  works  were  temporarily  shut  down, 
but  were  soon  reopened  with  Thomas  L. 
Strong  as  general  manager,  and  his  influence 
was  immediately  felt  in  the  impetus  given  to 
the  l)usiness.  The  stockholders  are  almost  ex- 
clusivel}^  citizens  of  Bellaire  and  vicinity  and 
represent  a large  amount  of  capital.  The 
present  officers  are;  William  Lipphardt, 
president;  Thomas  L.  Strong,  vice-president 
and  general  manager,  and  R.  C.  Faris,  secre- 
tary and  treasurer.  The  board  of  directors  is 
composed  of  such  responsible  citizens  as: 
William  Lipphardt,  Thomas  L.  Strong, 
Theodore  Neff  (the  first  stockholder),  C.  L. 
Dorer,  J.  A.  Green,  William  J.  Howell  and 
John  R.  Gow.  The  buildings  have  been 
erected  since  February,  1899,  and  now  cover 
an  area  of  two  acres,  the  main  building  con- 
taining the  offices,  packing  and  store  rooms. 
This  building  is  three  stories  in  height  and 
its  dimensions  are  60  by  120  feet.  The  great 
furnace  room,  Avhere  the  burning  and  baking 
is  done,  is  of  one  story  and  is  120  by  78  feet 
in  dimensions,  and  the  one-story  drying  and 
shipping  room  is  T20  by  too  feet  in  dimen- 
sions. In  addition  a new  building  was 
erected  in  1902 — a machinery  department 


where  the  shaping  of  various  products  is 
done,  and  the  constantly  increasing  business 
has  rendered  it  necessary  to  build  the  follow- 
ing buildings,  which  are  under  construction; 
A machine  shop,  70  by  108  feet;  a stock 
building,  100  by  108  feet,  and  three  dipping 
and  drying  rooms,  60  by  180  feet.  This 
great  industry  employs  220  workmen  and 
distributes  a large  amount  of  money.  Its 
railroad  facilities  are  excellent,  having  the 
Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad  tracks  on  one 
side  and  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  tracks  on 
the  other.  The  largely  increasing  trade  of 
the  Enterprise  Enamel  Company  is  handled 
through  the  large  wholesale  and  jobbing- 
house  of  Hibbard,  Spencer,  Bartlett  & Com- 
pany at  Chicago,  Illinois — that  being  the  dis- 
tributing point. 

Mr.  Strong  was  born  with  executive  tal- 
ent, but  he  deserves  credit  for  the  manner  in 
which  he  has  developed  his  faculties  and 
handles  the  great  business  problems  which 
come  into  his  every-day  life.  His  family  con- 
sists of  wife  and  daughter,  who  are  connected 
with  the  Christian  Church.  Mr.  Strong’s 
fraternal  relations  are  cordial  with  the 
Masonic  bodies  and  he  is  a member  of  Bel- 
laire Chapter. 


HON.  PAUL  B.  WORTHINGTON. 
One'  of  the  leading  merchants  and  most 
prominent  citizens  of  Barnesville,  Ohio,  is 
Paul  B.  Worthington,  member  of  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly,  wdio  is  also  the  owner  of  much 
valuable  city  property. 

Mr.  Worthington  was  born  in  Jefferson 
County,  Ohio,  December  2,  1862.  He  is  a 
son  of  Dr.  William  M.  and  Eliza  (Lynn) 
Worthington,  and  one  of  a family  of  three 
children  born  to  them.  Dr.  William  M. 
Worthington  was  reared  in  Ohio  and  be- 
came a prominent  citizen  of  Jefferson 
County  in  both  professional  and  public  life. 
During  1838-59  he  served  in  the  Ohio  Leg- 
islature. He  was  identified  with  the  Repub- 
lican party.  His  death  occurred  in  1864. 


f 


I 


i 


ALFRED  H.  MITCHELL. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


335 


His  widow  resides  with  her  son,  the  subject 
of  this  sketch. 

Mr.  Worthington  supplemented  a good 
common-school  education  by  a practical 
course  in  the  Columbus  Business  College, 
from  which  he  graduated  in  1883.  Im- 
mediately afterward  he  became  interested 
with  his  brother  in  the  hardware  business  in 
Holmes  County.  In  1885  he  located  in 
Barnesville  and  was  employed  as  a salesman 
until  1889,  when  he  embarked  in  the  general 
merchant-tailoring  business.  IMr.  Worthing- 
ton enjoyed  success  from  the  start,  and  in 
1895  erected  his  present  fine  quarters,  known 
as  the  Worthington  Block.  Mr.  Worthing- 
ton’s business  has  expanded  with  the  spirit 
of  the  times,  and  he  carries  a complete  stock 
of  clothing,  shoes  and  gent’s  furnishings,  be- 
sides devoting  a large  portion  of  his  store 
to  the  business  of  merchant  tailoring.  He 
has  the  most  extensive  business  of  the  kind 
in  the  city. 

In  politics  Mr.  Worthington  has  always 
been  active  in  the  Republican  party,  and  his 
worth  was  recognized  by  his  election  to  the 
City  Council  for  six  years.  He  was  elected 
to  the  Legislature  in  1901  by  a majority  of 
1,661  votes  over  his  Democratic  competitor, 
C.  C.  Cutshaw.  Since  taking  his  seat  he  has 
displayed  a degree  of  good  judgment  often 
lacking  in  older  legislators,  and  will  fulfill 
the  pledges  made  to  his  constituents.  He 
will  work  hard  for  his  section,  keeping  in 
view  in  the  future,  as  he  has  in  the  past,  the 
best  interests  of  every  part  of  the  State. 

On  October  2,  1894.  Mr.  Worthington 
was  married  to  Myra  Kemp,  the  accom- 
plished daughter  of  Dr.  G.  H.  Kemp,  one  of 
the  oldest  physicians  of  the  vicinity,  and  a 
member  of  one  of  the  most  highly  honored 
families  of  Barnesville.  Two  children  have 
been  born  to  this  union,  namely,  Helen  Lynn 
and  Katherine  Kemp.  i\Irs.  Worthington  is 
a devoted  member  of  the  Christian  Church. 
Mr.  AVorthington  was  reared  in  the  Metho- 
dist Episcopal  Church.  He  is  fraternally  as- 
sociated with  the  Masons  and  Knights  of 
Pythias.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  is  gen- 


erally regarded  as  one  of  the  most  enterpris- 
ing young  men  of  this  city,  and  enjoys  a de- 
served popularity. 


ALFRED  H.  MITCHELL,  senior  mem- 
ber of  the  legal  firm  of  A.  H.  & W.  Mitchell, 
of  St.  Clairsville,  Ohio,  is  one  of  the  city’s 
leading  citizens  and  representative  attorneys, 
neys. 

The  birth  of  Air.  Alitchell  took  place  in 
Richland  township,  Belmont  County,  Ohio, 
May  31,  1849,  and  he  is  a son  of  David  and 
Anna  (Hatcher)  Mitchell,  who  settled  in  Bel- 
mont County  in  1830. 

Nathaniel  Mitchell,  his  great-grandfather, 
was  a soldier  in  the  Revolutionary  A\Tr,  and 
for  three  years  belonged  to  that  cordon  of 
officers  who  formed  the  body  guard  of  Gen- 
eral AATshington.  Nathaniel's  son,  James, 
was  a farmer  in  Pennsylvania,  in  AA^ashing- 
ton  County,  where  his  son,  David  Alitchell, 
was  born  in  1805.  In  1830  David  Mitchell 
settled  in  Richland  township,  Belmont 
County,  where  he  engaged  in  farming,  and 
where  his  death  occurred  in  1892.  He  mar- 
ried Anna  Hatcher,  who  lived  to  the  age  of 
72  years.  They  had  a family  of  seven  chil- 
dren, as  follows:  Elizabeth,  Johnston,  Jesse 

P.,  Joshua,  Alfred  H.,  AAhlson,  and  Emmett 
D.  Elizabeth  is  the  wife  of  T.  AA^.  Bentle}', 
of  Lo}  dsville,  Ohio.  Johnston  was  killed  in 
the  battle  of  Jonesboro,  Georgia,  September 
I,  1864.  Jesse  P.  resides  in  Columbus,  Ohio. 
Joshua  died  at  an  early  age.  AAhlson,  who 
was  born  in  1851,  taught  school  for  eight 
years,  studied  law,  was  admitted  to  the  bar 
in  1877,  and  is  the  junior  member  of  the  legal 
firm  mentioned  above.  He  practiced  until 
1899,  and  was  then  made  cashier  of  the 
Dollar  Savings  Bank,  in  which  capacity  he 
still  serves.  He  married  Ella  Hewetson,  and 
they  have  two  sons.  Alfred  H..  Jr.,  and  Da- 
vid AAA  Emmett  D.  is  a resident  of  Kinslev, 
Kansas. 

Alfred  H.  Mitchell  received  an  excellent 
common  school  education,  and  grew  to  man- 


336 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


hood  with  those  attril:)utes  which  have  devel- 
oped an  admirable  type  of  man.  For  four 
years  after  completing  his  studies  he  taught 
school  and  at  the  same  time  studied  his  law 
hooks,  under  the  supervision  of  Capt.  Lo- 
renzo Danford  and  E.  E.  Kennon,  of  St. 
ClairsN’ille,  with  such  effect  that  he  was  ad- 
mitted to  the  Belmont  County  bar  in  Sep- 
teml)er,  1871.  and  since  that  time  has  en- 
joyed a lucrative  practice  in  St.  Clairsville. 

Mr.  Mitchell  was  married  September  23, 
1875,  to  Mary  A.  Wilkinson,  a daughter  of 
William  Wilkinson,  of  Smith  township,  Bel- 
mont County,  and  they  have  one  son, — Her- 
bert W.  ]\Tr.  Mitchell  has  been  recognized 
as  one  of  the  leading  members  of  his  pro- 
fession, and  served  the  county  as  prosecuting 
attorney  from  1880  to  1885.  His  business 
enterprise  has  been  shown  in  a number  of 
instances,  notably  iii  assisting  to  found  the 
Dollar  Savings  Bank,  of  St.  Clairsville,  which 
was  organized  in  1895.  His  political  opin- 
ions are  in  accord  with  the  Republian  party. 
Fraternally,  he  is  a Mason.  Mr.  Mitchell 
belongs  to  a high  type  of  citizenship,  and  is 
thoroughly  representative  of  the  best  ele- 
ment of  the  community.  He  is  a man  of 
honor  and  integrity,  and  one  who  serves  the 
town  and  county  to  the  best  of  his  ability. 


ISAAC  N.  CECIL,  president  of  the  City 
Council  of  Martin’s  Eerry  and  a substantial, 
prominent  and  representative  citizen,  was 
born  in  Marshall  County,  West  Virginia, 
July  15,  1867.  The  parents  of  Mr.  Cecil  were 
Morrison  and  Mary  (Wade)  Cecil,  the  former 
of  whom  was  born  October  10,  1820,  in  Mar- 
shall County,  and  the  latter  in  Wheeling, 
(West)  Virginia.  The  occupation  of  Morri- 
son Cecil  was  farming,  and  in  1884  he  lo- 
cated in  Martin’s  Eerry  and  for  two  years 
cultivated  a part  of  the  J.  W.  Seward  farm. 
During  the  period  of  the  Civil  War  he  only 
participated  in  the  struggle  as  a civilian.  His 
religious  interest  was  in  the  Methodist 
Church,  which  he  liberally  supported  until 


his  death,  which  occurred  Eebruary  21,  1888. 
His  wife  survives  him,  aged  about  61  years, 
and  is  a valued  member  of  the  Methodist 
Church  and  a respected  and  esteemed  resi- 
dent of  Martin’s  Eerry.  The  first  marriage 
of  Morrison  Cecil  was  with  Jane  Manning, 
and  13  children  were  born  to  this  union,  six 
of  whom  still  survive.  Nine  children  were 
born  to  the  second  marriage  of  Mr.  Cecil, 
the  names  of  those  who  survived  infancy  be- 
ing as  follows:  Henry  T.,  who  is  a resident 
of  Martin’s  Ferry,  employed  in  the  sheet 
mill;  James  A.,  who  is  also  employed  in  the 
sheet  mill;  Isaac  N.,  of  this  sketch;  Cora, 
who  died  at  the  age  of  14  years;  R.  M.,  who 
is  employed  in  the  sheet  mill;  Rebecca  (Mrs. 
Fred  Eberling),  of  Martin’s  Ferry;  Jeanette, 
who  resides  at  home,  and  Hester,  who  died 
at  the  age  of  19  months. 

Isaac  N.  Cecil  acquired  his  education  in  the 
country  schools,  and  through  boyhood  as- 
sisted on  the  farm.  His  independent  career 
began  with  a clerkship  in  a store  at  Marion. 
West  Virginia,  where  he  remained  for  three 
years.  In  1886  he  moved  to  Martin’s  Ferry, 
where  he  entered  the  rolling  mill  connected 
with  the  American  Sheet  Steel  Company’s 
Aetna  plant,  finishing  his  trade  as  sheet 
roller  in  1892,  since  which  time  he  has  fol- 
lowed it. 

Ever  since  attaining  his  majority,  Mr. 
Cecil  has  been  actively  interested  in  politics 
and  has  been  prominently  identified  with  the 
Republican  party.  In  1899  he  was  elected 
to  the  City  Council,  was  re-elected  in  1901, 
and  the  value  of  his  services  was  recognized 
by  his  election  as  president  of  the  Council 
in  1902.  Mr.  Cecil  is  an  influential  member 
of  the  various  committees  and  displays  com- 
mendable zeal  in  pushing  those  enterprises 
which  he  feels  confident  will  benefit  the  com- 
munity. 

On  December  22,  1889,  Mr.  Cecil  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Mary  Davis,  a native 
of  Monmouthshire,  England,  born  July  22, 
1870,  who  came  with  her  parents  to  America 
when  II  years  of  age.  She  was  a daughter 
of  Alfred  and  Charlotte  Davis,  the  former  of 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


337 


whom  died  January  15,  1901,  at  the  age  of 
63  years.  Alfred  Davis  was  a consistent 
member  of  the  Baptist  Church.  Mrs.  Davis 
is  an  honored  resident  of  Aetnaville,  and  a 
devoted  member  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church.  Mrs.  Cecil  was  one  of  a family  of 
eight  children,  their  names  being  as  follows: 
Bessie,  who  married  William  Davis,  died  at 
the  age  of  32  years;  William  and  Alfred, 
both  employees  of  the  rolling  mill,  reside  at 
Martin’s  Ferry;  Mary  became  Mrs.  Cecil; 
Alberta  married  David  Lewis,  an  employee  in 
the  rolling  mill;  Anna,  who  married  Albert 
Haines,  resides  at  Homestead,  Pennsylvania; 
Lillie  married  W.  A.  Clark,  a mill  employee, 
and  Augustus,  who  also  is  employed  in  the 
rolling  mill  in  Martin’s  Ferry.  Five  children 
were  born  to  Mr.  and  Airs.  Cecil,  four  of 
whom  survive,  namely:  Clyde  AI.,  Alma  B., 
Isaac  N.,  Jr.,  and  Alfred  D.  Little  Anna  H., 
born  Sept.  10,  1896,  died  June  26,  1897.  Mr. 
and  Airs.  Cecil  are  members  of  the  Methodist 
Church. 

Fraternally,  Air.  Cecil  belongs  to  the  Uni- 
form Rank,  K.  of  P.;  to  the  I.  O.  O.  F.,  and 
also  to  the  Vigilant  Hose  Company,  ex- 
tended mention  of  which  organization  will 
be  found  on  another  page.  Air.  Cecil  has  in 
many  ways  proved  himself  a useful  citizen 
of  Alartin’s  Ferry.  He  belongs  to  the  opti- 
mistic school  and  is  confident  that  a great 
future  awaits  the  city.  If  such  be  the  case. 
Air.  Cecil  will  be  no  small  factor  in  its  ac- 
complishment. 


WILLIAAI  H.  SEABRIGHT,  proficient 
in  the  fulfillment  of  his  duties  as  foreman  of 
the  Spence-Bagg  Stove  Company  of  Alar- 
tin’s Ferry,  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  has  been 
with  the  company  since  1896.  He  is  a son 
of  Charles  and  Louisa  (Myers)  Seabright, 
natives  of  Germany,  and  was'born  in  Belmont 
County  September  19.  1837. 

The  father  of  our  subject  was  a stone  con- 
tractor and  bridge  builder  by  trade.  Aluch 
of  the  work  of  this  kind  done  in  Belmont 


County,  such  as  filling  and  grading,  and 
building  of  bridges  of  all  kinds,  has  been  the 
work  of  his  hands,  especially  that  on  the 
Colerain  Pike.  Upon  coming  to  the  United 
States  he  settled  first  in  Wheeling,  where  he 
followed  the  trade  of  a butcher  until  his  re- 
moval to  Alartin’s  Ferry,  after  which  he  fol- 
lowed contracting  and  farming.  He  and  his 
wife  were  married  in  the  old  country,  and 
they  were  parents  of  eight  children,  seven 
of  whom  are  still  living  today:  Louis,  Charles, 
Emma,  William  H.,  Alinnie,  Louisa,  Lizzie 
and  Albert,  who  died  when  seven  years  old. 

Louis  Seabright  resides  on-  the  old  home 
farm,  and  for  years  drove  many  teams  and 
farmed  as  his  father  did  before  him.  He 
owned  a vineyard  of  seven  acres  and  at  one 
time  sold  the  grapes  as  high  as  seven  cents  a 
pound.  Charles  Seabright  resides  in  Alar- 
tin’s Ferry.  Emma  married  William  Helling, 
and  also  lives  in  Alartin’s  Ferry,  where  Air. 
Helling  is  in  the  coal  business  in  connection 
with  farming.  Alinnie  became  Airs.  Henry 
Rothermund.  Louisa  married  Louis  L. 
Scheehle,  of  Alartin’s  Ferry.  Lizzie  married 
George  Floto,  a butcher. 

The  father  of  these  children  died  June  28, 
1891,  at  the  age  of  66  years,  6 months  and  3 
days,  and  his  wife’s  demise  took  place  when 
she  was  63  years  and  16  days  old.  They  were 
members  of  the  German  Lutheran  Church, 
and  Air.  Seabright  was  a member  of  the  In- 
dependent Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  the 
Knights  of  Pythias.  He  was  a good  man  and 
was  of  a hard  working,  serious  turn  of  mind. 

The  public  schools  of  Alartin’s  Ferry  sup- 
plied our  subject  with  his  education.  After 
leaving  school  he  entered  the  Ohio  City  Alill 
as  a puddler:  the  name  of  the  mill  has  since 
been  changed  to  the  Laughlin  Alill.  Until 
the  death  of  his  father  in  1891  he  stayed  at 
the  mill,  and  then  settled  the  estate  and  fol- 
lowed farming  and  gardening  at  a later  date, 
previous  to  entering  upon  the  responsibilities 
of  his  present  position  as  foreman. 

Air.  Seabright  rvas  united  in  marriage  with 
Fredericka  Daume.  a daughter  of  Frederick 
and  Fredericka  Daume,  both  now  residing  in 


338 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Martin’s  Ferry.  She  is  a native  of  Belmont 
County.  They  have  three  children — 
Albert  William,  Wilbert  Carl  and  Dorothy 
L.  Thd  family  are  members  of  the  German 
Lutheran  Church  and  they  live  comfortably 
in  their  home  at  No.  306  North  Fifth  street. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Frederick  Daume  are  still 
living  at  the  respective  ages  of  72  and  70 
years.  They  were  married  in  Hanover,  Ger- 
many, and  landed  in  this  country  in  1859. 
Their  home  was  first  made  in  Wheeling,  after 
which  they  located  at  Tiltonsville,  and  in 
1872  settled  in  Martin’s  Ferry,  where  they 
have  since  resided.  Their  10  children  are  all 
living,  making  a record  to  be  proud  of.  The 
record  follows:  Hannah  (Mrs.  Charles 

kliller),  of  ^Vheeling;  Edward,  a real  estate 
man  of  Pittsburg,  Pennsylvania;  Wil- 
helmina  (Mrs.  Charles  Seabright),  of 
Martin’s  Ferry,  whose  husband  is  a 
millwright  at  the  American  Tin  Works; 
Fredericka  (Mrs.  William  Seabright),  wife  of 
our  subject;  Mary  (Mrs.  Louis  Frederick), 
of  Wheeling;  Aurelia  (Mrs.  Charles  Rosel), 
whose  husband  is  now  deceased — she  lives  in 
Wheeling;  Lewis,  a real  estate  agent  of 
Pittsburg,  Pennsylvania;  Louisa,  the  wife  of 
Carl  Becker,  a glass  manufacturer  of  Mar- 
tin’s Ferry;  Frederick,  employed  in  the  shoe 
store  of  E.  C.  Boyd  in  Martin’s  Lerry,  and 
Caroline,  who  still  enjoys  single  blessedness. 
The  German  Lutheran  Church  is  the  prefer- 
ence of  the  family,  and  all  but  two  are  mem- 
bers of  that  denomination. 


AMOS  McBRIDE,  who  comes  from  one 
of  the  most  worthy  families  of  Belmont 
County,  Ohio,  is  the  leading  blacksmith  and 
wagonmaker  of  St.  Clairsville,  Ohio.  He 
was  born  in  Belmont  County  March  10, 
1855,  and  is  a son  of  Jonathan  and  Mary 
(Flarrison)  AIcBride. 

Jonathan  McBride  was  born  in  Baltimore. 
Maryland,  and  came  to  Belmont  County  at 
an  early  day.  He  was  a blacksmith  and  did 
all  kinds  of  repairing.  His  death  occurred 


in  1859,  at  the  age  of  49  years,  ii  months 
and  10  days.  He  married  Mary  Harrison, 
who  was  born  in  England  in  1811,  and  died 
in  1879.  She  came  to  this  country  with 
her  parents  in  1827.  Her  marriage  with 
Mr.  McBride  resulted  in  eight  children, 
namely:  William  H.,  who  lives  on  a farm 

near  St.  Clairsville;  Sirena,  the  wife  of 
Lranklin  Ayers;  Elizabeth^  the  wife  of 
Henry  Piper,  a glazier  and  paper-hanger; 
Robert  FI.,  a farmer,  of  McPherson  County, 
Kansas;  Daniel  H.,  who  is  in  the  implement 
business  in  St.  Clairsville;  Benjamin  S.,  who 
is  engaged  in  the  grocery  business;  Mary 
Ann,  deceased;  and  Amos,  the  subject  of 
this  sketch.  Mrs.  McBride  was  a very  re- 
ligious woman,  and  for  many  years  was  an 
active  worker  in  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
as  there  was  no  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
community  when  she  settled  there. 

y\mos  McBride  attended  the  public  schools 
of  Belmont  County,  and  learned  the  trade 
of  a blacksmith  and  wagon-maker  under  his 
brother,  Robert,  and  also  under  John  Car- 
lile.  He  began  business  for  himself  in  1876, 
doing  general  blacksmithing  and  wagon 
work.  Fie  often  sends  specimens  of  his  work 
as  far  as  Pittsburg  and  Wheeling,  and  has 
an  extensive  trade  in  the  last-named  city. 
He  employs  20  men  throughout  the  year, 
and  his  business  is  undoubtedly  the  largest 
of  its  kind  in  Belmont  County.  Mr.  Mc- 
Bride is  a very  influential  man,  is  possessed 
of  unusually  good  business  ability,  and  is 
ranked  among  the  foremost  citizens  of  the 
county. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  united  in 
marriage,  October  4,  1893,  with  Josie  A. 
Humphrey,  a native  of  St.  Clairsville,  and  a 
daughter  of  Alexander  Humphrey.  Her 
father  was  a farmer  in  Belmont  County  for 
many  years.  Mrs.  McBride’s  brother,  Ben- 
jamin C.  Humphrey,  lives  in  St.  Clairsville, 
as  well  as  her  sisters,  Martha  and  Maggie. 
Mr.  McBride  and  his  wife  have  two  children, 
namely:  Mary  Gray  and  Benjamin  A. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  McBride  are  members  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church.  Mr.  McBride  is 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


339 


a Mason,  and  a member  of  the  blue  lodge, 
in  which  he  has  held  office.  Mr.  McBride 
has  been  twice  a member  of  the  City  Coun- 
cil; being  opposed  to  saloons,  he  was  elected 
on  the  local  option  issue.  He  stands  very 
high  in  the  community,  and  is  admired  for 
his  steadfastness  of  purpose  and  excellent 
principles. 


JOSEPH  W.  DARRAH,  M.  D.,  a lead- 
ing physician  and  surgeon  of  Martin’s  Ferry, 
Belmont  County,  Ohio,  is  also  one  of  the 
city’s  most  progressive  and  public-spirited 
citizens.  Dr.  Uarrah  was  born  in  Belmont 
County,  February  5,  1858,  and  is  a son  of 
William  and  Fouisa  F K.  (Finney)  Darrah, 
both  natives  of  Belmont  County. 

William  Darrah  was  born  June  ii,  1835,  in 
St.  Clairsville,  and  is  still  an  honored  resi- 
dent of  the  county.  For  many  years  he  has 
been  one  of  the  leading  members  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  as  was  also  his  wife, 
who  was  born  in  June,  1835,  and  died  Feb- 
ruary I,  1876.  Our  subject  is  the  eldest  of 
a family  of  hve  children,  the  others  being: 
James  A.,  a farmer  of  Belmont  County; 
Fizzie  May,  who  married  William  S,  Tweed, 
of  Steubenville,  Ohio,  and  died  at  the  age 
of  29  years;  Walter  H.,  a druggist  at  Indian- 
apolis, Indiana;  and  Nevada  A.,  who  married 
Athelbert  Pickens  and  resides  at  Scotch 
Ridge,  in  this  county. 

The  early  education  of  Dr.  Darrah  was 
secured  in  the  public  schools  of  the  county, 
and  then  he  began  Ills  medical  reading  under 
the  late  Dr.  A.  J.  Alexander,  of  Scotch 
Ridge.  Entering  Western  Reserve  Med- 
ical College  at  Cleveland,  Ohio,  he  gradu- 
ated there  in  the  class  of  1882,  and  began 
practice  at  once  at  Mount  Pleasant,  Ohio, 
remaining  there  for  one  year.  In  1883  he 
located  at  Martin’s  Ferry,  Ohio,  where  he 
has  remained  ever  since.  For  15  years  he 
has  conducted  a drug  business  in  connection 
with  an  office  practice,  and  has  been  very 
successful.  Dr.  C.  B.  Probst,  secretary  of 
the  State  Board  of  Health,  made  our  sub- 


ject health  officer  of  this  city,  and  his  choice 
has  been  justified  by  the  close  care  taken  and 
the  careful  sanitary  conditions  maintained 
for  the  past  seven  years.  But  for  the  excel- 
lent condition  in  which  the  city  was  found, 
the  late  siege  of ' smallpox  might  have  be- 
come epidemic.  Dr.  Darrah  is  a valued 
member  of  the  Ohio  State  Medical  Asso- 
ciation and  is  serving  at  present  as  a mem- 
ber of  the  School  Board  of  Martin’s  Ferry. 

It  was  Dr.  Darrah  who  organized  the  vol- 
unteer fire  department  of  Martin’s  Ferry 
and  an  associate  order  known  as  the  Inde- 
pendent Racing  Hose  Team,  this  team  be- 
ing very  successful  in  contests,  having  won 
II  successive  victories.  They  in  fact  hold 
the  world’s  record,  won  at  Sandusky,  which 
demonstrated  their  ability  to  run  231  2-3 
yards  and  lay  200  feet  of  hose,  break  con- 
nections and  screw  on  nozzle  ready  to  throw 
water,  in  29  seconds.  This  record  is  sworn 
to  by  the  three  judges,  three  timers  and 
three  starters.  This  same  company,  on  Oc- 
tober II,  1895,  won  the  world’s  record  and 
received  the  "Diamond  Belt,”  worth  $1,000, 
studded  with  diamonds  and  $250  worth  of 
gold,  which  was  competed  for  by  companies 
from  many  States.  This  was  received  at 
the  Cotton  States  Exposition  at  iVtlanta, 
Georgia,  The  team  has  20  members,  all  of 
them  from  Martin’s  Ferry.  The  feats  of 
this  team  have  advertised  the  city  probably 
more  than  any  one  enterprise.  They  re- 
ceived a great  ovation  at  Atlanta,  and  while 
there  they  organized  the  “Ohio  Association 
of  Atlanta.”  As  no  tippler  is  allowed  in 
this  company,  their  success  may  in  part  be 
attributed  to  their  temperate  habits.  It  has 
been  in  operation  for  14  years,  and  during 
all  this  time  our  subject  has  been  the  fore- 
man and  leading  spirit  in  it. 

Dr.  Darrah  is  president  of  the  Martin’s 
Ferry  Board  of  Trade,  which  was  organized 
in  1902.  He  was  one  of  the  incorporators 
and  is  a director  of  the  German  Savings 
Bank  of  Martin’s  Ferry,  recently  organized, 
and  is  justly  regarded  as  one  of  the  city’s 
most  energetic  and  prominent  citizens. 


340 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


The  marriage  of  our  subject  took  place 
March  ii,  1880,  to  Mary  Agnes  Blackford,  a 
native  of  Belmont  County,  being  a daughter 
of  Hamilton  and  Maria  (Paden)  Blackford. 
The  two  children  of  this  union  are:  Ethel, 

a graduate  of  the  Martin’s  Ferry  High 
School  in  the  class  of  1901 ; and  Lawrence 
A.,  a stndent  at  that  institution,  in  the  class 
of  1904.  The  family  attend  the  Presbyterian 
Church.  In  Masonic  circles  the  Doctor  is 
well  known,  belonging  to  the  blue  lodge, 
F.  & A.  M.;  Belmont  Chapter,  R.  A.  M., 
and  Hope  Commandery,  No.  26,  K.  T.,  in 
which  he  is  past  commander.  He  has  rep- 
resented his  lodge  at  Toledo  and  in  the 
grand  lodge  at  Springfield.  Dr.  Darrah  en- 
joys fraternal  associations  and  is  devoted  to 
their  interests.  He  has  been  found  at  every 
meeting  of  the  Northeastern  Ohio  Volun- 
teer Firemen’s  Association  except  two,  and 
is  the  president  of  the  same.  Few  men  in 
Martin’s  Ferry  are  better  known,  more  pop- 
ular or  more  generally  esteemed. 


JOHN  W.  VICKERS,  sexton  of  the 
Riverview  Cemetery  at  Martin’s  Ferry, 
comes  of  old  Northumberland  County,  Eng- 
land, stock,  although  born  in  Meigs  County, 
Ohio,  June  4,  1858,  a son  of  John  W.  and 
Sarah  (Heslop)  Vickers,  both  of  whom  were 
born  in  England. 

John  W.  Vickers,  the  father  of  our  sub- 
ject, began  as  a child  of  five  years  to  work 
in  the  mines,  and  he  followed  that  occupa- 
tion for  some  60  years.  With  the  Heslop 
family,  he  immigrated  to  the  United  States 
in  1844.  He  worked  in  the  coal  mines  at 
Bridgeport,  Ohio,  and  in  the  Laughlin  Nail 
Mill  as  long  as  strength  permitted.  He  died 
January  29,  1894,  at  the  age  of  71  years. 
In  the  Methodist  Church  he  was  highly  es- 
teemed, for  his  life  career  was  one  of  probity, 
industry  and  usefulness.  He  was  a promi- 
nent Odd  Fellow  for  many  years  and  be- 
longed to  Lincoln  Lodge,  No.  49,  of  Ben- 
wood,  West  Virginia.  The  mother  of  our 
subject  died  in  March,  1859,  and  was  sin- 
cerely mourned  as  a good,  Christian  woman, 


t' 


a devoted  member  of  the  Methodist  Church. 
Her  father  died  in  Bridgeport  at  the  age 
of  60  years;  prior  to  coming  to  the  United 
States  he  was  a mine  boss;  he  married  his 
wife,  Bettie  Dixon,  in  England,  and  the 
children  born  to  John  and  Bettie  (Dixon) 
Heslop  were  the  following:  Richard,  who 

died  in  England  at  the  age  of  21  years;  Jane, 
who  married  Edward  Southern,  lived  in 
Benwood,  where  her  husband  conducted  the 
oldest  hotel  in  the  place,  during  the  Civil 
War;  Betsey,  who  married  Ralph  Robson, 
became  the  mother  of  16  children,  one  of 
whom  is  Richard  Heslop,  of  Bellaire;  Mar- 
garet married  George  Anderson  and  both 
are  deceased;  Elizabeth,  who  became  Mrs. 
Robson;  Susan,  who  is  Mrs.  Robert  Heslop, 
of  Mason  County,  West  Virginia;  Sarah, 
who  became  the  mother  of  our  subject; 
John,  who  is  deceased;  and  Cuthbert,  who 
is  deceased. 

The  six  children  born  to  the  parents  of 
the  subject  of  this  sketch  were:  John  and 

Thomas,  who  died  in  infancy;  Richard,  who 
died  at  the  age  of  six  years;  Elizabeth  and 
Jane,  both  of  whom  died  in  childhood;  and 
John  W.,  our  subject,  the  only  survivor. 

Mr.  Vickers’  education  was  acquired  in 
Martin’s  Ferry.  His  mother  died  when  he 
was  but  nine  months  old  and  he  was  taken 
to  the  home  of  his  uncle,  John  Heslop,  by 
whom  he  was  reared  until  he  was  of  age, 
and  with  whom  he  remained  until  he  was 
24  years  old  and  founded  a home  of  his  own. 
At  this  time  he  was  an  iron  worker  in  the 
Laughlin  Nail  Mill,  where  he  continued  to 
work  until  the  manufacture  of  steel  nails 
revolutionized  the  nail  business.  Mr.  Vick- 
ers then  was  employed  as  boiler  in  the  Aetna 
Iron  Works  and  remained  there  from  1885 
to  1892,  when  the  great  output  of  steel  nails 
from  the  Carnegie  Steel  Works  practically 
closed  the  business  at  the  Aetna  plant. 

In  1893  Mr.  Vickers  was  made  assessor. 
At  this  time  came  the  great  business  de- 
pression which  caused  many  formerly  pros- 
perous men  and  firms  to  suffer.  Mr.  Vickers 
attended  to  the  duties  of  his  office  and  en- 


HON.  JESSE  W.  HOLJHNGSWORTH 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


343 


gaged  in  every  form  of  honorable  work  that 
came  in  his  way.  He  served  on  the  board 
of  trustees  of  the  cemetery  one  month  and 
then  was  made  clerk  and  secretary  of  the 
board,  serving  as  such  ever  since.  In  1898 
he  was  elected  a member  of  the  School 
Board  and  was  re-elected  in  1891.  For  sev- 
eral years  he  has  been  a member  of  the  Lib- 
erty Hose  Company,  No.  3,  of  the  fire  de- 
partment. 

On  October  18,  1882,  Mr.  Vickers  was 
married  to  Missouri  White,  the  adopted 
daughter  of  George  White,  of  Martin’s 
Ferry,  and  to  them  seven  children  were 
born,  as  follows:  Sarah;  John,  who  died  at 

the  age  of  eight  months;  Frederick  G.,  Edna 
May,  Harry  W.,  George  Dewey,  and  Clar- 
ence C.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Vickers  are 
consistent  members  of  the  Methodist 
Church  and  are  carefully  rearing  their  chil- 
dren in  the  same  faith.  For  23  years  Mr. 
Vickers  has  been  an  officer  in  the  Odd  Fel- 
low lodge,  and  is  now  filling  the  position 
of  past  chief  patriarch  and  is  captain  of  the 
degree  staff.  He  has  always  taken  an  intel- 
ligent interest  in  politics  and  supports  the 
Republican  party.  Mr.  Vickers  is  also  con- 
nected with  the  Junior  Order  of  United 
American  Mechanics  and  is  a past  officer 
in  the  same.  He  is  regarded  as  a man  of 
worth  in  his  community,  honest  and  upright 
and  thoroughly  reliable  in  everything  he  un- 
dertakes. He  has  a wide  circle  of  acquaint- 
ances and  many  friends. 


HON.  JESSE  W.  HOLLINGSWORTH, 
a gentleman  who  has  attained  high  distinc- 
tion as  a member  of  the  legal  profession,  is 
judge  of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas  of 
Belmont  County,  Ohio,  and  has  been  a 
prominent  citizen  of  St.  Clairsville  for  many 
years.  He  was  born  in  Flushing,  Ohio,  Au- 
gust 8,  1849,  is  a son  of  John  Hollings- 
worth, a farmer  and  stock  raiser. 

After  completing  the  prescribed  course  of 
study  in  the  public  schools.  Judge  Hollings- 


worth attended  Mount  Union  College,  at 
xTlliance,  Ohio,  from  which  he  was  graduated 
in  1872.  Having  early  in  life  determined 
upon  a professional  career,  he  entered  the 
law  office  of  Judge  D.  D.  T.  Cowen,  under 
whose  excellent  preceptorship  he  diligently 
devoted  his  time  to  mastering  legal  princi- 
ples, in  the  meantime  gaining  much  prac- 
tical experience,  which  proved  of  incalculable 
value  to  him  in  later  years.  He  continued 
in  this  office  for  three  years,  and  in  October, 
1875,  was  admitted  to  the  bar.  Between 
1875  and  1882  he  was  engaged  in  various  en- 
terprises, and  in  the  latter  year  he  opened  a 
law  office  and  engaged  in  practice  at  Flush- 
ing, Ohio.  In  1887  he  received  the  Repub- 
lican nomination  for  the  office  of  county  at- 
torney, and  was  elected  by  a majority  of 
400,and  in  1890  he  was  re-elected  by  a ma- 
jority of  100  more.  Upon  the  expiration  of 
his  term,  he  resumed  the  practice  of  law  as 
a partner  of  James  M.  Rees,  an  association 
which  continued  until  January,  1897,  when 
Mr.  Flollingsworth  assumed  the  duties  of 
judge  of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas,  to 
which  office  he  was  elected  in  1896,  by  a 
majority  of  1,471  votes  over  his  Democratic 
opponent.  His  comprehensive  knowledge 
of  law,  his  utter  impartiality  and  high  sense 
of  justice  render  him  an  invaluable  public 
servant.  His  popularity  was  again  evidenced 
in  1901,  when  he  was  re-elected  judge  by  a 
large  majority  for  the  term  expiring  in  1907. 
He  has  always  been  an  enthusiastic  worker 
for  Republican  success,  believing  the  prin- 
ciples promulgated  in  the  platforms  of  that 
party  to  be  sound  and  just.  He  has  fre- 
quently been  sent  as  a delegate  to  State  and 
county  conventions,  and  in  each  campaign 
since  1885  has  stumped  the  county  in  the 
interest  of  his  party. 

Fraternally,  Judge  Hollingsworth  was 
made  a Master  Mason  in  Flushing  Lodge 
No.  298;  he  is  a member  of  Belmont  Chap- 
ter, No.  30,  R.  A.  M.;  he  was  created  a Sir 
Knight  in  Hope  Commandery,  No.  26,  K. 
T.,  of  which  he  has  held  the  office  of  emi- 
nent commander;  he  is  a member  of  the  Uni- 


344 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


form  Rank,  Knights  of  Pythias;  and  of  the 
United  Order  of  American  Mechanics.  With 
the  attril)utes  which  bring  distinction  in  pnb- 
lic  life,  he  coml^ines  simplicity  in  private  life, 
and  his  true  worth  and  sterling  character 
have  endeared  him  to  the  citizens  of  Belmont 
County  to  a remarkable  degree. 


THOMAS  L.  LEWIS,  national  vice- 
president  of  the  United  Mine  Workers  of 
America,  is  a man  of  powerful  and  original 
individuality,  and  in  the  labor  circles  in  the 
country  is  known  as  one  of  the  best  organ- 
izers. He  was  born  at  Locust  Gap,  Penn- 
sylvania, July  25,  1865,  a son  of  Thomas  and 
Mary  J.  (Jones)  Lewis,  both  of  whom  were 
born  in  Wales. 

The  paternal  grandparents  of  Mr.  Lewis 
were  Thomas  and  Margaret  Lewis,  natives 
of  Wales,  who  'reared  a family  of  nine  chil- 
dren, two  of  these  still  surviving.  The 
grandmother  died  in  Wales,  and  the  grand- 
father at  the  age  of  71  years  married  a sec- 
ond time  and  immigrated  to  America. 

Thomas  John  Lewis,  his  son  and  the 
father  of  our  subject,  was  born  in  South 
Wales,  May  15,  1834,  and  died  February  7, 
1883.  Until  he  was  18  years  of  age  he  fol- 
lowed farming,  and  then  became  a miner, 
continuing  in  that  occupation  through  life. 
In  his  native  country,  on  February  13,  i860, 
he  married  Mary  J.  Jones,  and  in  1864  they 
immigrated  to  America,  locating  first  at  Lo- 
cust Gap,  Pennsylvania,  where  they  lived 
two  years,  and  then  moved  to  the  coal  re- 
gions of  Luzerne  County,  Pennsylvania.  In 
1879  Mr.  Lewis  moved  to  Perry  County, 
Ohio,  and  died  at  Shawnee,  in  the  Hocking 
'Valley  coal  district,  at  the  age  of  49  years, 
leaving  his  widow  with  10  children,  eight 
sons  and  two  daughters,  all  of  whom  are 
still  living.  Mr.  Lewis  was  a member  of  the 
Methodist  Church  and  a man  of  industrious 
life  and  exemplary  habits. 

On  October  7,  1889,  family  removed 
to  Martin’s  Ferry.  With  the  assistance  of 


her  two  eldest  sons,  Mrs.  Lewis  had  under- 
taken the  task  of  rearing  this  large  family 
to  honorable  and  respected  maturity,  and 
nobly  did  she  accomplish  it.  It  would  be  a 
pleasant  task  for  the  biographer  to  place 
before  the  readers  of  this  volume  a record 
of  the  achievements  of  this  most  estimable 
woman.  She  has  been  permitted  to  see  the 
reward  of  her  sacrifices  and  self-denials  in 
the  establishment  of  this  family  of  father- 
less children  in  respected  and,  in  some  cases, 
in  prominent  positions  in  life.  Her  14  chil- 
dren bore  these  names:  William  T.,  Mar- 

garet, Thomas  L.,  Ann,  Lewis  C.,  John  H., 
Margaret,  Llewelyn  (i),  Llewelyn  (2), 
David,  Isaac,  Mary  J.,  Stephen  and  Elias. 
Of  these,  Margaret  died  an  infant  in  Wales; 
Llewelyn  (i),  Daniel  and  Mary  J.  also  died 
in  infancy. 

William  T.  Lewis,  the  eldest  son  of  the 
family,  who  is  now  a successful  attorney  in 
Columbus,  Ohio,  for  many  years  was  very 
prominently  connected  with  labor  move- 
ments not  only  in  Ohio  and  Pennsylvania, 
but  through  many  of  the  other  States.  His 
ability  brought  him  to  the  front  in  the  earlier 
organizations,  and  during  the  period  when 
he  occupied  the  position  of  general  master 
workman  of  District  No.  135,  Knights  of 
Labor,  he  was  chiefly  instrumental  in  com- 
bining and  bringing  about  the  consolidation 
of  mine-working  societies  into  the  union 
which  is  known  to  the  world  as  the  National 
Progressive  Union  of  Mine  Workers.  He 
was  selected  as  national  secretary.  On  ac- 
count of  his  peculiar  fitness,  he  was  selected 
to  make  a tour  of  this  country  in  the  inter- 
ests of  the  miners,  serving  thus  for  six 
months.  He  then  resigned  in  order  to  be- 
come a member  of  a commission  formed 
to  represent  the  miners’  interests  at  the 
Paris  Exposition.  This  was  known  as  “The 
Scripps-McCrea  League  Expedition,’’  and 
was  composed  of  40  representatives  of 
American  labor  organizations,  its  object  be- 
ing to  study,  investigate  and  compare  the 
conditions  of  laboring  classes  in  England, 
France,  Germany  and  Belgium,  with  those 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


345 


of  the  United  States.  This  commission  was 
productive  of  satisfactory  results.  After  his 
return  in  1888,  Mr.  Lewis  was  admitted  to 
the  bar,  having  previously  been  thoroughly 
prepared.  In  1892  he  was  appointed  by 
Gov.  William  McKinley,  labor  commissioner 
in  Ohio,  and  served  in  that  capacity  for  four 
years,  organizing  labor  forces  later,  in  the 
interests  of  the  Republican  party,  in  Illinois, 
Indiana,  Ohio,  Michigan,  a part  of  Wiscon- 
sin and  a portion  of  Kentucky.  In  the  same 
year  that  Mr.  McKinley  was  defeated  for 
Congress,  Mr.  Lewis  suffered  the  same  fate 
in  the  Thirteenth  Congressional  District. 

Ann,  the  eldest  living  daughter  of  the 
mother  of  our  subject,  married  Thomas  W. 
Ashton  and  resides  in  Athens  County,  Ohio. 
Lewis  C.,  John  H.,  Isaac  and  Stephen  are 
mill  workers  at  Martin’s  Ferry.  Llewelyn 
is  vice-president  of  the  Amalgamated  Asso- 
ciation of  Iron,  Steel  & Tin-Plate  Workers, 
of  the  2nd  District,  and  resides  in  Martin’s 
Ferry.  Margaret  is  Mrs.  Thomas  Johns,  of 
Martin’s  Ferry.  Elias,  the  youngest  of  the 
family,  is  a music  teacher  in  Martin’s  Ferry. 

In  the  lad  of  tender  years,  who  earned  his 
daily  pittance  in  the  mine  and  acquired  his 
education  at  night,  were  to  be  found  those 
attributes  which  have  elevated  Thomas  L. 
Lewis  to  his  present  influential  position. 
The  steady  application,  the  plodding  indus- 
try, the  assumption  of  responsibility, — all 
contributed  to  the  formation  of  a self-reliant 
character.  Seven  fruitful  months  were 
passed  at  the  Lebanon  (Ohio)  Normal  Uni- 
versity, but  with  that  exception,  Mr.  Lewis 
had  but  the  opportunities  for  educational 
advancement  offered  by  the  night  schools. 
He  continued  to  work  in  the  mines  until 
1897,  when  he  was  elected  secretary  of  the 
Ohio  miners’  organization.  He  filled  that 
position  until  January,  1900,  At  that  time 
he  was  elected  to  his  present  position  as 
vice-president  of  the  United  Mine  Workers 
of  America.  During  1896-97  he  served  as 
president  of  the  Ohio  Federation  of  Labor, 
which  organization  was  composed  of  the  va- 
rious trades  unions  in  Ohio.  When  the  fam- 


ily removed  to  Martin’s  Ferry  from  Perry 
County,  Mr.  Lewis  moved  to  Bridgeport. 
He  has  taken  a deep  interest  in  various  en- 
terprises of  his  city,  and  was  elected  to  fill 
an  unexpired  term  on  the  School  Board,  and 
later  became  a member  of  the  City  Council. 

In  his  connection  with  labor  troubles,  Mr. 
Lewis  has  always  favored  intelligent  reason- 
ing between  employers  and  employees,  ad- 
vocating strikes  only  as  a last  resort,  ad- 
vancing many  sensible  arguments  in  favor  of 
his  position,  declaring  that  after  a strike  is 
organized  both  factions  are  more  arbitrary, 
and  it  is  then  harder  to  come  to  terms  of 
agreement,  and  that  a compact  finally 
reached  under  such  conditions  lacks  perma- 
nence. In  his  efforts  with  the  workers  he 
has  always  exerted  his  best  endeavors  to 
avoid  strikes,  for  so  frequently  they  do  not 
reach  the  trouble  and  are  sure  to  beget  hard 
feeling.  In  his  responsible  position  Mr. 
Lewis  is  called  upon  to  display  qualities 
which  but  few  men  possess, — an  organizing 
faculty  combined  with  a calm  judgment  and 
wise  discrimination  which  enables  him  to 
not  only  readily  come  to  the  root  of  a mat- 
ter, but  to  be  able  to  convince  others.  His 
personal  magnetism  is  such  that  a leader 
of  men  requires.  He  enjoys  the  confidence 
not  only  of  employees,  but  also  the  respect 
and  esteem  of  those  who  employ. 

On  December  28,  1892,  Mr.  Lewis  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Sarah  Jenkins,  a 
native  of  Wales,  who  came  to  America  when 
a child  with  her  parents,  William  and  Mary 
Jenkins,  the  former  of  whom  followed  the 
trade  of  molder  in  Wales,  but  became  in- 
terested in  mining  in  America.  Some  10 
years  were  passed  in  Maryland,  but  in  1882 
Mr.  Jenkins  removed  with  his  family  to 
Bridgeport,  Ohio,  and  there  both  he  and  his 
wife  died.  Their  family  numbered  nine  chil- 
dren, as  follows:  Esau,  Sarah,  Hannah, 

William,  David,  Edith,  Victoria.  Mollie  and 
a child,  the  eldest  of  the  family,  who  died 
in  Wales  at  the  age  of  six  years.  Esau  is 
an  expert  mill  worker  employed  at  Martin’s 
Ferry  and  David  resides  with  him  and  works 


346 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


in  the  mill,  as  does  William  also.  Hannah 
(lied  in  Maryland  at  the  age  of  two  years. 
Edith  and  Victoria  reside  at  Plymouth, 
Pennsylvania,  with  an  uncle.  Rev.  Jacob 
Davis,  a P>aptist  minister.  Since  the  death 
of  her  parents,  Mollie  resides  with  her  sister, 
Mrs.  Lewis.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lewis  have  a 
lovely  home  in  Bridgeport,  its  chief  and 
most  valued  adornments  being  two  beauti- 
ful daughters,  Mary  E.  and  Margaret  E. 
Mrs.  Lewis  is  a member  of  the  Baptist 
Church. 

Mr.  Lewis’  fraternal  connections  are  with 
Lodge  No.  i8i,  F.  & A.  M.,  of  Bridge- 
port; the  Foresters  of  America;  the  Knights 
of  Pythias,  Ohio  City  Lodge,  No.  54;  the 
Knights  of  the  Golden  Eagle;  the  Macca- 
bees, and  the  Elks.  In  politics  Mr.  Lewis 
is  a Republican.  His  life  interest,  however, 
is  centered  in  his  great  work.  Few  men 
have  known  more  of  the  inside  life  of  a 
miner  than  he.  Born  and  bred  one,  he 
knows  their  needs,  their  trials,  their  limita- 
tions and  their  just  rights.  His  influence 
among  them  is  far  reaching,  and  it  is  reason- 
able to  suppose  that  he  cherishes  the  hope 
that  the  day  is  not  far  distant  when  the 
troid)les  between  mine  workers  and  mine 
employers  will  be  things  of  the  past. 


JOHN  W.  TERRILL,  ex-postmaster  of 
Martin’s  Ferry,  Belmont  County,  is  now  en- 
gaged in  newspaper  work  at  No.  512  West 
Washington  street  in  that  city.  He  was 
born  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  August  28,  1858, 
a son  of  George  W.  and  Amanda  (Hopkins) 
Terrill,  the  former  a native  of  Pomeroy, 
Meigs  County,  Ohio,  where  his  birth  oc- 
curred February  11,  1831,  and  the  latter  a 
native  of  Florence,  Pennsylvania,  born  May 
II,  1837. 

Our  subject’s  father  was  united  in  mar- 
riage with  Amanda  Hopkins  September  24, 
1857,  and  they  had  eight  children,  John  W. 
bein^  the  eldest.  The  others  were:  Walter, 
now  of  Homestead,  Pennsylvania;  Carrie 


(Mrs.  Henry  Kries),  who  resides  with  our 
subject’s  mother;  Lida,  a saleslady  in  the 
store  of  George  E.  Stifle,  of  Wheeling,  for 
many  years;  George,  still  single,  who  resides 
with  his  mother  and  is  a glass  worker; 
Mollie,  the  wife  of  Irwin  McKelvey,  a son 
of  A.  T.  McKelvey;  Aldin,  living  at  the  old 
homestead,  a steel  worker  by  occupation; 
and  Wilbur,  also  living  at  home,  timekeeper 
at  the  steel  works.  The  father  of  these  chil- 
dren died  September  15,  1891,  but  his  widow 
still  survives. 

John  W.  Terrill,  our  subject,  obtained  his 
education  in  the  schools  of  Covington,  Ken- 
tucky, and  subsequently  engaged  in  work  at 
the  rolling  mills  at  Wheeling  and  Martin’s 
Ferry,  and  also  in  Pittsburg,  his  first  posi- 
tion being  secured  at  the  last  mentioned 
place,  tie  was  in  the  rolling  mills  until 
1887  and  then  for  some  time  followed  paint- 
ing, which  trade  he  learned  during  the  time 
he  worked  at  the  mills.  After  abandoning 
this,  he  took  up  newspaper  work,  and  has 
continued  along  journalistic  lines  to  the 
present  time. 

In  1890  Mr.  Terrill  became  interested  to 
some  extent  in  politics,  and  his  first  office 
was  clerk  of  Pease  township,  in  which  he 
served  two  terms, — from  1890  until  1894. 
During  President  Cleveland’s  administra- 
tion he  was  appointed  postmaster  of  Mar- 
tin’s Ferry,  and  served  from  1894  until  1898, 
the  last  two  years  under  President  McKin- 
ley. Mr.  Terrill  always  takes  an  interest  in 
the  actions  of  the  Democratic  party,  with 
which  his  preference  lies.  Since  1898  he  has 
been  engaged  in  painting,  and  later  in  news- 
paper work  to  the  present  writing.  He  was 
a resident  of  Wheeling  from  1870  until  1880, 
the  date  of  his  removal  to  Pittsbui'g,  and 
spent  but  two  years  in  the  latter  city  before 
making  his  home  permanently  in  Martin’s 
Ferry,  Ohio. 

April  3,  1879,  our  subject  was  united  in 
marriage  with  Margaret  McHenry,  a daugh- 
ter of  Josiah  and  Angeline  (Coss)  McHenry, 
and  a granddaughter  of  David  Coss.  The 
McHenrys  are  one  of  the  old  families  of 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


347 


Belmont  County,  and  were  contemporary 
with  the  Zanes.  Mr.  McHenry  was  pro- 
prietor of  the  ferry  for  years  after  Mr.  Mar- 
tin had  ceased  to  run  it,  and  was  marked  as 
a man  of  integrity  and  ability.  Mrs.  Terrill’s 
father  was  a native  of  West  Virginia,  and 
was  for  many  years  foreman  and  manager 
in  the  mills  of  Martin’s  Ferry.  His  wife  was 
born  in  that  city  and  both  were  honored 
by  all  in  their  community.  They  reared  a 
family  of  six  children,  Mrs.  Terrill  being  the 
eldest  child. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Terrill  have  been  blessed 
with  nine  children,  namely;  Nellie  M.,  still 
at  home;  Mary  Angie,  a clerk  in  the  Post 
Office;  Chester  W.,  a graduate  of  Parkview 
School,  West  Virginia,  in  the  class  of  1901; 
Jennie  G. ; Walter  L.,  a painter;  Percy  M., 
a clerk;  John  Ross,  Lida  Marie  and  Marga- 
ret A.  Mary  Angie  becaiPxe  a clerk  in  the 
Post  Office  during  her  father’s  term  of  office 
there,  having  just  been  graduated  from  the 
Martin’s  Ferry  High  School  at  the  age  of  16 
years,  completing  both  classical  and  scien- 
tific courses.  At  the  present  time  she  is 
money  order  clerk,  and  is  efficient  in  her 
work.  Walter  L.  is  now  engaged  in  the 
painting  business.  Percy  M.  is  now  a sales- 
man in  one  of  the  stores  of  Pleasant  Valley 

Mrs.  Terrill  is  a member  of  the  Methodist 
Fpiscopal  Church,  and  the  family  also  at- 
tend that  church.  In  fraternal  circles  Mr. 
Terrill  has  passed  through  all  the  chairs  of 
the  Knights  of  Pythias  organization,  and  is 
one  of  the  charter  members  of  Welcome 
Lodge,  A.  O.  U.  W.  Both  our  subject  and 
his  wife  are  widely  known  and  well  respected 
in  Belmont  County. 


JOSEPH  G.  WILSON,  M.  D.  Among 
the  physicians  and  surgeons  who  so  ably  sus- 
tain the  professional  character  of  Belmont 
County,  Ohio,  is  Dr.  Joseph  G.  Wilson,  who 
gave  efficient  medical  service  during  the 
Spanish-American  War.  Since  the  war  he 
has  been  residing  at  Colerain,  where  he  is 


actively  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  pro- 
fession. 

The  birth  of  Dr.  Wilson  took  place  June 
23,  1874,  in  Guernsey  County,  Ohio.  He 
is  a son  of  Benjamin  and  Mary  Wilson,  the 
former  of  whom  was  born  in  Guernsey,  and 
the  latter  in  Columbiana  County,  Ohio.  In 
1875  Benjamin  Wilson  located  in  Belmont 
County,  and  now  resides  in  Flushing,  where 
he  manages  a dairy  farm  and  supplies  his 
locality  with  choice  dairy  products.  He  is 
about  52  years  of  age  and  his  wife  is  slightly 
younger.  They  are  members  of  the  Society 
of  Friends,  and  are  most  highly  esteemed 
residents  of  their  community.  The  four 
children  comprising  their  family  are  the  fol- 
lowing: Joseph  G.,  the  subject  of  this  biog- 
raphy; Mabel,  who  married  Albertus  Hoyle, 
an  electrician,  resides  in  Philadelphia,  their 
three  children  being  William,  Benjamin  and 
Eleanor;  George  J.,  who  is  connected  with 
the  Provident  Life  & Trust  Company,  of 
Philadelphia,  married  Sarah  Hoffman,  and 
their  one  child  is  George  Hoffman;  and  John 
F.,  who  is  attending  college. 

Dr.  Joseph  G.  Wilson  was  reared  on  the 
home  farm  and  received  his  primary  educa- 
tion in  the  Friends’  Private  School,  at 
Flushing,  and  at  the  Friends’  Boarding 
School  at  Barnesville,  Ohio,  after  which  he 
entered  Westtown  Boarding  School,  of 
Pennsylvania.  He  graduated  from  West- 
town  in  1894.  In  the  same  year  he  entered 
the  Medical  Department  of  the  University 
of  Pennsylvania,  from  which  he  was  gradu- 
ated in  1898.  Six  months  were  spent  as 
resident  physician  in  St.  Christopher’s  Hos- 
pital for  Children,  in  Philadelphia.  After 
this  and  during  the  war  with  Spain,  he  en- 
tered the  army,  where  he  was  made  Acting 
Assistant  Surgeon.  After  serving  at  the 
2nd  Division  Hospital  at  Camp  Meade,  he 
was  transferred  to  Puerto  Rico,  with  the 
i6th  Reg.,  Penn.  Vol.  Inf.,  and  remained 
with  that  regiment  until  it  returned  to  the 
United  States.  He  was  then  transferred  to 
the  United  States  General  Hospital  located 
at  Ponce,  Puerto  Rico,  and  from  there  was 


348 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


assigned  to  duty  with  the  7th  Light  Art., 
U.  S.  Army.  He  served  with  this  command 
as  Post  Surgeon  for  nine  months,  being  sta- 
tioned at  first  at  Ponce  and  later  at  San 
Juan.  In  June,  1899,  Dr.  Wilson  resigned 
and  returned  to  the  United  States,  in  order 
to  engage  in  private  practice. 

On  July  26,  1900,  Dr.  Wilson  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Carmen  Yriarte  y Kop- 
pisch,  at  San  Juan,  Puerto  Rico.  Mrs.  Wil- 
son is  a daughter  of  Rafael  and  Hortensia 
Yriarte,  the  former  of  whom  is  a member 
of  The  J.  T.  Silva  Banking  & Commercial 
Company  of  Paris,  and  San  Juan  and  Agua- 
dilla,  Puerto  Rico.  One  little  daughter, 
Martha,  has  been  born  to  this  union. 


JOHN  MILTON  LEWIS.  Among  the 
leading  citizens  of  Belmont  County,  Ohio. 
John  Milton  Lewis  occupies  a prominent  po- 
sition. As  president  of  the  First  National 
Bank  of  Barnesville;  as  the  founder,  secre- 
tary and  general  manager  of  the  Barnesville 
Window  Glass  Factory;  as  one  of  the  pro- 
moters of  many  of  the  public-spirited  enter- 
prises of  the  city,  and  as  an  influential  and 
social  figure,  Mr.  Lewis  has  been  conspicu- 
ously identified  with  the  progress  and  de- 
velopment of  Barnesville  for  the  past  30 
years. 

Mr.  Lewis  comes  of  Welsh  ancestry.  His 
family  record  reaches  far  back  into  the  past. 
From  a history  of  Delaware  County,  Penn- 
sylvania, comjfiled  I)y  George  Smith,  we 
learn : 

“Henry  Lewis  emigrated  to  Philadel- 
phia, Pennsylvania,  from  Wales  in  1682, 
bringing  with  him  his  father,  Evan  Lewis, 
supposed  to  have  been  born  in  1622,  and 
his  son,  Henry  Lewis.  Henry  (i)  was  known 
as  the  friend  and  correspondent  of  William 
Penn.  He  was  foreman  of  the  first  grand 
jury  that  ever  sat  in  Philadelphia.” 

Henry  Lewis  (1)  settled  on  a tract  of 
600  acres  of  land  in  the  northeast  part  of 
Haverford  township,  Delaware  County, 


about  six  miles  from  what  was  then  Phila- 
delphia. This  property  has  long  since  passed 
out  of  the  hands  of  the  family.  It  was  once 
owned  by  the  grandfather  of  Gen.  George 
B.  McClellan,  and  in  1878  by  a Philadelphia 
merchant  by  the  name  of  Ashurst. 

Henry  Lewis  (i)  died  in  1688.  His  three 
children  were:  Henry  (2),  Samuel  and 

Elizabeth.  Henry  Lewis  (2)  married  a 

daughter  of  Joseph  Plays  in  1693,  and  their 
five  children  were:  Isaac,  John,  Elizabeth, 
Samuel  and  Jacob.  John  Lewis,  son  of 
Henry  (2),  married  Catharine  Roberts, 
daughter  of  Abel  and  Mary  Roberts,  at  Rad- 
nor Monthly  Meeting,  near  Philadelphia, 
Their  seven  children  were  as  follows:  Abel, 

Mary,  Samuel,  Rachael,  John,  Evan  and 
Elizabeth.  Samuel  Lewis  of  this  family 
married  Catharine  Hoag  and  died  in  1810. 
They  had  eight  children,  namely:  Henry, 

Samuel,  Jacob,  John,  Isaac,  Jehu,  Elizabeth 
and  Beulah. 

Jacob  Lewis,  the  third  son  of  Samuel  and 
Catharine  (Hoag)  Lewis,  was  born  in  Berks 
County,  Pennsylvania,  October  12,  1760, 
and  died  October  8,  1829,  at  his  home  at 
Lewis’  Mills,  Belmont  County,  Ohio.  Mary 
Lewis,  wife  of  Jacob  Lewis,  was  a daughter 
of  Joshua  Bundy  and  was  born  near  New 
Bern,  North  Carolina,  April  10,  1777,  and 
died  November  7,  1859.  They  had  a family 
of  seven  children,  namely:  Hannah, 

Rachael,  Ira,  Abel,  Reece,  and  two  children, 
Evan  and  Mary,  who  died  in  infancy. 

Abel  Lewis,  son  of  Jacob  and  Mary  Lewis, 
and  Lucinda  M.  Gregg,  daughter  of  Stephen 
and  Asenath  Gregg,  were  married  by 
Friends’  ceremony  in  Plainfield  Meeting 
House  early  in  1835.  To  them  were  born 
four  children,  namely:  John  Milton,  Reece 

G.,  Stephen  Albert  and  Juliet  C.,  all  of 
whom  were  born  on  a farm  near  Lewis’ 
Mills,  where  all  grew  to  maturity  except 
Stephen  Albert,  who  died  December  20, 
1861. 

Abel  Lewis  was  born  in  Mount  Pleasant 
township,  Jefferson  County,  Ohio,  June  2, 
1810,  and  died  while  on  a visit  at  the  home 


« 


HON.  ISAAC  H.  GASTON. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


351 


of  his  daughter,  Juliet  C.  Dove,  in  West 
Liberty,  Iowa,  on  December  21,  1866.  His 
remains  were  brought  to  his  home  at  Barnes- 
ville,  Ohio,  and  interred  in  the  Southerrii 
Cemetery. 

Lucinda  M.  Lewis,  the  mother  of  our  sub-  i 
ject,  was  born  May  17,  1807,  and  died  De- 
cember 22,  1861,  two  days  after  the  death  i 
of  her  son,  Stephen  Albert,  and  both  lie 
buried  at  Plainfield,  Ohio. 

A second  marriage  of  Abel  Lewis  took 
place  on  August  26,  1863,  at  Flushing,  Ohio, 
by  Friends’  ceremony,  to  Hannah  W.  Hirst, 
who  died  October  22,  1886. 

Rebecca  B.  Holloway,  daughter  of  Sam- 
uel and  Sarah  Holloway,  of  Flushing,  Ohio, 
was  united  in  marriage  to  John  Milton 
Lewis  November  16,  1858. 

Three  children  were  born  to  this  union: 
Alice  Holloway,  Estella  Z.  and  Mary  Sharp, 
all  born  in  Belmont,  Ohio,  where  our  sub- 
ject and  his  wife  located  after  marriage,  he 
engaging  in  the  dry  goods  business. 

From  1865  to  1871  Mr.  Lewis  was  en- 
gaged in  the  wholesale  grocery  business  in 
Philadelphia,  and  from  1871  to  1881  was  in 
the  same  business  in  Barnesville,  Ohio.  In 
1883  he,  with  others,  organized  the  Barnes- 
\'ille  Window  Glass  Company,  with  which 
he  has  been  since  connected  in  the  capacity 
of  secretary  and  general  manager. 

Mary  Sharp  Lewis,  daughter  of  John  Mil- 
ton  and  Rebecca  B.  Lewis,  was  married  to 
Robert  Ross  Watt,  June  ii,  1891.  They 
have  since  lived  in  Barnesville  and  he,  at 
present,  is  president  of  the  Watt  Mining 
Car  Wheel  Company. 


HON.  ISAAC  H.  GASTON,  ex-judge  of 
the  Probate  Court  of  Belmont  County,  Ohio, 
is  not  only  a distinguished  member  of  the 
bar,  but  also  a leading  and  public-spirited 
citizen  of  St.  Clairsville,  Ohio,  where  his 
home  is  the  center  of  a pleasant  social  and 
professional  circle. 


; The  Gaston  family  is  a long  established  one 
in  Belmont  County,  where  it  located  as  early 
as  1800.  Dr.  Alexander  Gaston,  the  great- 
I grandfather  of  Judge  Gaston,  and  a native 
' of  Pennsylvania,  came  at  that  time  to  a 
i farm  situated  in  the  vicinity  of  St.  Clairs- 
; ville,  and  died  in  1825  at  Morristown,  Ohio. 

I His  son.  Dr.  Ephraim  Gaston,  was  for  the 
40  years  succeeding  1828  one  of  the  most 
distinguished  physicians  of  Belmont  County. 
The  parents  ofjudge  Gastonwere  Samuel  W. 
and  klargaret  F.  (Hazlett)  Gaston.  Samuel 
W.  Gaston  was  born  in  Morristown,  in  1831. 
At  an  early  age  he  engaged  in  teaching  and 
also  in  the  study  of  the  law.  In  1855 
located  in  St.  Clairsville  for  practice.  In 
1856,  he  was  elected  clerk  of  the  county 
courts,  became  well  known  in  political  life, 
and  died  in  1862.  He  married  IMargaret  F. 
Hazlett,  of  Morristown,  in  1857. 

The  birth  of  Judge  Isaac  H.  Gaston  took 
place  July  6,  1858,  in  St.  Clairsville.  He 
attended  the  schools  of  IMorristown,  entered 
Washington  and  Jefferson  College  in  1876, 
and  was  graduated  in  the  class  of  1879. 
Soon  afterward  he  began  to  study  in  the  law 
office  of  the  late  Hon.  L.  Danford,  and  was 
admitted  to  the  bar  in  1882.  His  ability 
and  thorough  and  complete  knowledge  of 
law  made  his  election  as  judge  of  the  Pro- 
bate Court,  in  1884,  a very^  satisfactory  se- 
lection to  all  parties,  and  his  administration 
of  the  office  was  such  as  to  insure  a re-elec- 
tion in  1887.  Since  his  retirement  from  the 
bench.  Judge  Gaston  has  given  his  attention 
to  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  St.  Clairs- 
ville and  the  vicinity,  where  he  is  widely  and 
favorably  known.  The  Judge  is  in  active 
affiliation  with  the  Republican  party,  of  which 
he  is  considered  a useful  and  influential  mem- 
ber. The  subject  of  this  sketch  is  a member 
of  the  klasonic  order,  having  been  made  a 
IMason  in  Ionic  Lodge,  No.  438,  F.  & A.  M. 
He  is  also  a member  of  St.  Clairsville  Chap- 
ter, No.  17,  R.  A.  kl. ; Belmont  Council,  No. 
34,  R.  & S.  IM.:  Hope  Commandery,  No.  26, 
iv.  T. : Syrian  Temple,  A.  A.  O.  N.  IM.  S.; 
and  Ohio  Consistory,  S.  P.  R.  S. 


352 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


JOSEPH  WATT,  who  for  a number  of 
years  was  a leading  manufacturer  and  promi- 
nent l)usiness  man  of  Barnesville,  Belmont 
County,  Ohio,  was  born  December  25,  1809, 
and  died  January  29,  1879.  He  was  reared 
and  schooled  in  Belmont  County,  and  after 
1862  his  business  interests  were  centered 
here. 

In  association  with  his  son,  the  late  James 
H.  Watt,  Joseph  Watt  entered  upon  a foun- 
dry business,  on  a small  scale,  which  in  later 
years  developed  into  the  great  industry 
known  all  over  the  world  as  the  Watt  Min- 
ing Car  Wheel  Company.  In  1868,  a foun- 
dry was  started  at  the  southeast  corner  of 
South  street  and  Broadway,  Barnesville,  in 
what  was  then  known  as  the  old  hominy 
mill,  the  property  of  W.  R.  Moore.  The 
proprietors  of  the  concern  were  McKewen 
& Crozier.  The  plant  was  later  transferred 
to  a building  situated  on  lot  86.  After  sev- 
eral changes,  this  plant  was  purchased  by 
Allen  Alexander,  who  operated  it  for  a short 
time,  and  then  sold  it  to  J.  H.  Watt  & 
Brothers.  The  Watt  foundry  was  situated 
on  the  site  of  the  present  Eli  Moore  Opera 
House.  As  trade  increased,  it  was  enlarged, 
and  after  the  company  began  the  manufac- 
ture of  a patent,  self-oiling  car  wheel,  larger 
accommodations  became  necessary.  Ac- 
cordingly, in  1890  and  1891,  arose  the  great 
steel,  stone  and  brick  stnicture  now  known 
as  the  plant  of  the  Watt  Mining  Car  Wheel 
Company,  that  being  the  corporate  title  of 
the  company.  This  plant  employs  130  men, 
locally,  and  20  others  are  constantly  en- 
gaged on  the  outside,  in  the  preparation  of 
lumber.  It  is  an  establishment  of  great  im- 
portance, not  only  to  Belmont  County,  but 
also  to  the  State,  its  products  being  in  active 
demand  all  over  the  industrial  world. 

Joseph  Watt  married  Maria  Slack,  and 
eight  children  were  born  to  their  union, 
namely:  Mrs.  M.  W.  Edgar;  James  H.,  de- 
ceased; John  W. ; Stewart  R.;  R.  Ross; 
Rose;  Jennie:  and  Mrs.  B.  F.  Stewart,  who 
passed  from  this  life  in  May,  1899.  The 
three  surviving  sons  of  this  family  are,  prac- 


tically, the  owners  of  the  Watt  Mining  Car 
Wheel  Company.  Mr.  Watt’s  death  was 
generally  lamented,  as  he  was  held  in  high 
esteem  in  his  community.  He  was  known  as 
an  honorable  business  man  and  an  upright 
and  exemplary  citizen,  while  his  personal 
loss  was  deeply  mourned  by  many  devoted 
relatives  and  friends. 


WILLIAM  L.  JUDKINS,  M.  D.,  a 
prominent  physician  of  Barnesville,  Ohio, 
who  is  asociated  in  practice  with  his  father, 
Dr.  J.  A.  Judkins,  was  born  in  Barnesville. 
His  miother.  Marietta  (Lewis)  Judkins,  was 
also  born  there.  The  medical  profession  has 
been  an  attractive  one  to  the  Judkins  family, 
and  the  great-grandfather  of  the  subject  of 
this  sketch.  Dr.  Carolus  Judkins,  was  a pio- 
neer settler  in  Barnesville,  in  1809. 

The  birth  of  Dr.  William  L.  Judkins  took 
place  November  9,  1868.  He  acquired  his 
primary  education  in  the  common  schools 
of  his  native  city,  and  then  entered  Oberlin 
College,  from  which  he  graduated  in  1891. 
His  medical  reading  had  been  done  under 
the  tutorship  of  his  father,  who  is  a leading 
physician  of  Belmont  County.  After  quit- 
ting Oberlin,  he  entered  the  medical  de- 
partment of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania, 
from  which  he  graduated  in  1894.  He  en- 
tered into  partnership  with  his  father,  the 
firm  name  being  J.  A.  Judkins  & Son,  and 
has  shown  every  indication  of  becoming  as 
noted  in  the  profession  as  his  father.  Politi- 
cally, he  is  one  of  the  leading  young  Repub- 
licans of  the  city.  Fraternaly,  he  is  con- 
nected with  the  Knights  of  Pythias. 

On  September  12,  1899,  Dr.  Judkins  mar- 
ried Blanche  McKeever,  a daughter  of  El- 
liot McKeever,  of  Moline,  Illinois.  One 
daughter,  Esther,  resulted  from  this  union. 
Dr.  Judkins  takes  an  active  interest  in  civic 
affairs,  and  since  the  spring  of  1901  has  been 
a member  of  the  City  Council.  Both  he 
and  his  wife  are  highly  connected,  and  are 
leaders  in  the  city’s  social  life.  Both  are 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


353 


valued  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church. 


JOHN  W.  WATT,  vice-president  and 
treasurer  of  the  Watt  Mining  Car  Wheel 
Company,  of  Barnesville,  Ohio,  a position 
of  prominence  and  responsibility,  was  born 
in  Louisville,  Ohio  , in  December,  1843. 
Until  the  age  of  13  years  he  resided  with 
his  parents  in  Harrietsville,  at  which  time 
the  family  located  at  IMalaga,  Ohio,  where 
the  greater  part  of  his  education  was  se- 
cured. In  1864  he  located  in  Barnesville, 
and  engaged  in  teaming  for  a year  in  this 
city,  entering  the  army  for  service  in  the 
Civil  War  in  the  spring  of  1865.  He  enlisted 
in  Company  D,  185th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf., 
and  served  until  the  latter  part  of  Septem- 
ber of  the  same  year.  After  his  honorable 
discharge,  he  returned  to  Barnesville. 

In  1862  his  father,  the  late  Joseph  Watt, 
with  our  subject’s  brother,  the  late  James 
H.  Watt,  had  started  a foundry  business, 
and  after  our  subject’s  return  from  the  army 
he  also  became  a partner;  in  1867  another 
brother,  the  well-known  Stewart  Watt,  who 
is  now  the  efficient  general  superintendent  of 
the  company,  entered  the  firm,  which  then 
became  J.  H.  Watt  & Brothers.  For  18 
years  this  foundry  engaged  in  the  manufac- 
ture of  stoves  and  castings,  but  in  1880 
James  H.  and  Stewart  Watt  introduced  their 
patent  self-oiling  mining  car  wheel,  which 
proved  so  great  a success  that  two  years 
later  the  company  was  formed  which  has 
since  enlarged  and  expanded  until  its  goods 
are  of  world-wide  use.  Upon  the  death  of 
James  H.  Watt,  in  1902,  the  Watt  Mining 
Car  Wheel  Company  was  reorganized,  with 
officers  as  follows:  R.  Ross  Watt,  president 
and  general  manager;  John  W.  Watt,  vice- 
president  and  treasurer;  P.  H.  Laughlin, 
secretary;  and  Stewart  Watt,  superintend- 
ent. The  above  officers  represent  the  larg- 
est manufacturing  plant  of  its  kind  in  the 
United  States,  one  whose  high  standard  of 
goods  and  business  methods  have  invaded 


every  country.  From  time  to  time  the  build- 
ings have  ben  enlarged  to  accommodate  the 
growing  demands,  and  now  occupy  a large 
space  in  one  section  of  the  city. 

The  first  marriage  of  Mr.  Watt  took  place 
in  December,  1871,  to  Euretta  Stewart,  who 
died  in  July,  1880,  leaving  two  children, 
Alma  and  Charles.  The  second  marriage 
was  celebrated  in  July,  1883,  to  Belle  M. 
Blakemore,  daughter  of  James  Blakemore, 
one  of  Belmont  County’s  leading  citizens. 
Two  children  were  born  to  this  union,  the 
one  surviving;  being  Earl  B.  Mrs.  Watt  is 
a valued  member  of  the  IMethodist  Church. 
Our  subject’s  fraternal  association  is  with 
the  Knights  of  Pythias,  and  he  is  politically 
identified  with  the  Republican  party.  The 
family  moves  in  the  best  social  life  of  the 
city,  and  IMr.  Watt  is  regarded  as  one  of  its 
representative  and  useful  men. 


W.  R.  KING,  one  of  the  well-known 
farmers  of  Wayne  township,  Belmont 
County,  and  a citizen  of  prominence  and 
public  spirit,  was  born  October  2,  1861,  in 
Mffiyne  township,  a son  of  Ambrose  G.  King, 
one  of  the  leading  citizens  of  Belmont 
County. 

W.  R.  King  was  reared  to  agricultural 
pursuits,  and  acquired  an  excellent  common- 
school  education.  His  sendees  were  given 
to  his  father  on  the  home  farm,  until  he 
reached  his  legal  majority,  when  he  took 
a trip  to  the  West,  and  located  in  Bureau 
County,  Illinois,  for  six  years,  being  em- 
ployed during  this  time  among  the  Illinois 
farmers,  who  contracted  for  his  services  by 
the  year.  In  1890  he  returned  to  his  native 
State,  and  a short  time  later  purchased  a 
farm  of  80  acres  east  of  Newcastle,  but  later 
sold  that  property  and  bought  his  present 
farm  in  section  20,  Wayne  township,  near 
the  village  of  Pilcher.  This  was  considered 
a very  desirable  farm,  being  known  as  the 
Philip  King  farm,  and  was  owned  by  Wil- 
liam G.  Budd.  It  comprises  160  acres  and 


354 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


is  well  adapted  to  both  general  farming  and 
also  stock  raising,  Mr.  King  making  a spe- 
cialty of  sheep.  Formerly  he  raised  quanti- 
ties of  tobacco,  but  does  not  now  make  that 
a leading  crop.  The  excellent  improvements 
have  been  placed  here  by  our  subject,  and 
he  now  owns  one  of  the  attractive  as  well 
as  very  valuable  farms  of  the  township.  In 
method  he  is  practical,  and  he  has  been  emi- 
nently successful. 

The  first  marriage  of  Mr.  King  was  to 
Josephine  Titlow,  a daughter  of  John  Tit- 
low.  She  died  in  1899,  leaving  two  daugh- 
ters, viz.:  Dora  Maud  and  Lettie  Pearl. 

Mr.  King  married  for  his  second  wife 
Amanda  Phillips,  a daughter  of  John  Strick- 
ling,  of  Monroe  County,  Ohio,  and  one  child 
has  been  born  to  this  union, — Lura  May. 

Mr.  King  is  a stanch  Republican,  and  in 
the  spring  of  1896  was  elected  township 
trustee,  and  served  most  acceptably  for  two 
terms,  or  six  years.  Fraternally  he  is  a pop- 
ular member  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias  of 
Jerusalem,  Ohio.  Mrs.  King  is  a consistent 
memher  of  the  Christian  Church  and  Mr. 
King  contributes  to  its  support  and  attends 
the  services. 


CONRAD  RUMBACH  has  for  the  past 
30  years  been  a business  man  of  Bellaire,  and 
has  also  exerted  no  small  influence  in  the 
conduct  of  its  public  affairs,  serving  for  some 
time  as  president  of  the  City  Council.  About 
a year  ago  he  severed  his  connection  with  the 
large  wholesale  wine  house  with  which  he 
had  for  some  time  been  connected,  and  is 
now  living  practically  retired. 

]Mr.  Rumbach  was  born  in  Switzerland  and 
there  resided  until  he  was  16  years  of  age. 
Preparatoiw  to  a business  in  life  he  learned 
during  this  period  the  printer’s  and  typeset- 
ter’s trade,  which,  by  the  way,  he  had  but  lit- 
tle occasion  for  use  in  later  years.  Upon 
leaving  his  native  land  he  came  directly  to 
this  country  and  located  at  Weston,  Lewis 
County,  West  Virginia.  After  a short  resi- 


dence there,  however,  he  secured  a lucrative 
position  with  the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad 
Company  and  moved  to  Grafton,  in  the  same 
State.  Though  succeeding  in  his  work,  he 
decided  after  some  time  to  engage  in  business 
by  himself,  and  opened  a hotel  and  barroom 
in  Grafton.  He  continued  in  this  line  for 
some  years.  Finally,  disposing  of  this  busi- 
ness, in  1872  he  moved  to  Bellaire,  Ohio,  and 
there  about  a year  later  opened  a billiard 
room  and  cafe.  A knowledge  of  men  and 
shrewd  flnancial  management  enabled  him  to 
make  this  new  enterprise  a success  in  every 
way,  and  for  19  years  he  continued  it.  Then, 
in  1892,  in  company  with  S.  Wimmer,  he  pur- 
chased the  large  building  at  No.  3219  Union 
street  and  engaged  in  the  wholesale  wine  and 
liquor  business.  This  enterprise  was  the 
largest  and  most  profitable  one  he  ever  un- 
dertook, but  in  spite  of  this  fact  in  June, 
1901,  he  discontinued  it,  and  retired  from 
active  participation  in  business.  He  has  in- 
vested in  real  estate,  which  he  rents  to  good 
advantage  to  various  concerns,  and  is  inter- 
ested in  other  enterprises. 

Some  years  ago  Mr.  Rumbach  married 
Mercy  Ryfe,  of  Switzerland.  She  died  in 
190T,  and  he  has  since  married  Mrs.  Kittie 
Maul,  a widow,  who  has  one  son — John  B. 
Maul,  now  a clerk  in  the  employ  of  the  Cleve- 
land & Pittsburg  Railroad  Company.  The 
family  reside  at  No.  222  33rd  street. 

As  a man  of  marked  business  ability  and 
decision  of  character,  Mr.  Rumbach  has  won 
the  confidence  of  all  who  know  him.  He  is 
also  popular  with  his  fellow  citizens,  and  has 
served  the  Third  Ward  in  the  City  Council 
for  four  years,  being  made  president  of  that 
body  in  1901.  Fraternally  he  belongs  to  the 
K.  of  P.,  the  B.  P.  O.  E.  and  the  Turners, 
and  has  been  a prominent  member  of  the  T. 
O.  O.  F.  for  the  past  22  years. 


MATTHEW  McDermott,  who  is  part 
owner  and  general  manager  of  the  McDer- 
mott Tool  Works  of  Martin’s  Eerry,  Ohio,  is 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


355 


a practical  machinist  as  well  as  a very  sue-  I 
cessful  man  of  business.  Mr.  McDermott  j 
was  born  in  Ireland,  March  2,  1849, 

August  of  the  same  year  was  taken  to  Canada 
by  his  parents,  who  located  at  Brantford,  On- 
tario, 75  miles  from  Buffalo,  New  York. 

From  his  earliest  childhood  our  subject 
has  been  interested  in  machinery.  His  father, 
Peter  McDermott,  was  a wheelwright  by 
trade,  and  Matthew  has  doubtless  inherited 
much  of  his  father’s  skill.  One  brother  of 
our  subject  is  a miner  in  Australia,  and 
another,  Patrick,  is  a molder  employed  in 
Canada.  In  1866  the  family  moved  to  Erie, 
Pennsylvania,  and  there  our  subject  went  to 
work  in  the  locomotive  shops,  although  pre- 
vious to  this  he  had  been  employed  in  Canada 
on  the  Grand  Trunk  Railway.  Since  he  was 
18  years  old  he  has  resided  in  the  United 
States,  and  for  the  past  35  years  has  followed 
the  forging  business,  a portion  of  the  time 
being  also  interested  in  the  oil  business.  In 
1890,  associating  himself  with  his  brother-in- 
law,  E.  H.  McDermott,  of  McKean  County, 
Pennsylvania,  the  present  works  were  estab- 
lished for  the  manufacture  of  oil-drilling 
tools  and  forgings  of  every  description,  and 
for  the  making  of  dies  for  enamel  work,  etc., 
their  output  covering  everything  in  their 
line.  E.  PI.  McDermott  is  no  blood  relative 
of  our  subject,  although  bearing  the  same 
family  name.  The  building  occupied  was 
originally  intended  for  the  construction  of 
threshing  machines,  but  the  whole  property 
is  now  equally  owned  by  the  two  McDer- 
motts. It  is  located  in  very  favorable  quar- 
ters, with  excellent  railroad  facilities,  on 
First  street,  opposite  the  ferry  landing,  and 
it  requires  some  30  workmen,  one-half  of 
these  being  skilled  forgers  and  machinists. 

Our  subject  was  married  in  Pennsylvania 
to  Charlotte  Saulsgiver,  a lady  of  German  de- 
scent. The  seven  children  born  to  this 
union  were  as  follows;  Peter,  who  is  the 
bookkeeper  for  tlie  firm;  Edward,  who  is  en- 
gaged in  the  shops  of  the  McDermott  Tool 
Works;  Henry,  Emmett,  Gerald,  Reginald 
and  Winnifred,  the  one  daughter  of  the  fam- 


ily. The  beautiful  family  home  is  situated  at 
Tiltonville,  a suburb  of  Martin’s  Eerry.  The 
religious  connection  of  the  family  is  with 
the  Roman  Catholic  Church. 

Mr.  McDermott  belongs  to  the  Catholic 
IMutual  Benefit  Association.  He  is  known  as 
a man  of  integrity  and  reliability,  and  his 
business  success  may  be  in  a great  measure 
attributed  to  these  qualities.  Since  he  has 
become  manager  of  the  works  the  trade  has 
increased  in  a wonderful  degree,  making 
almost  immediate  enlargement  a necessity. 
He  is  self-made  and  offers  an  example  of 
what  may  be  accomplished  by  the  persistent 
effort  of  an  industrious,  self-respecting  and 
energetic  man. 


JACOB  RIDER  of  Martin’s  Eerry,  Ohio, 
his  antecedents,  descendants  and  a short 
sketch  of  his  life.  George  Rider,  his  great- 
grandfather, was  born  on  the  Rhine  in  Ger- 
many and  died  at  the  age  of  106  years.  Our 
subject's  grandfather,  John  Rider,  was  born 
in  Germany.  He  came  to  the  colony  of  the 
infant  United  States  before  the  Revolution- 
ary War  and  settled  on  the  Eastern  Shore  of 
Maryland.  He  removed  to  Northumberland 
County,  Pennsylvania,  where  he  wooed  and 
married  Margaret  Engle.  Eroni  Northum- 
berland County  they  removed  by  wagon  to 
Red  Stone,  now  Brownsville,  Pennsylvania, 
on  the  Monongahela  River.  Here  they  sold 
their  horses  and  wagons  and  purchased  a 
flatboat,  on  which  they  stored  their  goods 
and  started  to  float  down  the  IMonongahela 
to  the  Ohio.  The  first  stop  they  made  was 
at  Steubenville,  where  they  remained  a short 
time,  while  the  husband  went  out  through 
the  country  to  select  a home.  Not  being  sat- 
isfied, they  continued  their  way  as  far  as 
Wheeling  Creek,  where  they  sold  the  boat 
and  shipped  their  goods  back  to  Steuben- 
ville. securing  land  near  where  the  town  of 
Richmond,  Jefferson  County,  now  stands. 
They  remained  there  several  years,  then  re- 
moved to  Athens  County,  Ohio,  where  they 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


356 


both  died,  the  husband  at  97  years  and  the 
wife  at  96  years  of  age. 

George  Rider,  the  father  of  the  subject  of 
our  sketch,  was  the  third  son  of  John  and 
Margaret  (Engle)  Rider.  He  was  born  Oc- 
tober 6.  1793,  in  Northumberland  County, 
Pennsylvania,  and  was  13  years  of  age  when 
his  parents  settled  in  Jefferson  County,  Ohio. 
Pie  became  an  expert  blacksmith  and  made 
edged  tools  of  all  kinds.  At  the  age  of  21 
he  married  Catherine  Culp,  whose  age  was 
20  years.  Miss  Culp  was  born  July  19,  1794, 
in  Preston  County,  (West)  Virginia,  and  they 
began  married  life  near  Richmond,  Jefferson 
County,  Ohio.  Mr.  Rider  served  in  the  War 
of  1812  under  General  Harrison.  He  died 
in  Jewett,  Ohio,  in  his  87th  year,  and  his 
wife  died  in  her  86th  year  in  Jefferson,  Ohio. 
This  couple  were  parents  of  10  children,  as 
follows:  John,  born  March  13,  1815,  who 
moved  to  California  in  1852  and  died  in  Sac- 
ramento in  T901;  Jacob,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch,  who  was  born  July  25,  1816,  in  New 
Richmond,  Jefferson  County,  Ohio,  and  was 
the  first  male  child  born  in  the  village;  Sarah, 
born  November  25,  1819,  died  September  10, 
1858;  Margaret,  born  July  30,  1822,  died 
January  16,  190T;  David,  born  December  19, 
1824,  who  is  now  a retired  merchant  at  Jef- 
ferson. Harrison  County,  Ohio;  Emanuel, 
born  IMarch  16,  1827,  who  is  now  a retired 
farmer  living  at  Des  Moines,  Iowa;  Thomas, 
born  October  8,  1829,  who  is  a farmer  near 
Cadiz,  Ohio;  George,  born  November  24, 
1832,  who  is  now  living  in  De  Witt,  Iowa; 
Andrew,  born  February  10,  1837,  who  is 
manager  of  the  Ohio  Cultivator  Works  at 
Bellevue,  Ohio;  and  Lewis,  born  November 
14,  1839,  who  is  now  living  in  Kirkville,  Mis- 
souri,— one  of  his  daughters  is  the  Avife  of 
Dr.  Still,  a son  of  Dr.  Still,  the  father  of 
osteopathy. 

Raltzer  Culp,  the  maternal  grandfather  of 
Jacob  Rider,  was  born  in  Germany  and  came 
to  the  United  States  before  the  Revolution- 
ary War,  during  which  struggle  he  served  for 
several  months  as  teamster  under  General 


Washington.  He  died  in  Jefferson  County, 
Ohio,  at  the  age  of  93  years. 

Jacob  Rider  began  his  apprenticeship  at 
carpenter  work  when  a lad  of  15  and  followed 
the  trade  in  Steubenville  and  Wellsville  until 
he  moved  to  Martinsville  (now  known  as 
Martin’s  Ferry),  on  Saturday,  July  29,  1836, 
having  come  from  Steubenville  on  the 
steamer  “Post  Boy.”  It  was  a boat  about  20 
feet  wide,  60  feet  long  and  one  deck  high. 
It  was  a side-wheeler  and  was  at  that  time 
considered  a very  nice  passenger  boat.  Mar- 
tinsville was  then  a village  consisting  of  First 
and  Second  streets,  from  Washington  street 
to  Walnut  street.  Thirty-six  families  consti- 
tuted the  population.  He  first  began  work- 
ing for  William  J.  Lewis,  making  furniture 
and  coffins.  He  next  worked  for  John  Har- 
ris at  the  furniture  business. 

Jacob  Rider  and  Lois  E.  Dunn  were  mar- 
ried September  7,  1837,  and  began  house- 
keeping in  a small  frame  house  which  stood 
on  the  west  side  of  Second  street,  a short 
distance  below  where  the  Cleveland  & Pitts- 
burg Railroad  passenger  station  now  stands 
and  across  the  street  from  the  residence  of 
Joseph  L.  Stephens,  at  present  occupied  by 
Samuel  Heaton  as  a blacksmith  shop.  His 
home  adjoined  the  residence  of  W.  C.  How- 
ells, the  birth  place  of  the  famous  author, 
William  Dean  Howells.  The  Cleveland  & 
Pittsburg  Railroad  Company  purchased  all 
the  property  on  the  west  side  of  Second 
street  from  Locust  street  to  Walnut  street, 
and  the  buildings  above  mentioned  were  re- 
moved. Mr.  Rider  then  purchased  the  prop- 
erty on  which  he  now  resides  at  the  corner  of 
Third  and  Locust  streets.  He  built  a work- 
shop on  part  of  the  lot  and  folloAved  his  trade, 
making  patterns,  furniture  and  coffins  until 
the  beginning  of  the  War  of  the  Rebellion, 
when  he  removed  with  his  family  to  Wheel- 
ing. There  he  engaged  in  the  foundry  busi- 
ness, and  in  1862  made  the  pattern  for  the 
famous  Burnside  Heating  Stove,  which  is 
noAV  used  in  every  State  in  the  Union.  Near 
the  close  of  the  Avar  he  returned  to  Martin’s 


fc 

r 

i 

i ■ 


IS.VAC  R.  LANE. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


359 


Ferry,  and  in  1866  located  at  New  Martins- 
ville, West  Virginia,  where  he  engaged  in 
the  manufacture  of  shingles.  He  later  re- 
turned to  his  old  home  in  Martin’s  Ferry, 
where  he  has  since  resided.  Mr.  Rider  with 
his  wife  in  1836  united  with  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  of  which  he  has  since  been 
a faithful  member.  He  has  been  trustee  of 
the  church  for  more  than  40  years  and  now 
enjoys  the  honor  of  being  the  only  honorary 
member  of  the  board  the  church  ever  created 
in  Martin’s  Ferry.  He  has  always'  been 
strictly  temperate  in  his  habits  and  is  now 
enjoying  the  fruits  of  a perfect  and  clean 
life. 

Lois  E.  (Dunn)  Rider,  the  wife  of  Jacob 
Rider,  was  the  daughter  of  Robert  and  Sarah 
Dunn,  who  came  from  Stamford,  Connecti- 
cut, during  the  Revolutionary  War  and  set- 
tled in  Hancock  County,  (West)  Virginia. 
Her  father  died  at  the  age  of  37  years  and 
her  mother  at  the  age  of  73  years.  Mrs. 
Rider  was  born  November.  18,  1817,  in  Han- 
cock County,  Virginia,  and  died  in  Martin’s 
Ferry,  Ohio,  December  14,  1896.  She  was 
the  first  child  in  her  neighborhood  to  yield 
to  the  temptation  of  eating  a tomato,  then 
known  as  the  “Jerusalem  apple,”  and  consid- 
ered to  be  poisonous.  Her  parents  were  so 
badly  frightened  they  sent  for  a physician, 
fearing  she  would  die.  The  result  of  her  ex- 
perience soon  spread  abroad  and  others  be- 
came bold  enough  to  risk  their  lives  in  the 
same  way.  Tomatoes  soon  became  one  of 
the  standard  vegetables.  Mrs.  Rider  was  a 
woman  of  sterling  qualities.  She  united  with 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  at  an  early 
age  and  was  a very  pious  Christian  woman. 
She  was  a great  sufferer  during  the  last  20 
years  of  her  life,, and  the  last  15  years  was  a 
helpless  paralytic,  but  bore  her  trouble  with 
Christian  fortitude.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Rider 
were  parents  of  five  children,  all  living,  as 
follows:  John  Stephen,  born  May  21,  1840, 
who  is  now  engaged  in  the  real  estate  busi- 
ness in  Sterling,  Rice  County,  Kansas; 
George  Edwin,  born  December  14,  1847,  who 
is  engaged  in  the  foundry  business  at  Kan- 


sas City,  Missouri;  Rev.  William  Harper, 
born  February  3,  1853,  who  is  pastor  of  a 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  at  Minneapolis, 
Minnesota;  Sarah  K.,  born  July  ii,  1855, 
who  is  the  wife  of  Rev.  C.  B.  Henthorne,  pre- 
siding elder  of  the  West  Philadelphia  District 
of  the  East  Ohio  Conference,  and  Eugene 
Henry,  born  November  18,  1858,  who  is  sec- 
retary and  treasurer  of  the  Stanton  Heater 
Company  of  Martin’s  Ferry,  Ohio.  Jacob 
and  Lois  E.  (Dunn)  Rider  were  grandparents 
of  19  children  and  great-grandparents  of 
eight  children. 


ISAAC  R.  LANE,  who  represents  the 
Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad  Company’s  inter- 
ests in  Barnesville,  Ohio,  is  one  of  the  city’s 
representative  men.  He  was  born  October 
20,  1842,  and  is  a son- of  Harrison  and  Re- 
becca (Cox)  Lane.  His  great-grandfather 
was  Thomas  Lane,  who  died  December  10, 
1819,  at  the  advanced  age  of  107  years,  and 
his  grandfather,  Richard  Lane,  died  in  the 
same  year,  at  the  age  of  42  years.  His  father 
was  born  in  Maryland,  July  14,  1812,  and 
died  October  i,  1875.  In  1833,  he  was  a 
citizen  of  Belmont  County.  On  December 
25,  1834,  he  married  Rebecca  Cox,  the 

daughter  of  a widow,  whose  husband  died  in 
1833.  After  the  death  of  Mr.  Cox,  his  widow 
with  her  son  and  four  daughters  moved  to 
Barnesville  and  their  first  night  spent  in 
Warren  township  was  one.,  of  misfortune. 
They  stopped  over  night  with  Thomas  Tan- 
nyhill,  in  a house  west  of  the  city,  and  there 
the  son,  Isaac,  fell  down  stairs  and  was  in- 
stantly killed. 

The  primary  education  of  Mr.  Lane  was 
obtained  in  a little,  old,  brick  school  house 
in  Barnesville.  At  the  age  of  16  years  he 
entered  the  printing  office  of  the  “Barnes- 
ville Intelligencer,”  as  a compositor,  under 
George  B.  klcClellan,  who  was  a son-in-law 
of  the  late  Jesse  Judkins.  On  iVugust  5, 
1862,  the  young  printer  enlisted  as  a pri- 
vate in  Company  H,  94th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol. 


360 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


inf.,  and  saw  hard  service  until  the  close  of 
the  war.  At  that  time  this  regiment,  which 
was  a part  of  Geii.  George  H.  Thomas’ 
famous  14th  Army  Corps,  was  actively  en- 
gaged in  the  Tennessee  campaign,  and  par- 
ticipated in  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  to- 
gether with  the  hardships  at  Chattanooga, 
where  the  brave  soldiers  stood  fast  until  the 
liragg  siege  was  raised  by  the  successful  bat- 
tles of  Lookout  Mountain  and  Missionary 
Ridge.  The  gallant  94th  took  part  in 
Hooker’s  battle  above  the  clouds,  and  left 
many  of  its  brave  men  on  the  field.  Mr. 
Lane  also  participated,  in  the  summer  of 
1S64,  in  the  capture  of  Atlanta,  and  marched 
under  Sherman  to  the  sea.  Resting  for  a 
short  time  at  Savannah,  the  regiment’s  ac- 
tive work  was  resumed,  and  the  march  was 
continued  through  the  swamps  of  the  Caro- 
linas,  in  constant  rain;  but,  nevertheless,  it 
safely  reached  Washington  and  took  a con- 
spicuous and  deserved  part  in  the  final  grand 
review.  It  was  mustered  out  June  5,  1865, 
although  out  of  the  1,000  brave  men  who 
had  loyally  marched  away  but  three  years  be- 
fore, only  238  men,  battered  and  travel-worn, 
l)ut  honored,  remained  to  tell  of  the  horrors 
of  war,  and  to  congratulate  each  other  on  a 
safe  return. 

Since  the  close  of  the  war,  Mr.  Lane  has 
been  chiefly  engaged  in  the  railroad  service, 
and  has  held  many  positions  of  responsi- 
bility. For  a time,  he  was  in  a railroad  office 
at  Bellaire;  he  was  chief  bookkeeper  of  a 
wholesale  house;  he  was  for  a time  in  Co- 
lumbus: and  for  several  years  he  was  secre- 
tary and  treasurer  of  one  of  the  large  iron 
companies  of  Portsmouth,  Ohio.  Since 
1878  he  has  l^een  the  trusted  agent  for  the 
Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad  Company  at 
Barnesville,  and  is  held  in  the  highest  esteem 
by  the  officials  of  that  great  line. 

On  February  18,  1868,  Mr.  Lane  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Mary  A.  Warfield, 
a daughter  of  the  prominent  citizen  and  noted 
surgeon.  Dr.  J.  W.  Warfield,  who  won  dis- 
tinction as  surgeon  of  the  77th  Reg.,  Ohio 
Vol.  Inf.,  and  was  also  made  brigade  and  di- 


vision surgeon.  Four  children  were  born  to 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lane,  namely:  Rufus  FI.,  Fred 
W.,  Jessie,  and  Isaac.  Rufus  H.  entered  the 
United  States  Naval  Academy,  in  1887,  and 
graduated  from  that  institution  in  the  fall 
of  1881.  He  served  through  the  Spanish- 
American  War  on  Admiral  Sampson’s  flag- 
ship, the  “New  York,”  and  after  the  war  was 
promoted  to  be  a captain.  He  is  now  serv- 
ing on  the  U.  S.  battleship  “Kentucky,”  in 
Chinese  and  Japanese  waters.  Fred  W.  com- 
pleted a course  at  the  university  at  Wooster, 
Ohio,  and  graduated  from  the  medical  de- 
partment of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania, 
in  1893.  He  is  now'One  of  the  leading  phy- 
sicians and  surgeons  of  Cambridge,  Ohio. 
Jessie  and  Isaac  have  passed  through  the 
city  schools.  The  family  is  connected  with 
the  Ih'esbyterian  Church.  Mr.  Lane  has  been 
a lifelong  Republican  in  politics  and  is  ac- 
tively interested  in  the  success  of  that  party. 
He  has  taken  part  in  many  public  enterprises 
and  has  served  in  many  civic  positions.  For 
three  years  he  was  a trustee  of  the  Belmont 
County  Children’s  Home;  for  two  years  a 
member  of  the  Barnesville  City  Council,  and 
for  six  years  the  very  useful  president  of  the 
Board  of  Education.  He  was  honored  with 
an  election  as  commander  of  G.  A.  R. 
Post  No.  220,  and  was  a delegate  from  Ohio 
to  the  national  encampment  held  in  1886,  in 
San  Francisco. 

Mr.  Lane  fulfills  the  ideal  of  a first-class 
citizen.  In  his  business  he  is  honorable  and 
upright,  in  public  life  he  is  conscientious  and 
painstaking,  and  in  social  life  he  takes  a 
prominent  position  on  account  of  his  genial 
disposition  and  pleasing  personality.  The 
family  is  held  in  the  highest  esteem  in 
Barnesville. 


WILLIAM  F.  RICHMOND,  who  is  suc- 
cessfully engaged  in  the  real  estate,  loan  and 
insurance  business  in  Barnesville,  Ohio,  was 
born  on  June  9,  1867,  in  Zanesville,  Ohio, 
and  is  one  of  a family  of  13  children  born  to 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


361 


his  parents,  Matthias  and  Anna  (Taylor) 
Richmond.  Matthias  Richmond  was  a glass 
worker  in  Zanesville,  and  continued  in  that 
line  as  long  as  he  lived. 

William  F.  Richmond  received  an  excel- 
lent common-school  education  in  Zanesville, 
where  he  was  eng-aged  in  business.  Later  he 
moved  to  Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania,  and  on 
September  3,  1901,  located  in  Barnesville. 
Mr.  Richmond  handles  a great  deal  of  valua- 
ble property  in  both  city  and  country;  buys, 
sells  and  exchanges,  makes  loans,  and  also 
represents  many  of  the  leading  insurance 
companies.  Plis  honorable  methods,  as  well 
as  his  close  and  careful  attention  to  business, 
have  gained  him  the  confidence  of  the  pub- 
lic, and  he  bids  fair  to  become  one  of  the 
leading  men  in  his  line  in  this  part  of  the 
county. 

In  1890  Mr.  Richmond  married  Minnie  A. 
Hammond,  a daughter  of  Adam  Hammond, 
both  of  whom  are  natives  of  Ohio.  Two 
children  have  been  born  to  this  union — Loren 
and  Elson.  Mr.  Richmond  is  a member  of 
the  Odd  Fellows  and  Knights  of  Pythias, 
and  is  popular  in  both  orders.  He  and  wife 
are  leading  and  valued  members  of  the  Meth- 
odist Church,  and  their  active  interest  is 
shown  in  the  benevolent  and  charitable  work 
of  that  denomination. 

Among  the  insurance  companies  which 
are  represented  by  Mr.  Richmond  are  those 
covering  life,  fire,  accident,  plate  glass,  boil- 
ers and  live  stock.  He  also  acts  for  the  Fi- 
delity Bond  Company.  His  pleasant  and 
courteous  manner  makes  many  friends,  while 
his  expeditious  and  efficient  mode  of  con- 
ducting his  transactions  has  given  him  a high 
business  standing  in  the  city  and  vicinity. 


JOSIAH  W.  DOUDNA,  secretary  and 
treasurer  of  the  Eastern  Ohio  Glass  Com- 
pany, is  one  of  the  leading  and  representative 
citizens  of  Barnesville,  Ohio.  Fie  has  been 
prominently  identified  with  the  various  pro- 
gressive movements  which  have  given  this 


city  a leading  position  in  the  county,  and  has 
contributed  time,  advice  and  means  to  the 
furtherance  of  permanent  enterprises  of  bene- 
fit to  the  community. 

The  birth  of  Josiah  W.  Doudna  occurred 
in  Warren  township,  Belmont  County,  Ohio, 
in  September,  1849.  He  was  one  of  four 
children  born  to  Joseph  F.  and  Belinda 
(Hob^lH:^  Doudna.  The  father  is  one  of  the 
oldest  farmers  in  the  county.  He  is  also  a 
native  of  Belmont  County,  where  he  was 
born  78  years  ago,  and  is  still  living  in  War- 
ren township,  a short  distance  from  the  city 
limits. 

Josiah  W.  Doudna  attended  the  common 
schools,  and  was  afterward  a pupil  in  the 
Friends’  School  at  Westtown,  Pennsylvania. 
For  a number  of  years  he  was  engaged  in 
business  in  Barnesville,  and  was  well  and 
widely  known  in  this  connection.  Progress- 
ive in  spirit,  it  was  Mr.  Doudna  who  intro- 
duced the  first  telephone  system  into  Barnes- 
ville, and  later  a company  was  formed,  includ- 
ing E.  F.  Doudna,  I.  L.  Smith  and  T.  W. 
Branson.  This  company  was  organized  in 
1895  under  the  name  of  the  Barnesville  Tele- 
phone Company,  and  the  enterprise  has 
proved  to  be  of  the  greatest  benefit  to  the 
public  and  a financial  success  to  the  stock- 
holders. For  three  years  it  was  successfully 
conducted,  but  in  February,  1898,  the  sys- 
tem passed  into  the  control  of  the  Bell  Tele- 
phone Company.  Three  months  later  all  of 
the  apparatus  of  the  former  company  was 
destroyed,  a short  distance  from  town,  by 
fire.  The  new  company  provided  another 
equipment,  and  in  September,  1898,  the  long 
distance  accommodation  was  established.  Of 
this  system  Albert  H.  Doudna,  a son  of 
Josiah  W.,  located  at  Bridgeport,  is  the  gen- 
eral manager  operating  in  Belmont  County. 
At  one  time,  in  association  with  his  brother, 
Edwin,  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  inter- 
ested in  several  well-drilling  machines.  Eor 
a number  of  years  Mr.  Doudna  has  been  one 
of  the  directors  of  the  People’s  National 
Bank  of  Barnesville,  and  a member  of  the 
executive  board  of  the  Independent  Glass 


362 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY. 


Company,  of  Pittsburg.  The  Eastern  Ohio 
Glass  Company,  in  which  Mr.  Doudna  is  sec- 
retary and  treasurer,  is  one  of  the  leading 
industries  of  Barnesville.  It  employs  225 
men  and  has  the  largest  and  best  equipped 
factory  in  this  part  of  the  State,  and  sends 
finished  goods  over  a good  part  of  the  world. 
Their  excellent  equality  and  fine  finish  have 
made  them  desirable  wherever  introduced, 
and  caused  a great  demand  for  them. 

Mr.  Doudna  was  married  to  Ruth  Bundy, 
a niece  of  Hon.  William  Bundy,  of  Warren 
township,  and  a daughter  of  John  Bundy,  one 
of  the  oldest  residents  of  Belmont  County. 
Two  sons  and  two  daughters  were  born  to 
this  union.  Mr.  Doudna  is  social  by  nature 
and  enjoys  an  active  membership  in  the  F.  & 
A.  ]\I.  and  I.  O.  O.  F.  He  belongs  to  and  is 
State  representative  in  the  encampment  in 
the  latter,  and  is  a member  of  the 
chapter  and  commandery  of  St.  Clairs- 
ville  in  the  former.  His  political  affilia- 
tion is  with  the  Republican-  party, 
although  he  has  never  consented  to  accept 
political  office.  The  family  is  held  in  the 
highest  esteem  in  Belmont  County. 


RICHARD  HEAFEY,  manager  and  su- 
perintendent of  the  Barnesville  Creamery,  of 
Barnesville,  Ohio,  is  one  of  the  capable,  self- 
reliant  and  successful  young  business  men  of 
this  city,  of  which  he  has  been  a resident  since 
1895. 

Mr.  Healey  was  born  in  Butler,  Indiana, 
on  November  10,  1866,  and  is  a son  of  John 
and  Hannah  (Irwin)  Healey.  John  Healey 
was  born  in  Massachusetts,  January  i,  1838. 
In  his  earlier  years  he  followed  the  coopering 
trade,  but  later  became  extensively  interested 
in  the  timber  business,  and  was  thus  engaged 
until  his  death,  May  13,  1898.  Hannah 
(Irwin)  Healey  died  July  27,  1881. 

Richard  Healey  was  one  of  a family  of 
three  children  born  to  his  parents,  and  was 
reared  and  schooled  in  Ohio,  his  father  hav- 
ing located  at  Fima  and  engaged  in  the  man- 


ufacture of  stoves  when  Richard  was  seven 
years  old.  As  he  grew  to  manhood  he  also 
became  interested  in  the  timber  business, 
but  later  was  employed  by  a creamery  con- 
cern. He  represented  a large  supply  house 
on  the  road  and  traveled  through  the  West. 
In  1898  he  accepted  his  present  responsible 
position  with  the  Barnesville  Creamery,  and 
since  that  time  the  business  has  been  in- 
creased many  per  cent.  He  is  also  interested 
in  the  commission  business.  Mr.  Healey’s 
knowledge  is  practical,  and  his  meth- 
ods and  management  have  demonstrated  his 
ability  as  superintendent.  The  average 
monthly  business  under  Mr.  Healey’s  charge 
amounts  to  from  $1,800  to  $2,000,  and  it  is 
constantly  growing  larger.  All  modern  ap- 
pliances are  in  use  calculated  to  increase  the 
value  and  quantity  of  the  output,  with  a 
minimizing  of  expense,  the  consequence 
being  that  this  industry  is  one  of  the  best 
paying  ones  in  the  city. 

The  first  marriage  of  Mr.  Healey  was  to 
Sarah  Abplanalp,  in  1884,  and  one  child, 
Margaret,  was  born  to  them.  Mrs.  Healey 
died  July  28,  1895.  In  1899  Mr.  Healey  was 
married  to  Mary  Taylor,  a daughter  of  J.  A. 
Taylor.  In  fraternal  affiliation  Mr.  Healey  is 
a valued  member  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias 
and  Independent  Order  of  Foresters.  He  is 
prominently  identified  with  the  Democratic 
party.  The  religious  connection  of  the  fam- 
ily is  with  the  Christian  Church. 


NATHAN  M.  BOSWEFF,  of  the  well- 
known  marble  and  granite  firm  of  Colpitts  & 
Boswell,  in  the  thriving  city  of  Barnesville, 
Ohio,  has  been  connected  with  this  industry 
for  years.  Its  junior  member  has  done  his 
share  in  establishing  its  present  high  reputa- 
tion. The  firm  does  a larger  business  than 
any  other  of  its  kind  in  the  Ohio  Valley. 

Mr.  Boswell  was  born  June  9,  1864,  and 
comes  of  one  of  the  pioneer  families  of 
Barnesville,  where  he  has  spent  the  greater 
part  of  his  life.  His  father,  William  Boswell, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


363 


born  April  16,  1819,  saw  the  place  grow  from 
a wilderness  to  a prosperous  and  flourishing 
village.  He  was  reared  in  Belmont  County, 
where  upon  reaching  manhood  he  engaged  in 
agriculture.  He  continued  thus  throughout 
his  active  career.  He  was  an  honest  and 


confidence  of  all  who  knew  him.  He  made 
his  home  in  the  county  until  he  died,  in  De- 
cember, 1891.  During  his  early  manhood  he  i 
married  Hannah  Briggs,  and  they  had  five 
children.  Mrs.  Boswell  survived  her  hus- 
band two  years,  dying  in  1893. 

Nathan  M.  Boswell  received  the  ordinary 
rearing  of  a farm  boy,  attended  the  district 
schools  for  a few  months  each  year,  and  put 
in  his  spare  time  in  hard  manual  labor.  Upon 
reaching  manhood  he  became  interested  in 
the  marble  and  granite  industry  conducted 
by  Colpitts  Brothers,  and  established  as  early 
as  1875.  August  12,  1887,  he  purchased  a 
half  interest  in  the  business,  and  has  since 
worked  strenuously  for  its  success.  The  firm 
attends  not  only  to  the  cutting  and  preparing 
of  marble  and  granite  monuments,  but  also 
to  the  making  of  statuary,  and  in  both  lines 
has  established  an  enviable  reputation  in 
point  of  excellence.  It  has  always  been  noted 
for  square  dealing  and  honesty,  and  is  held 
in  the  highest  estimation  wherever  it  is 
known. 

In  June,  1894,  Mr.  Boswell  married  Della 
Burson,  daughter  of  James  Burson,  a promi- 
nent agriculturist,  and  they  have  had  two 
children,  Leah  L.  and  William.  The  family 
occupy  a high  position  socially,  and  belong 
to  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  Mr. 
Boswell  has  always  evinced  a keen  interest  in 
public  aflairs,  and  as  a Republican  is  influen- 
dal  in  politics. 


MOSES  W.  EDGAR,  a veteran  in  the 
lumber  business,  to  which  his  whole  life  has 
practically  been  devoted,  is  a highly  esteemed 
citizen  of  Barnesville,  Ohio.  His  interests 
have  been  identified  with  Warren  township 
since  January  31,  1867,  when  he  became  con- 


nected with  the  M'att  Brothers,  who  are 
well  known  as  manufacturers  on  a 

large  scale,  and  whose  business  was 

then  in  its  infancy.  Mr.  Edgar  took 
charge  of  their  sawmill  before  they  moved  to 
! their  present  quarters,  and  is  still  engaged  in 
the  same  connection.  He  enjoys  the  reputa- 
tion of  being  the  oldest  lumberman  in  the 
section,  and  as  the  purchasing  agent  of  Watt 
Brothers  is  very  valuable  to  the  concern, 
being  considered  an  expert  on  lumber  ques- 
tions. 

Mr.  Edgar,  like  his  father,  is  a native  of 
Greene  County,  Pennsylvania,  where  he  was 
born  June  20,  1838.  His  father,  Moses  Ed- 
gar, was  a millwright  by  trade,  and  during 
his  early  manhood  followed  that  occupation 
diligently  and  successfully  in  his  native  State. 
He  afterward  moved  to  Monroe  County, 
Ohio,  where  he  followed  the  same  vocation 
for  a time,  but  subsequently  engaged  exten- 
sively in  agricultural  pursuits.  He  and  his 
wife  had  seven  children.  Both  parents  have 
been  deceased  many  years,  the  beloved 
mother  having  passed  away  in  1870. 

Moses  W.  Edgar,  the  subject  of  this  narra- 
tive, while  a small  child  was  brought  to  Alon- 
roe  County,  Ohio,  where  he  grew  to  man- 
hood. His  youth  was  spent  upon  his  father’s 
farm,  and  he  attended  the  public  schools  of 
that  county,  where  he  obtained  the  rudi- 
ments of  an  education  that  has  proved  of 
°:reat  value  to  him.  He  has  been  twice  mar- 
ried.  His  first  union  was  contracted  with 
Catherine  Clegg,  a daughter  of  Richard 
Clesfsr.  a substantial  citizen  of  klonroe 

00 

Countv.  Their  union  resulted  in  one  child, 
Hester  J.,  who  is  now  the  wife  of  J.  Craft. 
On  June  5,  i860,  j\Ir.  Edgar  was  called  upon 
to  bear  the  loss  of  his  beloved  companion. 

In  1862  the  subject  of  this  sketch  enlisted 
in  the  Union  Army  as  a member  of  Com- 
pany C,  ii6th  Reg..  Ohio  Yol.  Inf.,  under 
Col.  J.  Washburn  and  Capt.  J.  Mann.  He 
participated  in  about  18  battles  and  numer- 
ous hot  skirmishes,  and  received  an  honora- 
ble discharge  in  the  summer  of  1864.  having 
served  throughout  with  an  unblemished 


3^4 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


record.  After  the  war  Mr.  Edgar  returned  to 
Jiarnesville  and  again  engaged  in  the  lumber 
business.  In  addition  to  his  duties  as  pur- 
cliasing  agent  for  the  large  manufacturing 
concern  with  which  he  is  connected,  he  owns 
a portable  engine  and  sawmill  and  covers 
large  contracts  each  season.  In  1867  he  mar- 
ried Sarah  M.  Watt,  a daughter  of  the  late 
Joseph  Watt,  and  their  union  was  blessed 
with  six  children,  of  whom  two,  Leona  M. 
and  William  O.,  are  deceased.  Those  living 
are  Joseph  E.,  Clara  R.,  Ina  M.  and  John 
Watt.  Joseph  E.  is  a member  of  the  I.  0.0. 
F.  organization.  He  married  Emma  Wright. 
Clara  R.  married  J.  R.  Shry,  one  of  Barnes- 
ville’s  most  enterprising  and  up-to-date  mer- 
chant tailors.  Her  brother,  John  W.,  is  also 
identified  with  the  same  line  of  business  in 
Cambridge,  Ohio.  He  affiliates  with  the 
Knights  of  the  Golden  Eagle.  Ina  M.,  the 
remaining  sister,  is  the  wife  of  J.  R.  Fitten,  of 
Bellaire,  Ohio. 

Mr.  Edgar  is  one  of  the  most  public 
spirited  and  substantial  citizens  of  Barnes- 
ville.  The  Edgar  family  are  well  known 
throughout  Belmont  County  and  occupy  a 
coveted  position  in  social  circles.  They  are 
active  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  in  which  Mr.  Edgar  has  served  as  a 
class  leader  for  several  years.  In  politics  he 
is  a pronounced  Republican,  and  at  all  times 
uses  his  influence  for  the  success  of  his  party. 
Mr.  Edgar  has  led  a busy  and  useful  life  and 
is  rightly  considered  one  of  the  mainstays  of 
Barnesville. 


FRANCIS  MOORE  is  a well-known  and 
highly  respected  citizen  of  Barnesville,  Ohio, 
who  conducts  a first-class  blacksmith  shop  in 
this  city.  He  was  born  Tn  Barnesville. 
August  7,  1856,  and  is  a son  of  William  R. 
and  Mary  E.  (Hall)  Moore. 

William  R.  Moore,  who  died  on  March  3, 
1875,  belonged  to  that  body  of  excellent 
mechanics  which  in  the  early  days  of  the  city 
did  so  much  for  its  permanent  development. 


The  names  of  John  Francis,  Robert  Crozier, 
William  Kline,  Joseph  Capstack,  John  Mc- 
Donnell, J.  P.  Cox,  James  Sproat,  George 
Hall,  John  Seals  and  William  R.  Moore,  re- 
call to  the  older  citizens  men  of  energy  and 
brawn,  who  were  not  only  good  mechanics 
and  blacksmiths,  but  were  also  among  the 
best  and  most  reliable  citizens.  In  1857  Wil- 
liam R.  Moore  erected  a hominy  mill  in 
Barnesville  on  the  corner  of  South  and 
Chestnut  streets.  For  many  years  he  oper- 
ated this  very  successfully,  and  it  was  fol- 
lowed in  1854  by  a sawmill,  which  he  located 
on  South  Chestnut  street,  and  which,  after 
years  of  successful  operation,  was  bought  by 
Hides  Brothers.  At  the  outbreak  of  the 
Civil  War,  Mr.  Moore  was  one  of  the  loyal 
men  who  responded  to  the  call  for  volun- 
teers. He  enlisted  in  Company  C,  9th  Reg., 
Ohio  Vol.  Cav.,  and  served  faithfully  until 
1865.  His  marriage  to  Mary  E.  Hall  was 
blessed  with  the  following  children;  Owen, 
who  gave  his  young  life  to  his  country  at  the 
battle  of  Stone  River;  John  W.,  Lurestine 
P.,  George  and  Francis. 

Francis  Moore  was  reared  and  schooled  at 
Barnesville,  but  in  early  manhood  started  out 
for  himself,  turning  his  steps  to  the  great 
Northwest.  There  he  learned  the  blacksmith 
trade  and  was  thus  employed  at  Minneapolis, 
Minnesota.  He  followed  the  same  occupa- 
tion in  the  regular  army,  with  which  he  was 
connected  for  two  years,  and  during  that 
time,  under  command  of  General  Miles,  par- 
ticipated in  several  engagements  with  the 
Indians.  In  1881  he  returned  to  his  old  Ohio 
home  and  opened  up  his  present  quarters, 
where  he  has  been  very  successfully  em- 
ployed ever  since.  Mr.  Moore  is  an  expert 
horseshoer  and  is  known  for  his  special 
work  in  the  shoeing  of  I'ace-track  horses.  His 
establishment  is  the  leading  one  in  Barnes- 
ville. 

Mr.  Moore  was  first  joined  in  marriage  in 
1873  with  Annie  B.  Hummer.  His  second 
marriage  occurred  in  1884,  when  he  wedded 
Annie  B.  Kircher,  who  died,  leaving  one 
daughter,  Etta  K.  Mr.  Aloore  formed  a third 


i 


m 


1 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


367 


union  with  Cora  B.  Rimer  in  1893,  which  has 
resulted  in  no  children. 

In  politics  Mr.  Moore  is  identified  with  the 
Democratic  party,  while  his  fraternal  connec- 
tion is  with  the  Odd  Fellows.  Both  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Moore  are  highly  respected  by  all  who 
know  them,  and  they  have  a wide  circle  of 
friends. 


JOHN  K.  REED,  an  extensive  farmer  in 
Warren  township,  Belmont  County,  Ohio, 
and  one  of  the  substantial,  prominent  and 
representative  citizens  of  the  county,  was 
born  in  Warren  township,  June  27,  1827,  a 
son  of  James  P.  and  Sarah  (Kent)  Reed. 

The  father  of  our  subject,  James  P.  Reed, 
was  a son  of  John  Reed,  one  of  a family  of 
eight  children.  John  Reed,  with  his  family, 
migrated  to  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  from 
Loudoun  County,  Virginia,  in  1802,  settling 
so  far  in  the  timber  that  he  was  obliged  to 
cut  a road  from  Barnesville  to  his  farm,  four 
miles  west  of  that  settlement.  He  cleared 
up  a farm  of  133  acres  in  Warren  township, 
and  upon  that  tract  James  P.  Reed  was 
reared  from  the  age  of  one  year.  He  lived 
until  1886,  aged  84  years,  a man  respected 
by  his  neighbors  and  much  beloved  by  his 
family.  The  Reeds  were  indeed  pioneers, 
coming  to  Warren  township  while  it  was 
nothing  but  a wilderness,  'with  scarcely  any 
sign  of  civilization  in  the  way  of  highways,, 
schools  or  churches.  The  mother  of  our 
subject  also  was  a daughter  of  a pioneer 
William  Kent,  formerly  of  Wills  Creek 
Noble  County,  Ohio,  where  he  was  a large 
and  successful  farmer. 

John  K.  Reed  grew  up  on  his  father’s 
farm  and  attended  the  district  schools.  From, 
assisting  his  father  he  gradually  began  to  ac- 
cumulate land  of  his  own  to  cultivate,  and 
the  large  farm  he  now  owns  is  one  of  the 
very  best  in  Warren  township.  It  contains 
108  acres  of  well-improved  land,  partly  lo- 
cated in  sections  25  and  26,  his  comfortable 
residence  being  in  the  former.  An  air  of 


thrift  pervades  the  place  and  gives  testi-, 
mony  to  the  excellent  methods  pursued  b}’ 
the  owner  of  these  fertile  acres  and  attrac- 
tive buildings. 

The  first  marriage  of  IMr.  Reed  was  to 
IMartha  Price,  a daughter  of  Nelson  Price, 
in  February,  1850,  and  three  children  were 
born  to  this  union,  the  one  survivor  being 
Mrs.  Dora  J.  Blakemore,  whose  husband  is 
one  of  the  progressive  business  men  of 
Barnesville.  The  second  marriage  of  Mr. 
Reed  took  place  April  ii,  1896;  to  Anna 
Griffen,  the  accomplished  daughter  of 
Douglas  Griffen.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Reed 
are  consistent  members  of  the  Methodist 
Church,  and,  like  his  father,  he  is  identified 
with  the  Democratic  party.  IMr.  Reed  is 
justly  regarded  as  one  of  the  county's  most 
substantial  citizens,  and  has  been  one  of  the 
directors  of  the  People's  National  Bank  of 
Barnesville  ever  since  its  organization.  His 
character  is  one  of  integrity,  and  in  all  en- 
terprises looking  to  the  growth  and  de- 
velopment of  Belmont  County  he  has  taken 
a deep  interest. 


JAMES  H.  DARRAH,  a well-known  citi- 
zen of  Bellaire,  Ohio,  now  identified  with  the 
steel  business,  was  for  many  years  connected 
with  the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad  service. 
He  was  born  in  1837  in  Richland  township, 
two  and  one-half  miles  south  of  St.  Clairs- 
ville,  a son  of  William  and  Letitia  (I^IcEar- 
land)  Darrah. 

William  Darrah,  the  father  of  James  H., 
was  a capable  and  energetic  business  man  and 
is  still  remembered  both  for  his  integrity  and 
for  estimable  personal  characteristics.  He 
was  born  in  County  Antrim,  near  Belfast, 
Ireland,  and  immigrated  to  the  United 
States,  landing  at  Baltimore,  Maryland,  prior 
to  1824,  coming  to  Belmont  County.  Ohio, 
in  the  fall  of  1832,  during  the  administration 
of  President  Andrew.  Jackson,  for  whom  he 
entertained  feelings  of  admiration  and  from 
whom  he  imbibed  Democratic  principles  to 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


368 


which  he  adhered  througdi  life.  He  was  a 
man  of  quick  wit  and  shrewd  knowledge  of 
human  nature.  A little  incident,  remem- 
bered  by  those  who  heard  its  relation  at  a 
later  date,  occurred  during  his  long  voyage 
of  hve  months  across  the  Atlantic,  which  dis- 
played in  him  a keen  understanding  of  men 
and  motives.  A passenger  discovered  that 
he  had  been  robl.)ed,  and  to  the  council,  called 
to  formulate  some  plan  liy  which  to  discover 
the  thief,  Mr.  Darrah  proposed  that  straws 
be  prepared  to  the  number  of  souls  on  board 
the  vessel,  and  that  each  one  should  draw  and 
that  the  one  wdio  obtained  the  longest  straw 
should  be  deemed  the  thief.  This  unique 
jilan  decided  the  matter;  the  thief,  in  his 
anxiety  to  escape  the  longest  straw,  bit  off  a 
jiarl  of  his  own,  making  it  the  only  short  one 
in  the  Inmch,  for  they  were  originally  all  of 
one  length.  Consec|uently,  the  thief  was 
caught  and  ducked. 

William  1 )arrah  was  accompanied  to 
America  l)y  his  lirother  Rol)ert  and  his  sis- 
ter Jane,  the  latter  of  whom  married  Wil- 
liam Gow  and  resided  near  Martin’s  Ferry. 
Mr.  Darrah  removed  his  family  to  St.  Clairs- 
ville  al)out  1844,  wdiere  he  engaged  for  some 
time  in  a Imtchering  business,  and  was  later 
appointed  postmaster  liy  President  Pierce 
through  Governor  Shannon,  wdio  \vas  then 
Congressman,  keeping  the  office  in  connec- 
tion with  a grocery  business  in  which  he  con- 
tinued until  his  retirement  from  activity, 
dying  in  November,  1870,  aged  72  vears.  His 
wife,  wlio  was  a native  of  Glasgow,  Scotland, 
sundved  until  August,  1872,  dying  at  the  age 
of  66  years.  Mr.  Darrah  w^as  a man  of  fine 
irhvsical  ]:iresence.  weighing  some  300 
pounds,  and  of  ]deasant,  genial  disposition, 
capal)le  of  winning  attached  friends.  P>y  a 
former  marriage  he  had  two  sons  and  a 
daughter  Iiorn  to  him,  wdiile  nine  sons  were 
born  to  his  latter  union  wdth  the  mother  of 
our  subject.  These  rvere:  John,  deceased, 
the  father  of  D.  H.  Darrah,  ex-postmaster  of 
P>ellaire,  of  whom  extended  mention  may  be 
found  in  another  part  of  this  volume:  Rob- 
ert, ^Yho  has  been  deceased  some  20  years; 


Walter,  who  resides  at  St.  Clairsville;  Wil- 
liam, who  resides  at  Martin’s  Ferry;  Barton, 
who  died  at  the  age  of  65  years;  James  FT; 
David,  of  St.  Clairsville;  Wilson  Shannon, 
who  died  at  the  age  of  five  years,  and  Alex- 
ander, wdio  resides  at  St.  Clairsville. 

James  H.  Darrah  was  about  seven  years  of 
age  when  his  parents  located  in  St.  Clairs- 
ville, and  it  was  in  this  place  that  he  was 
mainly  educated.  He  assisted  his  father  for 
six  years  in  the  post  office,  and  from  1861  to 
1865  he  served  as  deputy  sherifl:,  under 
Sheriff  George  H.  Umstead,  and  then  was 
made  deputy  auditor  under  R.  M.  Clark,  who 
was  auditor  of  Belmont  County,  remaining 
in  this  office  for  four  years  and  eight  months. 
In  December,  1872,  he  removed  to  Bellaire, 
bringing  his  family  to  this  city  in  January, 
1873,  since  which  time  it  has  been  their 
home.  For  the  past  21  years  they  have  re- 
sided in  their  comfortable  residence  at  No. 
3744  Belmont  street,  which  Mr.  Darrah 
erected  about  1881.  After  coming  to  Bel- 
laire, Mr.  Darrah  liecame  a member  of  the 
clerical  force  of  the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Rail- 
road and  continued  with  that  great  corpora- 
tion for  28  years.  Since  1900  he  has  been 
connected  with  the  steel  works. 

In  1863  IMr.  Darrah  was  married  to  Lydia 
A.  Taggart,  wdio  ivas  born  in  Belmont 
County,  a daughter  of  John  and  Nancy  Tag- 
gart, the  former  pf  whom,  a native  of  Bel- 
mont County,  followed  farming  all  his  life 
and  died  August  18,  1895,  aged  87  years,  a 
son  of  a native  of  Tyrone,  Ireland.  Mrs. 
Taggart  died  in  1893,  aged  81  years.  Both 
were  sadly  missed,  as  they  were  highly 
esteemed  by  many  friends  and  beloved  by 
tlieir  surviving  children.  The  record  of  the 
brothers  and  sisters  of  Mrs.  Darrah  is  as  fol- 
lows; Joseph  R.,  now  a resident  of  St.  Peters- 
I)urg,  Florida,  who  was  at  one  lime  promi- 
nent in  Illinois,  where  he  served  two  terms 
as  sheriff  of  his  county:  Catherine,  who  died 
in  infancy:  Atwell,  who  is  deceased:  James 
H.,  who  is  a grain  dealer  in  Illinois;  Mrs. 
Mary  Morrison,  of  St.  Clairsville,  and  Mrs. 
Agnes  D.  Roberts,  deceased,  her  husband  re- 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


369 


siding  in  Minneapolis,  IMinnesota.  Five 
children  were  born  to  Mr.  and  Airs.  Darrah, 
all  of  whom  have  passed  away;  Flarry,  Jesse. 
Charles  and  Florence  d}dng  in  infancy,  and 
Mary  L.,  the  eldest  daughter,  in  De- 
cember, 1899.  She  was  a lady  who  was  well 
known  to  the  citizens  of  Bellaire,  having 
served  three  years  in  the  post  office  under  D. 
W.  Cooper  and  D.  H.  Darrah,  and  was  uni- 
versally loved  for  her  amiable  manner  and 
beautiful  womanly  character. 

In  politics  Air.  Darrah  is  a Democrat, 
although  not  an  active  politician.  Both  he 
and  his  wife  belong  to  the  First  Presbyterian 
Church.  It  has  been  a pleasant  custom  of 
the  members  of  the  Darrah  family  in  this 
locality  to  hold  yearly  reunions,  and  these 
gatherings  have  assembled  for  the  past  two 
years  at  Wheeling  Park. 


AIRS.  HARRIET  B.  PATTERSON,  a 
well-known  and  most  highly  esteemed  resi- 
dent and  property  owner  of  Pease  township, 
Belmont  County,  Ohio,  was  born  at  Biddge^ 
port,  Ohio,  in  1839,  a daughter  of  Dr.  John 
G.  and  Alary  (Howard)  Affleck,  and  the 
widow  of  the  late  B.  C.  Patterson,  who 
passed  away  at  his  home  in  Pease  township 
in  1900  at  the  age  of  73  years. 

No  history  of  Belmont  County  would  be 
complete  without  mention  of  the  Howard 
family,  which  for  integrity,  industry  and  high 
principles  has  not  been  excelled  by  any  other. 
Horton  Howard,  the  maternal  grandfather 
of  Airs.  Patterson,  was  born-in  England,  and 
with  his  brother  John,  whose  descendants 
still  reside  in  Colerain  township,  Belmont 
County,  came  to  America  in  1796,  after  the 
close  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  and,  at- 
tracted by  the  mild  climate  and  fertility  of 
the  soil,  settled  in  North  Carolina.  There, 
however,  they  found  slavery  existing  under 
conditions  which  made  them  look  farther 
for  permanent  homes.  Horton  Howard  was 
a Quaker  preacher,  plain  and  unassuming,  a 
man  of  peace,  and  when  he  settled  in  Cole- 


rain  township,  about  1799,  the  few  wander- 
ing Indians  became  his  friends  and  the 
orchards  he  planted  and  the  buildings  he 
erected  never  suffered  from  their  depreda- 
tions. One  of  these  orchards  still  produces 
fruit,  and  a substantial  barn  is  utilized  by  the 
Starbuck  family,  which  now  own  a large  part 
of  the  land  he  first  located,  when  he  was  one 
of  the  first  settlers  in  Colerain  township, 
Belmont  County.  He  married  Hannah  Hast- 
ings, of  Delaware,  and  they  later  moved  to 
Columbus,  Ohio,  where  he  died  in  1832,  con- 
ducting a land  office  at  that  time,  disposing 
of  his  large  holdings.  His  children  were: 
Alary,  the  mother  of  Airs.  Patterson,  born  in 
1809,  died  in  1891;  Airs.  Sarah  Forrer;  Hor- 
ton, who  at  one  time  conducted  a newspaper 
at  St.  Clairsville;  Joseph;  and  John,  who  be- 
came a lawyer  at  Da}'ton,  Ohio. 

In  1837  Alary  Howard  was  married  to  Dr. 
Affleck  and  they  located  in  Bridgeport, 
where  the  physician  had  a large  practice  and 
became  an  honor  to  his  profession.  He  died 
there  in  1877,  aged  75  years.  The  four  chil- 
dren born  to  Dr.  and  Airs.  Affleck  were:  Har- 
riet B.,  who  was  born  in  1839:  Howard,  born 
in  1840,  who  was  killed  at  the  battle  of  Shi- 
loh during  the  Civil  War,  a youth  of  but  21 
years;  Edward,  born  August  23,  1843,  ^ 

well-known  railroad  man,  having  been  di- 
vision agent  of  the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Rail- 
road for  some  years,  is  now  engaged  in  the 
coal  business  at  Toledo — -he  married  Laura 
Walkup,  of  Columbus,  and  they  have  these 
children, — Howard,  Florence,  Rankin  and 
Edward,  Jr;  and  Alary,  who  was  born  in 
1849,  married  J.  Frank  Sharp,  of  Bridgeport, 
and  they  now  reside  at  Buffalo,  New  York. 

On  Sept.  30,  1858,  Harriet  B.  Affleck  was 
united  in  marriage  with  B.  C.  Patterson,  who 
was  born  in  Lancaster  County,  Pennsylvania, 
but  came  to  Belmont  Countv  later  than 
1840.  Two  sons  were  born  to  this  union, 
namely:  John  G.,  who  resides  near  his 
mother,  and  in  September,  1882,  married 
Alarv  Heil,  their  children  being  Catherine, 
Harriet,  Ralph,  Alarjorie  and  Alary  ATartha. 
Edward,  the  second  son,  resides  with  his 


37° 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


mother,  and  with  Ids  l)rother,  John  G.,  carries 
on  a very  successful  market  and  fruit  busi- 
ness. Mrs.  Patterson  was  given  this  fine 
farm  of  Ii6  acres  by  her  father,  and  has  re- 
sided here  for  42  years.  She  is  a valued  mem- 
ber of  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  Kirkwood. 
In  early  years  Mr.  Patterson  was  a druggist. 
Tn  politics  he  was  a Re]nd)lican,  in  private 
life  a man  of  admirable  traits,  one  who  was 
devoted  to  his  home  and  the  welfare  of  his 
fandly. 


MRS.  MARTHA  ASHENHURST,  an 
esteemed  resident  of  Pultney  township,  Bel- 
mont County,  Ohio,  is  the  widow  of  Rev. 
James  Young  Ashenhurst,  who  passed  to  his 
final  rest  in  January,  1896. 

Rev.  Ashenhurst  was  born  in  Brown 
County.  Ohio,  in  1818,  and  first  came  to  Bel- 
mont County  in  1844,  remaining  several 
months.  He  was  educated  principally  at 
Franklin  College,  and  was  ordained  a min- 
ister of  the  Gospel  in  1845.  first  charge 

was  the  church  at  Roney’s  Point,  Virginia, 
now  in  Ohio  County,  West  Virginia.  After 
eight  years  of  faithful  service  at  that  point 
his  next  field  of  labor  was  at  Dalton,  Wayne 
County,  Ohio,  after  which  he  was  stationed 
at  Hayesville,  Ashland  County,  Ohio,  and 
subsequently  spent  five  years  in  Mecklen- 
burg County,  Virginia.  He  remained  there 
until  about  1877,  when  he  retired  from  the 
ministry  to  the  farm,  where  our  subject  now 
resides.  The  closing  years  of  his  life  were 
spent  in  the  pursuits  of  farm  life  and  at  his 
death  he  was  sincerely  mourned. 

Mrs.  Ashenhurst,  whose  maiden  name  was 
Martha  Johnson,  was  born  in  Pidtney  town- 
ship in  1822,  and  is  a daughter  of  John  and 
Jane  (Gordon)  Johnson,  who  were  among 
the  early  settlers  of  Belmont  Countv.  The 
paternal  grandfather  of  our  subject,  William 
Johnson,  was  an  Irishman  by  birth,  and  after 
immigrating  to  this  country  located  near 
Ydreeling,  (West)  Virginia,  where  he  lived 
until  cut  off  by  death.  About  1795  he  mar- 


ried Martha  Giffen,  who  was  of  Scotch  na- 
tivity, and  they  had  two  children,  John  and 
James. 

John  Johnson,  the  father  of  our  subject, 
was  born  in  Virginia  in  1800.  He  continued 
to  reside  in  that  State  lurtil  his  mother  mar- 
ried John  Allen  of  Belmont  County,  Ohio, 
whither  the  family  removed,  locating  on 
High  Ridge,  in  Pultney  township.  He  ac- 
cumulated a large  amount  of  land  and  in  the 
early  “fifties”  he  built  the  house  now  occu- 
pied by  the  subject  of  this  narrative.  There 
he  I'esided  until  1872,  when  he  passed  to  his 
eternal  rest.  Three  children  were  born  to 
him  and  his  wife,  our  subject  being  the  eld- 
est child.  The  others  are  James,  who  was 
born  in  1823  and  whose  sketch  also  appears 
in  this  volume,  and  William,  who  was  born  in 
1825  and  came  to  his  death  in  1849  by 
drowning  while  bathing  in  Wheeling  Creek. 

The  mother  of  our  subject  died  in  1825, 
and  the  father  was  married  twice  after  her 
death.  In  1827  he  was  united  with  Nancy 
Pattison  of  West  Virginia,  and  in  1854  he 
followed  her  to  her  grave  also.  Several  years 
afterward  he  contracted  a union  with  Mrs. 
Nancy  (Nichol)  McGaw,  who  died  in  1899. 

In  1844  subject  was  united  in  mar- 
riage with  Mr.  Ashenhurst,  and  their  union 
was  blessed  with  nine  children,  as  follows: 
John  J.,  of  New  Wilmington,  where 
he  edits  the  “Globe”:  Mrs.  Margaret 

Niece  of  Bellaire,  Ohio;  Mrs.  Mary 
Dunns,  also  of  New  Wilmington;  James 
O..  a missionary  among  the  Indians, 
located  at  Simnasho,  Oregon;  Etta,  who  is 
still  at  home;  Mrs.  Flora  Golden  of  Moline, 
Illinois.  Nannie  and  William  J.  died  after 
reaching  maturity,  and  Elizabeth  died  when 
but  four  months  old. 

Mrs.  Ashenhurst  owns  a fine  200-acre 
farm,  which  she  manages  in  a most  capable 
manner.  The  politics  of  the  family  were  in 
unison  with  the  old  line  Whigs,  later  with 
the  anti-slavery  party,  and  then  became  Re- 
publican. and  at  the  present  time  the  family 
are  Prohibitionists.  They  ha\^e  a wide  ac- 
quaintance throughout  the  county,  and  no 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


371 


lady  in  the  community  is  more  favorably 
known  than  our  subject,  whose  kindly  acts 
have  endeared  her  to  many. 


WILLIAM  NICHOL,  a representative 
farmer  of  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  has  a fine 
home  in  section  2,  Pultney  township,  and  de- 
votes much  time  to  stock  raising.  He  is  a 
descendant  of  one  of  the  pioneer  families  of 
Belmont  County,  and  was  born  April  24, 
1830,  on  McMechen’s  Creek,  near  Stewarts- 
ville,  in  Richland  township. 

Thomas  Nichol,  the  great-great-grand- 
father  of  our  subject,  was  a native  of  County 
Derry,  Ireland.  He  was  a descendant  of  one 
of  seven  brothers  who  sought  refuge  in  that 
country,  fleeing  from  Scotland  on  account  of 
religious  persecutions.  He  married  Isabelle 
Cooke,  and  their  son,  John  Nichol,  lived  in 
the  same  home  on  Nichol’s  Hill.  John 
Nichol  married  Martha  Love.  Their  son, 
John  Nichol,  married  Anna  Woodburn,  and 
with  his  wife  .immigrated  to  the  United 
States  in  1789.  They  first  settled  in  Cum- 
berland County,  Pennsylvania,  but  subse- 
quently removed  to  Westmoreland  County 
in  the  same  State.  About  the  year  1800  they 
moved  farther  west  and  located  in  Colerain 
township,  Belmont  County,  Oliio.  Their 
son,  William  Nichol,  Sr.,  was  the  father  of 
our  subject. 

William  Nichol,  Sr.,  was  born  in  1789  and 
died  in  1855.  He  married  Harriet  Mitchell, 
who  was  born  in  1789  and  died  in  1870,  many 
years  after  the  death  of  her  husband.  Numer- 
ous children  were  born  to  this  worthy  couple, 
our  subject  being  the  youngest  one  of  the 
six  who  lived  to  mature  years.  Other  mem- 
bers of  the  family  are:  Thomas  M..  Nancy, 
John,  Jemima  Jane  and  Harriet.  Thomas 
M.  Nichol  was  born  in  1817  and  died  in  Sep- 
tember, 1896,  at  Uniontown,  Wheeling 
township.  He  married  Margaret  Creamer, 
whose  death  occurred  a few  months  previous 
to  that  of  her  husband,  during  February  of 
the  same  year.  They  reared  a family  of  six 


sons  and  one  daughter,  who  for  the  most 
part  have  their  residences  in  Wheeling  town- 
ship. Nancy  Nichol  was  born  in  1818,  and 
June  I,  1898,  marks  the  date  of  her  death. 
She  was  twice  married,  and  is  survived  by 
two  sons  and  one  daughter.  Her  first  hus- 
band was  William  McGaw,  and  her  second, 
John  Johnson.  John  Nichol  was  born  in 
1820.  His  death  took  place  in  1888.  His 
widow,  whose  maiden  name  was  Jean  Robb, 
is  still  living,  being  at  the  present  writing  a 
resident  of  Monmouth,  Illinois.  Jemima 
Jane  Nichol  was  born  in  1825  and  is  also  a 
resident  of  Monmouth,  Illinois.  She  married 
James  Boyd,  deceased  since  1878,  and  she 
has  three  daughters,  all  of  whom  are  resi- 
dents of  Illinois.  Harriet  Nichol  was  born 
in  June,  1827,  and  died  quite  recently, 
August  20,  1902.  She  was  the  wife  of  T.  J. 
King  of  Richland  township. 

William  Nichol  was  reared  and  educated  in 
his  native  township,  which  continued  to  be 
his  home  until  October,  1872,  when  he  pur- 
chased his  present  home  in  Pultney  town- 
ship, previously  known  as  the  Kelsey  farm. 
This  farm  is  finely  located  and  contains  115 
acres.  Mr.  Nichol  has  added  many  substan- 
tial improvements  to  the  place,  and  his  home 
farm  is  conceded  by  many  to  be  among  the 
finest  in  the  county.  In  addition,  he  owns 
another  fine  farm  in  Richland  township,  near 
Franklin  station,  which  he  leases. 

September  16,  1858,  our  subject  was 

united  in  marriage  with  Nancy  NefI  of  Rich- 
land township,  where  her  birth  took  place  in 
1839.  Six  children  blessed  this  union,  as 
follows:  Isaiah,  Minnie  E.,  Mary  N.,  Dorcas 
Anne,  Elmer  W.  and  Della  Rhea.  Isaiah  was 
born  July  10,  1839.  married  Ella  Alex- 
ander of  St.  Clairsville  Junction,  Ohio,  and 
they  have  two  children,  MagHe  Estella,  born 
September  23,  1888,  and  Mary  Alta,  born 
September  14,  1890.  Minnie  E.  was  born 
August  6,  1862,  and  resides  at  home,  as  do 
also  her  sisters,  Mary  N.,  born  in  August, 
1863,  and  Della  Rhea,  born  Eebruary  7, 
1883,  and  her  brother,  Elmer  W.,  who  was 
born  September  9,  1876.  Dorcas  Anne  was 


372 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY. 


born  Uctol)er  13,  1870.  She  married  Rev. 
E.  M.  Tliompson  of  Crawfordsville,  Iowa, 
and  they  have  one  child,  Helen  Frances, 
whose  birth  occurred  January  20,  1901. 

In  politics  Mr.  Nichol  is  a firm  Democrat 
and  does  all  he  can  in  a legitimate  way  to  ad- 
vance the  interests  of  that  party.  He  and 
his  wife  have  the  g'ood  will  and  respect  of  all 
whio  know  them  and  are  faithful  members  of 
the  United  Presbyterian  Church. 


JOHN  COLPITTS,  senior  member  of  the 
firm  of  Colpitts  & Boswell,  stonecutters  and 
marble  and  granite  goods  manufacturers,  of 
Barnesville,  Ohio,  has  by  his  energy,  faithful 
w^ork  and  square  dealing,  assisted  in  building 
up  one  of  the  largest  and  most  successful 
industries  of  this  kind  in  the  Ohio  Valley 
The  statuary  and  monuments  sent  out  from 
the  establishment  cannot  l)e  surpassed  for 
excellence  of  workmanship,  and  have  won 
for  the  firm  a reputation  far  and  near.  Mr. 
Colpitts’  early  start  in  this  line  has  undoubt- 
edly helped  him  greatly  in  making  a success 
of  his  business.  Born  in  England  in  1851,  a 
son  of  Thomas  and  Mary  A.  (Thornburn) 
Colpitts,  he  comes  of  a family  of  stonecut- 
ters. 

Thomas  Colpitts  w'as  especially  proficient 
in  this  trade,  having  follow^ed  it  almost  con- 
tinuously throughout  his  mature  life.  Born 
in  England,  he  there  received  careful  rearing 
somewdrat  Ireyond  the  ordinary.  Early  dis- 
playing artistic  and  mechanical  ability,  he 
w'as  placed  in  a marble-cutter’s  shop  and 
there  learned  the  trade  wdrich  he  afterward 
made  his  life  work.  Upon  reaching  man- 
hood he  opened  a shop  of  his  owm  and  car- 
ried on  a successful  business  in  his  own  coun- 
try for  some  time.  In  1856,  however  , desir- 
ing to  better  his  fortunes,  he  came  to  the 
LTnited  States,  and  after  a short  residence  in 
the  East  made  his  w^av  to  Ohio  and  located 
at  Barnesville  in  t8sq.  Here  he  opened  a 
shop  and  engaged  in  the  tombstone  business. 
Being  an  excellent  workman,  he  established 


a large  trade,  which  he  here  continued  for 
the  rest  of  his  life.  He  died  in  1880.  During 
his  early  manhood  he  married  Mary  A. 
Thornburn,  and  they  had  eight  children. 
Mrs.  Colpitts  died  in  1894. 

John  Colpitts  w^as  but  five  years  old  when 
his  parents  came  to  this  country  and  eight 
years  of  age  when  they  settled  in  Barnesville, 
and  he  is  largely  a product  of  this  thriving 
city.  Here  he  received  his  early  men- 
tal training,  and  in  his  father’s  shop,  which 
he  entered  in  his  youth,  his  preparation  for 
the  work  which  he  has  since  so  ably  and  con- 
tinuously performed.  In  1875  industry 
with  which  he  is  connected  was  established 
and  as  it  was  in  his  line  upon  starting  in  life 
for  himself,  he  purchased  an  interest  in  the 
business.  The  composition  of  the  firm  has 
since  changed  somewhat,  and  in  1887  Mr. 
Colpitts  took  in  as  a partner  Nathan  M.  Bos- 
well, with  whom  he  has  since  continued  in 
partnership.  The  business  is  a large  one  and 
consists  mainly  of  the  manufacture  of  marble 
and  granite  monuments  and  fine  statuary. 
Most  exquisite  work  is  turned  out. 

In  1888  Mr.  Colpitts  married  Mary  M. 
Bundy,  daughter  of  Nathan  Bundy,  and  they 
have  had  one  child,  Clifford  B.  The  family 
are  all  active  in  religious  circles  and  mem- 
bers of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 
Mr.  Colpitts  is  a man  w'hose  word  carries 
much  weight  in  his  community,  and  as  a 
Democrat  he  is  especially  influential  in  local 
politics.  He  is  a member  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F. 


EDWARD  T.  PETTY,  who  is  one  of  the 
oldest  practicing  attorneys  of  Barnesville, 
Ohio,  and  one  of  the  leading  men  of  the  city, 
was  born  on  September  26,  1843,  in  Noble 
(formerly  Monroe)  County,  Ohio.  He  is  a 
son  of  Jesse  L.  and  Elizabeth  (Thomas)  Pet- 
ty. The  father  was  born  in  Virginia,  located 
in  Ohio  in  1811,  and  followecl  an  agricul- 
tural life  until  his  death,  in  1887.  The 
mother  passed  away  in  1883.  They  were  the 
parents  of  seven  children. 


STEWART  WATT. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


375 


Edward  T.  Petty  was  reared  on  a farm  and  j 
obtained  his  mental  training  in  the  common  ; 
schools.  When  but  i8  years  of  age  he  en- 
listed in  the  early  part  of  i86i  in  the  noted 
42nd  Reg.,  Oliio  Vol.  Inf.,  which  was  under 
the  command  of  the  lamented  President  Gar-  j 
field.  Three  years  later,  at  the  expiration  of 
his  term  of  service,  he  re-enlisted  in  the  5th  ! 
United  States  Veteran  Corps  (Hancock’s),  j 
with  which  he  continued  in  all  of  its  battles  | 
and  campaigns  until  it  was  finally  mustered 
out  in  the  spring  of  1866.  Immediately  fol- 
lowing his  army  experience  Mr.  Petty  be- 
came a teacher  and  followed  this  profession 
for  six  years,  in  the  meantime  reading  law. 
This  resulted  in  his  admission  to  the  bar  in  ! 
the  spring  of  1877,  and  he  began  the  prac-  1 
tice  of  law  in  Barnesville,  Ohio,  in  June,  ‘ 
1879.  In  1884  Mr.  Petty  formed  a legal  [ 
partnership  with  Judge  Smith,  of  St.  Clairs-  | 
ville,  the  firm  style  being  Petty  & Smith. 
During  the  greater  part  of  the  continuance 
of  this  partnership  Mr.  Petty  served  as  city 
attorney,  and  he  firmly  established  himself  ! 
as  one  of  the  able  advocates  of  Belmont 
County. 

i\Ir.  Petty  married  Rebecca  E.  kliller,  the 
accomplished  daughter  of  Eliza  Miller,  of 
Muskingum  County,  Ohio.  The  offspring  of 
this  union  was  one  son,  who  is  now  largely 
interested  in  the  Guffy  Oil  Company  in 
Texas;  one  daughter,  who  is  the  wife  of  J. 

A M.  O’Donnell,  and  two  daughters,  who  are 
at  home.  In  church  relations  the  family  are 
Methodists.  Eraternally,  Mr.  Petty  has  long 
been  connected  with  the  klasonic  bodies  and 
with  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic  since 
its  organization.  In  politics  he  is  a zealous 
Republican  and  a leader  in  his  party. 


STEWART  WATT,  general  superin- 
tendent and  one  of  the  members  of  the  firm  i 
comprising  the  AVatt  Mining  Car  Wheel 
Company,  of  Barnesville,  Ohio,  an  inventor 
of  ability  and  a successful  man  of  business, 
is  also  a leading  citizen  in  the  public,  re- 
ligious and  social  life  of  the  city  of  his 


choice,  in  which  he  owns  one  of  the  most 
beautiful,  as  well  as  hospitable,  homes. 

The  birth  of  Mr.  W’att  took  place  in  Har- 
rietsville,  Ohio.  June  21,  1846,  and  he  was 
reared  and  educated  both  in  Noble  and  Alon- 
roe  counties.  Until  he  was  17  years  old  he 
remained  at  home,  engaged  in  farm  work, 
but  in  the  spring  of  1863  he  came  to 
Barnesville,  where  his  father,  the  late  Joseph 
Watt,  and  his  brother,  the  late  James  H. 
\Wtt,  were  engaged  in  a foundry  business, 
and  entered  as  an  employee,  in  1867  becom- 
ing a partner,  when  the  firm  name  became 
J.  H.  V'att  & Brothers.  A practical  me- 
chanic and  a young  man  of  inventive  genius, 
his  activity  was  constantly  in.  the  line  of  im- 
provement, and  in  the  invention  of  the  self- 
oiling  mining  car  wheel  he  not  only  gained 
reputation  for  himself  and  brother,  James 
H.  W'att,  with  whom  he  was  associated,  but 
also  gave  an  impetus  to  the  foundry  busi- 
ness, which  later  was  developed  into  the 
V att  iMining  Car  Vdreel  Company;  he  was 
then  made  superintendent  of  the  works. 
James  H.  and  Stewart  Watt  secured  the  first 
patent  on  November  2,  1880.  and  our  sub- 
ject immediately  went  upon  the  road,  intro- 
during  the  car  wheel  into  many  States,  with 
unexpected  and  flattering  success.  Up<on 
his  return  he  took  charge  of  the  shops  of 
the  foundry,  and  in  his  capable,  efficient 
manner  has  regulated  a business  of  enor- 
mous volume,  which  now  has  penetrated 
into  almost  every  part  of  the  globe  and  is  a 
part  of  the  invasion  which  foreign  lands 
have  begun  to  fear  from  American  captains 
of  industry  and  their  products.  IMr.  Watt 
with  his  able  brother,  the  late  James  H. 
Wtt,  was  the  patentee  of  14  patents  which 
are  made  use  of  in  the  construction  of  the 
car  wheels  in  this  foundry,  some  of  which 
patents  cover  the  English  field. 

In  1868  Air.  AATtt  was  united  in  marriage 
with  Anna  AT  Bundy,  daughter  of  Ezekiel 
Bundv,  one  of  the  highly  respected  citizens 
of  AA'arren  township,  and  six  children  were 
l:)orn  to  this  union,  namely;  Forrest  H.,  who 
is  employed  as  a manager  in  the  foundry; 


376 


CENTENNIAL , HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Daisy  H.,  who  married  W.  K.  Pendleton,  a 
noted  minister  of  the  Christian  Church; 
William  E.  and  Walter  G.,  both  of  whom 
are  in  school;  an  infant  that  died  a babe;  and 
Olga  M.,  whose  death  occurred  on  Novem- 
ber 9,  1895,  a beautiful  young  woman  of  22 
years,  whose  decease  cast  a shadow  over  the 
city's  social  circles.  She  was  a graduate  of 
the  High  School  and  w^as  gifted  in  many 
ways,  being  particularly  accomplished  in  the 
art  of  china  painting,  many  exquisite  sam- 
ples of  her  work  being  treasured  by  relatives 
and  friends.  The  religious  connection  of 
Mr.  Watt  and  family  is  with  the  Presby- 
terian Church.  Pie  is  advanced  in  Masonry 
and  is  a charter  member  of  Warren  Lodge, 
Knights  of  Pythias. 

Mr.  Watt  has  been  too  deeply  absorbed  in 
business  to  find  time  to  accept  offices  of 
great  responsibility,  although  his  promi- 
nence in  the  Republican  party  and  his  emi- 
nent fitness  are  generally  recognized,  but  he 
has  served  in  the  City  Council  for  more 
than  10  years,  during  this  time  advocating 
strenuously  the  paving  of  the  streets,  he 
being  the  first  member  of  the  Council  to 
present  this  subject  before  that  body.  He 
is  the  owner  of  considerable  real  estate  in 
the  city,  and  wdth  his  brother,  Janies  PL, 
erected  20  houses;  he  has  done  much  for 
the  permanent  improvement  of  Barnesville. 
At  the  death  of  James  H.  Watt  our  subject 
was  made  jiresident  of  the  Belmont-Monroe 
Reunion  Association. 


THOMAS  S.  ROSENGRANT,  M.  D. 
d he  medical  profession  is  worthily  repre- 
sented in  Barnesville,  Ohio,  by  men  of  abil- 
ity, great  skill  and  trained  experience,  and 
prominent  among  these  is  Dr.  Thomas  S. 
Rosengrant,  who  was  born  in  Oxford  town- 
ship,- Guernsey  County,  Ohio,  and  was  one 
of  a family  of  seven  children  of  George  L. 
and  Deborah  fWilkins)  Rosengrant.  The 
former  was  born  and  reared  in  Guernsey 
County,  Ohio,  where  he  became  an  extensive 


farmer  and  where  he  still  resides.  The  mother 
of  Dr.  Rosengrant  died  in  1881. 

The  early  life  of  the  Doctor  was  spent  on 
his  father’s  farm,  where  he  was  born  January 
-5)  1857-  PTere,  among  rural  surroundings, 
he  attained  manhood  and  acquired  a good 
common-school  education.  This  was  supple- 
mented by  a course  in  Scio  College,  from 
which  institution  he  graduated  with  great 
credit.  His  reading  of  medicine  was  followed 
under  the  direction  of  Dr.  James  E.  Taylor, 
of  Richmond,  Indiana,  preparatory  to  his 
entrance  into  Starling  Meclical  College  at 
Columbus,  Ohio,  from  which  he  graduated 
in  1883.  Dr.  Rosengrant  then  took  a post- 
graduate course  in  medicine  and  surgery  at 
the  Chicago  Medical  College  and  at  the 
Medico-Chirurgical  College  of  Philadelphia, 
Pennsylvania.  He  acquired  experience  by 
attending  the  hospitals  of  these  cities,  and, 
when  prepared  to  begin  his  life  work,  settled 
in  Barnesville,  Ohio,  July  9,  1900.  Although 
his  residence  has  been  but  a short  one  in  this 
city,  it  has  been  one  of  encouraeement  and 
success,  his  capacity  having  been  recognized 
both  by  the  public  and  his  brother  practition- 
ers. 

Dr.  Rosengrant  married  Ada  E.  Jones,  a 
daughter  of  A¥illiam  Jones,  of  Belmont 
County.  The  Doctor  is  a member  of  the 
Knights  of  Pythias  and  the  Odd  Fellows, 
and  is  highly  valued  in  his  association  with 
the  Ohio  State  Medical  Association  and  the 
American  Medical  Association.  His  politi- 
cal connection  is  with  the  Republican  party, 
and  he  is  actively  interested  in  the  success  of 
its  measures  and  the  spread  of  its  principles. 
With  his  wife  he  belongs  to  the  Methodist 
Church,  to  which  he  liberally  contributes. 
Plis  offices  are  located  in  the  Bradfield  Block 
in  Barnesville,  one  of  the  most  convenient 
and  appropriate  situations  for  a rising  young 
physician. 


GEORGE  A.  COLPITTS,  a leading  at- 
torney of  Barnesville,  Ohio,  and  one  of  its 
esteemed  and  representative  citizens,  was 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


377 


born  in  Washington,  D.  C.,  in  1859,  and  was 
one  of  a family  of  eight  children  of  Thomas 
and  Mary  A.  (Thornburn)  Colpitts. 

Thomas  Colpitts  was  born  in  England,  and 
there  learned  the  trade  of  stone  carver.  He 
also  had  the  superintendence  of  extensive 
building  operations,  which  he  continued  later 
in  the  United  States,  where  he  settled  in 
1857.  Until  1859  he  resided  in  Washington. 
D.  C.,  an€l  then  moved  to  Barnesville,  Ohio, 
where  he  resided  until  his  death,  in  1880. 
His  widow  survived  him  until  1896. 

George  A.  Colpitts  entered  upon  the  study 
of  law  under  the  able  instructions  of  W.  R. 
Talbot,  and  in  1890  was  admitted  to  the  bar 
of  Belmont  County.  He  formed  a partner- 
ship with  Mr.  Talbot,  which  continued  for 
four  years.  During  1898,  1899  and  1900  Mr. 
Colpitts  served  the  public  in  the  capacity  of 
city  solicitor,  having  been  elected  b}^  the  Re- 
publican party,  of  which  he  is  an  active  mem- 
ber. His  fraternal  associations  are  with  the 
K.  of  P.,  the  B.  P.  O.  E.  and  the  Masons. 

With  his  two  younger  sisters  Mr.  Colpitts 
occupies  a cozy  and  comfortable  residence  in 
Barnesville,  where  all  are  most  highly 
esteemed.  As  a rising  man  the  subject  of 
this  sketch  is  well  known,  and  his  interest  is 
pronounced  in  regard  to  the  promotion  of 
enterprises  which  promise  to  benefit  the  city. 
He  is  well  qualified  as  a lawyer  and  has  a 
large  and  constantly  increasing  patronage. 


CHARLES  M.  ROBITZER,  the  junior 
member  of  the  firm  of  Williams  & Robitzer, 
flour,  feed,  meal  and  grain  millers,  of  Barnes- 
ville. Ohio,  is  one  of  the  progressive,  ener- 
getic and  successful  young  business  men  of 
this  city.  The  birth  of  TIr.  Robitzer  oc- 
curred January  5,  1875,  in  Kentucky.  He  is 
a son  of  Frederick  and  Louisa  D.  H. 
''Hinkey)  Robitzer.  Our  subject’s  mother 
died  the  same  year  that  he  was  born. 

Erederick  Robitzer  was  born  in  Germany 
and  came  when  a young  man  in  the  early 
“fifties”  to  the  United  States,  where  he  fol- 
lowed the  trade  of  a painter.  Landing  in 


New  York,  he  went  from  there  to  Cincinnati 
and  thence  to  Kentucky,  and  moved  after 
the  death  of  his  wife  to  Terre  Haute,  In- 
diana. where  he  now  resides.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Robitzer  had  a family  of  eight  children,  five 
of  whom  survive. 

Charles  M.  Robitzer  was  the  youngest  of 
his  parents'  family,  and  never  knew  a moth- 
er’s tender  care.  His  mental  training  was 
obtained  in  the  common  schools.  He  early 
developed  business  instincts,  and  in  his  en- 
deavor to  became  a wage  earner  and  to  assist 
his  father,  learned  the  barber’s  trade.  As  he 
grew  to  manhood,  however,  his  inclinations 
led  him  to  become  a millwright,  and  when 
the  occasion  presented  itself  he  became  deep- 
ly interested  in  the  milling  business. 

In  1881  the  firm  of  Carter,  Beardmore  & 
Wiesiner  built  a large  flouring  mill  on  lots 
63  and  64  in  Barnesville,  which  it  operated 
for  several  years.  Subsequently,  the  mill  be- 
came the  property  of  John  Wiesiner.  who 
disposed  of  it  to  klr.  Bonnell.  On  February 
14,  1894,  Mr.  Bonnell  lost  the  mill  by  fire, 
and  afterward  partially  replaced  it.  W.  H. 
Bentley  and  E.  E.  McKeever  completed  the 
work.  The  death  of  the  latter  in  1897  and 
of  the  former  in  1898  placed  the  property  in 
the  hands  of  their  respective  widows,  by 
whom  it  was  leased  for  a short  time  to  R. 
G.  Hogue.  On  February  24,  1900,  this  prop- 
ertv,  known  as  the  City  Mill,  was  purchased 
by  the  young  firm  of  Williams  & Robitzer. 
Since  that  time  the  business  has  prospered 
and  has  continuallv  advanced  in  importance. 
Much  rebuilding  and  remodeling  was  neces- 
sary in  order  to  place  the  plant  in  first-class 
condition,  and  new  machinery  was  installed 
at  a cost  of  $2,000.  The  entire  plant  has  a 
valuation  of  from  $12,000  to  $15,000,  and  it 
has  a capacity  of  75  barrels  per  day.  All 
modern  methods  of  milling  are  in  use,  and 
the  product  is  held  to  be  entirelv  satisfactory 
bv  the  citizens  of  Barnesville  and  the  farm- 
ers in  the  vicinity.  The  business  methods  of 
the  firm  are  also  of  an  honest  and  fair  char- 
acter, and  personally  its  members  are  men  of 
integrity. 


378 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


On  June  3,  1902,  Mr.  Robitzer  was  united 
in  niarriag'c  with  Pearl  1.  Dye,  the  accom- 
plished daughter  of  Thompson  W.  Dye,  who 
is  a well  known  mechanic,  ddie  subject  of 
this  sketch  and  his  wife  are  valued  members 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  Fraternally  Mr. 
Robitzer  is  a Mason'.  Politically  he  acts  with 
the  Republican  party. 


THOMAS  G.  MOORE,  postmaster  of 
IMrnesville,  Ohio,  is  one  of  the  best  known 
and  most  highly  esteemed  citizens  of  the 
place,  his  long  term  of  mail  service  having 
made  him  familiar  to  the  community,  while  it 
has  served  to  thoroughly  educate  him  in 
every  detail  of  the  work.  For  many  years 
Mr.  Moore's  chief  interest  has  centered  in 
the  perfection  of  the  ])ostal  system  under  his 
care. 

ddie  birth  of  Mr.  Moore  occurred  in  War- 
ren townshi]),  P)elmont  County,  and  he  is  a 
son  of  Thomas  G.  and  Mary  (Staggs)  Moore. 
The  father  was  horn  in  Kirkwood,  Ohio,  Oc- 
tober 9,  1824.  There  he  engaged  in  farming 
until  his  death.  July  31,  1891.  The  mother 
survived  until  November  13,  1898. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  attended  the 
public  schools  and  ]:>repared  himself  for  a 
business  career  by  taking  a thoroitgh  com- 
mercial course.  While  still  a youth  he  was 
employed  in  the  mail  service  on  the  Vandalia 
Railroad  and  continued  thus  for  18  months, 
when  he  resigned  to  accept  a clerical  posi- 
tion in  a drug  store  in  Barnesville,  where  he 
remained  for  three  and  a half  years. 

About  this  time  Mr.  Moore  was  appointed 
assistant  postmaster  at  P)arnesville,  and  con- 
tinued in  that  capacity  for  iij  years.  On 
May  4,  1900,  he  succeeded  Postmaster  Hillis, 
and  has  proven  one  of  the  most  acceptable 
officials  this  citv  has  ever  had.  He  intro- 
duced rural  mail  delivery  and  has  four  em- 
ployees under  his  supervision.  Mr.  Moore 
gives  his  whole  time  and  attention  to  his 
office.  His  system  has  met  with  the  approval 
of  the  citizens,  and  they  esteem  an  official  so 


careful  and  conscientious,  rely  upon  his  ac- 
curacy and  enjoy  the  promptness  with  which 
the  business  is  carried  on. 

Mr.  Moore  married  Eva  M.  Marks,  who  is 
a daughter  of  Samuel  Marks  and  a native  of 
Ohio.  The  two  children  horn  to  this  union 
are  Carrie  M.  and  Ralph  M.  Mr.  Moore  is 
a member  of  the  Odd  Fellows.  He  is  a 
stanch  supporter  of  the  Republican  party. 


J.  W.  GARBER,  secretary  and  treasurer 
of  the  Enameled  Steel  Tile  Company,  of  Bel- 
laire,  Ohio,  has  long  been  known  in  Belmont 
County  for  his  efficient  service  in  connection 
with  railroad  work.  He  was  horn  and  reared 
at  Cambridge,  Ohio,  and  his  first  work  was 
done  in  the  transportation  and  traffic  depart- 
ments of  the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad.  In 
1886  he  moved  to  Bellaire  and  accepted  the 
position  of  night  clerk,  his  close  attention  to 
business  and  his  reliability  promoting  him 
r?ipidly  through  all  the  desks  to  that  of  chief 
clerk,  cashier  and  agent. 

In  1899  Mr.  Garber  was  called  to  Martin’s 
Ferry  with  the  Cleveland,  Lorain  & Wheel- 
ing Railway,  and  he  built  up  business  at  that 
point  in  the  same  capable  manner  that  had 
made  his  work  so  satisfactory  previously. 
When  this  road  was  consolidated  with  the 
Baltimore  & Ohio  our  subject  was  proffered 
a responsible  position  at  Uniontown,  Penn- 
sylvania, on  the  main  line,  hut  he  declined 
and  severed  his  relations  on  account  of  his 
pleasant  home  and  many  friends  being  in  Bel- 
laire. The  enterprise  with  which  Mr.  Garber 
is  so  prominently  associated  is  a comparative- 
ly new  one  in  Bellaire,  organized  in  June, 
1902,  by  J.  W.  Garber,  James  F.  DuBois, 
William  H.  Landkrohn,  W.  S.  Heatherington 
and  James  F.  Anderson,  incorporators.  The 
officers  of  the  company  are  men  of  standing 
and  worth  in  the  community,  namely:  James 
F.  DuBois,  president;  E.  J.  A.  Drennen,  of 
Martin’s  Ferry,  vice-president;  J.  W.  Gar- 
ber, secretary  and  treasurer;  William  H. 
Landkrohn,  manager  of  the  factory  and  the 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


379 


practical  man  of  the  plant.  This  business 
will  be  conducted  for  the  manufacture  of 
enameled  steel  tile,  to  take  the  place  of  the 
ordinary  clay  tile  now  in  general  use,  and 
the  number  of  beautiful  designs  thus  made 
possible  is  almost  unlimited.  This  is  to  be 
used  for  ceilings,  wainscoting,  hearths,  man- 
tels, etc.  The  ceiling  tile  will  be  manufac- 
tured 1 6 inches  scj^uare  and  the  manner  of 
fastening  together  has  been  patented,  and 
a wide  business  field  is  open  in  this  line 
alone.  It  is  claimed  for  this  tile  that  it  is 
non-crazing,  fully  as  serviceable  as  the  old 
tile  and  accepts  a much  more  beautiful  finish. 
The  substantial  building  located  between 
2/th  and  28th  and  Water  streets,  known  as 
the  “old  tobacco  warehouse,”  has  been  pur- 
chased by  the  company  and  fitted  with  ap- 
propriate machinery,  and  work  will  prob- 
ably be  commenced  in  the  fall  of  1902.  Many 
orders  have  already  been  received  for  their 
product.  Mr.  Garber  was  one  of  the  pro- 
moters of  this  company,  and  the  enterprise 
bids  fair  to  become  one  of  Bellaire’s  success- 
ful industries. 


L.  F.  WILSON,  who  is  widely  known 
through  Barnesville  and  Belmont  County 
as  a successful  florist,  has  been  located  in  this 
city  since  1864.  He  is  a native  of  Ohio,  was 
born  in  Freeport,  Harrison  County,  on  Jan- 
uary 29,  1858,  and  is  one  of  a family  of  six 
children  of  William  C,  and  Esther  (Faucett) 
Wilson. 

William  C.  Wilson  was  also  born  in  Ohio, 
and  was  a resident  of  Freeport  for  many 
years.  He  moved  to  Barnesville  about  1864. 
He  was  one  of  the  charter  members  of  the 
First  National  Bank,  and  served  as  its  first 
cashier.  At  one  time  he  was  also  an  exten- 
sive merchant  in  this  city%  and  also  while 
a resident  of  Freeport.  Ohio.  He  was  a 
highly  regarded  member  of  the  Society  of 
Friends  at  Barnesville.  In  18^2  he  married 
Esther  Faucett,  a native  of  Columbiana 
County,  Ohio,  and  a descendant  of  one  of 
the  prominent  families  of  Salem.  Mrs.  Wil- 


son died  in  i886.-  His  lamented  death  oc- 
curred in  April,  1867.  His  marriage  resulted 
in  the  following  children:  Charles,  Frank 

D.,  L.  F.,  Edward,  klary  Jane,  and  one  that 
died  in  infancy. 

The  early  mental  training  of  L.  F.  Wilson 
was  acquired  in  the  common  schools  of  his 
native  place  and  Barnesville.  His  interests 
have  always  centered  in  his  present  delight- 
ful business,  in  which  he  embarked  on  his 
own  account  in  1887.  From  small  begin- 
nings he  has  built  it  up  until  his  trade  ex- 
tends over  a wide  area,  and  his  name  in  con- 
nection with  his  products  is  known  very 
familiarly  throughout  Belmont  County. 
With  Mr.  Wilson  his  business  is  an  absorb- 
ing one,  and  in  its  pursuance  he  has  devoted 
little  time  to  outside  matters.  His  present 
residence  and  greenhouses  cover  a space  of 
four  and  a half  acres,  while  his  collection  of 
rare  and  valuable  plants  in  two  of  the  rooms 
is  valued  at  $2,000.  His  florist  business  in- 
cludes all  branches  of  the  work,  and  he  con- 
tinually supplies  the  greater  part  of  the 
critical  flower  buyers  iir  Barnesville.  A visit 
to  his  beautiful  houses  is  a treat  to  lovers  of 
flowers,  and  a pleasure  to  those  who  are 
even  indifferent. 

On  October  19,  1887,  Mr.  Wilson  was 
married  to  Flora  M.  Fowler,  who  is  a daugh- 
ter of  James  Fowler,  a representative  citizen 
of  Barnesville.  This  union  has  resulted  in 
three  children, — Mary^  E.,  William  F.  and 
Anna  G.  Mr.  Wilson  affiliates  with  the  Re- 
publican party,  although  not  in  the  attitude 
of  an  office-seeker,  and  his  fraternal  associa- 
tion is  with  Warren  Lodge,  No.  76,  Knights 
of  Pythias.  He  is  financially  interested  in 
the  Home  Building  & Loan  Association,  and 
assists  in  every  way  in  the  development  of 
Barnesville  as  an  educational  and  business 
center,  and  as  a city'  where  the  highest  type 
of  home  life  is  possible.  i\Irs.  Wilson  is  a 
member  of  the  Methodist  Church.  She  and 
her  husband  are  held  in  high  esteem.  They 
number  many'  warm  friends  in  this  city',  and 
enjoy'  the  opportunity  to  tender  them  a gra- 
cious hospitality'. 


380 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY. 


ROBERT  J.  POLLOCK,  one  of  the  old- 
est and  most  substantial  citizens  of  Wheel- 
ing' township,  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  is  a 
native  of  the  Buckeye  State,  born  in  Short 
Creek  township,  Harrison  County,  on 
Christmas  Day,  1824.  His  parents  were 
John  and  Agnes  (Hays)  Pollock,  the  former 
of  whom  was  born  either  in  Washington  or 
Beaver  County,  Pennsylvania,  in  1795,  a 
son  of  Samuel  Pollock,  probably  of  Scotch- 
Irish  ancestry. 

John  Pollock  immigrated  to  Ohio  in  1827- 
28  and  located  in  Lhhon  township,  Belmont 
County,  purchasing  his  land  from  James 
Marquis,  wdio  had  made  but  little  improve- 
ment u])on  it.  Mr.  Pollock  w'as  an  energetic 
and  industrious  man,  and  in  the  course  of 
time  erected  excellent  buildings  and  cleared 
the  land  for  cultivation.  He  had  married 
Agnes  Hays  in  Pennsylvania,  and  they  be- 
came the  parents  of  14  children,  as  follows: 
Samuel,  William,  James  (ist),  Alexander, 
kol)ert  J.,  Hannah  J.,  Eleanor,  John,  James 
(2nd),  Margaret,  Mary,  Calvin,  Sarah  R., 
and  Agnes. 

Robert  J.  Pollock  has  been  a resident  of 
Belmont  County  since  he  was  four  years  old, 
and  of  Wheeling  towmship  since  his  18th 
year,  and  has  been  identihed  with  its  growth 
and  development,  especially  in  agricultural 
lines.  His  education  was  obtained  in  the 
district  schools  of  his  locality  and  also  at 
a select  school  at  Loydsville.  Lor  a num- 
ber of  years,  in  his  early  business  life,  he 
engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  threshingf 
machines,  rvhich  were  regarded  as  invalu- 
able at  that  time,  although  they  were  built 
without  the  present  fanning  attachment. 
This  was  in  the  early  days  of  harvesting 
machinery.  In  1850,  one  year  after  mar- 
riage, he  began  farming  and  stock-raising, 
and  in  l^oth  lines  of  agriculture  has  been 
eminently  successful. 

On  December  5,  1849,  Robert  J.  Pollock 
was  married  to  Mary  J.  Rainey,  daughtei 
of  William  Rainey,  of  Wheeling  township, 
who  died  on  October  24,  1882,  having  been  j 


the  devoted  mother  of  seven  children, 
namely:  William  R.,  John,  Emma,  Thomas 

A.,  Mary,  James,  and  Agnes.  William  R., 
who  is  a farmer  of  Wheeling  township,  liv- 
ing near  Shepherdstown,  married  first  Jennie 
R.  Neal  and  has  one  child.  His  second  mar- 
riage was  to  Lizzie  Watson.  John  is  a prom- 
inent member  of  the  bar  of  Belmont  County, 
and  resides  in  St.  Clairsville,  having  one 
child.  Emma  married  John  L.  Allen,  has 
one  child,  and  they  reside  near  Crab  Apple 
Church.  Thomas  A.  married  Belle  Allen, 
and  they  reside  near  Eairpoint.  Mary  mar- 
ried James  A.  Ross,  and  they  have  three 
children  and  live  near  Bellefontaine,  Logan 
County,  Ohio.  James  married  Mabel  Hen- 
derson, daughter  of  T.  J.  Henderson,  and 
they  have  four  children.  He  owns  a fine 
farm,  but  resides  with  his  father,  and  is  op- 
erating the  latter’s  farm.  Agnes  is  her  father’s 
housekeeper,  leaving  school  at  the  death  of 
her  mother.  Mr.  Pollock  has  given  his  chil- 
dren excellent  educational  advantages  and 
has  reared  them  in  a home  of  comfort  and 
refinement,  affording  them  literary  and  cul- 
tured surroundings.  Few  residences  in  the 
township  more  completely  fill  the  idea  of 
a comfortable  home  than  that  occupied  by 
our  subject.  It  is  modern  in  all  of  its  ap- 
pointments, and  is  surrounded  with  attrac- 
tive grounds  and  appointments  which  Mr. 
Pollock’s  ample  means  have  provided.  Of 
quiet,  refined,  intellectual  tastes,  he  takes 
much  enjoyment  in  his  library  and  current 
literature,  and  while  never  a politician,  is 
an  interested  observer  of  public  issues.  His 
first  vote  was  cast  for  Stephen  A.  Douglas 
for  president,  and  later  for  John  C.  Fremont, 
and  now  gives  his  support  to  the  Republican 
party.  He  has  served  as  director  of  the 
County  Infirmary,  but  has  refused  other  of- 
fices, although  so  well  cpialified  to  hold 
them.  A strain  of  Scotch  blood  not  only 
is  observable  in  his  keen  gray  eyes  and  rug- 
ged physique,  but  also  in  his  adherence  to 
the  faith  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  in 
i which  he  was  reared.  He  is  an  elder  in  the 


I 

1 


t 


JAMES  H.  WATT. 


I 


i 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


383 


church  and  a most  liberal  supporter  of  the 
church’s  benevolent  and  charitable  enter- 
prises. 

Although  Mr.  Pollock  has  passed  his  75th 
birthday,  it  is  only  by  *the  written  record 
that  it  can  be  believed,  his  erect  figure  and 
alert  movements,  his  interest  and  usefulness 
in  his  locality,  his  superior  judgment  in  mat- 
ters of  business,  all  giving  him  the  appear- 
ance of  a man  of  not  more  than  50  years. 
It  has  been  more  than  once  remarked  that 
his  personal  appearance  reminds  many  of 
Salmon  P.  Chase,  that  distinguished  son  of 
Ohio,  while  others  see  in  his  mild  and  gentle 
face  a notable  resemblance  to  no  less  a per- 
sonage than  Horace  Greeley.  Few  citizens 
of  Belmont  County  more  completely  repre- 
sent its  best  element. 


Jx\i\IES  H.  WATT.  It  is  possible  for  the 
careful  student  of  political  economy  and 
human  achievement  to  select  in  every  com- 
munity individuals  who  have  risen  above 
their  fellows,  not  on  account  of  environ- 
ment, but  rather  in  spite  of  it.  Such  was  the 
case  with  the  late  James  H.  Watt.  The  in- 
domitable spirit  which  conquered  early  dis- 
advantages was  the  motive  power  which 
made  of  him  the  manufacturing  magnate  he 
finally  became,  and  changed  the  obscure  lit- 
tle village  foundry  into  one  of  the  great  cen- 
ters of  activity  in  its  line,  with  its  products 
welcomed  in  every  part  of  the  civilized  globe. 

The  birth  of  James  H.  Watt  took  place  at 
Batesville,  Noble  Count^^  Ohio,  August  ii, 
1839.  He  grew  to  manhood  in  Noble  and 
Monroe  counties,  Malaga  being  the  scene  of 
his  most  anxious  efforts  to  fit  himself  for  the 
vocation  of  teacher.  In  1862,  after  teaching 
in  the  country  schools,  he  accompanied  his 
brother,  Stewart,  to  Barnesville,  Belmont 
County,  and  during  the  39  years  vouchsafed 
him  of  life  thereafter  he  was  identified  with 
affairs  in  Barnesville  and  vicinity,  which  in 
many-  cases  materially  affected  the  character 
and  fortunes  of  some  of  her  greatest  enter- 
prises. 


In  the  year  1862,  in  association  with  his 
respected  father,  the  late  Joseph  Watt,  our 
subject  started  in  a small  way  in  a foundry 
business,  in  a small  building  located  in 
Barnesville,  on  Church  street.  The  business 
so  modestly  started  grew  in  strength  and  im- 
portance, and  in  1865  the  style  was  given  to 
the  public  as  the  firm  of  J.  H.  Watt  & 
Brother,  John  W.  Watt  having  become  a 
member.  In  1867  this  firm  name  was 
changed  to  J.  H.  Watt  & Brothers,  Stew- 
art Watt  then  entering  the  firm.  The  busi- 
ness was  inaugurated  for  the  manufacture  of 
stoves  and  castings,  and  the  output  con- 
tinued thus  for  a period  of  18  years.  In 
1880  a patent  secured  by  James  H.  and  Stew- 
art Watt  on  a self-oiling  mining  car  wheel 
(with  13  other  patents)  caused  additional 
business  and  change  in  manufacture,  result- 
ing in  1882  in  the  formation  of  the  Watt 
Mining  Car  Wheel  Company,  of  which  James 
H.  Watt  was  made  the  president.  The  in- 
flux of  outside  trade,  which  the  adoption  of 
the  above-named  patent  brought  to  the  com- 
pany, necessitated  the  enlargement  of  the 
buildings,  and  in  1890  and  1891  new  build- 
ings were  erected,  covering  all  the  available 
space  on  the  old  site;  as  increased  facilities 
were  needed,  a large  tract  of  land  was  secured 
in  the  northeast  part  of  the  city,  where  a 
huge  structure  of  stone,  brick  and  steel  rep- 
resents the  manufacturing  plant  of  the  com- 
pany, which  in  1862  could  easily  be  accom- 
modated in  one  dingy  room.  That  this  won- 
derful growth  and  development  can  be  at- 
tributed to  the  master  mind  of  James  H. 
Watt,  his  brothers,  the  present  owners  and 
managers,  are  the  first  to  declare.  He  was 
the  oldest  of  a family  of  gifted  business  men, 
and  his  energy  and  business  faculty,  com- 
bined with  a sureness  of  judgment  and  ten- 
acity of  purpose,  guided  the  great  enterprise 
through  the  shoals  of  its  earlier  existence 
into  the  calm  waters  of  success.  At  his  death 
the  business  was  reorganized  with  the  elec- 
tion of  the  following  officers:  R.  Ross  Watt, 
president  and  general  manager:  John  W. 
Watt,  vice-president  and  treasurer;  P. 


384 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


11.  Laughlin,  secretary,  and  Stewart 

Watt,  superintendent.  This  company,  which 
stands  as  a monument  to  the  aljility  of  the 
late  James  11.  Watt,  is  the  largest  industry 
of  its  kind  in  the  United  States,  and  its 
products  are  in  demand  all  over  the  world. 

(4n  December  30,  1875,  James  11.  Watt 
was  united  in  marriage  with  Elizabeth 
Adams,  and  this  union  was  blessed  with  four 
children — Anna  M.,  Mary,  Clyde  A.  and  H. 
Huston — who,  with  his  widow,  still  survive. 
'J'he  death  of  Mr.  Watt  took  place  May  2, 
1902,  in  riiiladelphia,  Pennsylvania.  The 
obsequies  were  conducted  according  to  the 
beautiful  ritual  of  the  Masonic  fraternity, 
with  which  he  had  been  connected  for  34 
years,  and  a touching  testimonial  to  his  place 
in  the  estimation  of  his  employees  and  the 
imblic  was  given  by  the  presence  of  the  lat- 
ter in  great  numbers,  and  also  of  the  teachers 
and  pupils  of  the  High  School,  all  anxious  to 
show  their  grief  for  one  whose  efforts  had  so 
long  l)een  directed  to  the  betterment  of  in- 
dustrial conditions  and  educational  advance- 
ment. Mr.  Watt  was  also  a Knight  of 
Pythias,  fjeing  a charter  member  of  Warren 
Lodge  and  one  of  its  interested  promoters. 
.Mthough  his  name  had  never  been  placed 
u])on  the  rolls  of  the  Presl)yterian  Church, 
his  life  was  connected  with  that  religious 
body  by  services  in  many  positions  and  con- 
stant attendance.  His  advocacy  was  sincere 
and  his  support  to  be  relied  upon  for  every 
measure  of  religion,  education  or  worthy  en- 
terprise which  came  to  his  notice,  and  his 
private  benefactions  exceeded  his  public 
ones. 

Although  absorbed  in  the  business  which 
his  great  plant  brought  to  him  constantly, 
Mr.  WTtt  was  also  interested  in  other  enter- 
prises which  caused  growth  in  his  city.  Dur- 
ing the  greater  part  of  the  time  of  its  exist- 
ence he  was  an  active  member  of  the  Warren 
Gas  & Oil  Comj^any,  and  served  as  its  presi- 
dent for  several  years  preceding  the  sale  of 
its  lands  to  the  Union  Gas  Company.  He 
aided  in  various  ways  in  the  development  of 
the  oil  fields  in  this  region  and  was  inter- 


ested in  valuable  holdings  in  the  new  field 
south  of  Barnesville.  He  was  one  of  the 
organizers  of  the  Barnesville  Glass  Company, 
of  which  he  was  a director  for  a number  of 
years.  He  was  also  president  of  the  Green- 
mount  Cemetery  Association  for  many  years; 
this  office  he  was  holding  at  the  time  of  his 
death.  He  served  as  the  first  president  of 
the  Barnesville  Canning  Company  and  was 
one  of  the  chief  investors  in  the  establishing 
of  the  People’s  National  Bank  of  Barnes- 
ville. Mr.  Watt  never  sought  public  office, 
but  served  several  terms  in  the  City  Council, 
his  sound  judgment  and  practical  wisdom 
making  him  a valuable  member  of  that  body. 
He  assisted  greatly  in  organizing  the  Bel- 
mont-A'Ionroe  Reunion  Association,  was  its 
first  president,  and  much  of  its  success  was 
due  to  his  efforts.  The  employees  of  the 
Watt  Mining  Car  Wheel  Company  testify  to 
his  personal  interest  in  them  and  their  affairs, 
and  acknowledge  that  mainly  through  his  en- 
couragement many  of  them  own  their  own 
homes  and  are  accumulating  means.  One 
trait  of  Mr.  Watt  still  deserves  mention  in 
this  all  too  brief  memorial,  and  that  was  his 
memory  of  past  favors  and  of  the  friends  of 
his  earlier  years.  No  change  in  fortune  or 
accession  of  riches  changed  a nature  which 
was  manly  and  true  to  the  core. 


JOHN  AHNTIER,  of  Wheeling  township, 
Belmont  County,  is  one  of  those  enterprising 
men  who  have  devoted  their  energies  to  the 
development  of  the  agricultural  resources  of 
this  section.  For  fully  40  years  he  has 
worked  on  his  present  attractive  farm,  each 
year  making  new  improvements  and  intro- 
ducing some  progressive  measure  in  his 
farming,  so  that  his  place  is  now  one  of  the 
best  paying  pieces  of  property  in  the 
vicinity. 

Mr.  Mintier  was  born  near  the  Pine  Fork 
Church,  in  Jefferson  County,  Ohio,  June  13, 
1827,  and  when  quite  young  moved  with  his 
parents  to  Hammondsville.  There  in  the 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


385 


public  schools  he  procured  his  education,  de- 
veloping habits  of  industry  and  self-reliance, 
which  have  followed  him  through  life.  After 
leaving  school  there,  he  entered  upon  the  ac- 
tive duties  of  life,  remaining  in  the  place 
until  he  was  26  years  old.  He  then  moved 
to  Guernsey  County,  where  for  two  years 
he  continued  his  labors.  Believing  he  might 
better  his  fortunes  by  making  a decided 
change,  he  next  moved  to  the  State  of  Iowa, 
where  he  remained  for  five  years,  earning 
for  himself  and  family  a comfortable  living, 
and  laying  by  a little  something  for  a rainy 
day.  In  1862,  however,  he  returned  to 
Ohio,  and  here  in  Wheeling  township, 
Belmont  County,  invested  his  savings  in  a 
farm  which  he  considered  a place  worth  hav- 
ing. Setting  to  work  on  it  with  energy 
and  determination,  he  soon  found  he  had  not 
overestimated  its  value,  as  the  land  proved 
to  be  productive  and  the  crops  all  that  he 
could  desire.  He  has  from  year  to  year 
opened  new  sections  of  it,  and,  as  has  been 
said,  greatly  improved  it  in  many  respects. 
He  keeps  himself  well  informed  upon  the 
latest  methods  of  agriculture,  and  is  con- 
sidered one  of  the  most  progressive  and  at 
the  same  time  practical  farmers  in  the 
county.  The  farm  embraces  102-J  acres  and 
is  well  stocked. 

September  15,  1853,  Mr.  Mintier  married 
Mary  J.  Henderson,  one  of  14  children 
born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Andrew  Henderson, 
of  Belmont  County.  Mrs.  Mintier  is  a cul- 
tivated woman,  who  received  a good  com- 
mon school  education,  and  before  her  mar- 
riage taught  school  for  a couple  of  terms. 
By  this  union  they  have  had  seven  children, 
one  of  whom,  an  infant  daughter,  died 
when  only  three  days  old.  Robert  H., 
born  in  Guernsey  County,  Ohio,  in  1856, 
married  Agnes  Anderson,  and,  about  22 
years  ago,  went  to  Los  Angeles,  Cali- 
fornia, where  he  has  since  been  engaged 
as  a contractor  and  carpenter.  He  has 
one  child.  Martha,  born  in  1857,  was  mar- 
ried in  1880  to  William  Stiles.  She  died 
in  Guernsey  County.  Ohio,  in  1889.  John, 


I born  in  1859,  now  a resident  of  Shep- 
herdstown  and  engaged  in  the  management 
[ of  the  home  farm,  married  Lizzie  Flowers 
and  has  one  child.  Park  Nichol,  born  in 
1861,  now  a resident  of  Bloomfield  station, 
married  Ella  Hervey,  and  they  have  three 
children.  Mary  Elizabeth,  born  in  1865, 
who  never  married,  is  irow  deceased.  Wil- 
liam Alexander,  born  in  1869,  graduated 
from  Franklin  College  in  1895,  and  from  the 
U.  P.  Theological  Seminary,  at  Allegheny, 
Pennsylvania,  in  1898,  and  officiated  as  pas- 
tor of  a church  in  Cochranton,  Crawford 
County,  Pennsylvania,  until  1902,  and  is  now 
living  near  Pittsburg,  Pennsylvania.  He 
married  Pearl  McCune,  and  they  have  had 
two  children.  iMr.  Mintier  and  his  wife  are 
members  of  the  L'nited  Presbyterian  Church. 
In  politics  he  is  a Republican. 


THO^IAS  and  WILLIA^I  CALVIN 
GILLESPIE,  two  of  the  most  enterprising 
and  wealthy  agriculturists  of  Belmont 
County,  now  residing  on  a large  and  attrac- 
tive farm  in  Vdreeling  township,  are  there 
by  intelligence  and  skillful  management  car- 
rying on  a most  successful  industry.  Mak- 
ing a specialt}^  of  raising  sheep  and  thor- 
oughbred cattle,  they  have  in  these  lines 
met  with  the  most  gratifying  results.  Both 
were  born  on  the  farm  next  to  the  one  on 
which  they  now  reside,  Thomas,  November 
25,  1847,  AAhlliam  Calvin,  February  13. 
1852.  They  are  of  Scotch-Irish  descent  and 
the  sons  of  Robert  and  Eleanor  (Barnes) 
Gillespie. 

Thomas  Gillespie,  grandfather  of  William, 
was  born  in  the  north  of  Ireland  in  June. 
1781.  At  an  early  date  he  came  to  America 
and  settled  in  Pennsylvania.  Later,  how- 
ever, he  came  to  Ohio,  and  purchasing  a 
90-acre  farm  in  Wheeling  township,  re- 
mained there  for  the  rest  of  his  life.  He 
died  September  20,  1849.  1803,  while 

living  in  Pennsylvania,  he  married  Jane 
Love,  and  they  had  eight  children. — George, 


386 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


who  lived  near  Woodsfield,  in  Monroe 
County,  Ohio,  and  died  there  in  1880,  mar- 
ried Louisa  Henderson  and  they  had  nine 
chidren,  six  sons  and  three  daughters.  Belle, 
who  died  in  1887,  married  Thomas  McFar- 
land, a resident  of  Monroe  County,  Ohio, 
and  they  had  seven  children.  Maria  married 
James  Ensley,  who  resides  near  Keene,  in 
Coshocton  County,  Ohio,  and  they  had  six 
children.  She  died  in  1890.  Peggy  (Marga- 
ret) married  Thomas  Culbertson,  and  resided 
in  Guernsey  County,  near  -Washington, 
Ohio.  They  had  three  children.  She  is 
now  deceased.  John  lived  in  Shepherds- 
town  and  died  there  in  1892.  Jane,  de- 
ceased, resided  near  Caldvv^ell,  in  Noble 
County,  Ohio,  and  was  the  wife  of  James 
Amos;  they  had  four  children.  Louisa  mar- 
ried William  Barr  and  lived  near  Bellefon- 
taine,  in  Logan  County.  Thomas  married 
Belle  Haverheld  and  resided  in  Jacobsburg, 
Belmont  County,  where  he  died  in  1895. 
I'hey  had  four  children. 

Robert  Gillespie,  father  of  William  Calvin, 
was  born  on  the  Belmont  County  homestead 
in  January,  1821.-  Following  in  the  foot- 
steps of  his  father,  upon  reaching  manhood 
he  made  farming  the  business  of  his  life, 
carrying  on  the  industry  in  Belmont  County. 
He  married  Eleanor  Barnes,  daughter  of 
Peter  Barnes,  of  Maryland.  To  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Gillespie  were  born  hve  children.  Of 
these,  Joseph,  born  May  12,  1859,  died  of 
diphtheria,  then  an  epidemic  in  the  county, 
November  12,  1861,  at  the  age  of  12  years. 
John  L.,  born  November  25,  1854,  a farmer 
and  stock  raiser  near  Harrisville,  Ohio.  Fie 
-vi  married  Louisa  Green  of  Shepherdstown, 
daughter  of  John  Green,  and  they  have  five 
children.  Nancy  J.,  born  August  17,  1855, 
married  George  Lyle,  a farmer  and  stock 
raiser  of  FTarrison  County,  Ohio,  residing 
near  New  Athens.  They  have  six  children. 

Thomas  and  William  Calvin  Gillespie  were 
both  reared  in  Belmont  County,  and  in  the 
common  schools  of  their  neighborhood  pro- 
cured their  education.  Here  by  strict  at- 
tention to  business  they  became  well 


grounded  in  the  rudiments,  and  William, 
upon  leaving  school,  was  enabled  to  follow 
teaching.  He  was  very  successful  in  his  pro- 
fessional work,  and  filled  positions  in  Wheel- 
ing and  Richland  townships  for  a period 
of  12  years.  Later  the  two  brothers  turned 
their  attention  to  agriculture,  carrying  on  the 
farm  which  they  now  possess  and  which  was 
at  one  time  owned  by  their  grandfather  im- 
mediately after  his  arrival  from  Pennsyl- 
vania. Here  they  have  erected  new  buildings, 
and  from  time  to  time  made  other  marked 
improvements.  Besides  this  homestead, 
they  own  another  large  farm  in  the  town- 
ship where  they  now  reside.  Together  the 
places  embrace  312  acres,  largely  under  cut- 
tivation,  which  the  brothers  are  enabled  to 
work  to  good  advantage,  engaging  exten- 
sively in  genei'al  farming.  They  make  h 
specialty  of  Shorthorn  cattle,  Jerseys,  Red 
and  Poland-China  hogs,  and  Blacktop,  De- 
laine, or  Pennsylvania  sheep.  Raising  sheep 
they  have  found  especially  profitable,  and 
they  now  own  about  400. 

Thomas  Gillespie  has  never  married,  but 
resides  with  his  brother.  March  7,  1891, 
William  Calvin  married  Lizzie  Williams. 
They  have,  however,  no  children.  The  two 
brothers  have  exhibited  to  a remarkable  de- 
gree shrewd  business  management  and  much 
practical  ability  in  their  farming,  and-  have 
amassed  considerable  property.  They  are 
well  known  throughout  the  county  and  are 
highly  esteemed.  In  national  affairs  they 
vote  the  Democratic  ticket;  in  State  politics 
they  are  liberal.  The  early  Gillespies  were 
Swedenborgians;  the  present  generation  are 
old  school  Presbyterians. 


ROBERT  EMMET  GIFFEN,  who  is 
now  serving  his  second  term  as  trustee  of 
Richland  township,  Belmont  County,  Ohio, 
is  industriously  following  the  pursuits  of  ag- 
riculture on  his  farm  two  and  a half  miles 
northeast  of  St.  Clairsville,  where  he  oper- 
ates a dairy  in  addition  to  the  general  work 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


387 


of  his  vocation.  Our  subject  is  a son  of  Mor- 
rison and  Margaret  (Taggart)  Giffen,  and 
his  birth  occurred  in  1847  Richland  town- 
ship, Belmont  County. 

Morrison  Giffen  chose  general  farming  for 
his  life  occupation,  and  was  successful  and 
prosperous  in  his  career,  continuing  as  a 
farmer  until  the  termination  of  his  life  in 
1885.  He  was  a native  of  Ohio  County, 
(West)  Virginia,  and  was  born  in  the  year 
1817.  He  remained  in  Ohio  County  until 
1825,  the  date  of  his  removal  to  Belmont 
County  Ohio,  where  he  took  up  his  resi- 
dence in  Colerain  township,  and  there  spent 
many  years  of  his  life.  In  1843 
place  there,  however,  and  became  one  of  the 
residents  of  Richland  township,  where  he 
spent  the  closing  years  of  his  life.  Politically 
he  was  a member  of  the  Democratic  party, 
and  took  a decided  interest  in  all  local  af- 
fairs. Both  he  and  his  beloved  wife  were 
members  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church, 
and  were  held  in  high  esteem  by  all  who 
knew  them.  Mrs.  Giffen  was  Margaret  Tag- 
gart before  her  marriage  and  was  a daughter 
of  James  and  Catherine  (Stitt)  Taggart. 
She  was  born  in  1815,  a native  of  Richland 
township,  and  her  demise  occurred  in  1901. 
The  children  of  this  union  Avere  six  in  num- 
ber and  the  names  are  as  follows:  Mary  K., 

Elizabeth  J.,  Robert  E.,  our  subject;  James 
T.,  Sarah  S.,  and  John  K.  The  eldest  child, 
Mary  K.,  became  the  wife  of  William  N, 
Stillwell,  but  died  in  1879.  Elizabeth  J.  de- 
parted this  life  in  1874.  James  T.  makes  his 
home  in  Richland  township.  Sarah  lives 
with  our  subject.  John  K.  became  a 
missionary,  was  sent  first  to  Egypt  in  1881, 
and  in  1901  to  the  Soudan,  where  he  is  still 
working  in  the  interests  of  the  ETnited  Pres- 
byterian Church. 

The  marriage  of  Robert  E.  Giffen  took 
place  in  1873,  when  he  was  united  with  Anna 
M.  Bentley,  a daughter  of  Solomon  and  Ellen 
(Thompson)  Bentley,  who  was  born  in  1851, 
and  was  also  a native  of  Richland  township. 
Nine  children  have  been  born  to  this  union. 


namely:  John  M.,  Bruce  B.,  Elizabeth  E., 

Sarah  S.,  Margaret  T.,  James  K,,  Grace, 
Emma,  and  Maud.  The  family  are  devoted 
in  their  religious  duties  to  the  United  Pres- 
byterian Church. 

In  political  affairs  Mr.  Giffen  is  a Pro- 
hibitionist, but  has  served  the  Democratic 
party  well  as  township  trustee;  he  has  also 
l^een  school  director  for  some  time,  and  gave 
evidence  of  sagacity  and  discretion  in  the 
fulfillment  of  his  duties  in  that  office.  The 
farm  which  he  possesses  and  manages  with 
such  good  results  consists  of  153  acres  of 
fine  land;  his  specialty  is  the  dairy,  and  with 
his  fine  Jersey  cows  he  is  enabled  to  make 
a large  amount  of  butter,  which  he  furnishes 
for  the  Wheeling  market.  His  life  is  exceed- 
ingly busy,  all  his  time  being  taken  in  at- 
tending to  his  duties  as  farmer. 


JAMES  THOMAS  KNOX,  a wealthy 
land  owner  of  Richland ' township,  Belmont 
County,  Ohio,  is  a man  of  firm  character, 
has  always  shown  an  interest  in  township 
and  county  affairs,  and  is  now  serving  in  the 
office  of  tOAvnship  trustee.  He  is  a native 
of  the  farm  adjoining  his  own,  and  was  born 
in  1862,  a son  of  William  and  Mary  (King) 
Knox,  the  latter  of  Irish  descent. 

William  Knox  was  an  active  citizen  in  his 
day  and  claimed  Wheeling,  West  Virginia, 
as  his  native  city.  His  arrival  in  Belmont 
County  took  place  in  the  year  1862  and  he 
immecliately  located  in  Richland  township, 
purchased  a farm  there  and  followed  agri- 
cultural pursuits  the  remainder  of  his  days 
with  marked  success.  He  chose  Mary  King, 
a daughter  of  Andrew  and  Elizabeth  (Black- 
wood) King,  for  his  companion  in  life,  and 
their  union  was  blessed  with  ii  children, 
whose  names  will  be  given  later.  In  politics 
Mr.  Knox  was  a sincere  Republican,  and  in 
his  religious  convictions  he  was  a member 
of  the  ETnited  Presbyterian  Church,  as  was 
also  his  wife.  Both  lived  to  advanced  ages, 


388 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


tlie  death  of  the  former  taking  place  in  the 
spring  of  1902,  at  the  age  of  73.  Mrs. 
Knox’s  demise  occurred  in  1898,  at  the  age 
of  62  years. 

Our  subject’s  brothers  and  sisters  are  as 
follows;  Rev.  A.  K.  Knox,  who  is  a min- 
ister of  the  Presbyterian  Church  at  Mt.  Ver- 
non, 16 wa;  Jemima,  the  wife  of  Robert  Alex- 
ander, of  Quincy,  Belmont  County,  Ohio; 
Lizzie  (i),  now  deceased;  John,  Maggie, 
and  Carrie,  who  live  on  the  home  place; 
Mary,  who  married  Frank  Myers  and  re- 
sides in  Smith  township;  Calvin  and  Jennie, 
who  are  both  deceased;  and  Lizzie,  the 
widow  of  James  A.  Greenlees,  living  on  the 
old  Knox  homestead. 

Our  suljject  was  reared  on  the  farm  and 
obtained  his  education  in  the  common 
schools.  He  chose  farming  as  his  vocation, 
naturally,  and  at  the  present  time  he  is  the 
owner  of  145  acres  of  land  on  the  home  place 
and  18  acres  adjoining  it,  all  of  which  he 
keeps  in  hrst-rate  order  and  in  a state  of 
high  cultivation.  Lie  chose  for  his  wife 
Anna  May  McMaster,  and  they  were  mar- 
ried in  1890.  Mrs.  Knox  is  a daughter  of 
William  and  Isal)el  McMaster  and  was  born 
in  1867,  a native  of  I^ichland  township. 
Their  union  has  been  blessed  with  one  child, 
Carl,  who  was  born  in  1892.  The  family  live 
on  the  farm  about  four  miles  south  of  St. 
Clairsville,  and  are  very  comfortably  situ- 
ated. In  religious  belief  they  are  members 
of  the  Lbiited  Presbyterian  Church. 

Mr.  Knox  has  always  been  a Republican, 
and  upon  the  death  of  John  Stewart,  who 
was  then  township  trustee,  he  was  elected 
to  fill  the  vacancy,  serving  with  such  satis- 
faction to  all  that  he  was  re-elected  for  a full 
term  in  the  spring  of  1902.  Besides  this  he 
has  been  school  director  for  some  time,  and 
gives  his  support  willingly  to  all  enterprises 
w’hich  have  for  their  aim  the  welfare  of  his 
township  or  county.  As  a citizen  of  worth 
and  value  he  receives  the  reward  due  him, 
through  the  respect  and  consideration  of 
those  in  his  community. 


JAMES  O.  DIXON,  who  owns  a small 
farm  of  22  acres  in  Richland  town- 
ship, two  miles  southeast  of  St.  Clairsville, 
has  been  living  at  his  present  abode  since 
1885  and  is  a man  of  ability,  well-read  and 
well-educated.  His  birth  occurred  in  1848 
in  Monroe  County,  and  he  is  a son  of  Alex- 
ander and  Rachel  (McKelvey)  Dixon,  who 
now  reside  on  the  farm  with  him  and  his 
family. 

Alexander  Dixon  was  born  in  1824,  and 
led  a useful  career  as  a farmer  for  many  years 
previous  to  making  his  home  with  our  sub- 
ject. His  wife  was  a daughter  of  James  and 
Nancy  McKelvey,  and  was  born  in  Wheeling 
township  in  1822.  They  had  six  children, 
whose  names  are  as  follows:  James  O.;  Jen- 
nie, who  married  Reuben  Garber  and  lives 
in  Martin’s  Ferry;  Robert  S.,  deceased; 
David  A.,  living  in  Byesville,  Guernsey 
County;  Sarah  A.,  also  deceased;  and  Wil- 
liam R.,  who  was  killed  on  the  railroad  in 
1895.  Mr.  and  Mrs  Dixon  are  members  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  our  subject 
and  his  family  also  worship  there.  In  fra- 
ternal circles  Mr.  Dixon  is  a member  of  the 
I.  O.  O.  F.  organization,  and  in  politics  he 
is  a Democrat  and  votes  a straight  ticket. 

James  O.  Dixon  removed  to  Belmont 
County  in  1865,  and  for  a time  was  located 
near  Belmont,  but  later  changed  his  resi- 
dence to  the  farm  where  he  resides  at  pres- 
ent. Fie  obtained  a good  education  in  his 
youth,  became  a teacher,  and  for  30  con- 
secutive years  taught  school  before  engag- 
ing in  farming.  He  is  also  interested  in  life 
insurance  at  this  writing,  and,  altogether, 
is  a very  busy  man. 

In  1879  our  subject  was  united  in  mar- 
riage with  Monica  King,  a daughter  of 
James  and  Margaret  King,  who  was  born 
near  Glencoe,  Richland  township,  in  1845. 
Their  union  was  prolific  of  two  children, 
Howard  K.,  born  in  1880,  and  Earl  H.,  born 
in  1883,  the  former  a teacher,  and  the  lat- 
ter, local  editor  on  the  “Martin’s  Ferry- 
Times.”  In  April,  1899,  our  subject  was 


1,^ 


REV.  LOUIS  W.  SUEDMEYER. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


391 


called  upon  to  mourn  the  loss  of  his  beloved 
companion  and  wife,  her  death  taking  place 
at  that  time. 

Fraternally  Mr.  Dixon  affiliates  with  the 
Knights  of  Pythias,  being  a member  of  the 
St.  Clairsville  lodge.  In  politics  he  is  an  earn- 
est Democrat  in  his  views,  and  in  1880  was 
candidate  for  recorder.  Mr.  Dixon  is  a 
shrewd,  capable  business  man. 


REV.  LOUIS  W.  SUEDMEYER,  be- 
loved pastor  of  St.  Paul’s  Evangelical  Luth- 
eran Church  at  Bridgeport,  Belmont  County, 
Ohio,  is  a young  man  with  every  prospect  of 
a bright  and  joyful  future  before  him.  He  is 
a son  of  Louis  W.  and  Christina  (Hahne) 
Suedmeyer,  the  former  a native  of  Missouri, 
while  the  latter  claims  Prussia  as  her  native 
place.  Our  subject  is  also  a native  of  Mis- 
souri, having  been  born  in  Eranklin  County, 
'October  26,  1875. 

Louis  W.  Suedmeyer,  father  of  our  sub- 
ject, was  very  favorably  regarded  by  the  citi- 
zens of  his  community,  but  died  at  the  early 
age  of  22  years,  leaving  his  wife  and  our  sub- 
ject to  mourn  his  loss.  The  former  is  now  the 
wife  of  Charles  Kruse,  and  they  have  six 
children.  Mr.  Suedmeyer  followed  the  occu- 
pation of  farming,  raising  grain  for  the  most 
part,  and  served  his  township  as  trustee  for 
some  time.  He  and  his  wife  were  both  faith- 
ful members  of  the  German  Evangelical 
Lutheran  Church.  His  wife  is  now  living  at 
Senate  Grove  in  Missouri,  having  reached  her 
50th  mile-stone  May  23,  1902. 

The  primary  education  of  our  subject  was 
secured  in  the  public  schools  of  his  native 
place,  and  was  followed  by  instruction  at  the 
proseminary  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran 
Church  at  Elmhurst,  Illinois.  He  was  grad- 
uated from  that  school  in  1898,  and  next  be- 
came a student  at  the  seminary  of  the  Evan- 
gelical Lutheran  Church  at  St.  Louis,  Mis- 
souri, and  was  graduated  Avith  the  class  of 
1900,  which  was  the  jubilee  class  of  the  insti- 
tution. 


Mr.  Suedmeyer’s  first  charge  was  Bridge 
port,  and  there  he  has  been  faithfully  per- 
forming his  duty,  both  as  a minister  of  the 
Gospel  and  also  as  a teacher.  May  19,  1901, 
he  was  united  in  the  holy  bonds  of  matrimony 
with  Angela  Hotz,  born  in  Brighton,  Illi- 
nois, a daughter  of  the  late  Rev.  J.  J.  Hotz 
Rev.  Mr.  Hotz  died  at  the  age  of  64  years, 
his  death  taking  place  April  17,  1898.  Eor  34 
years  he  was  a minister  of  the  same  church 
as  that  to  which  our  subject  has  given  his 
support,  and  his  many  acts  of  kindness  have 
not  been  forgotten  by  his  people.  His  wife 
is  still  living,  an  honored  resident  of  New 
Haven,  Missouri. 

The  citizens  of  Bridgeport  have  a very 
kindly  regard  for  Mr.  Suedmeyer  and  wel- 
come him  most  heartily  to  their  homes 
Wherever  known  he  has  an  excellent  reputa- 
tion for  energy,  uprightness  and  zeal  in  his 
good  work,  and  his  scholarly  bearing  and 
learning  fit  him  for  the  place  he  now  occu- 
pies in  the  lives  and  hearts  of  his  people. 


THOMAS  L.  LODGE,  for  many  years 
engaged  in  farming,  is  now  a member  of  the 
firm  of  Lodge  & Hayes,  merchants  at  Ban- 
nock, Belmont  County,  and  is  also  serving 
his  fifth  year  as  postmaster  at  that  place, 
having  been  commissioned  to  that  office 
under  the  first  McKinley*  administration. 
He  is  a son  of  Thomas  and  Rebecca  J. 
(Smith)  Lodge,  and  was  born  in  Wheeling 
township  in  1864. 

Thomas  Lodge  was  an  influential  man 
during  his  active  years,  and  is  now  living 
on  the  old  homestead  in  Wheeling  town- 
ship. He  was  born  in  1823,  a native  of 
Loudoun  County*,  Virginia,  and  his  vo- 
cation was  that  of  a farmer.  He  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Rebecca  J.  Smith, 
daughter  of  Joseph  and  Rebecca  Smith; 
She  was  born  in  Richland  township  in  1830, 
and  is  still  enjoying  life  at  the  old  home- 
stead. These  parents  had  seven  children. 


392 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY 


namely:  Joseph,  living  in  Harrison  County, 
Ohio;  Nancy  E.,  who  married  William  G. 
Mayes,  the  partner  of  our  subject  in  his  store 
at  Bannock;  Emmet,  deceased;  Mary  A.; 
William  S.,  living  at  home;  Thomas  L. ; 
Alice  L.  The  first  marriage  of  Thomas 
Lodge  was  contracted  with  Nancy  Ellen 
Merritt,  and  they  had  three  children:  Sarah 
E.,  deceased;  John  M.,  of  Wheeling  town- 
ship; and  Abner,  also  deceased.  Our  sub- 
ject’s father  and  mother  were  both  members 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  in  politics 
Mr.  Lodge  was  a firm  Republican.  He 
served  two  terms  as  Infirmary  director  with 
credit,  and  his  ability  won  the  commenda- 
tion of  all. 

Thomas  L.  Lodge  followed  farming  for  a 
number  of  years  after  attaining  manhood’s 
years,  but  for  the  past  12  years  has  been 
identified  with  mercantile  life  at  Bannock, 
in  partnership  with  his  brother-in-law,  Wil- 
liam G.  Hayes.  He  has  a large  patronage, 
which  speaks  well  for  the  business  and  those 
who  conduct  it,  and  their  stock  is  complete 
and  is  of  the  best  of  its  kind  obtainable.  The 
proprietors  are  among  the  foremost  citizens 
of  Bannock,  and  have  a reputation  for  strict 
integrity  and  fair  dealing.  Mr.  Lodge  finds 
various  duties  as  ])OStmaster  to  occupy  his 
attention,  but  he  is  genial  and  accommodat- 
ing and  gives  satisfaction  to  all  concerned. 

In  i8go  Mr.  Lodge  was  united  in  matri- 
mony with  Etta  E.  Wiley,  a daughter  of 
Wfilliam  and  Esther  Wiley,  born  in  Richland 
township  in  1868.  Their  family  consists  of 
five  children,  whose  names  are  as  follows: 
Cleon,  Eldred  W.,  Kenneth  Leroy,  Wilma 
Tuicille,  and  Esther  Estella.  Cleon,  was  born 
July  2,  1892,  but  is  now  deceased;  Eldred 
W.-  was  born  December  29,  1897;  Kenneth 
Leroy  and  Wilma  Lucille  are  twins  and  their 
birth  occurred  May  16,  1899;  Esther  Es- 

tella’s  birth  occurred  January  2,  1902.  The 
parents  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  and  are  active  workers  in  church  af- 
fairs. In  politics  Mr.  Lodge  is  a Republican 
and  works  for  the  good  of  his  chosen  party. 


OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


JAMES  T.  GIEEEN,  one  of  the  progres- 
sive farmers  of  Richland  township,  Belmont 
County,  Ohio,  is  much  interested  in  his  pro- 
fession and  keeps  his  home  place  in  or- 
der with  care  and  exactness  which  charac- 
terizes all  his  actions.  He  is  a son  of  Mor- 
rison and  Margaret  (Taggart)  Giffen,  and 
was  born  on  his  farm  in  1849. 

Our  subject’s  father  first  saw  the  light  of 
day  in  Ohio  County,  (West)  Virginia,  in  1817, 
and  for  many  years  he  continued  to  reside 
there,  busily  employed  as  an  agriculturist. 
In  the  year  1825  he  removed,  however,  to 
Colerain  township,  Belmont  County,  where 
he  spent  a number  of  years  and  lived  peace- 
fully until  1843,  when  he  went  to  Richland 
township.  The  latter  place  continued  to 
be  his  home  until  1885,  when  he  was  taken 
away  by  death.  He  chose  for  the  com- 
panion of  his  life  Margaret  Taggart,  a 
daughter  of  James  and  Catherine  (Stitt) 
Taggart,  and  their  marriage  was  duly  sol- 
emnized. Mrs.  Giffen  was  born  in  1815  in 
Richland  township,  and  died  in  1901.  She 
was  the  mother  of  six  children,  two  of  whom 
are  now  deceased,  and  the  names  are  as  fol- 
lows: Mary  K.:  Elizabeth  J.,  whose  death 

occurred  in  1873;  Robert  Emmet;  James  T., 
our  worthy  subject;  Sarah  S.,  and  John  K., 
who  is  a missionary  and  was  sent  to  Egypt 
in  1881,  and  to  the  Soudan  in  1901,  the 
latter  place  being  his  residence  at  the  pres- 
ent time,  where  he  works  in  the  interest  of 
the  United  Presbyterian  Church.  Mary  K. 
married  William  N.  Stillwell  and  her  death 
took  place  in  1879.  Robert  Emmet  is  a 
farmer  living  two  and  a half  miles  northeast 
of  St.  Clairsville,  where  he  owns  153  acres 
of  land.  He  was  united  in  marriage  with 
Anna  M.  Bentley  in  1878,  and  they  have 
nine  children,  namely:  John  M.,  Bruce  B., 

Elizabeth  E.,  Sarah  S.,  Margaret  T.,  James 
K.,  Grace,  Emma,  and  Maud.  Sarah  S. 
makes  her  home  with  Robert  E. 

Our  subject’s  father  and  mother  were 
United  Presbyterians  in  their  religious  wor- 
ship, and  in  this  faith  the  family  was  reared. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


393 


In  politics  Mr.  Giffen  was  a Democrat  of 
firm  opinions. 

In  1879  the  ceremony  was  performed 
which  made  Mr.  Giffen  and  Ella  Reid  man 
and  wife.  Mrs.  Giffen  is  the  daughter  of 
Edward  and  Mary  Reid,  and  was  born  in 
August,  1856,  on  Wheeling  Island,  near 
Wheeling.  This  union  was  blessed  with  four 
children,  who  are  as  follows:  Morrison  R., 

deceased;  Mary  E.,  Jean  M.,  and  Jean- 
nette L.  Mary  E.was  born  December,  1884, 
and  graduated  with  the  class  of  1901  at  St. 
Clairsville  High  School.  She  is  now  living 
at  home.  Jean  M.  and  Jeannette  L.  are 
twins  and  were  born  April,  1891.  The  fam- 
ily are  members  and  workers  in  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church,  and  their  home  sur- 
roundings are  of  a most  pleasant  nature. 

Politically  our  subject  belongs  to  the 
Democratic  party,  but  does  not  hold  office. 
He  spends  the  greater  part  of  his  time  on  his 
farm,  which  consists  of  116  acres  and  is  lo- 
cated two  miles  north  of  St.  Clairsville. 


WILLIAM  D.  PORTEREIELD,  a well- 
known  educator  of  Belmont  County,  Ohio, 
was  born  on  the  farm  on  which  he  now  re- 
sides, about  four  miles  south  of  St.  Clairs- 
ville, in  1861.  He  is  a son  of  Andrew  and 
grandson  of  James  Porterfield.  The  grand- 
father, with  his  brother,  John,  came  to  Ohio 
from  Pennsylvania  at  an  early  day,  first  set- 
tling in  Jefferson  County.  He  then  came 
to  Richland  township  and  established  the 
old  family  homestead. 

Andrew  Porterfield  was  also  born  on  the 
old  homestead  in  Richland  township  in 
1819,  and  was  a farmer  and  stock  raiser  by 
occupation.  He  was  reared  in  the  old  Se- 
ceders’  Church,  and  atfer  the  war  united  with 
the  Presbyterian  Church,  of  which  he  was 
for  many  years  a trustee  at  Warnock.  He 
was  a member  of  St.  Clairsville  Lodge  of 
Masons,  and  in  politics  was  a Republican. 
He  was  one  of  the  primitive  Abolitionists, 


and  his  opinions  on  the  slavery  question  de- 
termined his  secession  from  the  church.  He 
died  in  1884.  He  married  Elizabeth  Adeline 
Glasgow,  who  was  born  in  Richland  town- 
ship in  1837,  and  is  a daughter  of  John  and 
Elizabeth  (Blocher)  Glasgow.  Her  father 
was  born  in  Ireland  and  came  to  Belmont 
County  about  1825,  teaching  school  during 
a greater  part  of  his  life.  Her  mother  was 
of  Dutch  stock,  her  parents  being  Mary- 
landers. The  mother  of  our  subject  was 
reared  to  the  klethodist  faith,  but  after  mar- 
riage attended  the  Presbyterian  Church  with 
her  husband.  Two  children  were  born  to 
them:  William  D.,  and  Mary  E.,  wife  of 

Janies  B.  Wilkinson,  they  residing  on  a por- 
tion of  the  homestead,  which  originally  con- 
sisted of  170  acres. 

William  D.  Porterfield  attended  the  pub- 
lic schools  of  Richland  township  and  the 
St.  Clairsville  High  School.  In  August, 
1882,  he  matriculated  at  Ohio  Normal  Uni- 
versity at  Ada,  graduating  with  the  degree 
of  B.  S.  in  1885.  He  then  taught  school 
for  six  years  at  his  home  school,  three  years 
in  the  village  of  Glencoe,  and  was  township 
superintendent  for  three  years.  He  was  the 
first  township  superintendent  and  intro- 
duced the  plan  of  township  organization 
and  supervision  of  schools.  He  accepted  the 
chairs  of  English  and  History  in  Eranklin 
College  in  the  fall  of  1895,  and  filled  the  po- 
sition acceptably  for  six  years.  Inducements 
were  offered  him  to  remain,  but  he  had  de- 
termined to  withdraw.  During  the  winters 
of  1901-02-03  he  taught  in  the  schools  of 
St.  Clairsville. 

In  1886  Mr.  Porterfield  was  united  in  mar- 
riage with  Myrtle  E.  Bear,  who  was  born 
near  Davton,  Ohio,  in  1866,  and  is  a daugh- 
ter of  Henry  and  Ellen  Bear.  Her  parents 
were  natives  of  Pennsylvania,  and  the  father 
was  a farmer  by  occupation.  They  are 
parents  of  two  children,  as  follows:  Clar- 

ence V.,  born  in  1888:  and  Henry  A.,  born  in 
1891.  Religiously.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Porterfield 
are  members  of  the  Presbvterian  Church  at 
Warnock.  He  is  a Republican  in  politics. 


394 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


JOHN  W.  RILEY,  a member  of  the  firm 
of  S.  D.  &;  J.  W.  Riley,  extensive  fruit  grow- 
ers, packers  and  shippers,  resides  on  his  farm  i 
just  out  of  St.  Clairsville,  in  Richland  town- 
ship. He  was  born  in  this  township  in  1864, 
and  is  a son  of  Richard  L.  and  Mary  (Key- 
ser)  Riley.  His  grandfather,  Richard  Riley, 
was  a bound  apprentice  in  his  early  days, 
and  running  away  from  his  master,  located 
in  Wheeling  when  that  city  was  known  as 
Fort  Henry.  He  later  came  to  Belmont 
County,  Oliio,  and  settled  in  IMead  town- 
ship, where  he  died  July  21,  1863,  at  the  age 
of  eighty-seven  years. 

Richard  L-  Riley,  father  of  our  subject, 
was  born  in  Mead  township  in  1821,  and 
died  in  1883.  He  was  a farmer  and  fruit 
grower,  and  was  a very  successful  business 
man.  Religiously,  he  was  a member  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church.  He  was  a Democrat 
in  politics.  He  married  Mary  Keyser,  who 
was  born  near  Quincy.  Belmont  County,  in 
1823,  and  died  in  1889.  She,  too,  was  a 
member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  She 
was  an  invalid  at  the  time  of  the  great  cy- 
clone of  1887,  and  with  her  two  sons  was 
in  its  midst.  Our  subject  was  struck  by  a 
falling  evergreen  tree  and  his  ankle  frac- 
tured, incapacitating  him  from  any  work  for 
a period  of  six  months.  Six  children  were 
born  to  Richard  L.  Riley,  and  his  wife, 
namely:  Isaac  M.,  deceased;  Samuel  D., 

who  is  in  the  fruit  business  with  John  W. ; 
Richard  J.,  superfintendent  of  the  Niehart 
gold  and  silver  mine  at  Niehart,  Montana: 
Elizabeth  J.,  who  married  William  L.  Callin, 
of  Wheeling,  West  Virginia:  Nancy  K.,  who 
is  housekeeper  for  her  brothers;  and 
John  W. 

John  W.  Riley  is  a member  of  the  firm  of 
S.  D.  & J.  W.  Riley,  fruit  growers,  and  lives 
on  a farm  of  40  acres  adjoining  the  west 
corporation  line  of  St.  Clairsville.  This 
property  is  devoted  mainly  to  the  growth 
of  a variety  of  fruit.  He  and  his  brothers 
and  sisters  own  an  undivided  interest  in  the 
estate  of  his  father,  and  also  own  a farm  of 
no  acres  four  and  one-half  miles  east  of  St. 


Clairsville.  They  have  a very  successful 
l)usiness,  both  being  men  of  good  ability, 
and  are  reckoned  among  the  substantial  citi- 
zens of  the  community. 

John  W.  Riley  is  a member  of  St.  Clairs- 
\ ille  Lodge,  No.  698,  K.  of  P.,  and  is  county 
deputy  of  the  order.  He  is  a Democrat  in 
politics,  and  in  religious  views  is  a Presby- 
terian. 


FRANK  O.  BOWLES,  a well-known 
merchant  of  Richland  township,  was  born 
in  Smith  township,  Belmont  County,  Ohio, 
in  1856,  and  is  a son  of  George  and  Eliza 
Jane  (Snyder)  Bowles. 

George  Bowles  was  born  in  Belmont 
County,  Ohio,  in  1819,  and  was  a carpenter 
and  cabinetmaker  by  trade,  following  that 
occupation  throughout  his  entire  life.  Re- 
ligiously, he  was  a member  of  the  M.  E. 
Church.  In  politics  he  was  a Republican. 
During  the  Civil  War  he  enlisted,  in  the 
spring  of  1862,  at  St.  Clairsville  in  the  126th 
Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  and  during  most  of  his 
service  was  a hospital  nurse.  He  was  mus- 
tered out  in  1865,  He  died  in  1884  and 
was  buried  at  Wesley  Chapel  Cemetery,  in 
Smith  township.  He  married  Eliza  Jane 
Snyder,  whose  parents  were  natives  of  Mary- 
land, where  her  father  followed  farming.  She 
is  now  living  with  her  son,  G.  H.  Bowles, 
in  Fairview,  at  the  advanced  age  of  seventy- 
eight  years.  She  is  a member  of  the  M.  E. 
Church.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bowles  had  the  fol- 
lowing children:  Edna,  deceased;  Herschell, 
deceased;  Ella,  deceased;  George  Hogan,  a 
merchant  at  Fairview,  Guernsey  County, 
and  Frank  O. 

Frank  O.  Bowles  is  a merchant  and  has  a 
very  successful  business.  He  carries  a large 
stock  of  drugs  and  groceries,  and  is  a manu- 
facturer of  cigars.  In  1879  he  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Annie  S.  Hutchison,  who 
was  born  in  Loydsville,  Richland  township, 
in  1863,  and  is  a daughter  of  John  and 
Amanda  fPowell)  Hutchison.  They  have 
five  children,  namely:  George  O.,  who  was 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


395 


born  in  i88i,  and  is  now  a school  teacher;  | 
Claire  C.,  born  in  1883,  is  in  the  store  with 
his  father;  Lela  M.,  born  in  1890;  Edna  F., 
born  in  1892;  and  Charles,  born  in  1894. 
Our  subject  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  as  are  their 
children.  Fraternally,  he  is  a member  of 
Hazen  Lodge,  F.  & A.  ]\L,  of  hlorris- 
town.  He  is  a Republican  in  politics. 


JAMES  H.  MEEK,  M.  D.,  a practicing 
physician  of  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  who  has 
won  the  confidence  and  esteem  of  the  citi- 
zens of  Glencoe,  both  personally  and  profes- 
sionally, was  born  in  Richland  township, 
this  county,  in  1862,  a son  of  George  and 
Elizabeth  (Ault)  Meek,  both  residents  of 
Richland  township. 

George  Meek,  the  father  of  Dr.  Meek, 
has  been  a most  highly  esteemed  citizen  of 
this  township  through  more  than  75  years. 
He  has  been  an  agriculturist  all  through  his 
active  life,  but  now  lives  retired,  enjoying 
the  ease  won  by  his  early  industry.  The 
mother  of  our  subject  was  born  in  Smith 
township,  about  1820,  a daughter  of  Chris- 
topher Ault.  Both  she  and  husband  are 
consistent  members  of  the  Methodist 
Church.  Mr.  Meek  has  been  a life-long 
Democrat.  They  are  the  parents  of  ten 
children,  namely:  Wilmot  C.,  deceased: 

Homer  H.,  employed  in  a store  in  Trinidad, 
Colorado;  Arlena,  the  Avife  of  Edward 
Welsh,  of  IMissouri;  George  C.,  an  under- 
taker. in  Pennsylvania:  James  H.,  of  this 
sketch;  Anna  B.,  the  wife  of  John  P.  Hess, 
of  Minnesota;  Edward  D.  and  Ella  M..  at 
home;  and  Theresa  and  Elizabeth,  deceased. 

Dr.  Meek  acquired  his  primary  education 
at  the  Oak  Ridge  district  school,  and  be- 
gan his  medical  study  under  Dr.  J.  A.  Clark, 
of  Glencoe.  In  1895  he  entered  the  Ohio  j 
Medical  College,  from  which  he  graduated  j 
on  April  5,  1898.  His  first  location  and  | 
practice  were  at  Smithfield.  in  Jefferson  I 
County,  Ohio,  where  he  remained  for  eight  . 


months  and  then  came  to  Glencoe,  where 
he  has  been  established  ever  since,  building 
up  a permanent  and  satisfactory  practice. 
He  is  a member  of  the  Belmont  County 
IMedical  xA.ssociation,  and  also  belongs  to  the 
IMasonic  fraternity. 

On  August  29,  1900,  Dr.  Meek  was  mar- 
ried to  Lizzie  J.  Thompson,  a daughter  of 
Thomas  and  Jemima  Thompson,  who  was 
born  in  1870,  in  Pease  township,  Belmont 
County.  They  had  one  bright  little  son, 
James  C.,  Avho  was  born  on  November  5, 
1901,  but  whom  they  lost  on  June  7,  1902. 
Both  the  Doctor  and  wife  are  members  of 
the  Methodist  Church,  and  are  prominent 
in  social  circles. 


PETER  W.  HELPBRINGER,  a pros- 
perous farmer  and  also  proprietor  of  the 
Helpbringer  IMills  of  Richland  township, 
Belmont  County,  Ohio,  was  born  in  Goshen 
township  in  1846,  and  is  a son  of  John  and 
Tamzin  (Wolf)  Helpbringer. 

John  Helpbringer  was  born  in  Frederick 
County,  Virginia,  in  1809,  and  died  in  1887. 
He  came  to  Ohio,  first  locating  in  Guernsey 
County,  and  subsequently  in  Goshen  town- 
ship, Belmont  County,  in  1840.  He  then 
moved  to  Smith  township,  where  he  lived 
almost  40  years.  He  then  lived  with  his 
son,  Peter  W.,  for  three  years,  after  which 
he  made  his  home  at  the  home  of  his  daugh- 
ter, Mrs.  Ramsey,  in  Mead  township,  until 
his  death.  He  was  a farmer,  and  also  op- 
erated the  Helpbringer  flour  and  saw  mills 
for  a period  of  twenty-fiA^e  years.  He  was 
a Republican  in  politics,  and  in  religious  at- 
tachment was  a member  of  the  M.  E. 
Church.  He  Avas  united  in  marriage  Avith 
Tamzin  Wolf,  a slaughter  of  Peter  and  Clar- 
issa Wolf.  She  Avas  born  in  Frederick 
County,  Virginia,  in  1809.  and  died  in  1888. 
Religiously,  she  Avas  a member  of  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Church.  To  this  union  Avere 
born  seA^en  children:  William,  Avho  liA^es  in 

Missouri:  Joshua  Lupton,  Avho  died  in  1879; 


396 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Rebecca  Ann,  wife  of  Sterling  Douglas,  re- 
siding near  Kelsey  station.  Smith  town- 
ship; John,  deceased;  Clara  Virginia,  wife  of 
William  E.  Devoe,  of  Smith  township; 
Peter  \N.\  and  Sarah  A.,  wife  of  William 
Ramsay,  of  Mead  township. 

Peter  \Y.  Pfelpbringer  is  also  a miller  hy 
trade  and  succeeded  his  father,  upon  the 
latter’s  retirement,  as  proprietor  of  the 
1 lelphringer  mills.  lie  is  also  engaged  in 
farming  near  Glencoe,  his  home  farm  con- 
sisting of  230  acres  of  valuable  land,  and 
he  also  owns  80  acres  in  W^ayne  town- 
ship. His  beautiful  residence  sits  on  an  ele-  j 
vation  and  commands  an  excellent  view  of 
the  surrounding  country.  He  is  a man  of 
high  principles,  a good,  loyal  citizen,  and 
commands  the  respect  and  highest  esteem 
of  his  fellow  men. 

April  22,  1880,  Mr.  Helpbringer  was 

united  in  the  bonds  of  matrimony  with  Jane 
Louisa  Neff,  a daughter  of  Henry  and  Ma- 
tilda Neff,  who  was  born  in  Smith  town- 
ship in  1850.  They  are  parents  of  five  chil- 
dren, as  follows:  Henry  N.,  who  died  in 

July,  t88i;  Adelbert  S. ; Clara  May;  Ralph  j 
E.,  who  died  January  26,  1901 ; and  James  N.  { 
Mrs  Helpbringer  died  February  7,  1901.  Re-  i 
ligiously,  our  subject  is  a member  of  the  M. 
E.  Church.  He  is  a Republican  in  politics. 


W^TLTTAM  BOYD,  a well-known  farmer 
of  Richland  township.  Belmont  County,  | 
Ohio,  who  owns  one  of  the  most  valuable 
estates  in  his  locality,  was  born  on  the  same,  | 
in  1842.  PTis  parents  were  William  and 
Margaret  (McFarland)  Boyd,  both  of  whom 
were  born  in  County  Tyrone,  Ireland,  the 
former  in  1800  and  the  latter  in  i8oi.  klrs. 
Boyd  accompanied  her  parents  to  America 
when  she  was  \2  years  old,  and  died  in  1884. 

Mulliam  Boyd,  Sr.,  came  to  the  United 
States  in  1823  and  located  for  two  years  at 
Pittsburg,  Pennsylvania,  where  he  followed  j 
his  trade-  of  weaving.  In  1826  he  came  to  j 
Belmont  County  to  establish  himself  upon  a I 


farm,  selecting  the  tract  which  adjoins  his 
son  William’s  property.  Flere  he  reared  his 
large  family  and  engaged  in  agricultural 
pursuits  through  the  balance  of  his  active 
life,  dying  in  1891.  Both  he  and  his  wife 
belonged  to  the  United  Presbyterian  faith. 
Their  children  were  as  follows:  James,  de- 

ceased; Ann  J.,  the  widow  of  Joseph  Mc- 
Kelvey,  lives  in  Guernsey  County;  Marga- 
ret; Andrew  McFarland,  a resident  of  Bel- 
laire;  Isabella,  deceased,  the  wife  of  Thomas 
Johnson,  of  Richland  township;  Katherine; 
Mary,  deceased,  who  was  the  wife  of 
Thomas  Hutchinson;  Samuel,  deceased;  and 
William,  the  youngest  of  nine  children. 

Mr.  Boyd  attended  the  district  schools  in 
his  locality,  and  has  devoted  his  life  to  agri- 
culture. His  fine  farm  comprises  170  acres 
and  is  located  eight  miles  south  of  St.  Clairs- 
ville,  is  well  improved  and  well  cultivated. 
In  August,  1862,  Mr.  Boyd  enlisted  for  serv- 
ice in  the  Civil  War,  entering  Company  B, 
126th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  under  command 
of  Capt.  William  B.  Kirk,  and  continued  in 
the  ranks  until  overtaken  by  sickness,  in 
1863,  which  caused  his  honorable  discharge 
at  Alexandria,  Virginia. 

In  1874  Mr.  Boyd  was  married  to  Emily 
Brannen,  who  was  born  in  Mead  township 
in  1853,  a daughter  of  Joseph  and  Harriet 
' (Shahan)  Brannen,  and  they  have  a family 
of  five  chidren,  namely:  Joseph  B.,  born  in 

1876;  Hattie  H.,  born  in  i888;  Pearl,  born 
in  1890;  James  E.,  born  in  1892;  and  Emma 
M.,  born  in  1896.  In  political  sentiment 
Mr.  Boyd  is  an  active  Republican,  while  in 
religious  association  he  belongs  to  the 
United  Presbyterian  Church. 


JAMES  BATTELLE  McMILLEN,  M. 
D.,  a successful  young  physician  of  Somer- 
ton,  Ohio,  is  rapidly  coming  to  the  front  in 
his  profession.  He  was  born  at  Bethesda, 
Ohio,  in  1872,  and  is  a son  of  Francis  and 
Mary  (Scatterday)  McMillen. 

The  McMillen  family  came  originally  from 


REV.  JOSEPH  M.  WEHRLE. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


399 


Pennsylvania  in  the  person  of  James,  AifcMil- 
len,  the  grandfather,  who  was  an  early 
pioneer,  settling  at  hrst  in  Pultney,  but  lateV 
in  Richland  township.  In  that  township  the 
Doctor’s  parents  still  live,  his  father  a well 
preserved  man  of  77  years,  who  is  a repre- 
sentative farmer  of  that  locality.  He  sup- 
ports the  Republican  party  in  politics,  and 
he  has  long  been  a leading  member  of  the 
Methodist  Church.  His  wife  was  a daughter 
of  Euclid  and  Deborah  Scatterday,  and  was 
born  in  Belmont  County.  She  is  a valued 
member  of  the  Methodist  Church,  and  bears 
well  her  70  years.  A family  of  six  children 
was  born  to  these  parents,  namely,  Sansom 
E.,  deceased:  Euclid  S.,  a manufacturer,  at 
Bethesda;  James  B.,  of  this  sketch:  Eliza- 
beth A.,  and  Homer  R.,  at  home. 

Dr.  McMillen  attended  the  Richland  town- 
ship schools  and  the  St.  Clairsville  High 
School  and  then  engaged  in  teaching  for  a 
period  of  five  years,  in  the  meantime  prepar- 
ing for  medical  college.  In  1897  he  entered 
Starling  Aledical  College,  at  Columbus, 
Ohio,  and  graduated  with  credit  in 
April,  1901.  He  first  entered  into  a 
partnership  with  Dr.  J.  W.  Piper  at 
Bethesda,  and  later  came  to  Somerton, 
where  he  has  practiced  with  success  ever 
since.  Dr.  McAIillen  is  well  equipped  for  his 
profession,  pays  close  attention  to  it  and  has 
gained  the  confidence  of  the  community. 

On  June  25,  1902,  Dr.  McMillen  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Alice  B.  Lentz,  who 
was  born  in  Richland  township  in  1875,  a 
daughter  of  Simon  and  Annie  Lentz.  Both 
the  Doctor  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  .Church.  He  is  connected  with 
the  local  orders  of  Knights  of  Pythias  and 
Odd  Eellows.  In  politics  he  is  a stanch  Re- 
publican. 


REV.  JOSEPH  M.  AVEHRLE,  pastor  of 
St.  John’s  Roman  Catholic  Church,  at  Bel- 
laire,  Ohio,  a scholarly  man  of  quiet  tastes 
and  useful  life,  is  a well-beloved  resident  of 


this  city,  esteemed  in  the  highest  degree, 
both  in  his  parish  and  among  his  fellow-citi- 
zens. 

The  birth  of  Lather  AA'Thrle  took  place  at 
Newark,  Licking  County,  Ohio,  in  1865.  He 
is  a son  of  Col.  Joseph  Christian  AA’ehrle,  who 
died  in  1890,  aged  54  years,  having  been  a 
loyal  soldier  and  a prominent  manufacturer 
of  Ohio. 

Col.  Joseph  Christian  Wehrle  was  a native 
of  Prussia,  Germany,  and  came  to  America  a 
poor  boy  of  13  years,  accompanying  his 
father,  who  followed  the  trade  of  nailsmith 
and  blacksmith.  During  his  youth  it  was 
Joseph’s  duty  to  peddle  the  nails  which  his 
father  made  by  the  old  hand  process,  and 
this  precluded  any  great  amount  of  school- 
ing. Later  he  learned  the  trade  of  molder, 
became  successful  in  business  and  thoroughly 
identified  himself  with  the  interests  of  his 
adopted  land.  At  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil 
AAMr  he  raised  a company  in  Licking  County 
at  his  own  expense,  entered  the  service  as  its 
captain  (the  company  being  assigned  to  the 
76th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.),  received  just  pro- 
motion and  served  as  one  of  General  Sher- 
man’s colonels.  In  Eebruary,  1865,  Colonel 
AA^ehrle  married  a daughter  of  IMichael 
Morath,  who  at  that  time  was  a wealthy 
brewer,  owning  the  largest  brewery  in  the 
State  of  Ohio,  or  between  Pittsburg  and  St. 
Louis. 

After  marriage  Colonel  AA^ehrle  entered  the 
wholesale  liquor  business,  hut  later  purchased 
a foundry  at  Newark,  and  entered  into  a 
partnership  with  John  Moser.  Beginning  in 
a small  way,  they  gradually  enlarged  the 
business,  and  needing  more  land,  secured  a 
tract  of  three  or  four  acres  upon  Avhich  they 
erected  an  immense  plant  and  engaged  ex- 
tensively in  the  manufacture  of  stoveS  and 
ranges.  Later  Colonel  AA^ehrle  purchased 
Mr.  Moser’s  interest,  and  the  business  is  now 
carried  on  by  his  two  sons,  AAhlliam  and 
Augustine.  This  plant  is  reputed  to  have 
the  largest  tonnage  of  any  foundry  in  the 
countr^^  and  employs  about  1,000  men.  The 
two  sisters  of  Lather  AAAhrle  are  Mary,  a resi- 


400 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF- BELMONT  COUNTY, 


(lent  of  Columbus,  and  Cecelia,  who  lives  at 
home. 

Father  W'ehrle  was  not  designed  for  the 
])i'iesthood  l)y  his  father,  whose  large  busi- 
ness interests  offered  an  inviting  field  for  the 
youth’s  commercial  and  wordly  advancement. 
Mis  inclinations,  however,  were  toward  a re- 
ligious life  from  early  boyhood,  and  the  un- 
usual development  of  his  mental  faculties 
marked  him  for  a life  which  the  rush  and 
clangor  of  business  would  not  satisfy.  His 
elementary  education  was  acquired  in  the 
parochial  schools  at  Newark,  Ohio,  and  in 
j8/9  he  entered  St.  Vincent’s  College  at  La- 
trobe,  Pennsylvania,  graduating  there  in  the 
commercial  department  in  i88i,  being  one 
of  1 1 graduates  in  a class  of  26,  the  high 
standard  of  scholarly  excellence  demanded  by 
the  course  not  l)eing  reached  by  the  others. 
At  this  time  one  of  his  professors  was  the 
present  noted  Bishop  Leo  Haid,  of  North 
Carolina.  It  was  at  his  father’s  request,  who 
desired  him  to  prepare  for  West  Point,  that 
he  then  entered  the  classical  course  at  St. 
\dncent,  and  although  he  could  not  sympa- 
thize with  his  father  in  the  latter’s  desire  for 
him  to  adopt  a military  career,  he  so  applied 
liimself  that  he  completed  the  thorough  and 
comprehensive  course  of  five  years  in  three, 
graduating  also  at  the  head  of  his  class  in 
1884,  carrying  off  the  highest  honors.  One 
of  his  well-known  classmates  was  Father 
Hugh  Ewing  of  Columbus,  Ohio.  Selecting 
the  seminary,  he  there  completed  a course  in 
])hiloso])hy  in  1886,  obtaining  the  degree  of 
-\.  B.  TIaving  finally  secured  his  father’s 
consent.  Father  Wehrle  took  up  the  study  of 
theology  in  preparation  for  the  priesthood, 
and  two  years  later'  graduated  with  the  de- 
gree of  M.  A.,  but  on  account  of  his  age  was 
obliged  to  defer  his  ordination  several 
months,  this  ceremony  being  performed 
August  15,  1889,  at  Newark,  Ohio,  by 
Bishop  Watterson.  He  was  at  once  placed 
in  charge  of  a parish  in  Scioto  County  and 
located  at  Wheelersburg,  where  he  remained 
until  1895.  The  succeeding  year  was  spent 
in  travel  abroad,  through  Germany,  France, 


Switzerland,  Italy,  Egypt  and  Palestine,  re- 
turning in  January,  1896.  He  was  im- 
mediately placed  in  charge  of  St.  John’s  Par- 
ish, at  Bellaire,  Ohio,  which  contained  at  that 
time  300  families.  Since  the  labors  of  Father 
Wehrle  began  there  has  been  a constant  in- 
crease, until  now  the  parish  has  more  than 
600  families,  with  a flourishing  parochial 
school. 

Few  men  in  business  life  have  attained  to 
more  prominence  from  humble  beginnings 
than  did  the  late  Col.  Joseph  Christian 
Wehrle,  who  with  ability  made  a career  for 
himself  which  reflected  credit  upon  himself, 
his  family  and  his  adopted  State.  He  was  an 
earnest  and  active  member  of  the  Republican 
party,  and  his  chosen  friends  were  such  men 
as  the  late  ex-President  Hayes,  Governor 
Foster  and  Chief  Justice  Woods,  and  was  so 
highly  regarded  by  the  lamented  President 
Garfield  as  to  have  been  tendered  by  him  the 
position  of  United  States  Minister  to  Ger- 
many. 


THOMxA,S  P.  HARRIS,  a well  known  and 
popular  educator  of  Belmont  Gounty,  Ohio, 
is  a native  son  of  the  State,  born  in  Cadiz  in 
1845,  ^ son  of  Harmon  and  Mary  G.  (Wood- 
row)  Harris. 

The  Harris  family  is  of  Maryland  origin,  in 
which  State  Harmon  Harris  was  born  in 
.1805.  In  1836  he  moved  to  Ohio  and  lo- 
cated in  Harrison  County,  where  he  followed 
his  trade  of  shoemaking  and  became  a re- 
spected and  esteemed  citizen.  In  his  politi- 
cal sympathy  he  was  a Republican.  For  many 
years  prior  to  his  death,  in  t88i,  he  was  a 
very  active  worker  in  the  Methodist  Church. 
His  wife,  Mary  G.  Woodrow,  was  born  in 
1806,  in  Lancaster  County,  Pennsylvania, 
and  died  in  Harrison  County,  Ohio,  in  1883. 
She  was  a woman  of  high  character  and  a 
consistent  member  of  the  Methodist  Church. 
A family  of  T2  children  was  born  to  these 
parents,  evenly  divided  as  to  sons  and 
daughters,  as  follows:  Mary,  John,  Har- 

mon, Isaac,  Sarah,  Margaret,  William, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


401 


Martha,  Thomas,  Isabel,  Jemima  and 
Samuel. 

Mr.  Harris  secured  an  excellent  education 
and  he  has  engaged  in  teaching  all  his  life, 
attaining  considerable  prominence  in  the 
profession.  He  is  a graduate  of  Franklin  Col- 
lege, New  Athens,  Ohio,  in  the  class  of  1862. 
In  1876  he  located  in  Belmont  County, 
and  has  been  a valued  teacher  in  Som- 
erton  ever  since,  a man  of  progressive 
ideas,  scholarly  attainments  and  most  pleas- 
ing and  urbane  manner.  Under  his  care  the 
schools  of  Somerton  have  prospered  and 
rank  with  any  in  the  county  under  the  same 
conditions.  In  March,  1864,  he  enlisted  for 
service  in  the  Civil  War  in  the  Signal  Corps 
and  served  until  December,  1864,  when  he 
was  mustered  out  of  the  service.  This  was 
one  of  the  very  loyal  families,  three  of  his 
brothers  also  serving  in  the  army — William 
in  the  69th  Reg.,  Ohio  V^ol.  Inf.,  Isaac  in 
the  nth  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Cav.,  and  Harmon 
in  the  170th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf. 

In  1866  Mr.  Harris  was  married  to  Caro- 
line Butler,  who  was  born  in  Belmont  County 
in  1848.  Four  children  have  been  born  to 
this  union,  namely,  Grace,  deceased:  Essie, 
the  wife  of  John  W.  Hobbs  of  Chicago 
Heights,  Illinois;  Martha  and  Earl.  The  re- 
ligious connection  of  the  family  has  always 
been  with  the  Methodist  Church. 

Mr.  Harris,  in  addition  to  his  educational 
duties,  serves  as  a pension  attorney,  and  is  a 
notary  public.  He  is  a man  who  stands  high 
in  public  esteem  and  is  one  of  Somerton’s 
most  worthy  citizens.  He  has  long  been 
connected  with  the  fraternal  order  of  Knights 
of  Pythias  and  has  held  the  honorable  posi- 
tion of  post  commander  in  the  Grand  Army 
post  at  Somerton. 


FRANK  R.  SKINNER,  a well-known 
and  successful  farmer  of  Somerset  township. 
Belmont  County,  was  born  in  this  county 
and  locality  in  1847,  3-  son  of  Kinsman  and 
Isabel  (Eowler)  Skinner. 

Kinsman  Skinner  was  born  in  1813  in  Cal- 


vert County,  Maryland,  and  died  in  Belmont 
County,  Ohio,  in  1889.  In  1835  came 
here  and  located  in  the  vicinity  of  Barnes- 
ville,  engaging  in  farming.  Air.  Skinner  was 
identified  with  the  Democratic  party.  He 
was  a member  of  the  Methodist  Church.  His 
wife,  Isabel  Fowler,  was  born  in  1814  in  Cal- 
vert County,  Maryland,  and  died  in  1883,  be- 
loved in  her  family  and  valued  in  the  Aletho- 
dist  Church.  The  eight  children  of  this  mar- 
riage were:  Alary  Ellen,  who  resides  in  Som- 
erton; Elizabeth,  who  married  Richard  Skin- 
ner; James  W.,  deceased,  who  was  a member 
of  Company  C,  60th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  in 
the  Civil  War;  John  T.,  who  resides  in  Som- 
erset township,  who  was  also  a member  of 
the  same  company  and  regiment;  Frank  R., 
of  this  sketch;  Jane,  who  married  Harry 
Thomas,  resides  near  Lexington,  Kentucky; 
Alinerva,  who  resides  at  Somerton,  and  Hat- 
tie, who  is  the  wife  of  John  Hoge,  of  Barnes- 
ville. 

The  fine  farm  of  Air.  Skinner  is  located  on 
section  ii,  in  Somerset  township,  and  com- 
prises 71  acres  of  most  excellent  land,  under 
a fine  state  of  cultivation  and  well  improved. 
Air.  Skinner  has  devoted  his  life  to  agricul- 
tural pursuits  and  has  been  more  than  usually 
successful. 

On  November  30,  1869,  Air.  Skinner  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Hannah  Finch,  who 
was  born  in  1846  in  Somerset  township,  a 
daughter  of  William  Finch.  A family  of 
eight  children  was  born  to  this  union,  as  fol- 
lows: Jessie,  who  married  Charles  Shaffer, 
resides  in  Somerset;  Gussie,  who  married 
Clyde  Buley,  cashier  in  the  Belmont  Bank, 
resides  in  Somerton:  Emma,  who  is  a popu- 
lar teacher:  Alabel.  who  married  James 

Bromhall,  resides  in  Somerset  township; 
Blanche,  who  married  Dayton  Hagan,  resides 
in  this  township;  Clara,  who  married  John 
Starl)uck,  also  resides  in  Somerset  townshi]'); 
Guv  P..  who  is  employed  in  a wholesale  es- 
tablishment in  Columbus,  Ohio,  and  James, 
who  still  assists  his  father. 

Like  other  members  of  the  Skinner  fam- 
ily, our  subject  is  identified  with  the  Demo- 


402 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


cratic  party.  The  religious  connection  of  the 
family  is  with  the  Methodist  Church,  to  the 
support  of  which  Mr.  Skinner  is  a liberal  con- 
tributor. 


JOSEPH  K.  SHOT  WELL,  a prosperous 
merchant  and  well-known  citizen  of  Somer- 
ton,  P>elmont  County,  Ohio,  belongs  to  one 
of  the  old  established  families  of  Warren 
township,  where  he  was  born  in  1835. 

'I'homas  Shotwell,  the  father  of  Joseph  K., 
was  Imrn  in  I/q6  in  Creene  County,  Penn- 
s}’lvania,  and  died  in  Ohio,  September  20, 
1878.  In  1810  he  came  to  Belmont  County 
with  his  parents,  Titus  and  Deborah  Shot- 
well,  who  located  in  Warren  township.  They 
were  quiet,  industrious  people,  members  of 
the  Society  of  Eriends,  and  became  prosper- 
ous in  their  new  home.  Thomas  was  reared 
in  the  Ouaker  faith,  but  lost  his  birthright 
membership  by  marrying  out  of  the  Society 
without  permission.  Thomas  combined  farm- 
ing with  shoemaking,  and  became  one  of  the 
substantial  citizens  of  Warren  township.  He 
belonged  to  the  most  aggressive  wing  of  the 
Abolition  party,  and  did  all  in  his  power  for 
the  suppression  of  slavery.  He  was  a most 
worthy  man  and  died  with  the  respect  of  the 
citizens  of  Somerton,  where  he  had  long  re- 
sided. 

The  mother  of  our  subject  was  Eleanor, 
Brown,  daughter  of  James  and  Ann 
Brown,  and  she  rvas  born  in  i/95  in 
Payette  County,  Pennsylvania,  and  died 
in  Ohio  in  1873.  She  was  reared  in 
the  Presbyterian  faith.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Shotwell  were  the  parents  of  ten  chil- 
dren, as  follows;  Mary  Ann,  rvho  is  the 
widow  of  Edward  S.  Barnes,  resides  in  Pitts- 
Inirg;  Susan,  who  is  deceased;  Jane,  who  is 
also  deceased,  was  the  wife  of  Joshua  Barnes 
of  IHrnesville;  Eliza  E.,  who  is  the  widow  of 
James  Eorvler  of  Barnesville,  Ohio,  and  now 
resides  in  ,St.  Clairsville,  Ohio;  Sarah  and 
Wblliam  B.,  both  of  whom  are  deceased;  Mar- 
ian B.,  who  is  deceased,  was  the  wdfe  of  John 
C.  Bolon;  Margaret  A.  and  Isaac,  both  of 


wdiom  are  deceased,  and  Joseph  K.,  who  is 
the  subject  of  this  brief  biography. 

Joseph  K.  Shotwell  grew  to  manhood  in 
Warren  township  and  learned  the  shoemak- 
ing trade  under  his  father,  following  the 
same  for  seven  years.  In  1865  he  embarked 
in  the  mercantile  business  and  has  practically 
conducted  the  same  in  Somerton  ever  since. 
In  1881  he  formed  a partnership  with  the  late 
Senator  Solomon  Hogue,  which  continued 
until  1896,  since  which  time  he  has  very  suc- 
cessfully carried  on  the  business  alone. 

In  1868  Mr.  Shotwell  was  married  to  Ar- 
minda  Leslie,  daughter  of  Johnson  Leslie, 
her  death  occurring  in  the  following  year. 
The  second  marriage  of  Mr.  Shotwell  was  to 
Sarah  J.  Claudy,  who  was  a daughter  of  Rob- 
ert and  Hannah  Claudy;  she  was  born  in 
Temperanceville,  Somerset  township,  in 
1841,  and  died  in  1894,  leaving  two  daugh- 
ters. These  are  Julia  B.,  who  married  Dr. 
W.  S.  Burcher,  and  they  live  in  Demos,  Bel- 
mont County,  Ohio,  and  Mary  C.,  who  is  her 
father’s  capable  housekeeper. 

Mr.  Shotwell,  like  his  respected  father,  is 
thoroughly  identified  with  the  Republican 
party.  Fraternally  he  belongs  to  Somerton 
Lodge,  No.  618,  Knights  of  Pythias. 


JOHN  A.  NEFF,  Sr.,  a prominent  farmer 
and  large  land  holder  of  Richland  township, 
Belmont  County,  Ohio,  is  well  and  favorably 
known  as  a business  man  and  estimable  citi- 
zen. The  birth  of  Mr.  Neff  took  place  in 
1823  in  the  home  in  which  he  now  lives,  sit- 
uated four  miles  southwest  of  St.  Clairsville. 

Henry  Neff,  the  father  of  John  A.,  was 
born  in  Allegany  County,  Maryland,  and 
(.lied  in  Ohio  in  1830  at  the  age  of  51  years. 
In  18 to  he  came  to  Belmont  County  and  lo- 
cated on  this  farm  which  his  son  now  owns, 
— the  weH  half  of  section  13,  comprising 
321  ■.  acres.  Henry  Neff  w^as  of  German  de- 
scent. He  dis])layed  his  loyalty  to  his  coun- 
try during  the  War  of  1812,  serving  during 
its  continuance  and  being  with  Hull  at  the 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


403 


time  of  his  surrender.  After  the  closing  of 
this  incident  in  the  country’s  history,  he  re- 
turned to  his  farm  and  resumed  agricultural 
pursuits.  He  belonged  to  the  Lutheran 
Churcli,  as  did  his  ancestors.  In  public  affairs 
he  took  some  interest;  was  a Democrat  m 
politics,  and  served  as  constable.  The  mother 
of  our  subject  was  Elizabeth  Blocher,  who 
was  born  in  Cumberland,  Maryland,  and  died 
in  1879  at  the  age  of  80  years.  She  also  was 
of  German  descent,  and  a consistent  and 
worthy  member  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 
These  parents  had  three  children,  namely. 
George,  John  A.  and  Sarah  Jane, — our  sub- 
ject being  the  only  survivor. 

Jonn  A.  Neff  worked  in  youth  on  his 
father's  farm  and  attended  the  country 
schools  and  later  learned  the  brickmaking 
trade.  He  has  put  up  a number  of  kilns  in 
the  comity  and  has  made  the  bricks  used  by 
his  neighbors  in  building,  and  also  for  school 
houses  m tiie  vicinity.  For  many  years  he 
has  conlined  his  energies  to  the  operation 
aiid  management  of  his  large  estate.  In  1851 
lie  married  Elizabeth  Giffen,  who  was  born 
in  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  in  1830,  a 
daughter  of  Alexander  and  Mary  Giffen,  and 
they  liad  a family  of  seven  children  born  to 
them,  the  survivors  being:  Harriet  E.,  who 
married  J.  N.  Frazier  and  lives  at  Martin’s 
Ferry;  Albert,  who  married  Martha  Girard, 
a daughter  of  William  and  Elizabeth  Girard, 
has  five  children.  Pearl  O.,  Harry  A.,  Dale 
E.,  Myrtle  E.  and  John  W.,  and  is  a black- 
smith by  trade,  engaged  also  in  farming  on  a 
place  adjoining  the  homestead,  and  Emmet 
M.,  who  resides  on  the  homestead.  Mr. 
Neff  and  family  belong  to  the  Methodist 
Church.  He  has  been  somewhat  prominent 
in  township  affairs,  has  very  acceptably  filled 
the  office  of  township  trustee,  and  is  identi- 
fied wfith  the  Democratic  party. 

Mr.  Neff  has  been  identified  wfith  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  since  1844.  He 
has  served  in  the  capacity  of  steward,  class 
leader  and  superintendent  of  Sunday-school. 
When  Rev.  Mr.  Foutz  was  assigned  to  the 
Morristown  charge  he  was  unable,  on  account  I 


of  failing  health,  to  maintain  the  attendance 
of  the  once-filled  church  of  Morristown.  The 
members  gradually  drifted  into  other 
churches,  and  in  a short  time  it  was  evident 
that  some  one  w'ould  have  to  exert  an  in- 
fluence to  keep  the  church  together.  Mr. 
Neff,  being  a class  leader,  took  the  matter  in 
hand,  held  meetings  in  the  Warnock  school 
house,  and  finally  when  the  latter  privilege 
was  denied,  those  members  who  had  followed 
his  leadership  determined  to  build  a church. 
The  present  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
building  of  Warnock  was  the  final  result. 


JAMES  S.  WILSON,  postmaster  of  Som- 
erton,  BelmontCounty,  Ohio,  is  a well-known 
and  highly  respected  citizen.  He  was  born 
in  Somerton  in  1867,  a son  of  Thomas  and 
Ellen  (Strahl)  Wilson,  the  former  of  whom 
w^as  born  in  1829  in  Harrison  County,  Ohio, 
and  now^  finds  a pleasant  and  congenial  home 
W'ith  his  son. 

Thomas  Wilson  is  an  honored  survivor  of 
the  Civil  War.  In  1846  he  came  to  Belmont 
County  and  answ^ered  the  first  call  for  troops 
in  1861,  enlisting  in  the  62nd  Reg., 
Ohio  Vol.  Inf.  and  faithfully  served 
his  country  during  the  progress  of 
the  Civil  War.  He  \vas  wounded  both 
on  face  and  hands  and  for  gallantry  was 
promoted  to  the  rank  of  captain.  It  is  a mat- 
ter of  note  that  his  wounds  show  that  his 
face  was  to  the  foe.  He  has  been  honored  by 
the  local  Grand  Army  post  by  being  made 
commander.  He  has  held  a number  of  the 
township  offices  in  the  gift  of  the  Republican 
party  and  is  a highly  estimated  citizen.  His 
wife,  Ellen  Strahl,  was  born  in  Belmont 
County, a daughter  of  Mahlon  Strahl,  and  she 
died  in  1886  at  the  age  of  56  years.  Their 
children  were:  John  W.,  deceased;  Mary, 
deceased;  Jennie;  Casper  L.,  with  the  Penn- 
sylvania Railroad  in  Bellaire;  Dora,  the  wife 
of  Dr.  C.  H.  Wittenbrook  of  Woodsfield; 
Harry  E.,  in  business  at  jMinneapolis,  Minn., 
and  James  S.,  of  Somerton. 


404 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Mr.  Wilson,  althoug-h  still  a young  man, 
has  become  [)rolicient  in  a number  of  lines 
of  business.  rVfter  completing  his  common 
school  education  he  learned  the  stone-mason 
trade  in  Somerton,  and  then  spent  four  years 
in  the  creamery  business.  Following  this  he 
accejited  a clerkship  with  the  linn  of  Flogue 
& Shotwell,  and  during  the  hve  years  of  his 
continuance  there  learned  the  principles  of 
storekeeping,  which  he  now  puts  into  pi'ac- 
tice  to  some  extent,  conducting  a general 
store  in  Somerton.  Fie  has  always  ardently 
supported  the  Republican  party  and  received 
the  appointment  as  postmaster  of  Somerton 
on  August  lo,  1897,  and  was  reappointed  in 
January,  1902.  Flis  service  has  given  the 
greatest  satisfaction  to  the  patrons  of  the 
office  and  he  is  a much  esteemed  citizen. 

In  1889  Mr.  Wilson  was  married  to  Belle 
Pearson,  who  w'as  born  in  Bellsville,  Monroe 
County,  in  1868,  a daughter  of  William  and 
Mary  (Jackson)  Pearson,  also  a sister  of  Flon. 
A.  J.  Pearson,  of  AVoodsfield,  Ohio.  A 
daughter  was  born  to  this  union  in  1890, 
named  Nora  B.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wilson,  like 
their  parents,  enjoy  membership  in  the  Meth- 
odist Church.  Mr.  Wilson  is  fraternally  con- 
nected with  the  local  lodge  of  Knights  of 
Pythias. 


NATFIAN  CATER,  one  of  the  prominent 
and  successful  farmers  of  Somerset  township, 
Belmont  County,  Ohio,  is  a native  of  this 
township,  where  he  w'as  born  in  1850,  a son 
of  John  and  Sarah  (Smith)  Cater. 

The  original  home  of  the  Cater  family  was 
in  Maryland,  and  there  John  Cater  was  born 
in  1808.  He  died  in  1864  at  the  age  of  56 
years.  He  came  to  Belmont  County  when 
a lad  with  his  parents,  his  father  taking  up 
at  that  time  the  80-acre  farm  on  wdiich  Jos- 
eph N.  Cater  now^  resides.  John  Cater  be- 
came a prominent  and  substantial  farmer, 
w^as  trustee  of  the  towmship  and  a strong 
Whig  in  his  political  sympathy.  His  mar- 
riage was  to  Sarah  Smith,  who  was  a native 
of  Pennsylvania  and  wdio  died  in  1878  at  the 


age  of  70  years.  Her  parents  also  moved 
to  Belmont  County  when  she  was  a child,  and 
she  grew  to  womanhood  and  married  in 
Belmont  County.  Our  subject’s  parents 
were  both  consistent  members  of  the  Metho- 
dist Church,  and  in  that  faith  they  reared 
their  nine  children,  these  being;  William  T., 
deceased;  Elizabeth,  deceased;  Melissa,  the 
wife  of  William  H.  Hobbs;  John  W.  and 
Eliza,  deceased;  Charles  W.,  deceased,  was 
a member  of  the  60th  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  and 
died  at  Camp  Chase  of  an  attack  of  measles 
in  1864;  Frances  E.,  the  wife  of  O.  P.  Barnes, 
of  Somerset  township;  Nathan,  of  this 
sketch,  and  Joseph  N. 

Mr.  Cater  owns  a fine  farm  of  135  acres  lo- 
cated in  section  18,  in  Somerset  township, 
which  he  has  operated  with  great  success, 
carrying  on  a general  line  of  farming  and 
some  stock  raising.  In  politics  he  is  identi- 
fied with  the  Democratic  party,  while  he  is 
active  both  in  the  Masonic  fraternity  and 
in  the  Knights  of  Pythias. 

In  1879  ^1'-  Cater  was  united  in  marriage 
with  Annette  Bishop,  who  was  born  in  1850 
and  is  also  a native  of  Ohio.  They  have  one 
son,  Charles  W.  Both  our  subject  and  wife 
are  consistent  members  of  the  Methodist 
Church.  They  belong  to  the  best  class  of  the 
citizens  of  Somerset  township  and  are  known 
for  their  kind  hospitality  and  sterling  quali- 
ties. 


FRANK  S.  FdASON,  justice  of  the  peace 
at  Bellaire,  Ohio,  is  a man  of  upright  char- 
acter, and  his  worth  is  greatly  appreciated  by 
the  citizens  in  his  community.  Fie  is  a true- 
hearted, conscientious  gentleman,  with  a 
good,  clean  record,  and  has  proved  to  be  an 
honorable  and  efficient  judge.  Flis  birth  oc- 
curred in  1849  near  Coal  Run,  Washington 
County,  Ohio,  and  there  he  spent  his  youth- 
fid  days  and  obtained  his  scholastic  training. 

Mr.  Mason  was  joined  in  the  bonds  of  mat- 
rimony with  Miss  Irena  Davis,  who  is  a de- 
scendant of  one  of  the  oldest  families  of 
Washington  County.  They  have  a family  of 
four  children  and  reside  in  their  pretty  mod- 


CARL  L.  DORER. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


407 


era  residence  at  No.  2629  Belmont  street. 
Onr  subject  was  but  a boy  when  the  Civil 
War  broke  out,  but  he  nevertheless  served 
eighteen  months  during  the  later  years  as 
a member  of  Company  F,  63rd  O.  V.  I.  He 
was  engaged  in  various  occupations  while 
living  in  Washington  County,  among  them 
agricultural  pursuits,  but  in  1881  he  removed 
with  his  wife  and  family  to  Belmont  County 
and  chose  Bellaire  for  his  permanent  home. 
His  first  occupation  at  that  city  was  in  coal 
mining,  and  this  he  continued  until  May, 
1887,  and  at  that  date  embarked  in  business 
for  himself,  setting  up  a grocery  store  in  the 
First  Ward  on  Belmont  street.  His  store 
was  well  managed  and  nicely  arranged,  and 
he  remained  in  the  business  until  1891,  the 
year  in  which  he  was  elected  to  his  present 
office,  justice  of  the  peace. 

As  a justice  he  served  with  such  satisfac- 
tion to  all  that  he  has  been  re-elected  con- 
secutively three  times  and  is  now  serving  his 
fourth  term  in  that  office.  Mr.  klason  has 
gained  an  enviable  reputation  as  a pension 
and  claim  attorney,  and  has  adjusted  several 
thousand  claims  since  taking  up  this  line  of 
work,  in  which  he  has  met  with  more  than 
ordinary  success.  Fraternally  he  is  a valued 
member  of  the  G.  A.  R.,  Knights  of  Pythias, 
Elks,  American  Mechanics,  Turners  and  the 
Masonic  order. 


CARL  L.  DORER,  secretary  and  treas- 
urer of  the  C.  L.  Dorer  Eoundry  Company, 
of  Bellaire,  Ohio,  who  for  many  years  had 
charge  of  the  mold-designing  department  at 
the  Rodefer  Glass  Works,  was  born  in  Janu- 
ary, 1854,  at  Triberg,  Baden,  Germany,  being 
a son  of  the  late  Dr.  E.  S.  Dorer,  for  many 
years  a prominent  physician.  Both  parents 
of  our  subject  were  also  born  in  Germany, 
and  both  are  deceased.  A brother,  William 
Dorer,  the  well-known  jeweler  at  Bellaire, 
learned  his  trade  in  Dorchester,  England,  and 
opened  up  his  business  in  Bellaire  in  1890. 

Our  subject  was  reared  in  an  excellent 
home,  attended  school  at  Triberg,  secured 


an  excellent  mathematical  training,  and  then 
performed  his  citizen  duty  to  his  country  by 
entering  the  army  at  the  age  of  20  years, 
serving  until  he  was  23.  Erom  his  youth  he 
had  followed  the  glass  business,  becoming  an 
expert  designer  and  mold-maker.  Securing 
a furlough  of  two  years  from  the  army,  he  de- 
cided to  visit  America,  and  in  1882  came  to 
this  country,  locating  at  Pittsburg,  Pennsyl- 
vania, where  he  engaged  at  his  craft  with 
Washington  Beck  for  nine  months.  He  then 
came  to  Bellaire  and  was  employed  by  the 
Rodefer  Brothers,  and  soon  after  was  placed 
in  charge  of  the  mold  shops.  Later,  in  asso- 
ciation with  capitalists  of  Bellaire,  he  organ- 
ized the  C.  L.  Dorer  Eoundry  Company,  of 
which  he  is  secretary  and  treasurer.  He  is 
also  the  originator  of  the  Enterprise  Enamel 
Company,  which  was  first  conducted  under 
the  firm  name  of  Dorer  & Rossbach  for  about 
18  months,  a stock  company  later  being 
formed  in  which  Mr.  Dorer  is  interested. 
Other  important  organizations  with  which 
Mr.  Dorer  is  connected  are  numerous.  He 
is  also  president  of  the  Octo  Gold  Company, 
chartered  under  the  laws  of  West  Virginia, 
owning  and  developing  a fine  prospective 
mine  near  Baker  City,  Oregon,  of  which 
company  Charles  Taney  is  secretary  and 
treasurer,  and  J.  M.  WTeks  and  T.  S.  Riley 
are  directors.  Mr.  Dorer,  after  a recent  visit 
to  and  examination  of  this  property,  returned 
filled  with  enthusiasm  for  undoubted  success 
in  the  near  future. 

Mr.  Dorer  married  Julia  Hess,  born  in  Bel- 
laire, Ohio,  in  i860,  being  a daughter  of 
Jacob  and  Catherine  Hess,  of  Bellaire,  who 
are  among  the  pioneers  of  the  city.  Eive 
children  have  been  born  to  this  union,  name- 
ly: Vera,  Carl,  Richard,  IMollie  and  Walter. 
Probably  there  is  no  home  in  the  Eastern 
Ohio  Valley  more  desirable  in  every  way 
than  that  occupied  by  Mr.  Dorer  and  family. 
It  bears  the  name  of  Triberg,  in  honor  of  Mr. 
Dorer’s  birthplace,  and  is  located  on  the  crest 
of  a commanding  hill,  overlooking  the  city, 
outside  its  corporate  limits.  Leading  to  it 
are  steps  from  the  turnpike  road,  and  also  a 


4o8 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY. 


driveway  which  gracefully  winds  to  the  top. 
One  room  is  the  original  log  cabin,  erected 
on  the  spot  by  "Uncle”  Jacob  Heatherington 
and  Captain  Fink  in  1846.  This  building  has 
been  covered  with  the  usual  building  ma- 
terial and  added  to  until  there  are  eight 
rooms,  only  the  unusually  thick  walls  giving 
an  idea  of  the  inner  lining  of  logs.  The  sur- 
rounding grounds  contain  about  seven  acres, 
and  at  considerable  expense  have  been  finely 
graded  and  set  out  in  orchard  and  vineyard, 
containing  all  the  ordinary  horticultural 
specimens  of  the  locality.  A system  of  water- 
works is  supplied  from  an  unfailing  spring  of 
pure  water  above,  having  a fall  of  65  feet, 
while  natural  gas  piping  supplies  fuel  and 
light.  This  is  an  ideal  home,  and  none  in 
this  vicinity  can  compare  with  Triberg 
Orchard. 

In  political  sentiment  Mr.  Dorer  favors  the 
Repulfiican  party,  while  his  social  connec- 
tions are  with  Bellaire  Lodge,  F.  & A.  M.; 
Black  Prince  Lodge,  Knights  of  Pythias,  and 
the  Turners.  Mr.  Dorer  is  regarded  as  one 
of  the  representative  men  of  Bellaire,  and 
his  support  is  sought  in  almost  all  public  and 
many  private  enterprises,  the  good  judgment 
he  has  shown  and  the  success  which  he  has 
attained  in  his  own  affairs  justly  inspiring  his 
fellow-citizens  with  confidence.  His  genial, 
pleasant  nature  has  surrounded  him  with  a 
wide  circle  of  personal  friends. 


R.  L.  BOWMAN,  cashier  of  the  Farm- 
ers’ & Merchants’  Bank  of  Bellaire,  Ohio,  a 
man  of  marked  liberality  and  public  spirit 
and  a prominent  and  useful  resident  of  Pow- 
hatan Point,  is  a native  of  the  great  State  of 
Kentucky,  born  at  the  city  of  Lexington,  in 
Fayette  County,  in  1863. 

The  parents  of  Mr.  Bowman  were  Henry 
Clay  and  Lizzie  (Reed)  Bowman;  the  for- 
mer, at  the  age  of  80  years,  is  still  a resident 
of  Kentucky.  Avhere  the  latter  died  in  the 
summer  of  1901,  aged  64  years.  The  Bow- 
man family  was  originally  of  Virginia  and  be- 


longed to  the  early  pioneers  in  Kentucky, 
where  the  grandfather  of  our  subject  was 
born  and  where  he  died  in  1878  at  the  age  of 
96  years.  By  a former  marriage  Henry  C. 
Bowman  had  four  children,  and  seven  were 
born  to  his  second  union;  the  names  of  the 
eleven  children  are  as  follows:  Anna 

Belle,  who  resides  at  home  in  Lexing- 
ton with  her  sisters,  Lou  and  Sallie,  and 
brothers,  Henry  Clay,  Jr.,  and  William  R. ; 
Robert  Lee  of  this  sketch  is  the  sixth  mem- 
ber; Bush  Hatfield,  a resident  of  Perry,  Okla- 
homa; Florence  Stockwell;  Andrew  Reed,  of 
Lexington;  Catherine  B.  (Mrs.  Banks),  of 
Columbus,  Georgia,  and  John  B.,  also  of 
Lexington. 

R.  L.  Bowman  is  the  only  member  of  his 
family  residing  in  Ohio.  He  was  reared  and 
educated  in  one  of  the  select  homes  and  ex- 
celRnt  schools  of  Lexington,  but  since  the 
age  of  1 5 years  has  depended  upon  his  own 
efforts.  Mr.  Bowman  is  a young  man  of  su- 
perior mental  ec[uipment,  ’and  from  being  a 
successful  teacher  he  became  instructor  in 
bookkeeping  and  penmanship  at  the  Uni- 
versity of  Kentucky.  Later  he  investigated 
business  opportunities  in  the  State  of  Texas, 
going  there  in  1884,  and  for  10  succeeding 
years  was  mainly  engaged  in  the  banking 
Imsiness  both  at  San  Antonio  and  Eagle 
Pass,  filling  a position  as  cashier  at  the  latter 
place.  In  1894  with  his  wife  he  came  north 
and  located  in  the  pleasant  neighborhood  of 
Powhatan  Point,  where  he  engaged  in  farm- 
ing and  cattle  raising,  accepting  his  present 
responsible  position  in  December,  1901. 

In  1886  Mr.  Bowman  married  Vene  D. 
Dorsey,  a daughter  of  Michael  and  Margaret 
(Potts)  Dorsey,  the  latter  of  whom  was  born 
in  1832  in  West  Wheeling,  Belmont  County, 
but  was  reared  and  married  in  Marshall 
County,  West  Virginia,  near  Moundsville. 
Michael  Dorsey  was  one  of  the  best  known 
and  most  active  business  men  in  his  section 
of  Belmont  County,  and  was  born  November 
17,  1806,  at  Martin’s  Ferry,  and  died  Octo- 
ber 25,  1897.  His  parents  came  from  near 
Baltimore,  Maryland,  to  Belmont  County 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


409 


about  1801.  Michael  engaged  extensively  in 
farming  and  stock  raising,  also  in  milling,  and 
at  one  time  owned  about  800  acres  of  land. 
Since  the  Civil  War  he  resided  at  Powhatan 
Point,  and  he  built  the  Dover  mill  on  Captina 
Creek  and  held  the  position  of  postmaster 
under  President  Jackson,  whose  political 
views  he  zealously  supported  through  life. 
Michael  Dorsey’s  children  were:  Florence, 
deceased;  Cora,  the  wife  of  W.  C.  Bergund- 
thal  of  Martin’s  Ferry;  Brady,  of  Dawson 
City,  Alaska,  and  Vene  D.  (Mrs.  Bowman). 

Mr.  Bowman  has  served  in  a number  of 
offices  in  the  gift  of  the  Democratic  party, 
and  he  is  president  of  the  School  Board  of 
Powhatan.  Both  he  and  wife  are  leading 
members  of  the  Methodist  Church  and  are 
also  prominent  socially. 


JOFfN  T.  SKINNER,  one  of  the  substan- 
tial farmers  and  highly  esteemed  citizens  of 
Somerset  township,  Belmont  County,  Ohio, 
is  a native  of  this  township,  born  here  in 
1845,  is  a son  of  Kinsman  Skinner,  one 
of  the  old  residents. 

Mr.  Skinner  was  reared  on  his  father’s 
farm  and  obtained  his  education  in  the  com- 
mon schools  of  his  locality.  In  all  public 
movements  and  important  matters  in  Somer- 
set township  he  has  taken  an  active  and 
prominent  part,  devoting  his  life  mainly, 
however,  to  agricultural  interests.  On  Feb- 
ruary 27,  1864,  Mr.  Skinner  offered  his  ser- 
vices in  the  Civil  War,  entering  Company 
C,  60th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  at  Somerton, 
and  took  part  in  the  battles  of  the  Wilder- 
ness and  Spottsylvania,  receiving  a gun- 
shot wound  at  the  latter  engagement. 
He  was  permitted,  however,  to  take 
part  in  the  grand  review  at  Washing- 
ton and  was  mustered  out  of  the  ser- 
vice in  that  city  on  July  27,  1865. 
His  was  a loyal  family,  his  older  brother. 
James  Skinner,  also  serving  in  the  same  com- 
pany, participating  in  the  same  serious  bat- 
tles, and  died  some  years  after  his  return 
home. 


After  the  close  of  the  war  Mr.  Skinner  re- 
sumed farming  and  has  met  with  good  suc- 
cess in  the  raising  of  sheep  and  other  stock. 
His  farm  is  well  adapted  to  the  production 
of  hue  crops  and  comprises  130  acres  in  sec- 
tion 15.  Mr.  Skinner  also  acts  as  agent  for 
the  Bradley  Fertilizer  Company,  and  is  a di- 
rector in  the  Belmont  Insurance  Association, 
having  headquarters  in  Barnesville.  This 
company  is  one  of  especial  interest  to  farm- 
ers, as  it  insures  farm  property  and  stock. 

On  November  18,  1869,  Mr.  Skinner  was 
married  to  Mary  J.  Wharton,  a daughter  of 
Samuel  and  Sarah  A.  (Cater)  Wharton.  Mrs. 
Skinner  was  born  September  5,  1842,  in  Som- 
erset township.  She  is  a most  estimable  lady 
and  a consistent  member  of  the  Methodist 
Church.  The  six  children  born  to  this  union 
are:  Luna,  Mella,  Violet,  the  widow  of 
Camm  Thomas  of  Somerton;  Herman,  a 
teacher;  Lola  and  Mary. 

In  politics  Mr.  Skinner  is  identified  with 
the  Democratic  party,  and  he  has  faithfully 
served  in  a number  of  the  township  offices, 
being  trustee,  treasurer  and  assessor,  and  a 
member  of  the  Board  of  Education.  Fra- 
ternally he  belongs  to  the  Knights  of  Pythias 
and  has  been  post  commander  of  the  G.A.R. 


JOHN  H.  SAMPSON,  a well-known  and 
highly  esteemed  farmer  and  merchant  of  At- 
las, Somerset  township,  Belmont  County, 
Ohio,  was  born  in  1854  in  (West)  Virginia, 
his  ancestors  having  long  been  prominent  in 
that  State. 

The  father  of  our  subject,  George  Samp- 
son, was  born  in  Marshall  County,  West  Vir- 
ginia, and  died  in  Monroe  County  in  April, 
1902,  at  the  age  of  77  years.  In  1862  he 
came  to  Barnesville,  but  a year  later  removed 
to  Monroe  County  and  there  engaged  in 
farming.  In  his  early  political  life  he  was 
identified  with  the  Democratic  party,  but 
later  affiliated  with  the  Republicans.  He 
married  Marjorie  Thomas,  who  was  born  in 
Monroe  County,  Ohio,  and  who  died  in  1894 


410 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


at  the  age  of  72  years.  She  was  a valued 
member  of  the  Methodist  Church.  A fam- 
ily of  seven  children  was  born  to  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Sampson,  as  follows:  Rachel,  deceased; 
Ellen,  the  wife  of  Joseph  Hickenbottom; 
Elizabeth,  the  wife  of  Hugh  Williams  of 
Wood  County,  West  Virginia;  John  H.,  of 
this  sketch;  Susan,  the  wife  of  Milton  Adams, 
of  Denver,  Colorado;  Marjorie,  the  wife  of 
James  Sullivan  of  Belmont  County,  and 
Eliza,  the  wife  of  George  Catcher  of  Monroe 
County. 

John  H.  Sampson  was  reared  on  a farm 
and  obtained  an  excellent  common  school 
education.  Since  1893  he  has  been  engaged 
in  the  mercantile  business  at  Atlas  and  also 
engages  in  farming.  He  is  well  known  as  a 
man  of  reliability  and  substance  and  is  active 
in  all  movements  which  promise  to  be  of 
benefit  to  his  community. 

In  1876  he  was  married  to  Julia  Wells,  who 
was  l)orn  in  Monroe  County  in  1858,  a 
daughter  of  Apollo  and  Sarah  Wells.  Three 
children  have  been  born  to  this  union,  name- 
ly, William  F.,  of  Atlas:  Ella,  the  wife  of  Ray 
Carter,  of  Belmont  County,  and  Clyde,  who 
is  with  his  father  in  the  store.  Mr.  Samp- 
son is  an  active  member  of  the  Republican 
party.  The  family  belong  to  the  Christian 
Church. 


MILES  T.  CARNES,  the  popular  grocer 
and  jobber  in  fruits  and  vegetables,  conducts 
a store  in  Bellaire  at  No.  427  37th  street,  at 
the  corner  of  Jefferson  street.  He  \vas  born 
in  Columbiana  County,  Ohio,  in  September, 
1859,  and  is  a son  of  Jacob  and  Mary  E. 
(Tiernan)  Carnes. 

Jacob  Carnes  was  a boy  when  he  moved  to 
Columbiana  County  with  his  parents,  locat- 
ing near  Wellsville.  He  followed  farming 
many  years,  but  after  his  removal  to  Bridge- 
port engaged  in  the  grocery  business  until 
1879  or  1880,  when  he  was  succeeded  in  the 
business  by  his  son.  He  now  resides  near  Al- 
liance, Ohio.  He  married  Mary  E.  Tiernan, 
who  was  born  at  Carrollton,  Ohio,  and  died 


in  1895.  To  them  were  born  four  children, 
as  follows:  Miles  T.,  Frank  F.,  who  lives  near 
Alliance,  Ohio;  Mrs.  S.  P.  Wells,  who  lives 
near  Alliance  and  with  whom  her  father 
makes  his  home,  and  Mrs.  A.  C.  Branum,  of 
Kirkwood. 

Miles  T.  Carnes  was  five  years  old  when  his 
parents  moved  to  Wheeling  Island,  where 
the  soldiers  were  then  camped  out,  and  then 
went  with  them  to  Bridgeport,  and  from 
the  time  he  was  1 1 years  of  age  assisted  his 
father  in  the  grocery  store,  finally  succeed- 
ing him  in  1879  or  1880.  He  established 
himself  in  business  in  Bellaire  in  1886,  and 
in  spite  of  adversity  through  fires  and  lack 
of  capital,  he  has  attained  a high  degree  of 
success.  He  branched  out  in  the  produce 
business  soon  after  locating  here,  oftentimes 
walking  to  Wheeling  to  order  goods  for 
early  sale  in  Bellaire.  For  many  years  dur- 
ing the  season  from  May  ist  to  September 
1st  of  each  year  he  has  made  trips  up  the 
river  every  Monday  and  Thursday  for  pro- 
duce and  has  done  an  extensive  business.  He 
does  not  depend  upon  the  local  supply,  but 
buys  from  Wheeling,  Marietta,  Pittsburg 
and  Cleveland,  and  has  the  reputation  of 
having  the  first  and  last  goods  in  season.  He 
has  a complete  line  of  staple,  but  particularly 
of  fancy,  groceries,  carrying  nothing  but  the 
finest.  He  is  a man  of  untiring  energy  and 
enterprise,  and  his  fellow  citizens  value  him 
and  his  efforts  at  their  true  worth. 

Mr.  Carnes  was  united  in  marriage  with 
Amelia  Oberman  of  Wheeling  and  they  have 
eight  children,  the  four  oldest  having  been 
born  at  Bridgeport  and  the  others  at  Bel- 
laire. They  are  as  follows:  Margie,  who  has 
conducted  the  store  largely  during  the  ab- 
sence of  her  father  for  the  last  five  years; 
Mary,  who  graduated  in  1899,  was  a cadet 
during  1901  and  is  now  a teacher  in  the  city 
schools ; J.  Will,  who  was  born  July  22,  1883, 
is  clerk  for  the  Cleveland  & Pittsburg  R.  R. 
in  the  freight  office  and  is  making  marked 
advancement;  Regina,  who  is  attending 
school  and  also  assists  in  the  work  at  the 
store;  Elizabeth,  Ross,  Roy,  deceased,  and 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


411 


Ralph,  also  deceased.  Mr.  Carnes  is  a Re- 
publican in  politics  and  has  served  as  coun- 
cilman from  the  Fourth  Ward.  Fraternally 
he  is  a member  of  Black  Prince  Lodge,  K. 
of  P.;  is  charter  member  and  was  trustee  of 
the  Lhiiform  Rank,  K.  of  P.,  and  a member 
of  the  K.  O.  T.  M.  of  Bridgeport.  His  wife 
and  children  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  of  which  he  has  served  as  trustee 
and  treasurer. 


ROBERT  W.  FARIS,  chief  clerk  at  the 
Bellaire  plant  of  the  National  Steel  Com- 
pany, was  born  at  Wheeling,  West  Virginia, 
in  1859,  a son  of  Joseph  A.  and  Mary  E. 
(Pratt)  Paris,  who  are  residents  of  Wheeling 
Island,  their  pleasant  home  beng  located  at 
No.  44  Kentucky  street.  Joseph  Paris  was 
born  and  reared  in  Belmont  County  and  has 
reached  the  age  of  70  years.  His  wife  was 
born  in  Wheeling  65  years  ago.  Mr.  Paris 
followed  the  trade  of  marble  cutting  in  his 
younger  years  at  Wheeling,  and  served 
through  the  war  with  a fine  record  as  a mem- 
ber of  the  1st  West  Virginia  Infantry,  but 
since  the  close  of  the  Civil  War  has  been  em- 
ployed in  portrait  painting,  being  a talented 
artist.  Occasionally  he  also  does  a little  work 
at  his  trade,  although  feeble  health  precludes 
any  steady  employment. 

Robert  W.  Paris  of  this  sketch  is  one  of 
the  famiy  of  ten  children  born  to  his  parents, 
six  of  whom  still  survive,  namelv,  Joseph  A., 
Jr.,  who  is  engaged  with  the  West  Virginia 
Printing  Company;  Frank  M.,  who  is  em- 
ployed in  the  National  Exchange  Bank  of 
Wheeling;  Ered  E.,  who  is  a member  of  the 
architectural  firm  of  Giesey  & Paris,  with 
offices  in  the  Masonic  Temple,  Wheeling; 
Thomas  H.,  who  is  employed  in  the  office  of 
the  City  Water  Board  at  Wheeling,  and 
Marv  E.,  who  resides  at  home. 

Our  subject  was  educated  in  the  Belmont 
County  schools,  and  his  first  active  work  was 
with  the  Wheeling  Hinge  Company,  later  en- 
tering the  old  Star  Foundry,  belonging  to 
Mr.  Fisher,  and  there  learned  the  machinist’s 


trade.  In  1884  he  came  to  Bellaire  and  for 
nine  years  was  employed  in  the  freight  office 
of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company  with 
J.  A.  Greenfield.  Following  this  service  he 
entered  the  office  of  the  National  Steel  Com- 
pany, and  his  efficiency  moved  him  from  one 
position  to  another  until  he  was  made  chief 
clerk. 

The  marriage  of  Mr.  Paris  was  to  Maggie 
M.  Minamyer,  a native  of  Belmont  County 
and  a sister  to  Rev.  Albert  B.  Minamyer,  a 
clergyman  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  A 
family  of  four  sons  and  two  daughters  has 
been  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Paris,  viz.,  Robert 
B.,  Morgan  M.,  Charles  N.,  Frank  C.,  Mary 
Elizabeth  and  Mildred  L.  The  family  home 
is  located  at  No.  3245  Washington  street, 
Bellaire,  where  Mr.  Earis  takes  his  greatest 
comfort  and  welcomes  his  friends.  In  poli- 
tics he  is  identified  with  the  Republican 
party.  The  religious  association  of  the  fam- 
ily is  with  the  Presbyterian  Church. 


ELISHA  B.  STEER,  a well-known  repre- 
sentative farmer  of  Belmont  County,  Ohio, 
residing  on  his  fine  farm  of  94  acres,  located 
on  section  7,  range  3,  Colerain  township,  was 
born  on  a farm  which  adjoins  his  own  on  the 
south  on  June  2,  1850.  His  parents  were 
Israel  and  Rebecca  (Bracken)  Steer,  more 
extended  mention  of  whom  will  be  found  in 
another  part  of  this  volume. 

Our  subject  was  educated  in  the  local  pub- 
lic schools  and  at  IMount  Pleasant.  Ohio, 
assisting  his  father  in  the  latter’s  farming 
operations  much  of  the  time.  When  about  25 
years  of  age  he  began,  his  own  agricultural 
career  and  has  been  very  successful,  raising 
the  usual  products  of  this  locality,  making 
wheat  a specialty.  In  growing  this  grain  Mr. 
Steer  has  demonstrated  that  proper  knowl- 
edge of  soil,  seed  and  fertilizer  has  much  to 
do  with  its  yield  in  Ohio,  his  own  being  very 
satisfactory.  He  has  raised  over  50  bushels 
of  wheat  to  the  acre,  and  as  this  is  an  unusual 
yield  for  Behr.ont  County,  much  credit  must 


412 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


be  given  for  his  intelligent  methods  of  culti- 
vation. 

On  i\Iay  22,  1876,  Mr.  Steer  was  married 
to  Ellen  C.  Gilbert,  a native  of  Pennsylvania, 
and  a daughter  of  George  and  Hannah 
(Cope)  Gilbert,  both  of  whom  are  deceased, 
the  former  dying  in  1872.  Five  children  have 
been  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Steer,  as  follows; 
Louisa,  wife  of  Wallis  J.  Bundy;  Alfred  G., 
a graduate  of  Westtown  Friends’  Boarding 
School,  who  has  been  for  four  years  with  a 
Philadelphia  firm  engaged  in  the  sale  of  dairy 
machinery;  Wilmer  L,  a graduate  of  Bliss 
Business  College  in  1902,  is  employed  as 
head  bookkeeper  for  the  Belmont  Telephone 
Company  of  Bridgeport,  Ohio,  and  Alice  R. 
and  Florence  PL,  at  home.  Mr.  Steer  has 
been  a prominent  factor  in  educational  ad- 
vancement in  his  township,  serving  as  school 
director  and  promoting  educational  enter- 
prises to  the  best  of  his  ability.  His  interest- 
ing family  is  one  to  do  credit  to  the  county 
and  all  are  most  highly  esteemed  and  all  are 
birthright  members  of  the  Society  of 
Friends,  of  which  Mr.  Steer  is  a recognized 
minister. 

Mr.  Steer  is  not  only  one  of  the  best  farm- 
ers of  Belmont  County,  but  he  is  highly  re- 
spected in  business  and  social  relationships, 
lanking  with  the  leading  and  reliable  men  of 
this  section. 


JOHN  R.  ROBINSON,  who  was  for 
many  years  prominently  identified  with  the 
steel  and  iron  interests  of  Wheeling,  West 
Virginia,  was  born  in  Philadelphia,  Pennsyl- 
vania, October  21,  1829,  and  is  a son  of 
Henry  Robinson. 

Henry  Robinson  was  born  in  England  and 
came  to  this  country  as  a young  man.  He 
was  a physician  and  surgeon  by  profession 
and  during  his  lifetime  traveled  extensively 
in  this  country.  His  wife  was  born  by  the 
River  Tweed  in  Scotland  and  came  to  this 
country  during  her  girlhood. 

John  R.  Robinson  was  reared  mainly  in 
New  York  Citv,  and  when  a boy  came  to 


Pittsburg,  where  he  met  the  young  lady  who 
was  to  be  his  wife  in  after  years.  He  returned 
to  New  York  and  remained  until  he  was  nine- 
teen years  of  age,  when  he  again  located  in 
Pittsburg,  being  married  the  year  following 
to  Sarah  Jane  Oxley,  who  was  of  Eng- 
lish-Irish  parentage,  but  born  in  Scotland. 
He  entered  the  rolling  mill  in  that  city  and 
later  continued  in  that  work  in  Wheeling. 
He  was  engaged  in  the  Belmont  Mill,  then 
with  Norton,  Bailey  & Company,  and  later 
with  Bailey,  Woodward  & Company.  He 
made  the  first  heat  of  iron  ever  made  in  the 
LaBelle  Mills  in  that  city,  and  later  was 
twice  made  manager  of  the  plant.  He  went 
to  Harrisburg,  Pa.,  and  managed  the  Chesa- 
peake Iron  Works  during  1870  and  1871, 
then  returned  to  the  LaBelle  as  manager. 
He  bought  a farm  in  Pultney  township,  Bel- 
mont County,  Ohio,  upon  which  he  located 
with  his  family.  He  continued  in  the  steel 
business  until  1891,  since  which  time  he  has 
been  retired  and  has  made  his  home  with  his 
daughter,  Mrs.  Cordelia  Nelson,  of  Pultney 
township. 

Mr.  Robinson  and  his  wife  became  parents 
of  ten  children,  as  follows;  Janet,  George 
O.,  Edgar  Sutton,  Elmer,  Irving,  Winfield 
Scott,  A'Villiam  Wright,  Clarence,  Cordelia 
A.  and  Sadie.  Janet  married  and  moved  to 
Mississippi,  where  she  died.  George  O.  was 
formerly  superintendent  of  tlie  Bellaire 
Brick  Works.  Edgar  Sutton,  a Presbyterian 
minister  at  Oxford,  Ohio,  has  been  in 
the  ministry  since  25  years  of  age, 
receiving  his  education  at  Washington-Jef- 
ferson  College;  he  married  a daughter  of 
Captain  Smith  of  klead  township  and  has 
four  children,  Dora,  who  is  in  an  educational 
institution  in  North  Carolina,  Alice,  who  is 
an  artist,  Edna  and  Andrew.  Elmer,  who 
was  a druggist  at  Bellaire,  married  a daugh- 
ter of  Captain  Smith;  both  he  and  his  wife 
are  dead,  and  their  two  children,  John  and 
Eleanor,  reside  with  their  grandfather,  Capt. 
Andrew  Smith.  Irving  died  at  the  age 
of  eight  months.  Winfield  Scott,  deceased, 
was  a dentist  and  practiced  for  a time  at 


EDGAR  A.  BERRY. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


415 


Bridgeport,  Ohio,  and  later  at  Trinidad, 
Colorado,  then  returned  home  and  died 
about  1885.  William  Wright,  secretary  of 
the  Elwood  Glass  Company  of  Indiana,  mar- 
ried a Miss  Adams  of  Belmont  County,  and 
they  have  one  child.  Clarence  is  a brick 
contractor  of  Bellaire,  Ohio.  Cordelia  A., 
wife  of  R.  Smiley  Nelson,  a dairyman  of 
Pultney  township,  has  four  children,  John 
Gordon,  Sarah  G.,  Estella  May  and  Rachel 
Elizabeth.  Sadie  is  the  wife  of  Johir  Euthey, 
a dairyman  of  Mead  township, — they  have 
five  children,  John,  Robert,  Hannah,  Sarah 
and  James.  In  politics  our  subject  has  always 
been  a Republican,  casting  his  finst  vote  for 
John  C.  Eremont.  Fraternally  he  was  at 
one  time  a member  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  He 
and  his  family  are  members  of  the  Presby- 
terian Church. 


EDGAR  A.  BERRY,  a prominent  farmer 
of  Pease  township,  Belmont  County,  Ohio, 
was  born  on  a part  of  the  farm  which  he  now 
owns  and  occupies  in  1844,  and  is  a repre- 
sentative of  one  of  the  old  and  most  respected 
families  of  this  part  of  the  State. 

Thomas  Berry,  the  grandfather  of  our  sub- 
ject, was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  and  came  to 
Belmont  County  about  1802-03  and  located 
on  a portion  of  what  now  constitutes  one  of 
the  largest,  as  well  as  one  of  the  most  valua- 
ble grain,  stock  and  fruit  farms  of  the  county. 
This  land  in  the  early  days  of  settlement  be- 
longed to  Thomas  Berry,  Horton  Howard, 
Abigail  Cope,  and  Stafford  Melton.  The 
children  of  Thomas  Berry  were:  Cyrus, 

Samuel,  Jesse,  Reece,  Jordan,  Hannah, 
Asenath  and  Eliza.  Cyrus  lived  on  a farm  in 
Morgan  County  for  many  years.  Jordan 
lived  and  died  on  the  home  farm.  The  former 
has  been  dead  for  50  years,  and  the  latter 
since  1863.  In  i866  Jesse  went  to  the  West. 

Reece  Beri'y,  the  father  of  our  subject,  was 
born  on  his  father’s  farm  in  1817.  and  always 
resided  at  the  old  home,  and  at  the  time  of 
his  brother  Jordan’s  death  purchased  the  lat- 
ter’s portion  of  the  estate.  Reece  Berry  was 


a farmer  and  was  also  a professional  thresher, 
having  one  of  the  best  outfits  in  his  locality. 
His  death  occurred  in  1891,  after  a useful  life 
in  which  he  had  served  his  township  as  trus- 
tee, and  identified  himself  with  the  Repub- 
lican party.  His  wife,  who  before  marriage 
was  Julia  Anna  Jobe,  was  born  in  Jefferson 
County,  Ohio,  near  Trenton,  and  also  resided 
at  Farmington,  in  Belmont  County.  She 
died  in  1894,  in  her  71st  year,  most  sincerely 
mourned  by  friends  and  neighbors.  The 
three  children  born  to  this  marriage  were: 
Edgar  A.,  Rachel  R.,  who  resides  at 
Colerain,  and  owns  one  of  the  fine  farms  of 
Pease  township,  and  Laura  B.,  who  is  the 
wife  of  Theodore  Clark,  residing  in  Colerain, 
and  also  owning  a valuable  farm  in  that 
township. 

Edgar  A.  Berry  was  reared  and  educated 
in  Pease  township  and  has  been  connected 
with  agricultural  pursuits  all  his  life.  He 
owns  some  320  acres  of  land,  divided  into 
several  farms,  170  being  in  the  home  tract,  90 
acres  in  one  farm  and  60  acres  in  another,  all 
of  them  being  improved  with  substantial 
buildings,  fruitful  orchards  and  attractive  sur- 
roundings. These  farms  are  rented  to  re- 
sponsible parties,  although  Mr.  Berry  attends 
to  the  management  of  the  home  place.  In 
1876  he  erected  a handsome  dwelling  house 
which  he  remodeled  in  1890,  making  of  it  a 
lo-room  house,  and  fitted  it  in  a most  com- 
fortable and  convenient  manner. 

In  1876  Mr.  Berry  was  married  to  Mary  A. 
Dunsran,  who  was  born  and  reared  near  Cole- 
rain.  She  was  a daughter  of  B.  Elhs  and 
Sarah  (Fox)  Dungan,  both  deceased,  mem- 
bers of  old  established  families  in  the  county. 
The  four  children  of  this  union  are:  Mamie. 
Eugene  E.,  Blanche  and  Ethel.  Mr.  Berry 
actively  supports  the  Republican  party,  and 
from  1880  to  1888  was  its  choice  for  township 
trustee.  His  interests  in  agricultural  matters 
made  him  a member  of  the  Grange,  but  he 
belongs  to  no  other  organization.  The  re- 
ligious membership  of  the  family  is  in  the  So- 
ciety of  Friends.  They  belong  to  the  most 
highly  esteemed  residents  of  the  township. 


4i6 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


ami  few  men  are  more  thoroughly  respected 
or  relied  upon  than  Edgar  A.  Berry.  His 
pleasant  home,  situated  on  a bluff  overlook- 
ing Colerain  and  a wide  extent  of  country, 
is  not  only  admired  by  the  family  friends  for 
its  beautiful  location,  but  also  for  the  kind 
hospitality  and  genuine  courtesy  dispensed 
under  its  roof. 


J.  W.  JONES,  senior  member  of  the 
prominent  general  contracting  firm  of  Jones 
& McGraw,  of  Bellaire,  Ohio,  and  one  of 
the  leading  and  representative  residents  of 
the  city,  was  born  in  Moundsville,  Marshall 
County,  West  Virginia,  wdiere  he  was  reared 
to  agricultural  pursuits  and  acquired  a good 
common-school  education.  Coming  to  Bel- 
laire to  select  an  avocation,  he  chose  that  of 
carriage-making,  which  he  followed  for  some 
three  years,  later  entering  the  planing  mill 
of  Carroll  & Armstrong.  This  mill  was  sub- 
sef|uently  burned  and  was  replaced  by  the 
present  mill  of  DuBois  & McCoy.  Our 
sul.)ject  worked  for  a few  months  in  Wheel- 
ing for  the  firm  of  Armstrong  & Cohen,  and 
then  entered  the  firm  of  DuBois  & McCoy 
in  Bellaire  and  continued  there  until  1885. 

In  the  latter  year  Mr.  Jones  took  a trip  to 
the  West,  making  it  both  a business  and  so- 
cial journey,  and  looked  over  the  country  at 
and  in  the  vicinity  of  Leavenworth,  Kansas, 
and  Platte  City,  Missouri,  but  found  no  at- 
tractions in  the  way  of  business  opportunities 
to  excel  those  offered  by  Bellaire,  Ohio.  Re- 
turning to  this  city,  he  entered  into  contract- 
ing about  1888  and  formed  a partnership 
with  J.  H.  McCraw,  the  firm  being  exclusive- 
ly building  contractors,  and  for  the  past  few 
years  has  done  more  work  in  that  line  than 
all  others  combined.  They  constantly  em- 
ploy from  16  to  30  men  and  on  large  con- 
tracts many  more,  some  of  their  work  being 
the  most  extensive  and  substantial  ever  done 
in  this  citv.  Among  the  handsome  and 
statelv  residences  which  this  firm  has  erected 
in  Bellaire  mav  be  noted  those  of  James  T. 
Kelley,  J.  C.  Tallman,  William  Siddall  and 


Harry  McDonald.  In  the  building  of  the 
Eifth  Ward  Hose  House,  the  Carroll  Build- 
ing and  the  remodeling  of  the  Buckeye 
Building,  their  work  deserved  and  received 
universal  commendation.  This  firm  erected 
with  very  noticeable  and  creditable  celerity 
the  building  known  as  the  Columbia  Theater, 
upon  which  work  was  commenced  December 
I,  and  was  opened  for  business  early  in 
March,  notwithstanding  inclement  weather 
during  the  greater  part  of  the  time.  The 
contractors  employed  in  this  work  as  many 
as  60  men  at  one  time,  and  its  completeness 
and  appearance  has  done  much  to  still  further 
emphasize  their  just  claim  as  leading  con- 
tractors. Another  of  the  attractive  examples 
of  the  work  of  the  firm  is  the  modern  and 
comfortable  residence  of  Mr.  Jones,  located 
at  No.  3752  Tallman  avenue,  in  which  he  has 
established  his  business  office  also. 

The  marriage  of  Mr.  Jones  was  to  a daugh- 
ter of  ex-Mayor  Strahl  of  Bellaire,  and  the 
three  children  born  to  this  union  were  Edith, 
Nellie  and  Erank.  The  eldest  daughter  mar- 
ried William  Siddall,  who  is  master  mechanic 
at  the  steel  works;  they  have  one  daugh- 
ter, Ella,  and  reside  on  Harrison  street  in 
Bellaire.  In  politics  Mr.  Jones  is  identified 
with  the  Republican  party,  and  he  is  fra- 
ternally connected  with  the  Knights  of 
Pythias,  Arlington  Division,  No.  92,  Uni- 
form Rank.  In  religious  views  he  is  attached 
to  the  Methodist  Church.  Mr.  Jones  is 
widely  known  in  Bellaire,  it  having  been  his 
home  since  1873,  is  held  in  high  esteem 
as  an  upright,  public  spirited  man  and  a lead- 
ing representative  of  one  of  the  most  im- 
portant lines  of  industry  in  the  city. 


W.  S.  BARTON,  a very  prominent  and 
most  highly  esteemed  citizen  of  Colerain 
township,  located  on  section  4,  was  born  on 
the  old  Barton  homestead  in  Belmont 
County  on  November  T2,  1842,  a son  of 
Judge  Jesse  and  Catherine  (Mulvaney)  Bar- 
ton. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


417 


Judge  Jesse  Barton,  for  many  years  an 
honored  magistrate  in  Belmont  County,  was 
born  in  Chester  County,  Pennsylvania,  on 
the  site  which  is  now  occupied  by  the  city 
of  Chester,  on  Christmas  Day,  1804,  and 
came  to  Belmont  County  in  1814.  He  be- 
came prominent  both  in  agricultural  and 
political  life,  and  under  the  old  law  served  as 
judge  from  1844  to  1852,  and  also  served  a 
term  of  three  years  as  county  commissioner. 
He  was  the  active  Democratic  leader  in  Cole- 
rain  township,  and  was  known  all  over  the 
county  and  through  the  State.  His  death 
occurred  on  August  3,  1887,  and  his  burial 
was  conducted  by  the  Belmont  Lodge, 
F.  & A.  M.,  of  which  he  had  long  been  a 
valued  member.  His  remains  lie  in  the  old 
family  cemetery  on  his  farm.  He  was  also 
active  in  religious  matters,  was  one  of  the 
organizers  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  at 
Farmington,  and  for  many  years  was  one  of 
the  elders  of  that  body.  In  1827  he  married 
Catherine  Mulvaney,  who  was  born  in  Penn- 
sylvania in  1804,  and  died  in  February,  1846, 
aged  about  42  years.  A family  of  12  children 
were  born  to  Judge  Barton  and  wife,  as  fol- 
lows: Abner,  John  P.,  James,  Abram,  Rob- 
ert, William  J.,  W.  S.,  Nathaniel,  Andrew  P., 
Elizabeth,  Sarah  and  Mary.  Abner  Barton 
was  born  January  5,  1828,  and  died  at  Gold 
Valley,  Butte  County,  California,  on  June 
14,  1894,  aged  64  years.  He  was  a member 
of  Governor  Shannon’s  party  that  sailed 
around  Cape  Horn  in  1848-49  and  arrived  in 
San  Francisco  when  but  a few  houses  marked 
what  now  is  a great  and  flourishing  city.  He 
engaged  in  mining  and  ranching.  John  P. 
Barton  died  March  20,  1890,  in  his  6ist  year. 
James  Barton  resides  in  Nebraska.  Abram 
Barton  was  killed  near  Harrisville,  Ohio, 
being  thrown  against  a tree  by  an  unmanage- 
able horse.  He  was  a successful  teacher. 
Robert  Barton  resides  on  the  old  homestead. 
He  is  a jeweler  by  trade  and  was  associated 
with  Mr.  Bishop,  in  Wheeling,  for  a number 
of  years,  but  has  been  on  the  farm  for  the 
past  25  years,  and  with  him  resides  his 
brother,  William.  Nathaniel  Barton  died  in 


1847,  ^ child  of  four  years,  and  Andrew  P. 
died  in  1846,  at  the  age  of  three  months. 
Elizabeth  Hannah  was  born  January  24, 
1836,  and  died  September  2,  1888.  She  mar- 
ried J.  W.  Moore  and  left  two  sons,  Jesse 
and  Robert  W.,  the  former  of  whom  is  a 
conductor  on  the  Pan  Handle  road  and  the 
latter  occupies  a similar  position  on  the 
Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad.  She  had  many 
friends  who  deeply  mourned  her  death,  an 
amiable  spirit  and  kind,  Christian  disposi- 
tion making  her  a universal  favorite.  In  her 
relgious  life  she  became  attached  to  the  Con- 
gregational Church.  Sarah  is  the  widow  of 
Eli  Seibert  and  resides  at  Harrisville,  Ohio, 
Catherine  Mary  died  December  7,  1870,  aged 
31  years. 

Our  subject  was  educated  primarily  at  the 
home  public  schools  and  completed  his  edu- 
cation in  Philadelphia,  after  which  he  joined 
the  geological  survey,  connected  with  Gen- 
eral McGee,  chief  government  officer,  who 
was  establishing  the  boundaries  now  ac- 
cepted as  those  of  the  State  of  Colorado, 
which  occupied  three  years.  He  then  went 
to  Arkansas  and  l)ecame  connected  with  the 
Iron  Mountain,  Little  Rock  & Fort  Smith 
Railroad,  and  was  employed  as  assistant  di- 
vision engineer  in  the  construction  of  those 
roads.  He  operated  the  first  train  ever  run 
along  the  Arkansas  Valley.  Five  adven- 
turous and  useful  years  were  passed  by  Mr. 
Barton  in  that  locality.  About  1873 
turned  to  Belmont  County  and  soon  became 
interested  in  farming,  and  has  followed  agri- 
cultural pursuits  ever  since.  He  has  become 
one  of  the  prominent,  worthy  and  substan- 
tial farmers  of  the  county.  With  his  brothers 
he  owns  the  land  on  which  the  town  of  Bar- 
ton stands,  which  now  possesses  in  the 
neighborhood  of  2,000  residents,  is  a most 
excellent  coal  mining  point,  the  mines  being 
operated  by  different  companies  of  Pitts- 
burg. The  town  was  named  in  memory  of 
our  sulp'ect’s  father,  by  C.,  L.  & W.  Rail- 
wav  Companv,  when  it  was  first  built. 

Mr.  Barton  is  well  known  as  a Democratic 
politician,  and  wields  a wide  influence  in  fa- 


4i8 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


vor  of  his  party.  However,  although  he 
may  have  many  political  antagonists,  there 
are  none  to  assail  his  personal  character,  for 
few  citizens  are  more  generally  esteemed. 

The  hrst  marriage  of  Mr.  Barton  was  to 
Rebecca  J.  I-lawthorn,  a daughter  of  David 
and  Margaret  (Majors)  Hawthorn,  on  Octo- 
ber 15,  1874,  and  to  this  union  was  born  one 
daughter,  Mabel  H.,  who  is  a nurse  in  the 
Wheeling  Hospital.  Her  mother  died  De- 
cember 21,  1876,  at  the  early  age  of  24  years. 
Since  her  15th  year  she  had  been  a con- 
sistent member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
and  was  noted  for  her  modesty  and  her  ami- 
a!)le,  unselFish  disposition.  The  second  mar- 
riage of  Mr.  Barton  took  place  March  6, 
1884,  to  Jennie  Cope,  a lady  of  culture  and 
pleasing  presence,  and  a favorite  among  a 
large  circle  of  acc[uaintances.  She  was  born 
in  Ohio,  a daughter  of  George  and  Sallie 
(Massey)  Cope,  the  former  of  whom  died 
in  1875,  at  the  age  of  55  years,  and  the  latter 
in  1846,  at  the  age  of  48  years.  The  father 
belonged  to  the  Hicksite  Friends,  and  the 
mother  to  the  Presbyterian  Church.  The}' 
reared  a family  of  seven  children,  as  follows: 
Alexis,  who  resides  in  East  Liverpool,  Ohio; 
Charles,  who  resides  in  Sacramento,  Cali- 
fornia; Mrs.  Barton,  the  wife  of  the  subject 
of  this  sketch;  Albert,  who  resides  near  Sac- 
ramento; Oliver,  who  lives  in  San  Francisco; 
Belle,  who  married  Samuel  P.  Vickars,  of 
Colerain;  and  Carrie,  who  is  Mrs.  Morris  P. 
Vickars,  of  the  same  locality.  The  children 
born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Barton  were  the  fol- 
lowing: Robert  C.,  Flora  Blanche,  Jessie 

M.,  Beatrice,  and  Charles  H.  Robert  C. 
Barton  was  born  on  New  Year’s  Dav,  1886. 
Flora  Blanche  was  born  March  20,  1887,  and 
died  November  23,  1891,  of  membranous 
croup,  her  death  casting  a deep  shadow  over 
the  lives  of  those  who  survived.  Jessie  M. 
was  born  August  to,  1888,  Beatrice  on 
August  T3,  1893,  and  Charles  H.  on  January 
9,  T896. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Barton  take  a most 
commendable  interest  not  only  in  their  own 


family  and  its  welfare,  but  also  in  the  neigh- 
borhood, and  seem  to  feel  a kindly  interest 
in  all  with  whom  they  are  thrown.  For 
years  their  hospitable  home  has  been  a fa- 
vorite rendezvous  for  the  young  people,  and 
here  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Barton  are  as  young  as 
the  rest,  their  sympathy  with  youth  and 
enjoyment  of  the  innocent  pleasures  making 
them  not  only  delightful  hosts,  but  also  ex- 
erting a refining  influence  upon  all.  Esteem 
does  not  properly  represent  the  feeling  en- 
tertained for  these  good  people  in  their 
neighborhood,  for  it  is  a combination  of  af- 
fection and  reverence. 

The  Barton  family  is  of  old  and  honorable 
ancestry.  Its  founder,  Thomas  Barton, 
came  to  America  from  the  north  of  Ireland 
as  early  as  the  beginning  of  the  i8th  cen- 
tury. His  life  had  been  a seafaring  one, 
commanding  his  own  ship,  but  he  left  the 
water  and  settled  on  a farm  in  the  vicinity 
of  Chester,  Pennsylvania.  Thomas  and  wife, 
Sarah,  were  interred  in  the  Barton  Ceme- 
tery in  Chester.  This  Thomas  Barton  was 
our  subject’s  great-great-great-grandfather. 
His  son,  Edward  Barton,  was  born  in  1729 
and  died  in  1806.  He  married  Mary  Archer, 
a native  of  Sweden,  and  they  are  both  buried 
at  Chester.  James  Barton  owned  a tract 
comprising  700  acres  of  land  in  the  vicinity 
of  the  town  of  Chester.  Of  his  son,  Janies 
Barton  (2),  but  little  is  known,  except  that 
he  had  a son,  Abner,  who  became  our  sub- 
ject’s grandfather.  Abner  Barton  came  to 
Belmont  County,  Ohio,  in  the  early  part  of 
the  19th  century,  and  his  farm  was  the  one 
which  required  the  first  deed  recorded  in 
Belmont  County,  and  the  record  may  still 
be  read,  on  page  i,  volume  A,  its  location 
being  described  as  a part  of  section  24  and 
a part  of  section  19,  in  Colerain  township, 
Belmont  County.  Abner  Barton  died  De- 
cember 26,  1827,  at  the  age  of  70  years.  His 
wife,  Sarah  Pyle,  survived  until  April  27, 
1863,  lacking  but  a few  days  of  completing 
a century  of  life. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


419 


ALEXANDER  NEEE,  who  has  exten- 
sive business  interests  in  Pultney  township, 
Belmont  County,  Ohio,  is  also  largely  en- 
gaged in  agricultural  pursuits,  being  located 
on  a fine  farm  near  Neff’s  siding  and  post 
office.  Lie  is  a native  of  this  township,  the 
date  of  his  birth  being  Eebruary  ii,  1848, 
and  is  a son  of  Andrew  and  Jane  (Alexander) 
Neff. 

Andrew  Neff  was  born  in  1808  and  died 
in  1852.  Ele  was  a large  farmer  and  stock- 
man  and  at  the  time  of  his  death  owned  some 
800  acres  of  land.  He  married  Jane  Alex- 
ander, a daughter  of  Robert  Alexander,  the 
Alexanders  being  one  of  the  first  families 
of  Pultney  township.  She  was  born  in  1814 
and  died  in  1883.  Our  subject  is  one  of 
three  sons,  his  two  brothers  being:  John 

W.,  who  is  largely  interested  in  the  lumber 
business  and  is  located  on  a farm  near  Neff’s; 
and  Andrew  J.,  who  owns  and  resides  upon 
the  old  home  farm  in  Pultney  township. 

Alexander  Neff  was  reared  and  resided  on 
his  father’s  farm  until  1883,  when  he  pur- 
chased the  farm  of  James  Dixon,  the  first 
white  child  born  in  Pultney  township,  and 
here  he  has  since  made  his  home.  He  owns 
about  430  acres  of  land,  all  of  which  is  de- 
voted to  general  farming  and  stock  raising. 
He  has  erected  a comfortable  home  and 
good,  substantial  out-buildings,  and  has 
made  all  the  important  improvements  upon 
the  place.  In  addition  to  farming  he  is  en- 
gaged in  merchandising  and  in  the  lumber 
and  coal  business.  He  is  president  of  the 
Standard  Stone  & Brick  Company,  and 
president  of  the  Neff  Coal  Mining  Company, 
of  which  John  W.  Neff  is  vice-president,  A. 
J.  Neff  treasurer,  and  Eranklin  Neff,  secre- 
tary. In  April,  1901,  Alexander  Neff  sold 
the  Standard  mine  to  the  Empire  Coal  Com- 
pany, which  operates  it  as  the  Empire  No.  6. 
The  Neff  Coal  Mining  Company  owns  about 
1,500  acres  of  coal  land.  The  lumber  busi- 
ness of  Mr.  Neff  includes  the  handling  of 
brick,  plaster  and  all  other  building  mate- 
rials, doing  a large  amount  of  contract  work. 
In  all  his  different  enterprises  he  handles 


from  20  to  40  men.  He  is  vice-president 
of  the  Enterprise  Telephone  Company,  and 
of  the  Ohio  Valley  Milling  Company.  His 
office  is  now  at  Neff’s,  but  will  soon  be 
moved  to  St.  Clairsville  Junction. 

Mr.  Neff  was  united  in  marriage  with 
Elizabeth  J.  Wallace,  of  Utica,  Licking 
County,  Ohio.  In  politics  he  is  a Democrat. 
He  has  been  an  elder  in  Coal  Brook  Presby- 
terian Church  since  1875.  He  is  a man  of 
the  highest  type  and  enjoys  the  friendship  of 
everyone. 


JOSEPH  BARNES,  a prosperous  farmer 
of  Pease  township,  Belmont  County,  Ohio, 
was  born  on  his  present  home  farm,  Septem- 
ber I,  1830,  and  is  a son  of  Joseph  and  Mary 
(Kennard)  Barnes. 

Joseph  Barnes,  the  father,  was  born  in 
Maryland  and  was  a son  of  John  Barnes, 
who  came  to  Belmont  County  early  in  the 
19th  century  and  located  on  the  home  farm, 
which  was  then  wild  government  land.  He 
built  the  brick  part  of  the  present  home, 
and  a most  substantial  log  barn,  which  was 
unfortunately  destroyed  by  a fire  in  June, 
1902,  having  been  in  continuous  use.  The 
grandfather  died  before  the  birth  of  our  sub- 
ject, and  the  father  died  when  our-  subject 
was  nine  years  old.  Mary  Kennard,  wife  of 
Joseph  Barnes,  Sr.,  was  born  and  reared  in 
Marylandanddied  in  the  “fifties.”  Seven  chil- 
dren were  born  to  them,  three  sons  and  four 
daughters,  of  which  number  two  died  young. 
They  were  as  follows:  Joseph;  J.  W.,  a re- 

tired shoe  merchant  of  Iowa  City,  Iowa; 
Mina  kl..  who  married  Samuel  Berry,  has 
been  dead  many  years;  Lucinda,  who  died  at 
Loydsville,  Belmont  County,  was  wife  of 
Samuel  A’ickers,  deceased;  Elizabeth  died  in 
her  teens;  Mary  died  in  infancy,  and  Levi 
K..  who  died  in  1892.  The  last  named  resided 
on  a farm  with  our  subject,  owning  it  jointly. 
Levi  K.  Barnes  married  Elizabeth  Dungan, 
of  Harrison  County,  Ohio,  and  she  lives  on 
the  farm  with  her" family  of  six  children.  Her 
children  are:  klary  Ella,  widow  of  J.  W. 


420 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Fowler,  of  Martin’s  Ferry;  Margaret  D.,  who 
married  J.  Ross  Pickens  and  lives  in  Denver, 
Colorado:  Ulysses  U.,  who  resides  on  the 

farm,  married  Elizabeth  Pickens;  Jessie  V., 
and  Ada  L. 

Joseph  Barnes  has  never  been  married. 
He  and  his  brother  originally  owned  154 
acres,  and  to  this  he  has  added  12^  acres,  all 
of  which  is  devoted  to  general  farming.  He 
is  a stanch  Republican  in  politics.  He  was 
reared  as  a member  of  the  Society  of 
Friends,  but  now  is  a Presbyterian. 


JAMES  JOHNSON,  deceased,  who  dur- 
ing his  life  was  a prosperous  farmer  in  Pult- 
ney  township,  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  was 
born  November  29,  1823,  and  died  in  1892. 
He  was  a son  of  John  and  Jane  (Gordon) 
Johnson  and  grandson  of  William  and  Mar- 
tha (Giffen)  Johnson. 

William  Johnson  was  a native  of  Ireland, 
and  located  on  Short  Creek  near  Wheeling, 
(West)  Virginia,  where  he  lived  until  the 
time  of  his  death.  About  1795  he  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Martha  Giffen,  of  Scotch 
nativity,  and  they  had  two  sons,  John  and 
James.  John  Johnson,  subject’s  father,  was 
born  in  Virginia  in  1800,  and  resided  in  his 
native  place  until  his  mother  married  John 
Allen,  of  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  Avhither  the 
family  removed.  They  located  on  a farm  on 
High  Ridge,  in  Pultney  township,  and  • in 
time  John  Johnson  accumulated  a large 
amount  of  land. 

John  Johnson  first  married  Jane  Gordon, 
the  mother  of  our  subject;  she  was  a native 
of  Marvland.  Three  children  blessed  their 
union:  Martha,  widow  of  Rev.  J.  Y.  Ashen- 
hnrst;  James,  our  subject,  and  William,  who 
was  accidentally  drowned  in  Wheeling 
Creek  while  bathing.  The  mother  of  these 
children  died  in  1825,  and  several  years  later 
their  father  was  united  in  marriage  with 
Nancy  Pattison,  of  West  Virginia.  She  died 
in  1854,  and  a second  time  subject’s  father 
mourned  the  loss  of  a companion.  About 


1859  he  contracted  a third  marriage,  this 
time  with  Airs.  Nancy  (Nichol)  McGaw,  who 
died  in  1899. 

James  Johnson  spent  his  early  life  attend- 
ing school,  and  later  followed  the  fortunes 
of  a farmer.  December  31,  1850,  he  married 
Nancy  Gordon,  who  was  born  in  Belmont 
County  March  16,  1829,  being  a daughter 
of  James  and  Martha  (Nichol)  Gordon. 
Airs.  Johnson  still  survives  her  husband.  Her 
mother  was  a native  of  Ireland  and  was 
brought  to  this  country  by  her  parents  when 
young.  James  Gordon  was  born  in  Mary- 
land, and  his  father  was  a native  of  Scotland. 

Mrs.  Johnson  still  conducts  the  farm  on 
High  Ridge,  in  Pultney  township,  where 
her  husband’s  death  took  place.  The  farm 
contains  180  acres  and  is  well  improved,  con- 
taining a comfortable  house  and  good  build- 
ings. She  is  the  mother  of  six  children, 
most  of  whom  reside  in  the  same  township. 
Their  names  are  William  A.,  James  G., 
Martha  J.,  John  A.,  A.  Ross,  and  Elmer  N. 
William  A.  Johnson  resides  on  the  home 
farm  with  his  mother.  He  married  Sarah 
Sophia  Cook,  who  was  born  in  Oskaloosa, 
Iowa.  While  still  a child  she  removed  with 
her  parents  to  Washington  County,  Penn- 
sylvania ,and  later  came  to  Belmont  County, 
Ohio,  where  the  past  35  years  of  her  life 
have  been  spent.  She  and  her  husband  have 
seven  children,  namely:  James  Harry,  Anna 
May,  a twin  sister  to  Nannie  Belle,  the  latter 
being  deceased;  John  Cook,  deceased;  Elmer 
Roy,  Leslie  Gordon,  and  George  Orville. 

James  G.  'jo^’ison  resides  principally  at 
home.  Martha  J.  married  James  Wise,  of 
Pultney  township,  and  they  have  two  chil- 
dren, Philip  and  Nancy  Laura.  John  A. 
Johnson  also  resides  in  Pultney  township. 
He  has  been  twice  married.  His  first  wife 
was  Mary  McCloy,  a Pennsylvanian  by  birth 
She  died  in  1899,  and  John  A.  contracted  a 
second  marriage,  this  time  with  Margaret 
Patterson.  A.  Ross  Johnson  is  a resident 
of  Linesville,  Pennsylvania.  He  also  has 
been  twice  married.  His  first  wife  was  Mar- 
garet Johnson,  and  after  her  demise  Hannah 


■ 


A.  J.  McFAKLAND,  M.  D, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


423 


Johnson  became  his  wife.  Elmer  W.  John- 
son died  at  the  age  of  27  years. 

Mrs.  Johnson  deserves  great  credit  for  her 
judicial  manag'ement  of  the  farm,  and  she  is 
one  of  the  most  highly  esteemed  ladies  in 
the  community. 


A.  J.  McFarland,  M.  D.,  one  of  the 
most  honored  citizens  of  Belmont  County, 
Ohio,  is  esteemed  in  his  home  at  St.  Clairs- 
ville,  both  for  his  ability  as  physician  and  sur- 
geon, and  for  those  attributes  which  go  to 
make  a kind  neighbor  and  a trustworthy 
friend. 

Dr.  McFarland  was  born  in  Colerain  town- 
ship, Belmont  County,  and  is  the  eldest  of  the 
family  of  1 1 children  of  William  and  Eliza- 
beth (Henderson)  McFarland.  All  his  grand- 
parents were  of  Scotch  descent. 

William  McFarland  was  born  in  Ireland,  and 
was  brought,  when  one  year  old,  to  America, 
by  his  parents,  Robert  and  Elizabeth  (Fergu- 
son) McFarland,  who  settled  in  Washington 
County,  Pennsylvania.  Robert  McFarland 
was  a brick-mason  and  stone-mason,  and  a 
builder  of  chimneys.  He  worked  at  his  trade 
in  Washington  County  until  his  son,  William, 
was  about  nine  years  of  age,  and  then  moved 
to  Belmont  County,  Ohio.  His  only  brother, 
Andrew  McFarland,  was  murdered  near  Bel- 
fast, Ireland.  Robert  lived  to  the  age  of  93 
years. 

William  McFarland,  the  father  of  Dr.  Mc- 
Farland, was  a farmer  and  owned  an  estate 
located  near  New  Athens,  in  Harrison  County, 
Ohio,  where  he  died  at  the  age  of  87  years. 
The  family  was  a long-lived  one,  his  sister 
Mary  having  lived  to  the  age  of  80  years,  when 
she  died  in  the  home  of  her  brother,  William. 
The  mother  of  the  Doctor  was  a native  of 
^Vashington  County.  Pennsylvania.  Both 
father  and  mother  belonged  to  that  branch  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church  which  in  their  day 
was  known  as  “Seceders.”  They  w^ere  most 
worthy,  Christian  people,  and  reared  a family 
which  reflected  credit  upon  them,  and  also  upon 
the  countrv  which  a number  of  the  sons  assisted 


in  its  hour  of  need.  The  names  of  the  children 
born  to  William  and  Elizabeth  McFarland 
were  as  follows : A.  J. ; Mary ; Martha  and 

Elizabeth;  James;  William  H.;  Margaret; 
Nancy  J. ; Robert;  and  Sarah.  Mary  is  the 
widow  of  James  McLane,  who  served  during 
the  Civil  War,  located  in  Kansas,  and  died 
there  in  1883.  Martha  and  Elizabeth  .were 
twins.  The  former  died  childless,  although 
she  reared  several  of  the  children  of  Eliza- 
beth, who  was  the  wife  of  Rev.  John  Patter- 
son. James,  a minister,  rendered  four  years  of 
service  to  his  country  during  the  Civil  War, 
and  died  while  traveling  through  Arizona  in  a 
railway  car.  Rev.  William  H.,  D.  D.,  also 
served  four  years  in  the  army  during  the  Civil 
War,  and  had  charge  of  a congregation  at 
Cambridge,  Ohio,  for  40  years.  He  is  now 
building  up  another  congregation  in  Cam- 
bridge, and  erecting  a church.  Margaret  is  a 
resident  of  Cadiz,  Ohio,  and  is  the  widow  of 
Rev.  James  McCready,  whose  death  occurred 
as  the  result  of  a wound  received  at  the  battle 
of  the  Wilderness.  Nancy  J.  lives  with  her 
sister,  Mrs.  McCready.  Robert,  who  is  a 
farmer  near  New  Athens,  in  Harrison  County, 
was  also  a soldier  during  the  Civil  War.  Sarah 
resides  with  her  sister,  Mrs.  McCready,  at 
Cadiz. 

Dr.  McFarland  obtained  a very  fair  prepara- 
tory education  and  then  entered  Franklin  Col- 
lege, where  he  remained  about  three  years. 
For  three  years,  he  had  private  medical  instruc- 
tion from  Dr.  William  Mills,  of  New  Athens, 
and  then  came  under  the  care  of  the  distin- 
guished Dr.  Hullihen,  of  Wheeling,  West  Vir- 
ginia, who,  at  that  time,  had  a surgical  reputa- 
tion which  was  hardly  excelled  by  that  of  any 
other  practitioner  in  the  world.  So  eminent 
was  he  considered,  that  he  was  honored  by  the 
city  of  London,  England,  with  the  flattering 
offer  of  a position  as  its  chief  surgeon.  His 
answer  was  typical  of  the  man : “Wheeling 

received  me  when  I was  without  surgical  repu- 
tation or  fame,  and  Wheeling  will  keep  me  un- 
til I die.”  It  was  under  this  noted  specialist 
that  Dr.  McFarland  entered  upon  his  medical 
and  surgical  career  in  the  Wheeling  Hospital, 


424 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


where  his  al)ility  was  recognized  by  his  assign- 
ment to  the  care  of  an  important  ward.  Dr. 
jMcl'aiiand  worked  here  faithfully  until  his 
marriage,  and  then  decided  to  engage  in  farm- 
ing, the  demands  of  his  profession  having  even 
then  made  inroads  upon  his  health.  In  1859  he 
settled  on  the  farm  and  remained  there  until 
1880,  although  during  this  time  he  was  obliged 
to  ])ractice  to  some  extent,  as  patients  insisted 
upon  his  attention.  In  1864,  Dr.  McFarland, 
following  the  example  set  by  other  loyal  mem- 
bers of  his  family,  enlisted  and  was  sent  to 
Washington  City.  There  he  was  immediately 
detailed  as  a nurse  and  was  very  soon  made 
an  army  surgeon,  in  which  capacity  he  acted 
at  Mansheld,  and  later  at  Fort  Sumner.  At 
the  latter  point  he  was  placed  in  charge  of  over 
500  patients.  The  stress  and  strain  were  too 
much  for  a physician  so  conscientious  as  Doc- 
tor McFarland,  and  he  appealed  to  General 
Augur  for  release.  He  was  then  given  the 
exclusive  care  of  100  patients,  in  serving  whom 
the  faithful  practitioner  himself  almost  broke 
down.  Dr.  Mch'arland  suffered  a sunstroke  on 
the  day  of  the  burning  of  Chambersburg, 
Pennsylvania,  by  the  Confederates,  having 
been  much  exposed  in  his  work,  and  from  that 
time  he  has  been,  more  or  less,  incapacitated 
by  a form  of  heart  trouble.  On  this  account 
Dr.  McFarland  has  not  practiced  as  actively 
as  he  otherwise  would  have  done,  and  restricts 
his  efforts  to  the  limit  of  his  strength.  Dr. 
McFarland  returned  home  September  9,  1864, 
in  time  to  attend  the  funeral  of  his  brother-in- 
law,  Mr.  McCready.  Until  July,  1880,  he 
remained  on  the  farm,  and  then  moved  to  St. 
Clairsville,  which  has  been  his  residence  ever 
since.  He  still  owns  a small  farm  which  he 
operates  for  the  pleasure  it  gives  him,  and  also 
does  a little  ]>ractice,  as  before  mentioned.  In 
his  earlier  days  his  capacity  for  work  was 
wonderful,  and  his  \var  record  speaks  volumes 
not  only  for  his  skill,  ability  and  endurance, 
but  also  for  the  qualities  which  endeared  him 
to  the  sufferers  to  rvhom  he  so  faithfully  min- 
istered. 

Dr.  McFarland  \vas  first  married  to  Mar- 
garet Smith,  who  died  in  1873,  while  visiting 


her  sister  in  Iowa.  The  three  children  of  this 
union  were  Lizzie  G.,  Luella  M.  and  William 
S.  Lizzie  G.  is  now  Mrs.  William  E.  Clark, 
of  this  neighborhood,  whose  children  are  Mar- 
garet, Frances,  Samuel  Me.,  Nannie,  Cora  and 
Eleanor.  Luella  M.  is  the  wife  of  Thomas  A. 
Clark,  a cousin  of  William  E.  Clark,  and  they 
have  one  child,  William  J.  William  S.  is  a 
college  graduate  and  a leading  physician  at 
Wellsville,  Ohio,  who  married  Lutetia  Dar- 
row.  In  1875  Dr.  McEarland  was  united  in 
marriage  with  the  widow  of  Captain  Richard 
M.  Lyons,  who  was  killed  at  the  battle  of  the 
Wilderness.  She  is  a daughter  of  Moses  Coe, 
and  is  of  Welsh  descent.  Both  the  Doctor  and 
his  estimable  wife  are  leading  members  of  the 
United  Presbyterian  Church  at  St.  Clairsville, 
in  which  he  was  an  elder  during  a number  of 
years.  His  interest  in  the  Sunday-school  has 
been  active  and  constant,  and  he  has  served  as 
a teacher  and  in  other  capacities  for  a long 
period. 

During  late  years  the  Doctor  has  not  taken 
a very  active  part  in  politics,  although  in  his 
earlier  life  he  was  a leader  of  prominence.  He 
has  been  urged  to  accept  many  responsible  posi- 
tions, and  was  even  proposed  as  a Con- 
gressional candidate,  but  declined  the  honor, 
tie  holds  the  respect  and  confidence  of  the  pub- 
lic, and  enjoys  the  personal  affection  of  those 
who  have  been  permitted  to  know  him  inti- 
mately. 


WILLIAM  McCUNE,  for  many  years  a 
prosperous  farmer  of  Pease  township,  Bel- 
mont County,  Ohio,  now  living  in  practical 
retirement,  was  born  in  1836  in  the  south- 
east corner  of  Jefferson  County,  near  the 
Belmont  County  line.  He  is  a son  of 
Thomas  and  Martha  (Dunlap)  McCune,  and 
is  the  only  one  of  the  family  residing  in  this 
county.  His  mother  died  when  he  was  very 
young,  and  his  father  did  in  1848.  His  great- 
uncle,  Colonel  McCune,  served  in  the  Revo- 
lutionary War. 

William  McCune  was  reared  on  a farm 
and  has  followed  farming  all  his  life.  For 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


425 


II  years  prior  to  1901  he  conducted  a dairy 
business  and  then  sold  out.  He  and  his  wife 
live  alone  upon  the  farm,  which  is  largely 
leased  to  tenants. 

In  January,  1858,  Mr.  McCune  married 
Elvira  Alexander,  who  was  born  in  the 
house  now  occupied  by  our  subject  in  1839, 
and  is  a daughter  of  Peter  and  Catherine 
(Mitchell)  Alexander,  and  granddaughter 
of  Judge  James  Alexander.  Peter  Alexan- 
der was  born  on  the  farm  adjoining  that  of 
Mr.  McCune  on  the  west,  on  the  Burlington 
Pike.  He  died  in  August,  1862,  at  the  age 
of  57  years.  He  conducted  a store  in  St. 
Clairsville  for  some  years  prior  to  1832,  when 
he  located  on  the  farm  and  built  the  house 
in  which  our  subject  and  his  wife  now  live. 
The  house  was  all  hand  work,  and  is  in  an 
excellent  state  of  preservation.  He  also  pur- 
chased another  farm  adjoining,  which  he 
rented,  and  during  his  lifetime  accumulated 
considerable  wealth.  His  wife  lived  to  reach 
the  age  of  76  years,  dying  in  1885.  They 
were  parents  of  the  following  children:  Al- 

bert James,  who  died  young;  Elphenor,  who 
had  traveled  largely  in  business,  died  at 
Miles  City,  Nebraska;  Ross  died  young;  Jo- 
sephine C.,  who  died  at  the  age  of  14  years; 
Elvira,  wife  of  Mr.  McCune;  Adelaide  (Mc- 
Kim),  a widow,  residing  in  Kansas  City, 
Missouri;  James,  who  served  in  Holmes’  Bat- 
tery during  the  Civil  War,*  in  which  he  was 
wounded,  now  resides  at  the  National  Mili- 
tary Home  at  Danville,  Illinois;  Martha  Me- 
lissa (Munslow)  resides  at  Knoxville,  a 
sulmrb  of  Pittsburg;  and  Mary  (Irwin),  of 
Nevada  City,  California. 

Three  children  have  been  born  to  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  McCune,  namely:  Mary  Catherine, 

Elwood  Clyde  and  Pearl  Amsden.  Mary 
Catherine,  who  died  in  April,  1885, 
was  the  wife  of  Dr.  Aleck  McManus, 
who  died  in  April,  1886.  They  left 
one  son,  Roy  E.,  who  is  traveling  repre- 
sentative for  the  Ohio  Valley  Savings  & 
Loan  Association,  of  Wheeling.  Elwood 
Clyde,  who  died  at  Beatty’s  Memorial  Hall. 
Allegheny  City,  in  April,  1885,  was  prepar- 


ing for  the  ministry  in  the  Presbyterian 
Church  and  would  have  graduated  in  two 
weeks.  Pearl  Amsden  is  the  wife  of  Rev. 
William  Mintier,  a United  Presbyterian 
minister,  by  whom  she  has  two  chil- 
dren: Wilma  McCune  and  Wendell  Reid, 
aged  four  and  two  years,  respectively. 
Politically  our  subject  is  a Democrat; 
he  served  in  office  as  pike  commis- 
sioner, and  it  was  largely  through  his  efforts 
that  the  Burlington  Pike  was  constructed. 
He  is  an  elder  in  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
of  which  he  has  been  a member  all  his  life. 


JOHN  COSS,  a successful  farmer  and 
well-known  resident  of  Pease  township, 
Belmont  County,  Ohio,  was  born  at  Shep- 
herdstown,  Ohio,  in  1821,  and  is  a son  of 
Abram  and  Margaret  (Barkus)  Coss. 

The  father  of  Abram  Coss  came  from  Ger- 
many and  located  in  Ohio  early  in  the  19th 
century,  dying  here  in  1842.  He  was  prob- 
ably a farmer,  as  all  his  sons  followed  that 
occupation.  He  was  father  of  the  following 
children:  Abram,  Jacob,  Benjamin,  David, 

Adam,  James,  and  Daniel. 

Abram  Coss  resided  in  Belmont  County 
during  his  entire  life,  dying  in  Pease  town- 
ship, near  the  farm  of  our  subject,  at  the 
age  of  45  years.  He  married  Margaret 
Barkus,  who  died  at  Martinsville,  and  to 
them  were  born  the  following  offspring: 
William,  who  is  85  years  of  age  and  lives  at 
Maynard;  Matthias,  who  died  in  1900;  John; 
Ebenezer,  deceased;  and  Benjamin,  who  re- 
sides in  Pease  township. 

John  Coss  was  reared  in  Belmont  County, 
where  he  has  always  lived.  He  lived  4t  home 
until  he  became  of  age,  and  then  started  out 
for  himself.  He  purchased  his  present  home 
from  Clark  Moore  about  1875,  the  latter 
having  acquired  it  from  Mr.  McWilliams. 
He  has  about  93  acres  in  section  25,  which 
he  devotes  to  general  farming,  it  being  un- 
der the  management  of  his  son.  In  1893 
he  built  his  present  home,  which  is  neat  and 


426 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


attractive  in  appearance  and  comfortable  in 
its  arrangement.  The  old  brick  house  was 
built  by  Mr.  McWilliams,  the  brick  having' 
been  burned  on  the  farm. 

Mr.  Coss  was  united  in  marriage  with  Isa- 
belle Walters,  of  Colerain,  who  died  in  1894, 
having  given  birth  to  the  following  children: 
Alfred,  who  resides  near  Mt.  Pleasant  and 
has  one  chid,  Roxy;  Ella,  wife  of  David  Mc- 
Kim;  Margaret,  wife  of  George  W.  Craven, 
of  Dillon,  Ohio;  Robert,  who  resides  with 
his  father;  George;  John,  who  manages  his 
father’s  farm;  Annie,  wife  of  Fred  Coss,  of 
Martinsville;  Rachel,  wife  of  Elmer  Law- 
rence, of  Steubenville;  and  Elizabeth,  wife 
of  George  Cunningham,  living  in  Illinois. 
Politically,  Mr.  Coss  is  a Democrat.  Re- 
ligiously, he  is  a member  of  the  M.  E. 
Church  and  attends  services  at  Martinsville. 


JOSEPH  W.  HEATHERINGTON, 
chief  engineer  of  the  city  water  works  of 
Bellaire,  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  was  born 
in  1850  and  is  a son  of  Ralph  and  Margaret 
(Dixon)  Heatherington. 

John  Heatherington,  grandfather  of  our 
subject,  with  his  son,  John,  Jr.,  came  from 
Durham  County,  England,  to  Philadelphia, 
Pennsylvania,  in  1829.  The  remainder  of 
the  family  arrived  at  Philadelphia,  July  10, 
1830.  They  came  to  Wheeling  in  1832  and 
there  followed  lead  mining  for  a time,  after 
which  they  went  down  the  Ohio  and  up  the 
Mississippi  River  to  Galena,  Illinois,  where 
John  Heatherington  died  at  the  age  of  45 
years.  He  was  an  expert  at  locating  coal 
mines,  known  in  England  as  “blossom 
finder.’.’  He  had  five  sons  and  four  daugh- 
ters, as  follows:  John,  deceased:  William, 

deceased;  Jacob,  who  resides  in  South  Bel- 
laire; Ralph,  father  of  our  subject;  Edward, 
deceased;  Jane,  deceased;  Rebecca,  deceased; 
Isabel,  deceased;  and  Mary,  a widow,  resid- 
ing with  her  two  daughters  in  Southern  Cal- 
ifornia. 

Ralph  Heatherington  was  born  July  13, 


1817,  and  came  to  this  country  with  his 
parents.  During  the  year  1833  he  worked 
for  Captain  Fink,  and  later  went  to  Illi- 
nois when  the  family  moved  thither.  All  of 
the  Heatherington  family  were  coal  miners 
but  Edward,  who  followed  tailoring  and 
moved  to  Iowa,  where  his  sons  still  reside. 
The  latter  and  two  sons  served  in  the  Union 
Army  during  the  Civil  War.  Ralph  returned 
to  Bellaire  from  Illinois  in  1846  and  formed 
a partnership  with  a Mr.  Erick,  later  con- 
ducting alone  the  mines  now  known  as  the 
Schick  mines.  He  opened  numerous  mines 
for  others  and  actively  managed  them, 
among  them  being  the  old  Sullivan  and  the 
Barnard  Mine.  He  was  a man  of  great  phys- 
ical strength  and  lived  to  reach  the  age  of 
78  years,  dying  July  26,  1895.  He  married 
Margaret  Dixon,  a daughter  of  George 
Dixon,  a former  coal  and  river  man  of 
Bridgeport,  for  whom  he  ran  on  boats  for  a 
time.  She  survived  her  husband  until  April, 
1898,  when  she  died  at  the  age  of  79  years. 
Six  children  blessed  their  union,  as  follows: 
Mrs.  Stephen  Hipkins,  of  Martin’s  Ferry; 
George,  who  has  been  in  the  lumber  business 
at  St.  Paul,  Minnesota,  since  1881;  Joseph 
W. ; Mrs.  Virginia  Burkle,  of  Martin’s  Ferry; 
Mrs.  Della  Rigsby,  of  Belmont  County;  and 
Mrs.  Emma  Dessell,  of  Pittsburg. 

Joseph  W.  Heatherington  started  at  the 
machinist’s  trade  in  1867  in  the  old  C.  & O. 
shops,  and  subsequently  followed  his  trade 
at  different  places.  For  a period  of  18  years 
he  was  employed  in  the  steel  plant,  and  since 
1893  has  been  chief  engineer  of  the  Bellaire 
Water  Works.  He  has  rendered  the  most 
satisfactory  service  in  that  capacity,  and  is 
unexcelled  as  a skilled  mechanic  and  en- 
gineer. 

Mr.  Heatherington  was  joined  in  marriage 
with  Miranda  Blackburn,  who  was  born  at 
Wheeling  and  is  a daughter  of  O.  T.  Black- 
burn. They  have  six  children:  Oliver,  a 

painter,  who  is  married  and  has  four  chil- 
dren; Minnie  (Krieder),  of  Bellaire;  Howard, 
who  is  engaged  at  the  Novelty  Stamping 
Works;  Margaret,  who  lives  at  home;  Rus- 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


427 


sell,  and  Ralph.  Our  subject  resides  with 
his  family  at  No.  4554  Jefferson  Street.  In 
politics  he  is  a Republican  and  served  as  a 
member  of  the  water  board  from  1887  to 
1890,  and  is  now  serving  his  sixth  year  as 
member  of  the  Board  of  Education,  of  which 
he  is  president.  Fraternally,  he  is  a member 
of  the  Odd  Fellow  lodge  and  encampment, 
and  the  Knights  of  the  Maccabees.  In  re- 
ligious faith  he  is  a Presbyterian. 


HARRY  E.  DEMENT,  editor  and  proprie- 
tor of  The  Barncsville  Republican,  and  also  a 
police  justice,  is  one  of  the  city’s  well-known 
and  prominent  citizens.  The  birth  of  Mr. 
Dement  occurred  in  Barnesville,  Ohio,  May 
21,  1867,  and  he  is  one  of  a family  of  1 1 chil- 
dren born  to  ^'Villiam  H.  and  Elizabeth  (Jones) 
Dement. 

His  great-grandfather  came  from  Calais, 
France,  as  a soldier  in  La  Fayette’s  army.  The 
grandfather  of  our  subject  laid  out  the  town 
of  Calais,  Ohio,  naming  it  for  his  father’s 
birthplace  in  France. 

The  father  of  our  subject  was  born  in  Calais, 
where  he  was  engaged  for  many  years  as  a 
merchant,  later  hecoming  interested  in  the  buy- 
ing and  selling  of  stock.  He  moved  from 
Calais  to  Iowa  and  later  to  Barnesville,  em- 
barking in  the  hotel  business,  and  there  his 
death  occurred  in  1887.  His  widow  survives 
and  resides  with  her  children. 

Mr.  Dement  accpiired  his  education  in  the 
public  schools.  When  13  years  old,  he  engaged 
in  cigar-making,  continuing  in  the  same  until 
1890,  at  which  time  he  entered  into  the  print- 
ing business.  In  1899  he  became  the  owner  of 
The  Barnesville  Republican,  which  is  now  one 
of  the  influential  journals  of  Belmont  County, 
with  a circulation  of  1,900  copies.  This  news- 
paper was  established  b}^  Hanlon  Brothers  & 
Company,  and  its  first  issue  made  its  appear- 
ance on  June  14,  1883.  It  is  a five-column, 
quarto,  and  as  its  name  indicates  is  Republican 
in  its  politics,  although  as  now  conducted  it 
caters  more  especially  to  the  general  interests 


of  the  community.  The  paper  has  changed 
hands  several  times,  its  original  owner  dispos- 
ing of  it  to  C.  C.  Carroll,  who  conducted  it  un- 
til he  received  a government  position,  when  it 
was  purchased  by  its  present  able  and  wide- 
awake proprietor. 

Mr.  Dement  served  very  acceptably  as  city 
clerk  from  1890  to  1902,  and  in  the  spring  of 
the  latter  year  was  appointed  police  justice  by 
Mayor  White.  He  is  highly  regarded  as  a re- 
liable citizen,  while  his  party  is  well  satisfied 
to  have  him  at  the  head  of  so  important  a 
journal  as  The  Republican.  He  wields  a facile 
pen  and  believes  in  out-spoken  Republicanism, 
but  at  the  same  time  has  the  best  interests  of 
his  section  at  heart  and  uses  the  power  of  the 
press  to  promote  worthy  enterprises. 

Mr.  Dement  was  married  in  Barnesville  to 
Frona  F.  Mayberry,  a daughter  of  Edward 
Mayberry,  and  the  two  children  born  to  this 
union  are  named  Robert  and  Mary.  . Mr. 
Dement  is  a member  of  the  Jr.  O.  U.  M. 
and  the  Knights  of  the  Golden  Eagle,  in  both 
of  which  he  is  actively  interested.  With  his 
family  he  belongs  to  tbe  Methodist  Church, 
and  is  a liberal  contributor  to  its  support.  Few 
men  in  Barnesville  are  better  known  or  more 
highly  regarded,  for  his  whole  life  has  been 
spent  here,  and  he  enjoys  the  esteem  of  a wide 
circle  of  both  public  and  personal  friends. 


ALVA  A.  WISE  has  an  attractive  95- 
acre  farm  in  Pultney  township.  He  was 
born  in  Pultney  township  in  1841,  and  is 
a son  of  William  A.  Wise,  who  was  for 
many  years  a well-to-do  blacksmith  of  that 
place. 

William  A.  Wise  came  from  York  County, 
Pennsylvania,  as  early  as  1830,  locating  in 
Belmont  County,  where  he  remained  for 
some  time.  Eater  he  returned  to  Pennsyl- 
vania, but  soon  afterward  decided  to  take 
up  his  abode  in  Ohio.  He  disposed  of  most 
of  his  belongings,  and  taking  the  rest  with 
him,  drove  with  a horse  and  wagon  across 
the  county  to  Belmont  County,  where  in 


428 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Pultney  township  he  located,  upon  tlie  farm 
now  occupied  by  R.  S.  Nelson,  the  dairy- 
man. Here  he  opened  a blacksmith  shop, 
and  followed  that  trade  with  marked  success 
for  the  rest  of  his  active  life.  He  died  July 
7,  1886.  At  an  early  date  he  married  Jane 
A.  Wise,  of  Pultney  township,  a woman  who 
proved  an  excellent  helpmeet  throughout 
his  life.  She  died  January  3,  1896.  By  this 
marriage  there  were  eight  children:  Marga- 

ret Jane  married  George  Thompson,  and 
they  had  one  daughter,  now  Mrs.  George 
O.  Robinson,  who  is  mentioned  elsewhere 
in  this  volume, — both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Thomp- 
son are  now  deceased,  she  dying  in  1856 
and  he  in  1862;  Kezia  married  Robert  Mc- 
Allister, and  they  reside  on  a farm  near  that 
of  Alva  A.;  John  H.,  a farmer,  married  and 
resided  for  two  years  in  Gallia  County,  and 
later  in  Delaware  County,  where  he  died 
February  25,  1895:  Mary  Ann  married  a 
Mr.  Wallace,  a farmer  and  miller  of  Wal- 
lace’s Mill;  Alva  A.  is  mentioned  below; 
Angeline,  the  widow  of  J.  W.  Sheets,  resides 
in  Bellaire;  William,  a steel  worker,  is  livins 
on  Gravel  Hill,  at  Bellaire;  and  Arminta  E., 
who  married  D.  A.  Shields,  lives  near  Dela- 
ware, in  Delaware  County,  Ohio.  A niece 
of  Alva  A.,  now  the  wife  of  George  O.  Rob- 
inson, was  reared  in  the  Wise  family. 

Alva  A.  Wise  received  the  ordinary  rear- 
ing and  education  of  a farmer’s  boy  and 
grew  to  manhood  on  the  family  homestead 
in  Pultney  township.  He  remained  under 
the  home  roof  until  he  was  24  years  old,  and 
assisted  in  the  farm  management.  Upon 
leaving  home  he  purchased  of  Dr.  Livings- 
tone the  fine  farm  where  he  now  resides. 
This  property  had  long  been  in  the  posses- 
sion of  the  Livingstone  family,  who  were 
probably  its  original  owners.  Under  Mr. 
Wise’s  capable  management  it  has  been 
greatly  improved.  Pie  has  erected  a new 
house,  barn  and  other  buildings,  and  has  set 
out  a large  orchard.  He  is  making  a thor- 
ough success  of  his  work,  and  realizes  good 
profits  from  the  industry. 

Mr.  Wise  married  Retta  Cunning-  1 


ham,  a daughter  of  George  Cunningham,  a 
farmer  of  Belmont  County.  As  a Repub- 
lican Mr.  Wise  is  active  in  local  affairs,  and 
has  served  his  township  very  efficiently  as 
trustee.  Lor  nearly  40  years  he  has  been  an 
esteemed  member  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church. 


CYRUS  H,  STRAHL,  a respected  citi- 
zen of  Bellaire,  Ohio,  is  agent  for  the  Balti- 
more & Ohio  Railroad  Company,  with 
which  he  has  been  identified  since  1870.  He 
was  born  at  Somerton,  Belmont  County,  De- 
cember 28,  1838,  and  is  a son  of  Joel  and 
Ann  W.  (Bailey)  Strahl.  His  mother  was 
a daughter  of  Charity  Bailey,  whose  family 
was  one  of  the  early  ones  in  Belmont 
County.  His  father  was  born  and  reared  at 
Somerton,  but  lived  at  Bellaire  at  the  time 
of  his  death.  Our  subject  is  the  oldest  of 
four  children,  the  others  being;  Charles  L., 
car  inspector  of  the  B.  & O.  R.  R.  at  Bel- 
laire; Joel  Edward,  a printer  in  the  employ 
of  a large  publishing  house  at  Allegheny, 
Pennsylvania;  and  Ella,  wife  of  contractor 
J.  W.  Jones,  of  Bellaire. 

Cyrus  H.  Strahl  was  one  year  old  when 
his  parents  removed  with  him  to  Monroe 
County,  Ohio,  where  he  resided  until  14 
years  of  age,  then  moved  to  Martin’s  Ferry 
in  1852.  In  1854  he  located  in  Bellaire, 
which  has  been  his  home  most  of  the  time 
since.  In  the  Civil  War  he  enlisted  in  the 
43d  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  and  served  for 
19  months,  and  later  re-enlisted  for  the  too 
days’  service  in  Company  I.  170th  Reg., 
O.  N.  G.,  in  1864.  In  1870  he  en- 
tered the  transportation  department  of 
the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad  Com- 
pany in  a minor  clerkship,  passed  suc- 
cessively through  the  various  clerical  po- 
sitions of  this  territory,  and  during  1889  and 
1890  was  chief  clerk  at  Wheeling.  He  was 
cashier  at  Bellaire,  Ohio,  during  the  years 
1890-1891,  and  transfer  agent  at  Benwood 
from  June  19,  1893,  when  the  station  was 
opened,  until  August  10,  1900,  when  he  as- 


W.  A.  NICHOL. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


431 


sumed  the  duties  of  agent  at  Bellaire,  and 
has  since  held  that  position. 

Mr.  Strahl  was  united  in  marriage  with 
Clarissa  Jane  Terry,  of  Mt.  Vernon,  Ohio, 
and  resides  now  at  No.  3564  Guerpisey 
Street.  They  have  two  children:  Charlie 

F.,  who  is  transfer  agent  at  Benwood,  hav- 
ing succeeded  our  subject  in  that  position; 
and  Annie,  wife  of  Louis  J.  Breshar,  of  Ev- 
erett, State  of  Washington.  Fraternally, 
our  subject  is  a member  of  Bellaire  Lodge, 
No.  267,  F.  & A.  M.;  Bellaire  Chapter,  No. 
107,  R.  A.  M.;  and  Hope  Commandery,  No. 
26,  K.  T.,  of  St.  Clairsville.  His  son,  Charlie 
F.,  is  a 32nd  degree  Mason,  a member  of 
Syrian  Temple,  A.  A.  O.  N.  M.  S.,  and  Scot- 
tish Rite,  of  Cincinnati.  Religiously,  Mr. 
Strahl  was  reared  a Quaker,  but  is  inclined 
to  be  liberal. 


W.  A.  NICHOL,  a well  known  jeweler,  of 
St.  Clairsville,  Ohio,  was  born  in  that  city,  Feb- 
ruary 20,  1879,  is  ^ son  of  Clark  C.  and 
Mary  (Campbell)  Nichol. 

All  that  is  known  of  the  ancestry  of  the 
Nichol  famil3^  in  the  direct  line  of  the  subject 
of  this  biography,  is  recorded  as  follows : 
Thomas  Nichol,  of  County  Derr}',  Ireland,  was 
one  of  seven  brothers  who  came  from  Scotland 
at  a time  of  persecution.  He  married  Isabelle 
Cooke,  and  their  son,  John,  who  married 
Martha  Love,  lived  in  the  same  home,  which 
was  known  as  Nichol's  Hill. 

John  Nichol  (2),  son  of  John  and  Martha 
(Love)  Nichol,  was  born  in  1763,  and  was 
the  great-great-grandparent  of  W.  A.  Nichol. 
He  married  Anna  Woodburn,  who  was  born  in 
County  Derry,  Ireland,  in  1763,  and  was  a 
daughter  of  William  Woodburn,  of  Church- 
town,  County  Derry.  This  marriage  was  sol- 
emnized by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Brizzle,  July  9,  lySdi 
and  the  union  resulted  in  the  birth  of  14  chil- 
dren, the  oldest  child, — Mary, — having  been 
born  May  ii,  1785,  and  Thomas,  the  youngest 
child,  having  been  born  May  6,  1805.  John 
Nichol  and  his  wife  came  to  this  country  in 
1789.  They  first  settled  in  Cumberland,  and 


later,  in  Westmoreland,  Pennsylvania.  They 
came  to  Belmont  Count}',  Ohio,  in  1800,  where 
John  died  in  1829,  and  his  wife  in  1857.  Their 
fourth  child,  and  oldest  son,  William  Nichol, 
was  born  in  1789,  and  died  in  1885.  His  wife 
Harriet  Mitchell,  was  born  in  1789,  and  died 
in  1870.  They  were  the  great-grandparents 
of  the  sul)ject  of  this  sketch,  and  had  eight 
children.  Hon.  Thomas  M.  Nichol,  the  oldest 
of  these  eight  children,  and  the  grandfather  of 
W.  A.  Nichol,  was  a well  known  man  of  his 
day.  He  married  (Margaret  Creamer,  and  they 
had  eight  children,  the  oldest  being  Clark  C. 
Nichol,  the  father  of  W.  A.  This  remarkable 
family,  the  descendants  of  John  and  Anna 
(Woodburn)  Nichol,  assembled  at  the  St. 
Clairsville  Fair  Grounds  in  1889,  to  celebrate 
the  one  hundredth  anniversary  of  the  arrival 
of  the  Nichol  family  in  America.  At  the  time 
of  the  reunion,  there  had  been  94  grandchil- 
dren, 57  of  whom  were  living:  366  great- 
grandchildren, 300  of  whom  were  living;  428 
great-great-grandchildren,  388  of  whom  were 
living,  and  32  great-great-great-grandchildren, 
all  of  whom  were  at  that  date  alive.  The  above 
shows  a grand  total  of  935,  a most  remarkable 
record. 

Clark  C.  Nichol  was  born  in  Belmont 
County,  near  Uniontown,  and  has  been  a 
farmer  of  this  county  for  a number  of  years. 
He  served  as  school  director  for  25  years,  and 
was  a prominent  factor  in  educational  circles. 
He  married  Mary  Campbell,  also  a native  of 
Belmont  County.  She  has  three  brothers, — 
AVilliam,  of  Lucas  Count}',  Iowa ; John,  of 
Harrison  County,  Ohio,  and  George,  of  Bel- 
mont County,  Ohio,  all  of  whom  are  engaged 
in  farming.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  is  one 
of  three  children,  the  others  being:  Jessie, 

who  died  February  27,  1892:  and  Lulu,  who 
is  attending  school. 

W.  A.  Nichol  attended  the  public  schools 
of  his  native  town,  and  then  learned  the  jew- 
eler’s business.  He  clerked  in  a jewelry  store 
for  two  months,  and  then  bought  a half  inter- 
est. Later  he  purchased  the  entire  business  of 
the  late  George  Brown,  which  was  established 
in  1841.  He  has  met  with  splendid  success. 


432 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


and  carries  a full  and  handsome  line  of  jewelry 
and  jewelers’  supplies.  l\'Ir.  Nichol  is  greatly 
interested  in  the  welfare  of  the  people  in  his 
community,  and  is  always  ready  to  assist  in 
any  public  enterjudse.  He  stands  high  both 
in  a mercantile  and  social  way,  and  is  one  of 
the  rising  young  business  men  of  St.  Clairs- 
\'ille.  J\[r.  Nichol  was  united  in  marriage  June 
4,  1902,  to  Blanche  Hartley,  of  St.  Clairsville, 
Ohio.  Mr.  Nichol  is  a member  of  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church,  of  St.  Clairsville. 


GEORGE  C.  McKELVEY,  the  well- 
known  dairyman  at  Bellaire,  Ohio,  is  also  a 
farmer  of  recognized  ability,  residing  at  the 
present  time  on  his  place,  formerly  known  as 
the  Jeffers  farm,  four  miles  west  of  Bellaire. 

Our  sid)ject  was  born  in  Mead  township, 
Belmont  County,  in  1870,  and  is  a son  of 
George  and  Mahala  (Stonebreaker)  McKel- 
vey.  His  mother  was  also  a native  of  Bel- 
mont County  and  descended  from  one  of 
the  early  families  of  this  section.  Her  de- 
mise took  place  in  1889.  Our  subject’s  father 
was  a native  of  County  Tyrone,  Ireland,  and 
in  company  with  several  brothers,  all  young- 
men,  immigrated  to  America.  He  com- 
menced life  in  the  CTnited  States  as  a day 
laborer  on  the  National  Pike,  the  great  gate- 
way between  the  East  and  the  West,  and  to 
whose  e.x'istence  is  due  the  early  - develop- 
ment of  the  State  of  Ohio. 

Some  time  later,  in  partnership  with  a 
brother,  George  McKelvey  purchased  a farm 
in  Mead  township.  In  1876  he  removed 
with  his  family  to  Monroe  County,  Ohio, 
where  he  purchased  two  farms,  and  spent 
the  remainder  of  his  life  in  that  vicinity.  He 
died  in  1891  at  the  age  of  81  years.  He  and 
his  wife  had  12  children.  Several  mem- 
bers of  this  family  are  now  deceased.  Mrs. 
Lizzie  Clegg,  the  twin  sister  of  our  subject, 
resides  in  Monroe  County,  and  two  other 
sisters,  Mrs.  Mary  AValton  and  Mrs.  Isa- 
bella Sykes,  are  residents  of  the  same  county. 
Two  other  sisters,  Mrs.  Emily  Holmes  and 


Mrs.  Nancy  lams,  live  in  West  Virginia. 
One  sister  resides  near  Sistersville  and  one 
other  in  Richie  County,  West  Virginia. 

George  C.  McKelvey,  from  his  sixth  to  his 
twentieth  birthday,  lived  in  Monroe  County, 
where  he  was  educated.  He  had  exceptional 
advantages  in  that  line,  and  was  the  recipi- 
ent of  a normal  school  education.  After 
leaving  school  he  taught  four  years,  having 
received  his  first  certificate  when  but  16 
years  old.  He  has  been  twice  married.  His 
first  union  was  contracted  with  Miss  Nettie 
McMahon,  of  Monroe  County,  who  died  in 
1889,  leaving  one  child,  Forrest.  The  pres- 
ent Mrs,  McKelvey  was,  prior  to  her  mar- 
riage with  our  subject,  the  widow  of  K.  F. 
Jeffers.  To  the  second  marriage  have  been 
born  two  children,  Earl  and  Lucille. 

About  four  years  ago  Mr.  McKelvey 
opened  a dairy  business  in  Bellaire,  and  has 
been  very  successful  in  this  business.  He 
has  a large  patronage,  and  quality  rather 
than  quantity  is  his  prime  consideration.  He 
also  carries  on  general  farming  and  stock- 
raising.  His  farm  is  well  improved,  having 
a comfortable  residence  and  many  other  sub- 
stantial buildings.  Socially,  our  subject  is 
a member  of  Ionic  Lodge,  F.  & A.  M., 
and  also  Bellaire  Chapter,  R.  A.  M.  He  is  a 
member  of  Mt.  Zion  . M.  E.  Church.  In 
politics  he  has  always  been  a stanch  Demo- 
crat, and  was  his  party’s  selection  as  a candi- 
date for  sheriff  of  Belmont  County,  and  in  a 
county  which  usually  goes  Republican  by 
2,000  votes  he  was  defeated  by  only  615 
votes.  He  is  well  fitted  for  any  position  to 
which  he  aspires. 


SAMUEL  H.  McGREGOR  lives  near 
Bellaire,  in  Pultney  township,  Belmont 
County,  Ohio.  He  was  born  December  2, 
1843.  and  is  a son  of  Alexander  and  Eliza 
(Harris)  McGregor,  whose  marriage  took 
place  in  1837.  His  mother  was  born  in 
Wheeling  in  1814,  and  died  in  1885.  His 
father  was  born  July  6,  1804,  and  died  in 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


433 


1851.  Alexander  McGregor  was  a son  of 
James  McGregor,  who  was  a native  of  Scot- 
land. 

The  paternal  grandfather  of  our  subject, 
while  yet  a tailor’s  apprentice,  was  pressed 
into  the  British  Navy.  Upon  the  arrival  of 
the  ship  at  Baltimore,  he  deserted  his  majes- 
ty’s service  and  became  an  American  citizen. 
He  married  a Miss  Gordon  and  located  near 
Baltimore,  Maryland,  on  a farm  which  he 
purchased,  and  he  was  the  founder  of  the 
McGregor  family  in  America.  In  1817  he 
moved  his  family  to  Ohio  by  wagon,  and 
purchased  a farm  on  Rock  Hill,  in  Belmont 
County,  the  same  farm  being  now  owned 
by  members  of  the  Giffin  family.  In  1819 
he  purchased  another  farm  from  Samuel 
Clark,  the  written  deed  for  the  same  being 
now  in  the  possession  of  our  subject,  who 
is  the  proud  owner  of  this  ancestral  farm, 
which  passed  from  grandfather  to  father  and 
in  succession  to  our  subject.  This  deed  bears 
the  date  of  August  to,  1819,  and  upon  this 
farm  the  grandfather  passed  the  remainder 
of  his  life.  Our  subject’s  father  also  passed 
his  closing  years  there. 

Alexander  McGregor,  the  father,  was  one 
of  a family  of  three  sons,  all  of  rvhom  are  now 
deceased.  His  brother  James  was  born  in 
1789  and  died  in  1879.  He  served  in  the 
War  of  1812,  and  received  as  his  portion  the 
farm  now  orvned  mainly  by  J.  W.  Giffin. 
Robert,  the  younger  of  the  sons,  never  mar- 
ried, and  died  in  Bellaire  in  1863. 

Our  subject  was  third  in  a family  of  seven 
children.  The  others  are  Reuben  J.,  Sarah 
E,.  R.  E.,  J.  M.,  Margaret,  and  iVlexander, 
the  latter  two  having  died  young.  Reuben 
J.  never  married,  and  died  June  8,  1879,  at 
Manitowoc,  Wisconsin,  while  holding  a 
government  position  as  inspector  of  harbor 
improvements.  He  was  a graduate  of  Wash- 
ington College,  Pennsylvania.  Sarah  E.  is 
the  rvidow  of  Andrew  Neff.  She  has  three 
children,  the  eldest  being  married,  and  she 
resides  with  our  subject.  R.  E.  was  for 
many  years  a hardware  merchant  at  Win- 
dom,  Minnesota,  and  died  in  Eebruary,  1894. 


J.  M.  was  formerly  a druggist  in  Bellaire. 
He  is  now  a resident  of  Windom,  Minne- 
sota, where  for  12  years  he  was  cashier  of 
a bank.  He  is  now  retired  from  active  life, 
and  he  has  four  children. 

The  substantial  brick  residence  of  our  sub- 
ject was  erected  by  his  father,  but  many  im- 
provements have  been  added  by  Mr.  I\Ic- 
Gregor,  who  built  his  fine  large  barn  in  1891. 
His  home  farm  contains  124  acres  and  orig- 
inally consisted  of  an  additional  100  acres, 
which  has  recently  been  sold  for  coal  and 
railroad  purposes.  The  home  farm  has  prac  ■ 
tically  been  conducted  by  him  since  earlv 
manhood,  and  for  some  time  he  also  oper- 
ated a coal  mine  on  his  premises,  but  this 
mine-  was  sold  some  time  ago.  Mr.  Mc- 
Gregor is  a stanch  Republican  and  has 
served  in  various  township  offices.  He  is 
not  a member  of  any  church  organization, 
but  is  a regular  attendant  of  the  Coal  Brook 
Presbyterian  Church  and  contributes  liber- 
ally towards  its  support. 


GEORGE  JEPSON,  a leading  merchant  of 
St.  Clairsville,  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  was 
born  August  28,  1839.  and  is  a son  of  John 
and  Hannah  (Hunt)  Jepson,  both  natives  of 
Lancastershire,  England. 

John  Jepson  was  born  in  1794.  and  with  his 
family  came  to  America  in  1825.  He  settled 
in  Utica,  New  York,  where  he  followed  his 
trade  as  a weaver  until  1835.  He  then  came 
to  Belmont  County,  where  he  was  engaged  in 
farming  until  1844.  He  then  started  a grocery 
store  in  St.  Clairsville  which  he  conducted 
until  1880.  His  death  occurred  in  1884. 

George  Jepson  worked  in  his  father’s  store 
until  1862.  when  he  enlisted  in  Company  B, 
98th  Reg.  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.  After  serving  three 
months,  he  was  detached  for  duty  in  the  adju- 
tant general’s  office,  where  he  remained  until 
his  discharge  June  i,  1865,  at  Washington, 
D.  C.  Upon  his  return  home,  Mr.  Jepson 
resumed  the  grocery  business  at  St.  Clairsville, 
where  he  has  since  continued,  with  uninter- 


434 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY 


nipted  succccss.  Jle  is  one  of  the  most  siil)- 
stantial  business  men  of  tlie  community. 

In  1871,  Mr.  Je])Son  was  united  in  marriage 
with  Rebecca  E.  drove,  hy  whom  he  has  two 
children, — Xellie  and  Lucy.  Mr.  Jepson  has 
l)een  ])resident  of  the  First  National  Bank  of 
St.  Clairsville  for  three  years.  He  has  also 
been  a director  in  that  institution  over  25  years. 
'I'he  sul)ject  of  this  sketch  is  a meml)er  of 
Drummond  Post.  No.  203,  G.  A.  R.  Plis  fam- 
ily unite  in  worshi])ing  at  the  First  Presby- 
terian Church,  of  St.  Clairsville. 


JOHN  STARBUCK,  one  of  the  most 
prominent  farmers  of  Belmont  County,  whose 
large  and  commodious  brick  residence  in 
Colerain  township  stands  about  one-eighth  of 
a mile  from  the  j)ost  office,  has  for  the  past 
47  years  been  a resident  of  this  township  and 
for  the  last  27  years  an  occupant  of  his  pres- 
ent abode.  Of  his  thrift  and  intelligent  man- 
agement his  attractive  and  highly  improved 
farm  speaks  for  itself.  He  is  one  of  the  old 
citizens  of  the  county,  having  l:)een  born 
in  Somerset  township  April  ii,  1827,  and  he 
is  a son  of  John  and  Ann  (Lapping)  Star- 
buck. 

George  Starbuck,  grandfather  of  our  sub- 
ject, was  one  of  those  hardy  pioneers 
who  opened  up  to  settlers  the  new 
State  of  Ohio.  Coming  to  Belmont 

County  with  his  wife  and  children  in 
1808,  he  settled  upon  a farm  near 
Barnesville,  where  he  afterward  made  his 
home.  A man  of  force  and  determination,  he 
bore  his  share  of  the  battles  with  wild  beasts 
and  obstructing  forests,  and  assisted  greatly 
in  making  the  place  a safe  and  passable  re- 
gion. His  wife,  whose  Christian  name  was 
FlizaV)eth,  also  helj^ed  bear  the  privations  of 
the  rude  pioneer  life.  Mr.  Starbuck  died  on 
the  farm. 

John  Starbuck,  son  of  George  and  father 
of  John,  whose  name  heads  this  sketch,  was 
born  in  1797,  came  to  this  county  in  1808, 
and  here  for  the  most  part  made  his  home. 


He  followed  farming  throughout  his  mature 
life,  at  which  he  was  very  successful.  Living 
to  the  age  of  67,  he  died  on  the  family  home- 
stead in  1864.  His  wife,  Ann  Lapping, 
died  in  1853  at  the  age  of  about  53  years.  By 
his  marriage  there  were  1 1 children — 
Samuel,  a farmer  of  Belmont  County;  Wil- 
liam, who  fought  under  Sherman  in  the  Civil 
War,  now  a farmer  in  Somerset  township; 
Ruth  Ann,  who  married  George  Coffland  of 
Loydsville,  Ohio;  three  sons  who  died,  as 
follows, — George,  at  the  age  of  about  19 
years;  Hezekiah,  from  an  accident  at  the  age 
of  10  years,  and  Robert,  at  the  age  of  12 
years.  Thomas,  a soldier  in  the  62nd  Reg., 
Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  was  taken  prisoner  at  Fort 
Wagner,  and  sent  to  Andersonville,  where  it 
is  thought  he  died  of  starvation  at  the  age  of 
21 ; Daniel,  who  died  at  the  age  of  40;  Eliza- 
beth, who  died  in  her  20th  year,  and  Elisha 
and  the  other  child,  who  died  when  young. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Starbuck  were  both  faithful 
and  consistent  members  of  the  Society  of 
Friends. 

John  Starbuck  of  this  sketch  procured  his 
early  education  in  the  schools  of  Jefferson 
and  Belmont  counties,  and  later  attended 
Mount  Pleasant  College.  Well  equipped  for 
the  work,  at  the  age  of  21  he  began  teaching 
and  for  two  years  carried  on  his  professional 
pursuits  in  winter  and  followed  farming  in 
summer.  In  1855  he  came  to  Colerain  town- 
ship and  settling  upon  a farm,  engaged  in  ag- 
riculture for  himself.  By  strict  attention  to 
his  work  and  careful  management  he  made 
the  place  pay  well  and  in  time  became  pos- 
sessed of  considerable  means.  In  1875  he 
purchased  his  present  farm,  a well  improved 
tract  of  126  acres,  part  of  which  is  underlaid 
witli  coal  from  which  he  has  derived  material 
I)enefit.  Here  he  carries  on  general  farming 
and  conducts  a large  dairy,  making  good 
profits  by  shipping  the  milk  to  Wheeling. 
The  house  is  a large  brick  one,  which  was 
l)uilt  in  1825,  and  has  been  kept  in  good  re- 
pairs. It  is  a 13-room  structure  with  an  ex- 
cellent cellar  divided  into  three  apartments. 

August  23,  1854,  Mr.  Starbuck  married 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


435 


Sarah  Bunday,  who  was  born  in  Belmont 
County,  daughter  of  Benjamin  and  Delitha 
(Bailey)  Bunday.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Star- 
buck  have  been  born  lo  children:  Benjamin 
F.,  Allison,  Marietta,  Anna,  Eva  B.,  Thomas, 
Lorena,  Lizzie,  Alice  and  Eunice.  Benjamin 
F.,  now  a farmer  in  Harrison  County,  mar- 
ried Sarah  Millhouse,  and  after  her  death, 
which  occurred  IMarch  19,  1885,  Anna  Lewel- 
len  became  his  wife.  By  the  first  marriage 
there  were  three  children — Edith,  who  died 
at  the  age  of  18  years,  Albert  and  Lewis,  who 
since  the  death  of  his  mother  has  resided 
with  his  Grandfather  and  Grandmother  Star- 
buck.  By  the  second  marriage  there  were 
four  children — Martha,  Mary,  Emily  and 
Jesse.  Allison,  whose  wife  officiates  as  pastor 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  is  the 
owner  of  a greenhouse.  He  married 
Elorence  Savage,  but  they  have  had 
no  children.  Marietta,  a resident  of  Colerain 
township,  married  Benjamin  Cope,  and  they 
have  had  nine  children — Amy,  Anna,  John, 
Caroline,  Charlotte,  Helen  (now  deceased), 
Darlington,  Byron  and  Chalkley.  Anna,  who 
has  never  married,  has  been  professor  in  an 
Indian  school  in  New  York  for  the  last  three 
years.  Eva  B.,  who  married  Aaron  Edkin,  is 
matron  of  this  same  school,  which  is  under 
the  management  of  the  Society  of  Eriends, 
and  her  husband  acts  as  superintendent. 
Thomas,  a farmer,  married  Abbie  Hall,  and 
they  have  one  child — Mabel.  Lorena,  who 
has  won  for  herself  an  excellent  reputation 
for  scholarship,  methods  and  disciplinary 
powers,  has  for  the  past  seven  years  served 
as  an  instructor  in  a Eriends’  school  in  Iowa. 
Lizzie,  now  residing  at  home,  has  taught  in 
Iowa  for  some  time,  and  Alice  has  been  a 
teacher  in  Kansas.  Eunice  is  the  youngest 
child. 

Mr.  Starbuck  is  a man  of  influence  in  his 
community,  and  in  1890  served  as  land  ap- 
praiser, filling  the  office  with  marked  ability. 
As  a Republican  he  is  one  of  the  leaders  in 
local  politics.  He  and  his  family  belong  to 
the  Society  of  Friends. 

Benjamin  Bunday,  father  of  Mrs.  Star- 


I 


I 


I 


I 

I 


I 


buck,  was  originally  of  North  Carolina,  and 
died  in  Ohio  in  1875  at  the  age  of  82.  He 
married  Delitha  Bailey,  who  when  a child 
came  from  Virginia  to  Ohio.  She  died  in 
her  71st  year  in  1870.  Both  were  good 
Christians  - and  members  of  the  Society  of 
Friends.  By  this  marriage  there  were  13 
children — Jesse,  now  a resident  of  Kansas; 
Josiah,  who  died  at  the  age  of  66  years; 
IMary  Ann,  and  Martha,  who  died  young; 
William,  a resident  of  Colerain  township; 
Sarah,  who  is  mentioned  above;  Edmund,  a 
prominent  farmer  of  this  county;  Rachel, 
who  married  Mason  Thomas  and  resides  in 
Barnesville;  Ann,  who  married  Robert 
Hampton  and  lives  in  Iowa;  David,  now  de- 
ceased, married  Esther  IMilligan,  who  now 
resides  in  Colerain;  Matilda  and  Jane  died 
young,  and  Charles  is  living  in  Barnesville. 


RAYMOND  A.  TALLMAN,  deputy  clerk 
of  the  Probate  Court  at  St.  Clairsville,  Ohio, 
was  born  in  Washington  County,  Kansas, 
April  8,  1872,  and  is  a son  of  James  F.  and 
iMary  E.  (Wilson)  Tallman. 

James  E.  Tallman  was  born  IMarch  30,  1844, 
and  received  his  mental  training  in  St.  Clairs- 
ville. He  studied  law  under  his  father,  the 
late  Peter  Tallman.  who  was  a practitioner  of 
Belmont  County.  James  E.  Tallman  practiced 
law  for  some  time  in  Washington  County, 
Kansas,  and  then  moved  to  Belmont  County, 
where  he  served  as  Probate  judge  for  two 
terms, — from  1891  to  1897.  He  is  now  living 
in  Chicago,  Illinois.  His  wife,  iMary  E.  (Wil- 
son) Tallman,  was  born  in  Fulton  County, 
Illlinois,  October  19,  1845.  Thev  reared  five 
children,  namely: ' Mabel  E.,  of  Chicago;  Ray- 
mond A. ; Adeline,  who  lives  at  home : Peter, 
who  died  at  the  age  of  22  years ; and  Hilary  J., 
who  is  also  at  home.  klr.  and  Mrs.  Tallman 
are  remembered  by  a large  circle  of  friends  in 
St.  Clairsville.  where  for  many  years  they  were 
active  in  social  and  business  circles. 

Raymond  A.  Tallman  received  his  mental 
training  in  the  schools  of  St.  Clairsville,  where 


436 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


he  gTadiiated  in  tlie  class  of  1891.  After  leav- 
ing school  he  accepted  the  position  of  deputy 
clerk  of  the  Probate  Court,  and  has  since  then 
continued  to  serve  in  that  capacity,  being'  six 
years  of  the  time  in  office  with  his  father.  The 
other  five  years  he  has  served  under  Judge 
Smith.  His  long  continuance  in  this  position 
is  conclusive  proof  of  service  well  rendered, 
and  as  he  is  young  in  years,  his  future  is  one 
of  promise. 

On  July  25,  1894,  Mr.  Tallman  was  married 
to  Lucy  V.  Hartley,  a native  of  West  Virginia, 
and  a daughter  of  C.  E.  Hartley,  of  that  State. 
Mr.  and  Airs.  Tallman  have  three  children, — 
Madge,  Louis  R.  and  Dorothy  L.  Airs.  Tail- 
man  is  a member  of  the  Alethodist  Church. 
Air.  Tallman  stands  high  in  the  community, 
both  in  a business  and  social  way,  and  is  highly 
esteemed  by  all  who  know  him. 


HON.  C.  W.  CARROLL,  who  is  postmas- 
ter of  St.  Clairsville,  Ohio,  and  ex-judge  of 
the  Probate  Court,  was  born  in  this  city,  in 
the  house  in  which  he  lives,  on  April  8,  1834. 
He  is  a son  of  Carroll  C.  and  Eleanor  K.  (Al- 
vord)  Carroll,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of 
Connecticut. 

'fhe  late  Carrroll  C.  Carroll  came  to  St. 
Clairsville  in  the  early  part  of  the  19th  century. 
Ry  profession  he  was  a lawyer ; he  won  many 
legal  triumphs  in  Belmont  County,  and  during 
his  younger  years  was  county  prosecutor.  His 
death  occurred  on  Christmas  morning  in  1858, 
at  the  age  of  52  years.  In  St.  Clairsville  the 
event  turned  this  day  of  happiness  into  one  of 
sorrow,  not  only  to  his  family,  but  to  the 
entire  community,  for  he  was  a most  worthy, 
scholarly  and  estimable  man.  He  was  one  of 
the  pioneers  of  Belmont  County  and  assisted 
very  materially  in  its  higher  development.  His 
wife,  who  remarried  Rev.  John  Aloffat,  of 
Wheeling,  West  Virginia,  died  in  St.  Louis, 
Alis.souri;  she  was  a most  devoted  member  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church.  Four  children  were 
horn  to  them,  of  whom  the  eldest  is  the  subject 
of  this  sketch.  The  others  were  as  follows: 
Clara  C..  who  is  the  widow  of  Henry  Balcom, 


and  resides  in  Winona,  Alinnesota  ; Eunice,  who 
is  the  widow  of  John  Crangle,  and  also  resides 
at  Winona;  and  Joel  W.,  who  was  born  in 
1838,  and  died  August  12,  1876, — by  profes- 
sion he  was  a druggist.  In  1863,  when  troops 
were  called  for  at  the  time  of  the  battle  of  Get- 
tysburg, he  enlisted  in  a Philadelphia  regiment. 
He  married  Elizabeth  Woods,  of  Bellaire, 
Ohio,  who  survives  him. 

Judge  Carroll  was  afforded  excellent  edu- 
cational advantages  by  his  father,  who  sent 
him  first  to  Franklin  College,  at  New  Athens, 
Ohio,  and  later,  to  Washington  College,  in 
Pennsylvania.  Answering  the  call  of  Presi- 
dent Lincoln  for  75,000  men,  the  subject  of 
this  sketch  first  entered  Company  K,  17th  Reg. 
Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  organized  under  the  three 
months’  call,  and  re-enlisted,  in  September, 
1861,  in  Company  E,  15th  Reg.  Ohio  Vol.  Inf., 
in  which  he  gallantly  served  for  three  and  a 
half  years.  He  was  then  commissioned  lieu- 
tenant-colonel in  the  184th  Reg.  Ohio  Vol. 
Inf.,  and  served  until  the  close  of  the  war. 

Judge  Carroll  is  one  of  the  men  who  served 
from  the  beginning  to  the  end  of  the  Civil 
War,  upholding  his  country's  honor  on  every 
occasion  at  the  risk  of  his  life.  His  first  term 
of  service  was  in  the  Army  of  the  Ohio,  and 
his  second  was  in  the  Army  of  the  Cumber- 
land. He  participated  in  the  battle  of  Shiloh 
and  all  the  battles  in  which  the  command  took 
part, — such  as  Stone  River,  Chickamauga, 
Chattanooga,  Alissionary  Ridge  and  Lookout 
Alountain,  and  closed  with  the  battles  at 
Franklin  and  Nashville.  He  was  at  one  period 
under  constant  fire,  day  and  night,  for  three 
months.  His  entrance  was  as  a humble  pri- 
vate, but  his  promotion  was  rapid.  He  became 
second  lieutenant  in  the  17th  Ohio  Regiment; 
then  first  lieutenant,  and  later,  captain,  in  the 
1 5th  Ohio  Regiment ; and  lastly,  lieutenant- 
colonel  in  the  184th  Ohio  Regiment.  During 
this  long  and  severe  service  he  was  never  taken 
prisoner  and  received  no  wounds.  His  place 
in  march  or  battle  was  never  vacant  on  account 
of  sickness,  and  in  fact  he  was  a typical  soldier, 
whose  usefulness  was  proven  on  many  occa- 
sions. 


f... 


i 


m: 


ELMER  J.  HUTCHISON. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


439 


Since  his  years  of  discretion.  Judge  Carroll 
has  been  interested  in  the  law,  and  learned  its 
nnderl}dng  principles  with  his  father.  In  1854 
he  was  admitted  to  practice,  and  this  he  re- 
sumed on  his  return  from  the  army.  In  1866 
he  was  elected  Probate  judge,  and  served  for 
nine  )^ears,  having  been  re-elected  three  times. 
On  December  12,  1899,  he  was  appointed  post- 
master at  St.  Clairsville,  since  which  time  he 
has  been  the  popular  incumbent  of  that  posi- 
tion. 

On  May  16,  i860,  Judge  Carroll  was  mar- 
ried to  Mary  B.  West,  who  was  a native  of 
Belmont  County,  and  a daughter  of  the  late 
Dr.  Henry  West,  who  for  many  years  was  a 
leading  physician  of  the  county.  The  five 
children  born  to  this  union  were  as  follows : 
Carlo  C.,  who  is  employed  in  the  Union  Pacific 
Railroad  office  at  Kansas  City,  married  Car- 
rie Asher,  of  said  city,  and  has  one  daughter, 
Marguerite;  Henr}^  W.,  who  is  an  employee 
of  the  Armours  at  Kansas  City,  and  married 
Jessie  Morton:  Clara,  who  marrifed  George  W. 
Dunn,  managing  editor  of  the  Columbus  Citi- 
zen, of  Columbus,  Ohio,  and  has  four  children, 
Carroll,  Mary  L.,  John  and  George:  Clinton, 
who  is  a locomotive  engineer  on  the  Union 
Pacific  Railroad ; and  Eleanor,  who  is  the  wife 
of  Arthur  S.  Kuder,  a commercial  traveler, 
who  resides  at  Columbus,  and  has  one  son, 
Harold  B. 

In  Masonic  circles.  Judge  Carroll  has  long 
been  a very  prominent  figure,  belonging  to  the 
blue  lodge,  chapter,  council  and  commandery, 
in  each  of  which  he  has  held  high  official  posi- 
tions. He  is  a charter  member  of  the  G.  A.  R., 
Drummond  Post,  No.  203,  in  which  he  has 
filleed  the  office  of  commander. 


ELMER  J.  HUTCHISON,  a well  known 
business  man  of  Barnesville,  has.  since  1895, 
been  sole  proprietor  of  one  of  the  largest  indus- 
tries in  the  place, — the  Barnesville  Box  Eac- 
tory.  Under  his  wise  and  conservative  man- 
agement the  business  has  made  rapid  progress. 
That  he  has  been  able  in  so  short  a time  to 


accomplish  a great  work  is  largely  due  to  the 
fact  that  he  previously  had  years  of  valuable 
mercantile  experience,  and  has  inherited  from 
good  ancestors  both  mental  and  physical 
powgr.  Born  in  Barnesville,  March  2,  1855, 
he  is  a son  of  Asbury  and  Eliza  J.  (Taylor) 
Hutchison. 

Ashury  Hutchison  belongs  to  one  of  the  old- 
est and  most  respectable  families  of  Barnes- 
ville, and  was  born  there  in  1821.  During  his 
youth  he  learned  the  trade  of  a carpenter, 
which  upon  reaching  manhood  he  followed  as 
a means  of  livelihood.  The  rapid  growth  of 
his  own  community,  and  of  other  places  in  the 
vicinity,  furnished  him  with  plenty  of  work 
and  enabled  him  to  command  the  highest 
wages.  With  a steadfast  purpose,  he  contin- 
ued the  pursuit  of  his  trade  throughout  his 
active  life,  laying  by,  from  year  to  year,  some- 
thing for  a time  of  need.  Becoming  possessed 
of  considerable  means  he  discontinued  his 
labors  a few  years  ago  and  is  now  living  a life 
of  leisure.  His  wife,  Eliza  J.  (Taylor)  Hutch- 
ison, died  in  June,  1890. 

Elmer  J.  Hutchison  obtained  his  mental 
training  in  the  public  schools  of  Barnesville, 
and  afterward  developed  habits  of  self-reliance 
and  close  attention  to  business,  which  have  so 
prominently  characterized  his  mature  life. 
Ambitious  to  advance  himself,  at  the  age  of 
21  years  he  went  to  Chicago  and  secured  a 
position  as  private  secretary  to  the  traffic  man- 
ager of  the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad  Com- 
pany. Giving  excellent  satisfaction,  he 
remained  there  for  many  years,  accpuring 
much  valuable  knowledge  of  various  lines  of 
business.  Later  he  was  commissioner  of  the 
Merchants'  Association.  Ill  health,  however, 
in  the  course  of  time  obliged  him  to  sever  that 
connection,  .\bout  this  time.  IMarch  i,  1892, 
he  purchased  an  interest  in  the  box  industry  in 
Barnesville.  conducted  by  Talbot  & Brothers 
and  H.  Campbell,  where  he  remained  as  a part- 
ner for  about  three  years.  On  January  i.  1895. 
he  became  the  sole  owner  of  the  box  factory, 
which  he  has  since  managed  with  such  gratify- 
ing results.  This  business  is  one  of  the  largest 
i of  its  kind  in  the  vicinity,  is  backed  by  a cap- 


440 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


ital  of  $7,500  and  its  output  is  valued  at 
$15,000  j)er  annum.  It  furnishes  regular 
employment  to  20  skilled  workmen,  and  is  of 
much  heneht  to  the  place. 

Mr.  Hutchison  married  Lucy  Talbott,  a 
daughter  of  John  I),  d'albott,  a real  estate 
dealer  of  Tarnesville,  and  they  have  had  four 
children, — William  A.,  Edwin  J.,  Mary  M., 
and  Dorothy  .A..  Tn  religious  belief  tbe  family 
are  Methodists,  and  the  children  have  been 
reared  in  that  faith.  Mr.  Hutchison's  remark- 
able success  in  Imsiness  has  won  for  him  the 
])o])ular  confidence  in  his  section.  Socially  he 
is  highly  esteemed,  and  affiliates  with  the  F.  & 
A.  M.  -\s  a Rejuiblican,  in  politics,  his  word 
carries  weight  in  local  affairs. 


DR.  JOSEPFI  HEWETSON,  deceased. 

Tills  address  of  Dr.  J.  M.  McConahey  on  the  death 
of  Dr.  Hewelson  is  taken  from  “The  Transactions  of 
the  Belmont  County  Medical  Society,”  printed  in  1855. 

Mr.  President  and  Fellow  Members: 

As  a general  tbing,  tbe  death  of  a fellow  be- 
ing produces  but  a momentary  impression  in 
tbe  mind  of  the  living;  it  excites  but  little 
sympathy,  viewed  as  the  fulfillment  of  a law 
of  necessity,  resting  upon  all  terrestrial  created 
heings.  He  is  dead,  a word  familiar  to  all, 
from  its  daily  use,  is  passed  round  the  circle 
of  the  deceased's  accjuaintance,  and  it  matters 
but  little  whether  that  circle  be  large  or  small, 
the  sound  dies  away,  and  wdth  it  the  name  and 
memory  of  the  individual  are  forgotten.  And 
as  the  ravages  of  the  destroyer  increase,  in  a 
given  time,  the  impression  produced  seems  to 
decrease  in  the  same  ratio,  as  may  be  seen  dur- 
ing and  after  tbe  prevalence  of  a desolating 
epidemic. 

Oblivion  is  sought  and  cherished,  and  the 
desire  to  forget  the  past  increases,  as  death, 
the  king  of  terrors,  adds  to  the  number  of  his 
subjects.  Tbis.  while  it  should  admonish  the 
living  to  hold  themselves  in  readiness  to  obey 
the  same  ]iower,  should  not  be  called  unfeeling 
or  ungrateful,  but  the  development  of  a wise 
and  essentially  necessary  principle  of  our 


natural  organization.  But,  when  man  dies,  do 
his  works  die  with  him?  When  he  ceases  to 
breathe,  wdien  his  spirit  returns  to  God  who 
gave  it,  and  his  body  to  its  primitive  elements, 
do  bis  influences  cease?  If  so,  he  lives  to  no 
purpose.  If  so,  life  is  not  worth  protection. 
On  the  contrary,  does  not  every  individual  ex- 
ert an  influence,  either  active  or  passive  in  its 
nature,  which  in  a certain  sense  is  indestructi- 
ble, and  continues  its  effects  to  an  indefinite 
extent?  But  he  whose  life  has  formed  a link 
in  the  great  chain  of  progression,  which  char- 
acterizes the  generation  in  which  he  lived,  may 
be  laid  in  the  grave,  his  name  forgotten  by  the 
living,  yet  he  has  left  behind  him  that  which 
will  live  and  teach  by  its  formative  influences, 
when  time  has  reduced  to  dust  the  granite  or 
the  marble  which  marked  the  place  of  his  re- 
pose. On  the  present  occasion,  we  are  under 
more  than  common  obligations,  associated  to- 
gether for  laudable  purposes,  which  are  de- 
signed to  accomplish  both  a general  and  a spe- 
cial good,  and  he  whose  death  we  deplore,  was 
amongst  the  projectors  of  our  association.  He 
was  with  us  from  the  beginning,  teaching 
by  his  learning  and  experience,  imparting  to 
his  fellow  members  the  fruits  of  many  years’ 
labor  and  research.  But  he  has  passed  from 
amongst  us  and  lies,  forgotten  by  the  world, 
in  the  dark  and  narrow  house,  “where  the 
wicked  cease  from  trouliling  and  the  weary 
find  rest.”  But  with  us  he  lives  in  memory — 
and  will  ever  hold  a hallowed  place  in  the 
archives  of  this  association. 

Of  the  first  periods  of  the  life  of  Joseph 
Hewetson,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  or  his 
ancestry,  we  have  nothing  very  definite.  We 
learn,  however,  that  his  father,  John  Hewet- 
son, was  a farmer;  and  that  his  son  was  born 
August  18,  1804,  upon  the  tenement  occupied 
by  his  ancestors  for  more  than  three  genera- 
tions, some  of  them  living  to  the  advanced  age 
of  100  years.  This  was  near  Thorn  Elill, 
Dumfriesshire,  Scotland. 

Joseph’s  elementary  education  was  com- 
menced at  the  parish  school,  situated  near  his 
father's  residence.  Flow  long  he  remained 
there,  we  are  not  able  to  say.  We  next  find 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


441 


liim,  without  dates,  at  Thorn  Hill,  which  was 
probably  a grammar  school  of  such  character 
as  to  prepare  youth  for  entering  college.  We 
here  lose  sight  of  him  until  1820,  making  him 
16  years  of  age,  we  find  him  admitted  to  the 
senior  humanity  class,  in  the  college  of  Edin- 
burgh, for  the  session  of  1820. 

Accompanying  his  tickets,  we  find  the  cer- 
tificate of  Prof.  James  Pillans  to  his  unexcep- 
tionably  good  conduct,  his  regular  attendance 
and  performance  of  all  the  written  exercises 
prescribed. 

The  requirements  of  these  time-honored  in- 
stitutions of  learning  being  of  such  character, 
that  the  persons  admitted  to  their  college  class 
would,  in  this  country,  be  considered  on  ad- 
vanced standing,  the  tickets  of  Prof.  George 
Dunbar  admitted  him  to  the  junior  Greek  class, 
November  16,  1820.  Accompanying  Pro- 

fessor Dunbar's  tickets,  are  certificates,  show- 
ing his  regular  attendance  and  his  unexcep- 
tionable moral  character,  industrious  habits  and 
satisfactory  proficiency  up  to  October,  1824. 
But  that  his  knowledge  of  the  Latin  and  Greek 
languages  was  above  the  ordinary  standard 
cannot  be  doubted,  as  he  retained  his  acquaint- 
ance with  them  to  a degree  rarely  equalled 
amongst  professional  men,  whose  pursuits  do 
not  necessarily  require  their  freciuent  use  as 
reference.  We  ascertain  from  his  papers  that 
while  prosecuting  his  collegiate  course  he  com- 
bined with  his  classical  studies  the  lectures  of 
Prof.  John  Barclay  on  anatomy  and  surgery. 
His  tickets  and  certificates  show  that  during 
his  collegiate  course  he  attended  four  courses 
on  these  professional  branches,  under  the 
teachings  of  Professor  Barclay.  Certificates 
also  from  the  same  professor,  of  his  unexcep- 
tionable moral  character,  habits  of  industry  and 
the  most  satisfactory  proficiency  in  these  pro- 
fessional branches.  And  in  all  the  departments 
of  surgery  and  medicine,  tickets  and  certifi- 
cates of  his  proficiency,  morals  and  upright 
course,  given  by  the  respective  professors  of 
the  various  departments,  are'  found  with  his 
papers,  viz : anatomy,  surgery  and  pharmacy, 
chemistry,  materia  medica  and  obstetrics, 
theory  and  practice  of  medicine,  institutes  of 


medicine,  principles,  practice  and  operations  of 
surgery,  dietetics.  &c.  Also  for  practical 
anatomy  in  Dublin  (Ireland)  for  a full  term. 
We  find  also  tickets  of  admission  to  the  Royal 
Infirmary  of  Dumfries  and  Galloway,  as  assist- 
ant house  surgeon  for  one  year;  also  admis- 
sion for  one  year  to  the  Royal  Infirmary  of 
Edinburgh,  in  the  capacity  of  assistant  house 
surgeon ; and  from  the  principal  of  each  of 
these  institutions  certificates  of  approval  as  to 
moral  deportment  and  professional  skill  in  dis- 
charging the  duties  and  obligations  devolving 
upon  one  engaged  in  these  highly  responsible 
stations. 

The  names  of  the  following  professors  are 
found  upon  his  tickets  and  certificates  : Pillans, 
Dunbar,  Barclay,  Milligan,  Hope,  Russel, 
Duncan,  Allen,  Thompson,  Campbell  and 
Spaulding.  His  diploma  bears  date  1826, 
given  by  the  faculty  of  the  Edinburgh  college 
and  signed  by  1 1 of  the  royal  professors.  How 
long  after  receiving  his  diploma  before  he 
opened  an  office  is  not  known  to  us.  The  first 
account  we  have  of  his  opening  an  office  is  in  a 
village  near  his  father's  residence,  called,  we 
believe,  Monihive.  There,  it  seems,  he  com- 
menced his  professional  career  in  Dumfries- 
shire. But  he  did  not  remain  in  this  location 
very  long;  but,  of  the  cause  of  his  change,  we 
have  no  account.  Erom  there  he  removed  to 
the  town  of  Wigton,  Wigtonshire,  Scotland, 
where  he  remained  in  the  practice  of  his  pro- 
fession until  the  spring  of  1833. 

Here  he  became  acquainted  with  the  present 
Mrs.  Hewetson,  who  was  his  first  patron  at 
Ahgton.  She  had  been  under  treatment  for 
spinal  disease  about  12  months  prior  to  his 
locating  in  this  town.  They  were  married 
April  12,  1830.  There  are  no  incidents  of  spe- 
cial importance  connected  with  his  practice 
here.  One  circumstance,  hower'er.  may  be 
named,  as  characteristic  of  the  man.  and  one 
which  evinced  but  a natural  trait,  as  those 
acquainted  with  him  know  to  have  been 
strictly  observed  in  all  his  intercourse,  both 
professional  and  relative  in  the  transactions  of 
life,  showing  a firm  adherence  to  principle,  and 
an  unwillingness  to  yield  to  influences  un- 


442 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


founded  on  principle,  whether  those  influences 
were  calculated  to  operate  for  or  against  his 
own  ])ersonal  interest. 

Jn  the  excitement  connected  with  the  pass- 
age of  the  reform  hill  by  the  British  parlia- 
ment. he  and  hut  one  more  of  all  the 
voters  of  the  town  of  Wigton  cast 
their  votes  for  a particular  candidate. 
Party  S])irit  ran  high  and  there  were 
feelings  indulged  which  threatened  to  affect 
adversely  his  pecuniary  and  professional  inter- 
ests. In  this  state  of  political  turmoil  and 
proscriptive  feeling,  a deputation  came  from  a 
neighboring  town  where  the  vote  had  been 
thrown  as  strongly  in  favor  of  the  Doctor’s 
candidate,  as  in  his  own  locality  it  had  been 
against  him.  That  deputation  solicited  his  re- 
moval, making  specious  promises  of  reward, 
for  his  political  opinions  and  firm  adherence  to 
these,  under  circumstances  most  discouraging 
in  their  nature.  A wide  field  for  developing 
his  professional  skill,  with  lucrative  patron- 
age sufficient  to  afford  a rich  reward,  was  held 
out.  But  they  were  mistaken  in  the  man.  His 
opinions  were  fixed  in  the  belief,  that  the  duty 
of  medical  men  was  to  stand  upon  their  pro- 
fessional merit  alone,  and  under  no  circum- 
stances to  compromise  the  honor  and  dignity 
of  the  profession,  for  mere  pecuniary  or  selfish 
considerations.  Possessing  these  views  and 
feelings,  he  declined  accepting  the  the  offer. 
Time  and  solder  reflection  allayed  the  excite- 
ment, and  having  their  confidence  previously 
as  a medical  man,  things  returned  to  their  old 
channels,  without  materially  affecting  his  pro- 
fessional interest.  But  in  consequence  of  an 
attack  of  acute  disease  resulting  in  a fixed 
chronic  affection,  he  conceived  the  notion  of 
(putting  the  practice  of  his  profession.  And 
always  being  favorabl}^  impressed  with  the 
simple  and  unmolesting  beauties  of  agricul- 
tural life,  determined  to  adopt  it;  and  with  this 
conclusion,  the  notion  of  emigrating  to 
.\merica  was  matured.  Accordingly,  in  the 
spring  of  1833.  he  with  his  wife  and  two  sons 
sailed  in  the  ship  “Britannia”  from  Liverpool. 
His  original  destination  was  for  the  then  far 
West,  by  way  of  Pittsl)urg,  where  a portion  of 


Mrs.  Hewetson's  relatives  were  then  residing. 
But  from  the  opinions  formed,  of  the  portion 
of  country  thi'ough  which  they  had  passed,  the 
design  of  going  further  west  was  for  the  pres- 
ent abandoned.  They  removed  from  Pitts- 
burg to  Washington  County,  Pennsylvania. 
The  season  being  too  far  advanced  to  favor  a 
commencement  of  agricultural  pursuits,  and 
not  feeling  satisfied  to  live  unemployed,  he 
concluded,  for  the  time  being,  to  resume  the 
practice  of  medicine,  until  he  could  settle  upon 
his  future  course  and  permanent  location, 
where  he  could  commence  his  contemplated 
occupation  as  a farmer.  He  continued  to  prac- 
tice until  the  spring  of  1835.  In  April  of  that 
year  he  removed  to  Belmont  County  and 
settled  upon  a farm  near  St.  Clairsville,  fully 
determined  to  abandon  his  professional  pur- 
suit, believing  that  his  health  would  thereby 
be  improved,  and  life  more  fully  enjoyed. 
Soon  after  this,  quite  a number  of  cases  of 
smallpox  appeared  in  the  vicinity  of  his  resi- 
dence. Some  discussion,  as  to  the  true  char- 
acter or  grade  of  the  disease,  amongst  the 
attending  physicians,  was  in  existence;  and, 
they  not  being  able  to  agree,  he  was  consulted, 
more  perhaps  from  his  supposed  acquaintance 
with  the  disease,  from  its  more  general  preva- 
lence in  the  old  country  than  in  this,  than  from 
any  knowledge  of  his  professional  skill  or 
medical  education.  Another  circumstance,  as 
related  by  his  neighbors,  probably  tended  more 
to  involve  him  again  in  practice  than  the  one 
above.  A neighlior,  as  I understand  it,  while 
attending  a threshing  machine  had  his  hand 
and  arm  badly  mutilated,  by  being  drawn  into 
some  part  of  the  machinery.  A physician  was 
called,  and  upon  examining  the  limb  seemed 
at  a loss  what  to  do.  Dr.  Hewetson  having  re- 
paired to  the  house  on  hearing  of  the  injury, 
and  seeing  what  was  needed,  immediately 
amputated  the  arm.  Whether  the  first  occur- 
rence, as  related  by  Mrs.  Hewetson,  or  the  sec- 
ond, as  related  by  a neighbor,  became  the  cause 
of  turning  public  attention  towards  him  as  a 
physician,  is  not  known,  but  from  this  time  he 
was  gradually  drawn  into  practice  and  his  con- 
templated retirement  broken  up.  His  bodily 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


443 


strength  was  frequently  overtaxed  by  long 
rides,  as  a great  amount  of  his  practice  con- 
sisted in  consultation,  both  as  a surgeon  and 
physician. 

There  was  in  his  nature  no  mercenary  feel- 
ing to  urge  him  to  sacrifice  ease  and  jeopardize 
health,  neither  was  there  any  of  the  pinchings 
of  poverty  impelling  him.  His  kind  and  gen- 
erous nature,  and  the  cheerfulness  with  which 
he  ministered  to  the  sufferings  and  wants  of 
the  poor,  both  with  his  means  and  his  skill, 
would  contradict  the  former,  and  against  the 
latter  he  had  ample  competence.  That  class 
of  persons,  whose  circumstances  in  life  ren- 
dered them  unable  to  afford  even  a small  re- 
muneration, received  alike  his  kind  and  careful 
attentions,  with  those  more  fortunate ; and  in 
some  instances  I have  known  him  to  neglect 
the  calls  of  the  latter,  for  the  benefit  of  the 
former.  As  a physician  he  was  kind  and 
evinced  a most  scrupulous  regard  for  the  feel- 
ings of  his  patients,  but  never  allowed  his 
feelings  or  interest  to  conceal  his  honest  opin- 
ions as  to  the  probable  results  when  inter- 
rogated by  relatives. 

In  his  investigations  at  the  bedside,  he  was 
minute,  even  in  cases  seemingly  trivial,  and 
where  it  might  be  thought  a mere  passing 
notice  suftrcient.  As  a diagnostician  but  few 
if  any,  having  but  the  facilities  of  a country 
practice,  excelled  him,  and  his  success  in  the 
treatment  of  disease  was  fully  acknowledged 
by  all  his  brethren,  and  happily  appreciated  by 
a widespread  community  who  had  been  the  re- 
cipients of  his  medical  skill. 

As  a surgeon,  but  few'  opportunities  in  the 
country  are  aiforded  in  this  department  of  the 
profession,  but  a sufficient  number  of  opera- 
tions were  performed  by  him  to  give  him  the 
credit  due  to  a safe  and  cautious  surgeon.  It 
is  more  than  likely  he  excelled  in  this  depart- 
ment as  it  was  to  it  he  gave  special  attention 
in  his  studies,  and  which  was  his  legitimate 
practice  in  his  native  country.  As  a counsellor, 
he  was  extensively  known  and  his  course  as 
such  was  one  of  conscientious  candor  towards 
patient  and  attendant,  carefully  observing  the 
strictest  rules  of  professional  etiquette,  unless 


waived  by  request ; and  where  in  the  discharge 
of  duty  he  had  nothing  to  recommend  or  dis- 
prove, nothing  aiforded  him  more  pleasure 
than  an  entire  concurrence  with  the  attendant, 
thus  giving  fresh  confidence  to  the  patient  and 
his  friends,  and  if  the  attendant  be  young,  in- 
spiring him  to  greater  efforts  to  acquit  himself 
with  honor  and  honesty  in  the  responsibilities 
of  his  calling.  When  solicited  by  friends  or 
patients  for  his  opinions  respecting  the  final 
result  of  the  case,  his  views  of  duty  con- 
strained him  to  answer  their  inquiries  candidly, 
whether  for  or  against  their  recovery.  This 
course,  we  are  all  aware,  is  condemned  by 
many,  but  he  viewed  it  criminal  to  deal  in 
evasion  or  dissimulation  where  honesty  is  of 
the  most  vital  importance  to  the  inquirer,  and 
especially  should  this  be  the  case  where  implicit 
confidence  is  placed  in  the  opinions  and  candor 
of  the  physicians. 

His  manner  was  frank  and  courteous  to  all 
those  with  whom  he  had  intercourse.  His  man- 
ner was  to  speak  evil  of  none  in  the  profession, 
while  he  excercised  the  right  of  preference; 
his  opinions  with  regard  to  others  rested  with 
himself.  If  the  envious  insidiously  assailed 
him,  he  suffered  it  to  pass  unnoticed ; con- 
scious of  the  uprightness  of  his  course,  he  was 
willing  to  let  the  world  form  its  own  conclu- 
sions, satisfied  that  persons  so  unfortunately 
constituted  as  to  suffer  envy  to  lead  them  into 
trouble  had  at  all  times  within  them  the  ele- 
ments of  misery  and  discontent.  But  we  have 
stated  in  this  sketch  his  earnest  desire  and  de- 
termination to  retire  from  the  profession ; we 
have  also  stated  the  cause  to  be  loss  of  health. 
In  July,  1830,  he  was  attacked  with  acute 
rheumatism  which  held  him  to  January,  1831. 
It  was  very  severe  in  its  character,  and  affect- 
ing the  system  generally.  After  some  time  it 
affected  the  heart  producing  in  this  organ 
hypertrophy  and  valvular  disease,  and  which 
no  doubt  contributed  much  to  bring  about  a 
premature  close  of  his  useful  life.  After  vari- 
ous fruitless  efforts  at  relief,  he  proposed  to 
his  medical  advisers  bloodletting,  to  an  extent 
beyond  what  they  were  willing  to  risk,  but  he 
expressed  it  as  the  only  hope  of  relief  in  his 


444 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


case.  Willing  to  assume  the  responsibility  of 
the  measure,  lie  was  accordingly  bled  profusely 
by  which  he  was  greatly  relieved  and  he 
gradually  ini])roved  from  this  time;  and  it 
was  always  his  opinion  that,  if  the  same  treat- 
ment had  been  resorted  to  in  the  commence- 
ment of  the  cardiac  affection,  organic  disease 
might  have  been  obviated.  In  this,  there  is 
scarcely  a doubt  but  that  he  was  correct. 

The  bleeding  must  have  l)een  carried  to  an 
almost  unprecedented  extent,  as  it  became 
necessary  to  fan  him  incessantly  for  three  days 
afterwards,  he  was  so  faint.  In  giving  a de- 
scription of  the  feelings  produced  by  this  treat- 
ment, in  conversing  with  a friend,  for  three 
days  he  stated  the  feeling  to  I)e  such  as  would 
he  experienced  by  lying  on  the  back,  and  the 
feet  raised  up  from  the  bed,  to  an  angle  of  45 
degrees.  This  sensation  was  owing  probably 
to  the  great  and  sudden  reduction  of  the  vol- 
ume of  the  circulation  affecting  the  contrac- 
tile power  of  the  heart,  which  had  been  over- 
taxed for  so  long  a time,  and  in  consequence 
of  this  an  almost  entire  suspension  of  the  cir- 
culation in  the  inferior  extremities.  He  slowly, 
hut  steadily  improved,  and  resumed  business 
as  strength  returned.  Nothing  more  is  said 
of  this  affection  until  1840,  rvhen  there  was  a 
severe  return  of  rheumatism,  which  no  doubt 
aggravated  and  rendered  more  hopeless  his 
cardiac  disease.  A friend  tells  me  that,  in 
1842,  he  remembers  well  the  Doctor’s  emaci- 
ated and  feeble  condition ; says  he  has  never 
seen  in  his  face  or  cheeks  so  great  a flaccidity 
at  any  time  since.  As  the  warm  and  settled 
condition  of  the  weather  came  on  in  the  spring 
of  1842,  his  improvement  was  more  rapid,  and 
again  he  resumed  practice — which  he  had 
gi\'en  up  for  near  two  years,  having  practiced 
none,  except  a few  consultations,  and  in  these 
he  was  under  the  necessity  of  frequently  stop- 
ping by  the  way.  to  rest  for  a considerable  time, 
to  prevent  complete  prostration  and  a return 
to  his  I)ed.  He  wore  a seaton  over  the  region 
of  the  heart  from  this  time,  about  one  year, 
1843  to  1844,  at  the  same  time  attending  to 
business  as  far  as  his  debilitated  condition 
would  admit.  His  health  was  measurably  re- 


stored and  continued  so  until  about  two  years 
since,  when  evidence  of  the  progress  of 
disease  began  to  manifest  itself.  Of  the  true 
state  of  his  case  he  was  fully  conscious,  and 
expressed  the  conviction  that  if  there  should 
even  be  some  mitigation  of  his  disease,  nothing 
permanent  could  l)e  expected.  He  was  (he 
said)  at  all  times  liable  to  be  injured  sympa- 
thetically, and  although  a man  of  strong  nerve, 
and  mind  above  mediocrity,  he  was  at  times 
unwilling  to  examine  the  chest  of  a patient 
similarly  affected,  or  to  treat  diseases  of  the 
heart  or  chest,  because  of  the  injurious  effect 
it  had  upon  himself.  But  for  the  last  four 
months  of  his  life,  there  was  a serious  and 
rapid  failure,  resulting  in  that  complication 
which  terminated  in  death.  But  he  died  at  his 
post,  and  in  the  service  of  his  profession.  The 
last  time  he  left  his  room  was  on  a visit  or  con- 
sultation, some  eight  of  10  miles  distant,  at  the 
same  time  feeling  it  unsafe  to  travel  alone,  and 
unable  to  drive  his  own  carriage.  This  was 
eight  weeks  previous  to  his  death.  And  even 
when  confined  to  his  bed,  and  up  to  within  a 
few  days  of  his  death,  his  quiet  was  disturbed, 
his  train  of  thought  turned  aside  from  his  own 
concerns,  to  see  some  one  asking  his  medical 
opinions,  willing  to  share  his  small  amount  of 
precious  time  yet  to  come,  in  mitigating  the 
sufferings  of  others.  He  tolerated  it  until 
within  a brief  period  of  his  dissolution.  He 
was  fully  aware  that  “the  end  of  earth”  to  him 
was  near  at  hand.  A medical  friend,  wishing 
to  encourage  him,  said : “You  may  recover 

again  a comfortable  degree  of  health,  and,  by 
proper  care,  live  to  old  age.”  He  replied; 
“Although  I have  always  admired  your  judg- 
ment, I am  compelled  to  differ  with  you  in  the 
present  case.  I am  satisfied  I will  not  recover. 
If,”  said  he,  “it  were  the  Almighty’s  will,  I 
should  like  to  live  a while  longer,  that  I might 
more  fully  serve  my  Creator  than  I have 
done.”  Although  his  disease  was  one  always 
connected  with  despondency  and  depression  of 
spirits  to  a greater  degree  than  almost  any 
other,  notwithstanding  his  sufferings  were  ex- 
treme, a degree  of  patience  and  quiet  acquies- 
cence was  evinced  by  him,  not  often  seen.  But 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


445 


he  was  an  humble  and  consistent  Christian. 
The  truth  of  this  was  portrayed  in  his  daily 
walk  and  conversation.  Its  doctrines  were  in- 
culcated in  his  family.  Its  spirit  was  evinced 
in  the  practice  of  his  profession,  at  all  times 
relying  upon  and  invoking  the  blessing  and 
guidance  of  that  power  which  erreth  not.  His 
religious  views  were  Calvinistic.  In  Scotland, 
he  was  a member  of  the  Established  Church; 
his  connection  in  this  country  was  first  with 
the  Associate  Presbyterian  Church  under  the 
ministry  of  Rev.  Joseph  Clokey.  After  the 
removal  of  Rev.  Mr.  Clokey  from  his  pastoral 
charge,  he  connected  himself  with  the  Asso- 
ciate Reform  Presbyterian  Congregation  of 
St.  Clairsvihe,  under  the  care  of  Rev.  Alexan- 
der Young.  He  was  a firm  believer  in  the  doc- 
trines of  the  Gospel  as  a revelation  from  God. 
He  felt  and  took  an  active  interest  in  the  affairs 
of  the  congregation  of  which  he  was  a mem- 
ber, and  his  prudence  and  zeal  in  reference  to 
these  interests  will  make  his  loss  severely  felt. 
His  natural  diffidence  made  him  more  retiring 
in  his  religious  observances  than  many  Chris- 
tions  wmuld  think  justifiable.  With  his  fam- 
ily alone  he  filled  a Christian  father's  place,  and 
as  a physician  felt  that  his  success  depended 
upon  the  direction  and  blessing  of  God.  “Dif- 
fident as  he  was,  I have,"  says  Rev.  Mr.  Young, 
“known  him,  at  the  desire  of  his  patients,  con- 
duct prayer  on  their  behalf.  In  his  illness  it 
was  a pleasure  to  be  reminded  of  the  truths  and 
hopes  of  the  Gospel."  His  wife  often  read  to 
him  from  the  Scriptures,  and  friends  and 
neighbors  enjoyed  the  privilege  of  engaging  in 
prayer  with  him  and  for  him  at  his  request.  A 
mind  as  well  informed,  and  a conscience  as 
sensitive  as  his,  could  not  look  forward  with- 
out realizing  the  importance  of  eternal  things 
nor  backward  without  much  cause  of  regret. 
In  Christ  alone  can  the  penitent  one  find  peace. 
Mr.  Young  says:  “Circumstances  beyond  my 

control  deprived  me  of  the  privilege  of  seeing 
him  during  the  last  four  days  of  his  life.  This 
I shall  ever  regret,  esteeming  and  loving  him 
as  I did.  I would  have  been  profited  by  seeing 
the  tokens  of  regard  shown  in  the  feelings  of 


those  to  whom  he  was  a beloved  physician. 
Men  do  not  live  usefully  and  remain  unappre- 
ciated in  this  world.  We  may  be  misunder- 
stood, we  may  misunderstand  others,  but  there 
is  something  in  that  well  doing  for  Christ's 
sake,  in  what  sphere  soever  it  may  be  under- 
taken, so  akin  to  the  nature  of  God  himself, 
and  so  in  harmony  with  all  his  purposes  of  love, 
that  his  own  arrangements  hinder  it  from 
being  lost.”  And  though  death  may  cause  the 
good  man  to  tremble,  how  striking  the  con- 
trast when  compared  with  one  whose  course 
has  been  entirely  on  the  other  side.  The  motto 
of  our  friend  was  duty,  his  life  was  spent  in  its 
active  and  conscientious  discharge.  His  hopes 
were  founded  upon  a rock,  against  which  the 
storms  and  trials  of  time  may  beat  in  vain.  He 
is  conscious  that  the  shades  of  death  are  gath- 
ering round  him,  but  the  presence  and  the 
promises  of  Him  in  whom  he  has  confided  for- 
sake him  not.  He  leaves  the  world,  calm  and 
serene  as  the  approach  of  twilight  on  a sum- 
mer's eve. 

While  he  of  the  opposite  course  can  see  but 
little  in  the  review  of  life  but  selfishness,  can 
find  no  balm  along  the  path  of  his  labors  where- 
with to  soothe  the  sorrows,  or  allay  the  fears 
of  his  dying  hour.  If  he  look  forward,  death 
inevitable  meets  his  view,  and  as  the  ebbing 
pulse  declares  its  near  approach,  hope  that  has 
I)een  his  support  from  the  cradle  until  now 
quits  the  scene  and  leaves  him  to  complete  de- 
spair. Although  in  the  discharge  of  duty  from 
Christian  motives,  we  toil  hard  and  wait  long, 
yet  the  reward  will  come,  we  will  have  tokens 
of  it  here,  and  if  we  die  as  friends  of  Christ, 
weeping  friends  as  they  stand  round  our  grave 
feel  that  while  the  departed  may  inconceivably 
gain,  the  world  and  the  church  sustain  a loss, 
and  they  cry  : “Help,  Lord,  for  the  Godly  man 
ceaseth,  for  the  faithful  fail  from  among  the 
children  of  men."  And  as  the  professional  ex- 
cellence of  the  world  is  taken  away,  whether  of 
ours  or  any  other  profession,  may  we,  as  a 
society,  be  led  to  seek  that  good  part  which 
shall  never  be  taken  from  us. 


446 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


LAWSON  E.  EMERSON,  a lawyer  by 
profession  and  a prominent  resident  of  St. 
Clairsville,  Ohio,  is  clerk  of  the  Supreme  Court 
of  Ohio,  lie  was  horn  in  Goshen  township, 
Rclmont  County,  Ohio,  in  1863,  and  is  a son 
of  William  and  Jane  (Wright)  Emerson. 

William  Emerson  was  horn  in  County  Ar- 
magh, Ireland,  in  1819.  Coming  to  America,  in 
1837,  he  remaind  here  two  years,  and  then 
went  hack  to  Ireland,  to  settle  up  the  estate  of 
his  father.  U])on  his  return  to  America,  he  was 
accompanied  hy  his  brother,  John.  He  located 
in  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  and  for  three  years 
was  employed  hy  Ira  Lewis,  at  an  annual  sal- 
ary of  $85.  He  suhsecjuently  bought  a farm 
in  Goshen  township,  and  was  engaged  in  farm- 
ing and  stock  raising  all  his  life.  His  death 
occurred  January  8,  1900.  His  first  wife  was 
Jane  Danforth,  a daughter  of  Amhro  Dan- 
forth,  of  Washington  township,  Belmont 
County.  She  <lied  at  an  early  age,  leaving 
three  children, — Maria  (Wright);  Alercy  L. 
(Turner)  ; and  Thomas  W.,  who  is  an  attor- 
ney at  (duray,  Colorado.  Mr.  Emerson  mar- 
ried, secondly,  Jane  Wright,  a daughter  of 
JClward  Wright,  of  Goshen  township,  and 
they  have  four  children,  namely:  Mary;  John, 
who  died  at  the  age  of  three  years  ; Lawson  E. ; 
and  Charles  E.,  superintendent  of  the  Denver 
(Colorado)  Street  Railway  Company.  Wil- 
liam Emerson  was  originally  a Whig,  in  pol- 
itics, and  later  a Republican. 

Lawson  E.  Emerson  received  his  mental 
training  in  the  Bethesda  public  schools  and 
the  Barnesville  High  School,  after  which  he 
took  a teacher's  course  at  Valparaiso,  Indiana. 
At  the  age  of  18  years,  he  began  teaching,  and 
continued  thus  for  seven  years,  in  Warren  and 
Goshen  townships.  He  then  l^eg'an  to  read 
law  at  St.  Clairsville,  first,  with  his  l)rother, 
Thomas  W.  Emerson,  and  later  with  Capt.  L. 
Hanford.  Suhsecpiently,  he  completed  a two- 
years'  course  in  the  Cincinnati  Law  School, 
and  was  graduated  June  4,  1889.  His  brother 
moved  to  Colorado  in  June  of  that  year,  and 
the  subject  of  this  sketch  settled  up  his  busi- 
ness. In  January,  1890,  he  was  appointed 
deputy  county  clerk  under  H.  M.  Davis,  and 


served  as  such  through  two  terms.  In  1895, 
he  was  nominated  hy  acclamation  for  the  office 
of  county  clerk,  and  elected  by  a majority  of 
1,100  votes.  He  was  re-elected  in  1898,  his 
majority  being  increased  to  1,814  votes.  He 
was  solicited  hy  prominent  attorneys  to  run 
for  a third  term,  hut  refused,  and  became  a 
candidate  for  clerk  of  the  Supreme  Court  of 
Ohio.  He  was  nominated  on  the  first  ballot 
from  among  10  candidates,  was  elected,  and 
assumed  the  duties  of  his  office,  in  Columbus, 
on  January  i,  1902.  Mr.  Emerson  is  a man 
of  sterling  worth  and  the  strictest  integrity, 
and  stands  very  high,  wherever  known. 

Lawson  E.  Emerson  was  married,  in  1892, 
to  Laura  Ferren,  a daughter  of  James  Ferren, 
of  St.  Clairsville,  and  they  have  two  sons, — 
Wayne  Kennon,  who  was  born  in  1893;  and 
William  Glen,  horn  in  1895.  Fraternally,  Mr. 
Emerson  is  a member  of  Lodge  No.  109,  K.  of 
P. ; Blue  Lodge  No.  16,  F.  & A.  M.;  Chapter 
No.  54,  R.  A.  M. ; Commandery  No.  26,  K.  T. ; 
and  Columbus  Lodge,  A.  A.  O.  N.  M.  S.  He 
is  a charter  member  of  Lodge  No.  419,  B.  P. 
O.  E. 


JOHN  K.  McFarland,  who  is  efficiently 
serving  as  recorder  of  Belmont  County,  Ohio, 
is  one  of  the  most  prominent  and  enterprising 
citizens  of  St.  Clairsville.  He  was  horn  in 
Union  township,  Belmont  County,  February 
19,  1871,  and  is  a son  of  William  G.  and  Cyn- 
thia W.  (Kennon)  McFarland. 

William  G.  McFarland  was  born  in  Guern- 
sey County,  Ohio,  and  in  1871,  after  marriage, 
moved  to  Union  township,  Belmont  County. 
Here  he  followed  farming  until  1901,  since 
which  time  he  has  lived  in  Warren  township. 
He  married  Cynthia  W.  Kennon,  a native  of 
Belmont  Countv,  and  a daughter  of  Abner 
Kennon.  The}^  had  hut  one  child,  John  K. 

John  K.  McFarland  received  his  mental 
training  in  the  imhlic  schools,  and  lived  on  the 
farm  until  the  fall  of  1896.  He  then  moved  to 
St.  Clairsville,  to  accept  the  appointment  of 
deputy  county  recorder,  under  A.  S.  Taylor. 


A.  KLOTZ, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


449 


Mr.  Taylor  died  in  office,  and  Mr.  McFarland 
was  appointed  by  the  county  commissioners  to 
fill  the  unexpired  term.  The  satisfactory  dis- 
charge of  his  duties  resulted  in  his  nomination 
by  the  Republican  party,  and  his  election  to 
the  office  of  county  recorder,  in  1900. 

In  1895  Mr.  McFarland  was  united  in  mar- 
riage with  Gertrude  Taylor;  they  have  had 
three  children, — Mary,  Kennon  and  Charles. 
Fraternally,  the  subject  of  this  sketch  is  a 
Mason,  and  a member  of  Lodge  No.  419,  B.  P. 
O.  E. 


A.  KLOTZ.  Among  the  prominent  and  rep- 
resentative citizens  of  Bellaire,  Ohio,  this  well- 
known  merchant  and  banker  takes  a leading 
position,  identified  as  he  is  with  many  of  the 
mo.st  important  business  enterprises,  educa- 
tional projects  and  public-spirited  movements 
of  the  city. 

The  birth  of  Mr.  Klotz  occurred  in  France 
June  13,  1846;  he  is  a son  of  Moses  Klotz, 
who  was  a butcher  by  trade,  with  whom  our 
subject  worked  for  some  years  after  finishing 
school,  so  thoroughly  learning  the  business  that 
he  was  able  to  pursue  it  for  himself  in  the 
city  of  Paris,  where  he  continued  until  Feb- 
ruary, 1868.  This  has  been  one  of  the  ele- 
ments of  Mr.  Klotz’s  success,  to  do  thoroughly 
and  well  whatever  came  under  his  notice. 
After  the  death  of  the  father  in  1867,  the  fam- 
ily scattered,  a number  of  them  coming  to 
America.  There  were  12  childr-en  in  all,  six 
of  whom  still  survive,  these  being,  exclusive  of 
our  subject : Mrs.  Charles  Mayer,  of  Cincinnati, 
whose  husband  was  a partner  with  Mr.  Klotz 
at  Bellaire,  from  1868  to  1885,  but  is  now 
living  retired ; Nlrs.  A.  L.  Rice,  whose  husband 
was  formerly  in  the  wholesale  millinery  busi- 
ness at  Wheeling,  but  is  now  engaged  in  the 
slate  business  at  Slatington,  Pennsylvania; 
Elise,  who  resides  with  Mrs.  Rice;  Samuel, 
who  was  formerly  engaged  at  Bellaire  in  the 
gents’  furnishing  business,  in  1884  went  to 
Piscoe,  Peru,  where  he  is  engaged  in  export- 
ing; and  one  sister  who  still  resides  in  France. 

Some  members  of  Mr.  Klotz’s  family  had 


located  in  Wheeling,  WTst  Virginia,  and 
hither  our  subject  came  in  September,  1868, 
with  no  capital  except  ability,  industry  and 
good  habits,  and  from  such  a foundation  Mr. 
Klotz  has  built  up  his  fortunes.  Engaging 
with  his  brother-in-law  in  the  gents’  furnishing 
lousiness  at  Bellaire,  Ohio,  under  the  firm  name 
of  Mayer  & Klotz,  the  young  man  soon  demon- 
strated his  business  acumen  and  in  1885  pur- 
chased Mr.  IMayer’s  interest  and  ever  since 
has  been  the  largest  dealer  in  his  line  in  the 
city.  In  1877  the  business  was  moved  to  its 
present  location  at  No.  3211  Union  street, 
where  three  floors  are  utilized;  the  building 
contains  the  only  passenger  elevator  in  use  in 
the  city.  Mr.  Klotz  has  greatly  enlarged  the 
scope  of  his  business,  wbich  now  embraces  a 
full  line  of  dry  goods,  carpets,  ready-made 
clothes,  and  gents’  furnishing  goods,  rec[uiring 
the  assistance  of  10  capable  salesmen  and  much 
outside  help.  The  ecjuipments  are  all  of  a mod- 
ern character,  the  cash-carrier  system  is  in  use, 
and  the  business  is  carried  on  with  dispatch 
and  accuracy  which  is  very  gratifying  to  its 
many  patrons. 

Mr.  Klotz  has  been  identified  with  many  of 
the  leading  business  interests  of  the  city,  nota- 
bly  the  Dollar  Savings  Bank  of  which  he  is 
president,  in  which  he  has  been  interested  from 
the  start  and  served  a number  of  years  as 
its  vice-president ; he  is  also  vice-president  of 
the  Novelty  Stamping  Company,  and  has  long 
been  connected  with  the  Enterprise  Enamel 
Company,  a very  successful  business  venture. 

The  marriage  of  Mr.  Klotz  was  to  a daugh- 
ter of  E.  C.  Morris,  who  is  the  retired  pro- 
prietor of  the  Globe  House,  of  Bellaire.  One 
son,  Charles  L.,-  was  born  to  this  union,  who 
is  a very  able  young  business  man;  at  the  age 
of  17  years  he  was  conducting  a successful  liv- 
ery business  at  Bellaire,  and  is  now  engaged  in 
the  grocery  business  at  Altoona,  Pennsylvania. 
Since  1870,  Mr.  Klotz  has  been  a Mason,  and 
belongs  to  Ionic  Lodge,  F.  & A.  M.,  and  Bel- 
laire Chapter,  R.  A.  M.  He  has  always  shown 
a liberal  public  spirit,  has  participated  in  the 
public  affairs  of  the  community  and  has  been 
liberal  along  both  private  and  religious  lines. 


45° 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT.  COUNTY, 


On  the  iioard  of  Trade  he  has  been  active  for 
many  years  and  for  the  past  lo  years  has 
served  the  city  on  the  JJoard  of  Health.  In  his 
business  career  he  has  made  many  friends,  but 
they  are  more  than  equaled  by  those  who  es- 
teem him  in  private  life. 


JACOB  RIETZ,  a prominent  merchant  at 
the  corner  of  37th  and  Noble  streets,  is  one 
of  the  oldest  grocers  who  has  carried  on  a 
continuous  business  in  the  city  of  Bellaire, 
having  started  here  in  1878.  During  all  this 
time  his  business  dealings  have  been  marked 
by  the  strictest  honesty  and  highest  integ- 
rity. In  directing  affairs  of  the  city  he  has 
been  honored  with  a place  in  the  Council  and 
in  other  w’ays  favored  by  his  fellow  citizens. 
He  was  born  in  Germany  in  1841  and  is  a 
son  of  Jacob  Rietz,  Sr. 

The  elder  Mr.  Rietz  came  to  this  country 
from  Germany  in  1846,  and  coming  directly 
to  Ohio,  settled  upon  a farm  in  Washington 
County,  near  Lowell.  For  ten  years  he  car- 
ried on  a nourishing  industry,  deriving  from 
his  labors  large  profits.  At  the  end  of  this 
time,  possessed  of  considerable  means,  he 
went  to  Lowell  and  opened  a sawmill,  of 
which  he  also  made  a success.  He  died  in 
1894  at  the  age  of  79  years.  He  had  three 
children,  two  sons  and  one  daughter. 

Jacob  Rietz,  Jr.,  was  about  five  years  old 
when  his  parents  came  to  this  country,  and 
received  his  education  mainly  in  the  com- 
mon schools  of  Washington  County.  In 
early  life  he  entered  his  father’s  mill  in  Lowell 
and  there  worked  for  some  time.  With  an 
eye  to  something  better,  however,  in  1874 
he  came  to  Bellaire  and  secured  a position  in 
the  B.  & O.  R.  R.  shops.  Giving  good  satis- 
faction, he  remained  here  for  three  years. 
Then,  seeing  a good  opening  for  a grocery 
store  in  the  growing  community,  and  hav- 
ing laid  aside  a small  sum  of  money,  he  se- 
cured a building  and  put  in  a moderate  stock 
of  goods.  Wise  management  and  good  ser- 
vice enabled  him  to  succeed,  and  he  con- 


tinued the  business,  increasing  from  time  to 
time  his  stock  of  goods  to  keep  apace  with 
the  growing  demands  of  the  community.  In 
1883  he  erected  the  store  where  he  has  since 
carried  on  his  trade.  It  is  a large  double 
building,  and  he  uses  the  rear  as  a residence. 
He  keeps  in  his  store  a complete  line  of  staple 
and  fancy  groceries,  and  also  handles  pro- 
duce and  general  provisions.  His  trade  is  a 
large  one  and  highly  profitable. 

Mr.  Rietz  married  a Miss  Schramm  of 
Washington  County,  Ohio,  who  has  two 
brothers  now  residing  in  Bellaire.  To  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Rietz  have  been  born  three  children. 
Albert,  now  in  business  with  his  father,  is 
married  and  has  one  child.  Lena  mar- 
ried Charles  Kaiser,  of  Bellaire,  and  they 
have  four  children.  William  has  a posi- 
tion in  the  Dollar  Savings  Bank  of  Bellaire. 

Mr.  Rietz  is  especially  influential  in  the 
public  alfiairs  of  his  city  and  has  served  the 
Fourth  Ward  for  six  years  in  the  City  Coun- 
cil. In  politics  he  is  usually  a Democrat,  but 
somewhat  independent.  Fraternally  he  affili- 
ates with  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  He  belongs  to  the 
German  Reform  Church. 


HARRY  C.  FUHR,  the  popular  Fifth 
Ward  councilman  of  Bellaire,  and  a man  of 
attainments,  is  now  filling  the  position 
of  superintendent  of  the  Bellaire  Steel 
Works  of  the  National  Steel  Company.  Both 
by  education  and  inherent  ability  he  has  been 
prepared  for  this  work,  as  is  shown  by  the 
perfect  regularity  and  attention  to  details 
with  which  everything  in  his  (the  electrical) 
department  is  managed.  With  nothing  but 
his  own  resources  and  a vast  stock  of  energy 
to  rely  upon,  he  has  attained  his  present  posi- 
tion. Born  in  Wheeling,  West  Virginia,  he 
is  a son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Charles  Fuhr. 

Charles  Fuhr,  now  deceased,  was  a baker 
by  trade  and  followed  that  occupation  in 
Wheeling  for  many  years.  Flis  wife  is  still 
living  in  that  place. 

Harry  C.  Fuhr  was  but  three  months  old 


AhW  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


451 


when  his  father  died,  and  was  reared  in 
Wheeling  under  the  careful  guidance  of  his 
mother.  He  secured  his  early  education  in 
the  public  schools  of  the  Eighth  Ward,  from 
which  he  graduated.  Later  he  took  a course 
in  electrical  engineering  at  Scranton,  Penn- 
sylvania, which  he  completed  at  the  very 
early  age  of  17.  After  a short  stay  in  his 
native  city  looking  about  for  an  opening,  he 
secured  a lucrative  position  with  the  General 
Electric  Company,  the  headquarters  of  which 
are  at  Lynn,  Massachusetts.  Thorough 
knowledge  of  his  work  and  strict  at- 
tention to  business  secured  him  at  once 
the  confidence  of  his  employers,  and 
he  remained  with  the  company  for 
three  years,  traveling  through  the  East 
and  putting  in  electric  plants.  The  general 
satisfaction  which  he  gave  while  with  this 
firm  and  his  experience  with  it  enabled  him 
to  rise  in  his  profession,  and  in  1895  he  se- 
cured the  superintendency  of  the  electrical 
department  of  the  Bellaire  Steel  Works  of 
the  National  Steel  Company.  Here  he  has 
18  men  constantly  under  his  charge.  He  is 
popular  both  with  his  employees . and  with 
the  company.  Under  his  supervision  the 
first  electric  mining  machine  in  Belmont 
County  was  placed  in  position. 

After  severing  his  connection  with  the 
General  Electric  Company  at  Lynn,  Massa- 
chusetts, Mr.  Fuhr  returned  to  Wheeling, 
where  he  married  a Miss  Rigner  of  that 
place.  They  have  had  two  children — Irvin 
H.  C.,  who  is  now  seven  years  old,-  and 
Wayne  Charles,  now  an  infant.  The  family 
reside  at  4482  Jefferson  street,  but  Mr.  Fuhr 
is  about  to  erect  a splendid  new  residence 
on  Harrison  street. 

Mr.  Fuhr  is  a well  educated  man,  reads 
and  writes  German  with  accui'acy  and  speaks 
it  fluently.  As  a Republican  he  has  been 
exceedingly  active  in  politics  both  in  Wheel- 
ing and  Bellaire.  In  1900  he  was  elected  a 
member  of  the  City  Council  from  the  Fifth 
Ward,  and  the  efficient  Avay  in  which  he  is 
performing  his  duties  promise  excellent 
chances  for  re-election.  He  is  colonel  of  the 


Eleventh  Regiment,  Uniform  Rank,  Knights 
of  Pythias.  He  is  a member  of  Black  Prince 
Lodge,  No.  19,  of  Wheeling,  and  of  the  D. 
O.  K.  K.  He  has  served  four  years  in  the 
\ATst  Virginia  National  Guards,  and  is  a 
member  of  the  A.  O.  U.  Wh 


JOHN  D.  HAYS,  treasurer  of  Belmont 
County  and  a prominent  resident  of  St.  Clairs- 
ville,  Ohio,  was  born  in  Wheeling  township, 
Belmont  County,  in  1857.  He  is  a son  of  Hen- 
derson and  Catherine  (Downing)  Hays. 

Henderson  Hays,  was  born  in  Allegheny 
County,  Pennsylvania,  March  29,  1821,  and 
was  the  eldest  son  of  William  and  Elizabeth 
(Irwin)  Hays.  By  the  death  of  his  parents 
he  was  thrown  upon  his  own  resources  at  the 
early  age  of  12  years.  He  resided  in  his  native 
county  until  a short  time  after  his  first  mar- 
riage, when  he  moved  to  Wheeling  township, 
and  there  following  farming  until  his  death. 
In  1842,  he  married  Olivia  Coulter,  who  died 
in  1852,  having  given  birth  to  the  following 
children;  Euphemia  E.,  who  was  born  in 
1845,  married  John  Caldwell  in  1872; 
Cynthia  A.,  w'ho  was  born  in  1846,  and  was 
married  in  1876,  to  John  Gillespy;  and  Vlary 
T.,  who  was  born  in  1848,  and  was  married,  in 
1874.  to  R.  E.  Dool.  Henderson  Hays  formed 
a second  union  in  1854,  with  Catherine  Down- 
ing, a daughter  of  John  and  Eleanor  (Lee) 
Downing,  both  natives  of  Ohio.  Five  children 
were  born  to  them,  namely:  Wfilliam  G.,  born 
in  1855,  '^vho  resides  at  Bannock,  Ohio;  John 

D. ,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Irwin  L.,  born 
in  1858,  who  resides  at  Bannock,  Ohio;  Olivia 

E. ,  who  was  born  in  1862,  and  died  in  1863; 
and  Lena  VI.,  born  in  1867,  who  was  married, 
in  1889,'  to  Rev.  Thomas  E.  Holliday,  both  of 
whom  are  now  missionaries  in  India.  VIr. 
Hays  died  January  i,  1890,  and  VIrs.  Hays, 
who  was  born  Vlarch  21,  1827,  now  resides  in 
St.  Clairsville. 

John  D.  Hays  was  reared  and  schooled  in 
his  native  township,  and  followed  farming 
until  1894.  In  that  year,  having  been  ap- 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY 


pointed  deputy  county  treasurer,  he  necessarily 
moved  to  St.  Clairsville,  where  he  discharged 
the  duties  of  that  ofhce  for  two  successive 
terms.  In  1901,  before  his  term  of  office  had 
expired,  he  was  nominated  l;)y  acclamation  for 
county  treasurer,  and  his  election  followed  in 
November  of  that  year.  He  is  a man  of  recog- 
nized ability,  and  is  held  in  high  esteem. 

Mr.  Hays  is  a member  of  Flushing  Lodge, 
F.  & A.  hi.;  Chapter,  No.  54,  R.  A.  M.;  and 
Hope  Commandery,  No.  26,  K.  T. 


SEBASTIAN  VVIMMER,  now  residing  at 
his  pleasant  home  at  the  corner  of  31st  and 
Union  streets,  is  one  of  the  wealthy  retired 
business  men  of  Bellaire,  having  for  many 
years  condncted  a sami)le  room  and  cafe  in 
the  place,  and  later,  in  partnership  with  Con- 
rad Rnmbach,  engaged  in  the  wholesale 
liquor  business.  He  is  now  deriving  a large 
income  from  his  investments  in  various 
flourishing  industries  in  the  place,  among 
them  the  Enterprise  Enameling  Works,  the 
C.  L.  Dorer  Eoundry  and  the  Belllaire  Bot- 
tle Works. 

Mr.  Wimmer’s  success  in  life  is  entirely 
due  to  his  own  well  directed  efforts,  coming 
as  he  does  of  poor  parentage.  He  was  born 
in  Bavaria,  Germany,  in  1857,  and  is  the  son 
of  a common,  hard-working  miner.  At  the 
early  age  of  fourteen,  in  1871  young  Sebas- 
tian came  to  this  country  and  settled  in 
\Vheeling,  West  Virginia,  where,  prepara- 
tory to  a life  work  he  learned  the  cigar- 
makers  trade.  This  line  of  work,  however, 
he  made  but  little  use  of,  turning  it  to  ac- 
count merely  as  a stepping-stone  to  ^some- 
thing better.  By  1873  he  had  managed  to 
get  a little  something  ahead,  and,  coming 
to  Bellaire,  opened  a sample  room  and  cafe. 
After  this  he  made  money  fast  and  continned 
the  business  for  many  years.  In  1892  he 
formed  his  partnership  with  Conrad  Rum- 
bach  and  engaged  in  the  wholesale  liquor 
business.  So  rapidly  did  he  accumulate 
wealth  in  this  industry  that  in  1901,  though 


OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


not  far  advanced  in  years,  he  decided  to  dis- 
continue the  business  and  lead  a less  strenu- 
ous life.  As  fast  as  he  has  been  able  to  lay 
aside  money  he  has  always  invested  it  where 
it  would  bring  in  large  returns,  and  he  now 
owns  stock  in  three  of  the  largest  concerns 
in  the  city,  which  are  mentioned  above,  and 
is  a director  of  the  C.  L.  Dorer  Foundry 
Company. 

Mr.  Wimmer  married  Miss  Madden,  who 
was  born  in  Bellaire,  being  a daughter  of 
John  Madden,  a stone-mason  and  con- 
tractor, who  has  long  resided  in  the  place. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wimmer  have  three  children, 
two  daughters  and  a son,  all  of  whom  are 
living-  at  home. 

Mr.  Wimmer  has  long  been  influential  in 
local  affairs,  and  has  served  for  four  years  as 
a member  of  the  City  Council.  In  politics 
he  is  a Democrat,  but  takes  issue  against  free 
silver.  Fraternally  he  affiliates  with  the 
Turners  and  B.  P.  O.  E.,  and  in  religious 
sentiment  he  is  a Roman  Catholic. 


MADISON  ALDREDGE,  formerly  a well 
known  resident  of  Martin’s  Ferry,  and  auditor 
■)f  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  and  now  residing 
in  St.  Clairsville,  Ohio,  was  born  at  Martin’s 
Ferry  in  1858,  and  is  a son  of  Madison  M.  and 
M.  A.  (Chaffin)  Aldredge. 

Madison  M.  Aldredge  was  born  in  Eastern 
Virginia  in  1816.  At  an  early  age  he  became 
a mechanic  and  continued  thus  for  many  years. 
He  was  for  a considerable  period  a government 
storekeeper.  He  moved  from  Eastern  Vir- 
ginia to  Wheeling,  (West)  Virginia,  in  1846, 
and  resided  there  until  1861,  with  the  exception 
of  a short  time  in  1850,  when  he  lived  in  Mar- 
tin’s Ferry.  In  1861,  he  took  up  his  residence 
in  Martin’s  Ferry,  and  lived  there  until  his 
death,  which  occurred  in  1890.  He  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Miss  M.  A.  Chaffin  of  Wheel- 
ing, who  was  born  in  1822,  and  died  in  1895. 
They  reared  the  following  children:  Stanton 

and  Sanford,  deceased ; Madison ; and  Edgar 
of  Moline,  Illinois. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


453 


Madison  Aldredge  was  reared  and  schooled 
at  Martin's  Ferry,  and  there  learned  the  trade 
of  a pattern-maker,  which  he  followed  until  the 
fall  of  1895.  year  he  was  elected  audi- 

tor of  Belmont  County.  He  assumed  hi%  offi- 
cial duties  in  October,  1896,  and  his  manner 
of  discharging  them  won  for  him  the  approval 
and  support  of  the  people,  as  was  evidenced  by 
his  re-election  in  the  fall  of  1898. 

Mr.  Aldredge  was  united  in  marriage  with 
Dora  E.  Moore,  of  Bellaire,  Ohio,  and  they 
are  parents  of  the  following  children : Ewer 

P. ; Edna  M. ; Hattie  G. ; Madison,  Jr.;  and 
Erank.  In  politics,  Mr.  Aldredge  is  unswerv- 
ing in  his  adherence  to  the  principles  of  the 
Republican  party.  Fraternall3^  he  is  a member 
of  Lodge  No.  486,  F.  & A.  M.;  Chapter  No. 
54.  R.  A.  M. ; Hope  Commandery  No.  26, 
k.  T. ; Aladdin  Temple,  A.  A.  O.  N.  M.  S.; 
and  Lodge  No.  54,  K.  of  P. 


DR.  SAMUEL  L.  WEST  is  a prominent 
pltysician  of  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  and  a resi- 
dent of  St.  Clairsville,  where  he  was  born  Feb- 
raary  23,  i860.  He  is  a son  of  Dr.  Henry 
West,  who  was  born  in  Jefferson  County,  Ohio, 
near  the  Belmont  County  line,  in  1810. 

Dr.  Henry  West  received  his  medical  train- 
ing in  the  Ohio  Medical  College,  in  Cincinnati, 
Ohio,  and  began  his  practice  at  Bridgeport,  in 
Belmont  County.  In  1840,  he  removed  to  St. 
Clairsville,  where  he  continued  in  practice  until 
his  death,  in  1887.  He  was  married  three 
times,  and  Dr.  Samuel  L.  West  was  a son  of 
his  second  wife,  Agnes  Parker,  who  died  in 
1867,  leaving  four  children,  as  follows:  Lura, 
the  wife  of  R.  R.  Barrett,  of  Moundsville, 
West  Virginia;  Dr.  James  P.,  of  Bellaire, 
Ohio;  Dr.  Samuel  L.,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch,  and  Henry,  deceased.  The  first  wife 
of  Dr.  Henry  W est  was,  before  marriage,  Ada- 
line  Kirkwood,  by  whom  he  had  the  following 
children:  Mary  B.  (Carroll);  Joseph  H. ; 

Sarah  (Askew)  ; John  E. ; Benjamin  F. ; Wil- 
liam K. ; and  Adaline  K.  (Lane).  Dr.  Henry 
West’s  third  marriage  was  with  Mary  Jane 
Douglas,  by  whom  he  had  five  children,  as  fol- 


lows: Ella  D.  (Enoch);  Agnes  (West); 

Simon  B.;  Homer  S. ; and  Honor  B.  (Shaw). 

Dr.  Samuel  L.  West  received  his  primary 
education  in  St.  Clairsville,  where  he  attended 
the  High  School.  He  studied  pharmacy  there, 
and  was  engaged  in  a drug  store  for  six  years. 
He  then  took  up  the  study  of  medicine  at  the 
Ohio  Medical  College,  in  Cincinnati,  and  was 
graduated  with  the  class  of  1883.  He  immed- 
iatel}^  began  the  practice  of  his  profession  at 
St.  Clairsville,  where  he  still  follows  it.  He 
has  a large  and  lucrative  practice,  and  is  ranked 
among  the  foremost  ph^’sicians  of  Belmont 
County.  He  has  a thorough  knowledge  of  the 
science  of  medicine,  and  is  worthy  of  the  con- 
fidence placed  in  his  ability. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  married,  July 
18,  1902,  to  Lulu  M.  Hutt,  of  Waverly,  Pike 
County,  Ohio. 

Dr.  West  is  a member  and  ex-vice  president 
of  the  Belmont  County  Medical  Society.  Fra- 
ternally, he  is  a member  of  the  Knights  of 
Pythias. 


FRED  WASSMAN,  JR.,  is  manager  of 
the  firm  styled  Fred  Wassman  & Son, 
which  conducts  the  flourishing  shoe  store  at 
No.  3267  Belmont  street,  Bellaire. 

Fred  Wassman,  Sr.,  was  born  in  Wheeling, 
West  Virginia,  and  is  a son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Fred  Wassman,  both  natives  of  Germany. 
The  elder  Mr.  Wassman  and  wife  came  to 
this  country  before  marriage  and  settled  at 
Wheeling,  where  they  were  married.  Though 
practically  without  capital,  having  a good 
trade  upon  which  to  rely,  he  soon 
afterward  opened  in  the  Eighth  Ward 
of  that  cit}'  a boot  and  shoe  store, 
which  he  conducted  with  success  for 
many  years.  About  1870,  however,  he 
disposed  of  this  business  and  moved  to  Bel- 
laire, where  he  erected  a large  building — the 
one  now  occupied  by  Seller’s  music  store  and 
the  Wassman  tailor  shop — and  there  he 
opened  another  boot  and  shoe  store,  and  also 
engaged  in  some  manufacturing.  The  last 
named  industry,  though  having  realized  from 


454 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


it  large  profits,  he  discontinued  in  1885,  and 
turned  his  attention  exclusively  to  the  mer- 
cantile business.  In  1891  he  erected  the  large 
and  elegant  building  on  Belmont  street 
where  the  business  is  now  being  conducted 
and  a year  later  moved  there.  A wise  finan- 
cier, successful  in  his  line,  he  ahvays  derived 
from  his  business  a large  income,  part  of 
which  he  invested  in  city  property.  At  the 
time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1900,  in 
his  71st  year,  he  owned  besides  his  shoe  store 
four  other  large  shops  on  Belmont  street  ex- 
tending to  the  Carroll  corner.  Mr.  Wass- 
man  and  his  wife  had  six  children,  whom  they 
reared,  all  but  one  of  whom  were  born  in 
Mdieeling— Louisa,  who  married  a Mr. 
Braunlich;  IMinnie,  Fred,  Jr.,  William,  who 
is  married  and  is  a merchant  and  tailor  in 
Bellaire;  Charles,  who  is  also  married,  and 
who  is  cashier  of  the  Baltimore  & Ohio  R.  R. 
at  Bellaire,  and  Carrie.  The  family  now  re- 
side in  the  building  partly  occupied  by  the 
store.  Mr.  Wassman  was  a man  of  pro- 
nounced political  views  and  affiliated  with 
the  Democrats.  Fraternally  he  belonged  to 
the  I.  O.  O.  F. 

Fred  Wassman,  Jr.,  has  for  some  time  been 
connected  with  the  shoe  store  which  he  is 
now,  with  the  help  of  his  sisters,  Minnie  and 
Carrie,  so  ably  conducting.  The  building  in 
which  he  is  carrying  on  his  business  is  a large 
three-story  structure,  33  by  ito  feet,  and  his 
store  is  on  the  first  floor.  The  Bell  Tele- 
phone office  is  on  the  second  floor,  and  the 
Masonic  Hall  on  the  third.  Mr.  Wassman 
handles  the  best  grade  of  goods,  a thorough- 
ly up-to-date  stock,  and  the  largest  probably 
of  its  kind  in  the  city.  His  show  window  is 
certainly  the  most  attractive  and  draws  a 
large  and  paying  custom.  As  a business  man 
he  stands  high  in  his  community,  and  by  his 
honesty  and  square  dealing,  as  well  as  marked 
ability,  he  has  won  the  confidence  of  all  who 
know  him. 

Besides  attending  to  his  store,  Mr.  Wass- 
man finds  time  for  the  performance  of  public 
and  social  duties,  and  he  served  the  Third 
^^Hrd  very  efficiently^  for  four  y^ears  as  a mem- 


ber of  the  City  Council.  In  politics  he  is  a 
Democrat.  Fraternally  he  affiliates  with  the 
K.  of  P.;  Uniform  Rank,  K.  of  P.;  the  B.  P. 
O.  E.  and  the  F.  & A.  M.,  Lodge  No. 
2.67,  of  Bellaire.  Though  the  parents  were 
Lutherans,  Mr.  Wassman  and  his  brothers 
and  sisters  are  Presbyterians. 


JOHN  GIFFIN,  a representative  farmer 
and  iuost  highly  esteemed  citizen  of  Pultney 
township,  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  who  is 
also  a survivor  of  the  Civil  War,  was  born  in 
Pease  township,  on  High  Ridge,  April  26, 
1842,  a son  of  Robert  and  Sarah  (Hinkle) 
Giffin,  and  a brother  of  Hugh  Giffin,  in  whose 
sketch  in  this  volume  appears  extended  men- 
tion of  the  Giffin  family,  which  originated 
in  Scotland  and  was  founded  in  Virginia  116 
years  ago. 

Mr.  Giffin  was  reared  on  the  home  farm 
and  secured  his  education  in  the  district 
•schools  of  Pease  township.  His  life  has  been 
an  agricultural  one,  broken  into  by  a ser- 
vice of  five  months  in  the  army  in  Company 
A,  170th  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  during  the  Civil 
War,  and  he  now  recalls  those  experiences  as 
a member  of  Branum  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  No. 
22 1 . 

In  1866  Mr.  Giffin  married  Margaret  C. 
McAllister,  who  is  a sister  to  the  wife  of 
Hugh  Giffin.  After  marriage  our  subject 
and  wife  resided  on  High  Ridge  until  1878, 
and  then  moved  to  Franklin  station,  Rich- 
land township,  where  Mr.  Giffin  was  engaged 
for  three  y^ears  in  farming,  returning  then  to 
Pease  township,  where  he  operated  very  suc- 
cessfully for  16  years  the  place  known  as  the 
Alexander  farm.  The  tract  known  as  the 
Nelson  farm  was  then  for  sale,  and  this  Mr. 
Giffin  bought  and  farmed  it  for  five  years, 
selling  then  in  order  to  purchase  his  present 
most  desirable  farm  located  in  section  2, 
Pultney  township,  to  which  the  family  re- 
moved in  April,  1902. 

The  children  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Giffin 
were  nine  in  number,  namely,  Andrew  Chal- 


X. 


X/, 


CHARLES  ARNOLD. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


457 


mer,  who  died  at  the  age  of  seven  months; 
Joseph  A.,  who  resides  in  Pease  township, 
married  Emma  Wise  and  has  two  children, 
Carl  and  Russell;  Anna  M.,  who  is  the  wife 
of  Charles  Wise,  resides  on  the  Keyser  farm 
and  they  have  three  children,  Nellie  F.,  Flor- 
ence and  Theodore;  Frank  Merwood,  who 
married  Gertrude  Cunningham,  resides  near 
Bellaire,  their  children  being  Felah,  Frank, 
Ralph  and  Edith,  deceased;  Fizzie  D., 
Martin  Wilbur,  Everett  J.,  Calvin  Earl  and 
Margaret  Helen,  all  at  home,  making  a 
pleasant,  happy  family  circle. 

Until  1880  Mr.  Gifhn  voted  the  Demo- 
cratic ticket,  but  since  that  time  he  has  ac- 
tively supported  the  Republican  party.  While 
a resident  of  Richland  township  he  served  ac- 
ceptably as  township  trustee  and  is . now 
president  of  the  Pultney  township  school 
board.  Mr.  Giffin’s  fraternal  membership  is 
in  the  order  of  Knights  of  Pythias.  His  an- 
cestors have  all  been  earnest  workers  in  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  and  in  that  faith  he 
was  reared  by  a careful  and  pious  mother. 
He  is  an  elder  in  the  Rock  Hill  Church  and 
is  clerk  of  the  session.  Mr.  Giffin  is  a public 
spirited  man. 


CHARFES  ARNOLD,  one  of  Bellaire’s 
eminent  and  valuable  citizens,  is  a member  of 
the  drug  firm  of  Charles  Arnold  & Company, 
whose  first-class  establishment  is  at  No.  3123 
Union  street.  Mr.  Arnold  has  been  connected 
with  this  drug  business  since  July  5,  1892,  hav- 
ing purchased  at  that  time  the  store  of  D.  H. 
Darrah,  which  had  been  established  for  a num- 
ber of  years.  A full  line  of  the  best  pure  drugs 
is  carried,  in  addition  to  the  numerous  large 
and  small  articles  usually  found  in  a store  of 
the  kind ; the  compounding  of  prescriptions 
constitutes  a large  part  of  the  firm’s  business. 

Mr.  Arnold  is  a son  of  Adam  and  Barbara 
(Rice)  Arnold,  was  born  in  1867  near  Bealls- 
ville,  Monroe  County,  Ohio,  and  spent  his 
youthful  days  in  that  vicinit}^  Adam  Arnold 
was  born  in  Fulda,  Hesse-Darmstadt,  Ger- 


many, and  immigrated  to  the  United  States 
while  still  a boy,  proceeding  to  Wheeling, 
(AVest)  \7irginia,  upon  his  arrival  in  this  coun- 
try. He  spent  onl}^  a short  time  in  that  city, 
however,  going  from  there  to  Bellaire,  where 
by  diligence  and  study  he  mastered  the  En- 
glish language.  Removing  from  Bellaire  in 
1852,  he  worked  in  the  southern  part  of  Bel- 
mont County  at  various  places  and  finally  went 
to  Monroe  County  and  began  farming  there. 
In  this  he  met  with  the  best  of  success  and  at 
times  he  also  superintended  the  loading  of 
coal  barges,  and  made  trips  on  the  river. 

Adam  Arnold  was  united  in  marriage  with 
Barbara  Rice,  a daughter  of  John  Rice,  one 
of  the  pioneer  settlers  of  Belmont  County. 
She  was  a native  of  Bavaria,  Germany,  and 
her  death,  as  well  as  that  of  Mr.  Arnold,  took 
place  in  1895.  They  had  a large  family,  con- 
sisting of  12  children,  of  whom  10  are  still 
survivors  and  are  widely  separated  by  their 
respective  homes.  One  child  resides  at  AA-^hat- 
com,  Washington;  one  daughter  lives  in  But- 
ler, Pennsylvania,  and  one  in  Pittsburg;  two 
daughters  and  one  son  are  still  inmates  of  the 
old  homestead  in  Monroe  County;  a son, 
George  Arnold,  is  an  attorney-at-law  in  Bel- 
laire, having  his  office  over  the  Post  Office.  He 
is  accounted  one  of  the  most  able  and  eloquent 
barristers  of  the  city  and  has  a good  general 
practice.  His  birth  took  place  February  5, 
1863,  in  Monroe  County:  after  his  early  edu- 
cation, he  studied  law  at  AAffiodsfield,  Ohio,  in 
the  office  of  Hunter  & Mallory,  being  admitted 
to  the  bar  in  June,  1890.  At  that  date  he  came 
to  Belmont  County,  became  a teacher  and  fol- 
lowed that  profession  for  10  years,  beginning 
the  practice  of  law  in  1900.  His  marriage  with 
Louisa  C.  Zink,  of  Monroe  County,  was  pro- 
lific of  three  children,  namely,  Minnie  N.,  Paul 
E.  and  Esther  A.  The  family  now  reside  at 
Powhatan  Point,  York  township,  Belmont 
County,  of  which  town  Mr.  Arnold  is  the  pres- 
ent mayor.  He  supports  the  Democratic  party 
in  politics  and  has  served  creditably  as  justice 
of  the  peace  in  Pultney  township.  Fraternally 
he  affiliates  with  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  being 
a member  of  Black  Prince  Lodge  of  Bellaire. 


458 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Our  subject  was  reared  upon  his  father’s 
farm  and  attended  public  school  at  Beallsville, 
Ohio,  afterward  taking  a course  at  the  normal 
scliool  in  that  city,  also.  He  then  became  a 
school  teacher  and  ]nirsued  that  calling  for 
three  years  in  Monroe  County.  In  1888  he 
entered  the  Uniyersity  of  Michigan  at  Ann 
Arbor,  and  two  years  later  completed  the 
course  in  pharmacy.  In  1890  and  1891  he  was 
emplo)'ed  as  a pharmacy  clerk  at  Ravenswood, 
West  Virginia,  and  in  1892  he  purchased  his 
])resent  business  from  Mr.  Darrah.  In  his 
l)usiness  career  he  has  shown  good  judgment 
and  marked  ability:  he  has  become  popular 
among  his  fellow  citizens  and  has  secured  a 
good  patronage. 

Mr.  Arnold  is  a member  of  and  worker  in 
the  IMethodist  E])iscopal  Church  of  Bellaire, 
and  in  fraternal  circles  affiliates  with  Black 
Prince  Lodge,  No.  57,  K.  of  P.,  and  Arlington 
Di\'ision,  No.  92,  Uniform  Rank,  K.  of  P.,  both 
of  Bellaire. 


MRS.  MARY  E.  CLEMENS.  One  of 
the  beautiful,  historic  old  residences  of  Bel- 
mont County,  Ohio,  is  located  in  Pease 
township,  near  Blaine,  and  is  owned  and  oc- 
cupied l:>y  Mrs.  Mary  E.  Clemens,  who  in- 
herited it  from  her  well-known  father,  the 
late  Joshua  Burley.  This  residence  was 
probably  built  by  the  Patterson  family,  as 
early  as  1827,  and  it,  with  the  surrounding 
farm  and  the  stone  mill,  came  into  Mr.  Bur- 
ley’s possession  from  the  Ogleby  estate  in 
1867. 

The  birth  of  Mrs.  Clemens  took  place  in 
klarshall  County,  West  Virginia,  then  Vir- 
ginia, a daughter  of  Joshua  and  Catherine 
(Rosebury)  Burley,  the  former  of  whom  was 
born  in  Marshall  County,  Virginia,  in  1814, 
and  died  in  Pease  township,  Belmont 
County,  Ohio,  in  1883.  His  father  was  one 
of  the  first  sheriffs  of  Marshall  County  and 
Joshua  seryed  for  a long  period  as  his  dep- 
uty, and  later  succeeded  to  the  office,  which 
he  held  for  two  terms.  Mr.  Burley  was  also 
a capitalist,  and  was  one  of  the  most  sub- 


stantial men  of  his  township.  As  noted,  he 
purchased  the  farm  now  occupied  by  his 
daughter,  in  March,  1867,  and  as  this  prop- 
erty lay  in  the  proposed  path  of  the  C.,  L. 
& W.  Railway,  his  granting  of  the  right  of 
way  proved  very  profitable  to  him.  The 
company,  with  other  considerations,  gave 
him  an  engine  for  his  grist-mill,  it  formerly 
having  been  operated  by  water  power.  Mr. 
Burley  did  not  live  long  to  enjoy  his  pleasant 
country  home;  moving  upon  it  in  1880,  he 
died  in  1883.  *He  married  Catherine  Rose- 
Iniry,  who  was  born  in  1813  in  Waynesburg, 
Pennsylvania,  and  died  in  1888.  Joshua  Bur- 
ley and  wife  had  four  children,  namely: 
Mary  E.,  who  became  Mrs.  Clemens;  James 
L.,  who  lived  on  the  farm  and  operated  the 
mill  for  some  years,  but  now  resides  at 
Mountain  Lake  Park,  Maryland,  a civil  en- 
gineer by  profession;  Frank,  who  is  engaged 
in  business  at  Bridgeport,  Ohio,  and  Sarah, 
who  married  Robert  Sweeney,  an  uncle  of 
the  present  Mayor  A.  T.  Sweeney,  of  Wheel- 
ing. Both  of  them,  with  their  infant  child, 
are  deceased.  Mrs.  Clemens’  brother,  James 
L.,  is  a man  of  large  business  interests  and  is 
engaged  in  platting  property  at  Lock  Lynn, 
Maryland,  having  done  the  same  previousL 
at  Mountain  Lake  Park.  When  he  first  went 
there  he  lived  in  a tent,  while  now  it  has  been 
made  a delightful  resort.  Mr.  Burley’s  wife 
died  a number  of  years  ago,  leaving  him  six 
sons,  three  of  whom  have  since  died. 

On  January  30,  1867,  Mary  E.  Burley  was 
married  to  Jeremiah  Clemens,  who  was  born 
at  Wheeling,  and  died  January  i6,  1894,  aged 
53  years.  In  politics  he  was  a Republican, 
and  his  religious  membership  was  with  the 
Methodist  Church.  He  was  a charter  mem- 
ber of  the  Knights  of  Honor  lodge  of 
Wheeling,  and  for  a number  of  years  was 
its  financial  reporter.  In  August,  1868,  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Clemens  moved  to  Muscatine, 
Iowa,  where  the  former  opened  up  a grocery 
business,  but  two  years  later  returned  to 
Wheeling,  where  for  12  years  he  conducted 
a prosjierous  shoe  business  on  the  corner  of 
Main  and  nth  streets.  When  Mr.  Burley 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


459 


bought  the  farm  he  sold  his  business  and  re- 
tired to  the  country  and  remained  there, 
caring-  for  his  wife’s  parents  until  their  death. 
He  was  a man  of  most  estimable  character 
and  numbered  among  his  intimate  friends 
many  of  the  leading  men  of  this  locality.  The 
three  children  born  to  our  subject  and  hus- 
band are;  Burley,  aged  31  years,  engaged 
in  the  wholesale  liquor  business  at  Mounds- 
ville.  West  Virginia,  married  Mrs.  Charles 
Weaver,  formerly  Emma  Shoemaker,  of 
Woodsfield,  Ohio;  Frank  B.,  aged  29  years, 
engaged  in  the  Laughlin  Mill,  resides  with 
his  mother,  and  Otie,  aged  20  years,  married 
William  Britton,  and  they  also  reside  with 
Mrs.  Clemens  and  have  one  child,  Jessie  Hol- 
lingsworth, who  was  named  for  Judge  Hoi 
lingsworth,  of  Belmont  County,  this  dis- 
tinguished jurist  being  a close  personal 
friend  of  both  the  child’s  grandfather  and 
great-grandfather. 


WILLIAM  A.  ALLEN,  one  of  the  suc- 
cessful farmers,  large  land  owners  and  prom- 
inent citizens  of  Belmont  County,  is  located 
in  the  southwest  corner  of  Pease  township, 
on  a well  appointed  and  finely  cultivated 
farm  of  500  acres. 

Mr.  Allen  is  a native  of  both  Pease  town- 
ship and  Belmont  County,  and  was  born  in 
1858.  He  is  a son  of  John  and  Sarah  (Green- 
lee) Allen,  the  former  of  whom  was  also  born 
in  Pease  township,  in  1814,  and  died  in 
1886.  John  Allen,  the  grandfather,  was  one 
of  the  pioneers  who  settled  Belmont  County 
and  secured  a large  tract  of  land,  at  the 
time  of  his  decease  owning  about  1,000  acres 
in  Pease  and  Pultney  townships.  Here  he 
carried  on  large  farming  operations  and  en- 
gaged extensively  in  sheep  raising.  Grand- 
father Allen  was  born  in  Scotland,  but  mar- 
ried a Miss  Giffin  in  America  and  reared  two 
sons  and  three  daughters.  These  were: 
John,  William.  Margaret.  Label,  and  Mar- 
tha. John  and  his  son  William,  the  subject 
of  this  sketch,  now  occupy  his  farm,  which 
lies  in  Pease  and  Pultney  townships.  Mar- 


garet married  a Mr.  Hinkle.  Martha  mar- 
ried a ]Mr.  Greenlee.  All  are  now  deceased. 

John  Allen,  son  of  John,  also  engaged  ex- 
tensivel}^  in  farming  and  stock  raising,  and 
amassed  an  ample  fortune.  In  political  be- 
lief he  was  a Democrat.  In  1848  he  mar- 
ried Sarah  Greenlee,  who  was  born  in  Bel- 
mont County  in  1822,  and  died  in  1861.  She 
was  the  mother  of  seven  children,  of  whom 
only  two  lived  to  reach  maturity,  our  sub- 
ject and  a sister,  Martha  J.,  who  married 
F.  D.  Bailey,  and  resided  at  St.  Clairsville 
until  her  death  in  1884.  The  others  were: 
James,  John,  Lizzie  Bell,  and  an  unnamed 
infant. 

William  A.  Allen  has  always  resided  on 
the  home  place,  which  is  excellently  im- 
proved and  one  of  the  most  valuable  estates 
in  the  county.  He  engages  in  general  farm- 
ing, operating  his  farm  with  great  success, 
being  a thorough  agriculturist.  In  politics 
]\Ir.  Allen  has  always  been  identified  with 
the  Democratic  party. 

The-  ladv  who  became  the  wife  of  William 
A.  Allen  was  a IMiss  Annie  Warrell,  who  was 
born  in  Washington  County.  Pennsylvania. 
A son  and  daughter  complete  the  home  cir- 
cle, Sarah  Janet  and  William  A.,  Jr.  Mr. 
Allen  and  family  are  valued  and  consistent 
members  of  High  Ridge  LTnited  Presby- 
terian Church. 


H.  GREELEY  BRANTDI,  successfully  en- 
gaged in  business  as  a wholesale  grocer  in 
Bridgeport,  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  was  form- 
erlv  a member  of  the  well-known  firm  of  A. 
Branum  & Sons.  He  is  a son  of  Alexander 
and  Lvdia  (Lash)  Branum,  the  former  a na- 
tive of  Toronto.  Canada,  and  the  latter  of  Bel- 
mont County,  Ohio. 

Alexander  Branum  did  much  to  benefit  his 
fellowmen.  and  was  widelv  known  and  respect- 
ed in  Belmont  Countv,  whither  he  removed  in 
1840,  from  his  home  in  Canada.  He  followed 
the  business  of  a contractor  and  builder  for 
man}'  years  and  his  first  work  was  in  YTeel- 
ing  where  he  was  employed  in  the  Top  Mill.  He 


460 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


af^er^var(l  worked  at  the  Kinsey  Mill  for  some 
time,  and  built  many  buildings  over  West  Vir- 
ginia and  Helmont  County,  Ohio,  until  April 
y,  1S52,  be  became  a member  of  the  firm  of 
1 larden  & Branum,  wholesale  grocers.  They 
continued  under  this  name  until  1855  or  56, 
when  Mr.  Harden  went  west  and  the  partner- 
ship was  dissolved.  Mr.  Branum  then  formed 
a i)artnersbip  with  Samuel  Junkins  and  Wil- 
liam Alexander,  which  firm  did  a successful 
business  until  1871.  He  then  rented  the  pres- 
ent building  and  established  a new  business 
with  his  two  sons,  H.  G.  Branum  and  A.  C. 
Ifranum  as  partners,  continuing  until  1883. 
At  this  time  he  sold  his  interest  to  his  sons  and 
retired  from  active  business  life,  enjoying  his 
rest  until  the  date  of  his  death,  December, 
1 886,  aged  seventy  years.  As  a contractor  and 
builder  he  was  everywhere  recognized  as  a 
skilled  workman;  as  a merchant  he  had  won- 
derfully good  business  sagacity:  as  a citizen  he 
was  always  earnest  and  active  in  his  work,  hon- 
orable and  popular.  He  was  one  of  the  found- 
ers of  the  Belmont  County  Bank,  which  sub- 
sequently became  the  First  National  Bank  of 
Bridgeport,  Ohio.  He  always  took  an  interest 
in  young  men  and  hoys,  and  gave  them  much 
good  advice.  His  many  little  acts  of  kindness 
in  this  regard  are  yet  well-remembered  though 
he  has  long  since  pased  away.  In  his  religious 
belief  he  was  a Swedenborgian,  as  is  also  his 
wife,  who  is  now  eighty-three  years  of  age,  a 
resident  of  Bridgejwrt  at  the  old  homestead. 
.She  and  her  husband  had  eight  children ; name- 
ly. John  kl. : Mrs.  Robinson  Frank;  A.  P. ; H. 
Greeley,  our  subject ; A.  C. ; P.  D. : Velma ; and 
Anna.  In  July,  1862,  John  M.  Branum  enlist- 
ed in  the  98th  Reg.  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry, 
at  the  breaking  out  of  the  Civil  War,  leaving 
his  studies  at  Hopedale,  in  order  to  serve  his 
country.  He  served  until  March  19,  1865, 
when  he  was  killed  at  Bentonville,  North  Caro- 
lina, this  being  one  of  the  last  battles  of  the 
war.  A.  P.  is  also  deceased,  having  departed 
this  life  at  the  age  of  twenty-six  years.  P.  D. 
Branum  is  one  of  the  firm  of  Dillworth  Bros. 
Co.,  wholesale  grocers  of  Pittsburg,  Pennsyl- 
vania. Velma  Branum  is  now  Mrs.  F.  A. 


Mayberry,  and  is  a resident  of  Tiffin,  Ohio, 
where  her  husband  is  connected  with  a boot 
and  shoe  company.  Anna  married  A.  J.  Smith, 
manager  of  the  West  Virginia  Glass  Co.  at 
Martin’s  Ferry,  Ohio. 

Our  subject  is  a native  of  St.  Clairsville, 
Ohio,  and  received  the  greater  part  of  his  edu- 
cation in  the  schools  of  Wheeling  and  in  Bel- 
mont County.  He  is  a most  successful  business 
man  and  has  been  in  business  since  boyhood. 
He  is  a member. of  the  M.  E.  Church  in  his  re- 
ligious opinions ; in  politics  he  has  very  little 
interest,  voting  for  the  man  who,  in  his  opin- 
ion, is  most  capable  to  fill  the  position  or  office. 

Mr.  Branum  was  united  in  marriage  with 
Nannie  Rhodes  in  1874.  She  was  a native  of 
Bridgeport,  and  they  had  one  child,  Charles 
H.,  who  departed  this  life,  December  21,  1899, 
at  the  early  age  of  twenty-five  years  and  seven 
days.  His  loss  was  deeply  mourned  as  he  was 
a young  man  of  much  promise,  and  an  excellent 
salesman. 


HUGH  GIFFIN.  There  resides  in  a pleas- 
ant home  on  one  of  the  fertile  and  well-im- 
proved farms  of  Pultney  township,  Belmont 
County,  an  esteemed  citizen  in  the  person  of 
Hugh  Giffin,  who  is  a representative  of  a fam- 
ily which  was  established  116  years  ago  in 
the  vicinity  of  Wheeling,  (West)  Virginia. 
Its  founders  came  as  pioneers  from  Scotland, 
bringing  with  them  the  robust  health  and 
thrifty  habits  of  that  land,  and  not  only  in- 
creased in  numbers,  but  prospered  in  worldly 
affairs  in  proportion. 

The  birth  of  Hugh  Giffin  occurred  on  Oc- 
tober 19,  1834,  at  High  Ridge,  Pease  town- 
ship, and  he  was  a son  of  Robert  and  Sarah 
('Hinkle)  Giffin,  both  of  whom  were  natives 
of  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  the  former  of 
Pease  township  and  the  latter  of  Pultne}'’ 
township.  The  mother  was  a daughter  of 
Christopher  Hinkle,  who  was  a soldier  in  the 
War  of  i8t2  from  Ohio,  in  which  State  he 
located,  coming  from  Pennsylvania  prior  to 
1800.  His  death  took  place  about  i86o,'  his 
life  having  been  devoted  to  farming  and 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


461 


milling.  Mrs.  Giffin  was  born  September  21,  i 
1807,  and  died  in  1894.  Robert  Giffin,  the 
father  of  Hugh,  was  born  in  1804,  and  his 
father  was  a native  of  Roney’s  Point,  Vir- 
ginia. After  marriage  Robert  Giffin  first  set- 
tled in  Pultney  and  later  lived  in  Pease 
township,  but  in  the  spring'  of  1851  they 
moved  to  a farm  located  on  Moss  Run,  near 
MciMechen’s  Creek,  where  they  resided  until 
death.  Mr.  Giffin  died  in  1868.  The  chil- 
dren born  to  Robert  Giffin  and  wife  were  the 
following:  George,  who  resides  in  Bridge- 
port; Mrs.  Sarah  Donley,  who  resides  near 
Quincy,  in  Pultney  township,  on  Mc- 
Mechen’s  Creek;  Christopher,  who  is  a 
farmer  and  truck  gardener,  who  resides 
near  Garfield  school  house,  in  Pease 
township;  Daniel,  who  died  in  1855 
in  the  West:  Hugh,  of  this  sketch: 

Robert,  who  is  a brickmason  of  Bridge- 
port, Ohio:  Mulliam,  who  is  a farmer 
of  Moss  Run,  in  Pultney  township;  Rebecca, 
who  is  the  wife  of  William  Church,  of  Bridge- 
port; John,  of  whom  mention  is  made  else- 
where in  this  work;  Mary  Jane,  who  is  the 
wife  of  Gilbert  Neelon;  Susan,  who  married 
V.  McFarland,  moved  to  Oregon  about  1872 
and  died  there  in  1888,  and  James  A.,  who  is 
a truck  farmer  of  Pultney  township,  on  Moss 
Run.  The  first  born  was  IMary,  who  lived  to 
be  but  two  years  old. 

Hugh  Giffin  attended  the  district  schools 
in  his  boyhood,  and  was  early  taught  the 
duties  pertaining  to  life  on  a farm.  Until 
1877  he  resided  on  High  Ridge,  but  then 
purchased  and  located  on  his  present  farm,  in 
section  31,  Pultney  township,  a property 
which  was  formerly  known  as  the  James 
Tarbet  farm.  Here  Mr.  Giffin  has  success- 
fully carried  on  general  farming  and  dairy- 
ing for  23  vears,  becoming  in  the  meantime 
one  of  the  most  highly  respected  as  well  as 
most  substantial  men  of  his  township.  He 
was  reared  in  the  Democratic  faith  and  is 
still  identified  with  that  party.  For  genera- 
tions the  Giffins  have  been  pillars  of  Presby- 
terianism, and  for  the  past  36  years  our  sub- 
ject has  been  a trustee  of  the  Rock  Hill 


Presbyterian  Church.  His  grandfathers  were 
the  organizers  and  the  first  elders  of  the  old 
High  Ridge  Church. 

In  1858  i\Ir.  Giffin  was  united  in  marriage 
with  Isabelle  McAllister,  who  was  born  in 
Pultne}"  township  and  was  a daughter  of 
John  and  Elizabeth  IMcAllister.  This  mar- 
riage has  resulted  in  the  birth  of  nine  chil- 
dren, who,  with  their  children,  make  up  one 
of  the  happiest  family  circles  in  Pultney 
township.  The  youngest  child  has  reached 
the  age  of  32  years,  and  the  grandchildren 
number  28,  and  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Giffin  as 
the  center,  make  up  one  of  the  most  vigor- 
ous and  intelligent  aggregations  of  kindred 
in  this  part  of  the  county.  Our  subject  and 
estimable  wife  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing 
them  all  gathered  together  around  the  home 
board  on  a recent  occasion,  when  it  was  de- 
cided and  later  carried  out  to  have  the  fam- 
ily group  photographed  at  Bellaire. 

The  children  born  to  IMr.  and  Mrs.  Hugh 
Giffin  are  the  following:  Sarah  A.  married 
John  Finney,  son  of  James  Finney,  and  they 
reside  near  St.  Clairsville;  John  Wallace«ha5 
a fine  home  near  his  parents  and  carries  on  a 
dairy  business,  and  is  the  father  of  these 
children,  Ella.  IMyrtle,  Margaret,  Laura, 
losephine  and  Ernest:  George  D.  resides  at 
Eairmont,  AVest  Ahrginia,  married  Ida  B. 
Blackburn  and  has  four  children.  Isabel. 
Hugh,  Louis  and  Elizabeth:  Albert  James 
resides  near  his  father,  married  IMary  B.  Hop- 
kurs  and  has  two  children,  Edna  and  Harold; 
Robert  Milton  also  resides  near  his  father, 
married  Mary  Jane  Keys  and  has  two  chil- 
dren. Bessie  and  Edith:  Ross  L.  resides  in 
Steubenville,  Ohio,  married  IMaggie  Kinney 
and  they  have  four  children,  John,  Howard. 
Catherine  Isabelle  and  Alaro'aret  Edna:  Ean- 
nie  luiella  married  George  Pierson,  and  they 
reside  at  the  home  and  have  three  children, 
Marv  Lucille,  Herbert  M.  and  R.  Erancis; 
Nannie  Bell  married  Edgar  E.  AAfise,  of  Pult- 
nev  township,  and  thev  have  two  children. 
Luther  A.  and  Elsie  May,  and  JMary  Olive 
married  AAfiHiam  Garner  and  thev  reside  on 
the  Erank  Bell  farm,  near  St.  Clairsville. 


462 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


FRY  BROTHERS,  the  present  proprie- 
tors of  one  of  the  foremost  business  houses 
in  Ifellaire,  Ohio,  are  men  of  unusual  busi- 
ness propensities.  The  firm  is  composed  of 
William  11.  and  James  L.  Fry  and  their  busi- 
ness was  established  in  1894,  since  which 
time  it  has  so  largely  increased  as  to  make 
it  necessary  to  have  a different  building, 
causing  the  erection  of  the  fine  new  struct- 
ure at  the  corner  of  i8th  and  Belmont 
streets.  It  is  37  feet  by  64  feet  and  is  three 
stories  high,  the  first  floor  being  devoted 
exclusively  to  the  business,  while  the  other 
floors  are  used  for  residence.  Throughout 
the  building  may  be  found  the  latest  modern 
improvements,  such  as  electric  lights,  etc., 
and  a Bell  Jflione,  No.  1,002.  Their  stock 
consists  of  all  kinds  of  staple  and  fancy 

groceries,  the  best  brands  of  flour,  and  pro- 
visions, country  produce,  hay,  grain  and  mill 
feed,  much  of  which  is  solicited  by  ’phone. 
'Phey  employ  from  four  to  five  men  to  take 
care  of  their  large  trade,  which  extends  not 
only  throughout  Bellaire,  but  through  the 
suburbs  and  in  many  towns  all  over  the 
county. 

William  H.  Fry  was  born  in  Greene 

County,  Pennsylvania,  and  is  a son  of  Isaac 
and  Touisa  Fry,  residents  of  the  First  Ward, 
Bellaire,  who  came  to  Belmont  County 
in  February,  1872.  The  father  is  now 

retired  from  active  business  life,  but 

followed  the  coal  mining  business  until 
about  six  years  ago.  William  H.  Fry 
recei^'ed  his  education  in  the  Bellaire 
schools,  and  when  but  17  began  his  business 
career  by  clerking  in  a grocer}^  store,  being 
employed  first  by  Samuel  Moore  and  later 
l)v  T A.  Green,  with  whom  he  remained  five 
or  six  years.  At  that  time  he  knew  the  busi- 
ness thoroughly  and  embarked  in  the  same 
for  himself,  taking  his  brother,  James  L., 
in  with  him  as  a partner,  and  they  have  con- 
tinued since  then,  working  their  way  to  the 
position  they  now  occupy. 

William  II.  Fry  chose  Emma  L.  Long  for 
his  wife.  She  was  a native  of  Belmont 
County,  and  they  have  six  children  and  re- 


side on  1 8th  street.  The  names  of  these 
children  are  as  follow^s:  Thelma,  Grade, 
Katie,  Clyde,  Orma,  and  Earl. 

James  L.  Ery  was  united  in  matrimony 
with  Emma  Schramm,  of  Belmont  County, 
and  they  have  one  son,  Ray.  In  political 
opinions  the  brothers  are  strong  adherents 
of  the  Republican  party,  and  in  fraternal 
circles  they  are  members  of  the  Knights  of 
the  Golden  Eagle  and  the  O.  U.  A.  M., 
James  L.  being  a member  of  the  Knights 
of  Pythias  also.  They  are  both  members 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 


CARTER  BROTHERS  is  a leading  ' 
firm  of  Bellaire,  Ohio,  in  the  wholesale  and 
retail  line,  dealing  in  grain,  hay,  feed  and 
seeds,  and  having  commodious  quarters  at 
No.  3454  Belmont  street.  The  firm  is  com- 
posed of  Robert  J.  and  William  H.  Carter, 
who  are  equally  active  in  the  management 
of  the  business,  which  was  established  in 
July,  1892.  They  are  practically  the  only 
seed  dealers  in  the  county,  and  carry  a com- 
plete assortment.  Their  attitude  to  the 
trade  is  cordial  and  friendly,  while  they  main- 
tain excellent  relations  with  the  public  gen- 
erally, their  methods  as  well  as  the  quality  of 
their  goods  having  gained  them  this  satisfac- 
tory standing. 

In  1900  they  erected  the  present  large 
building,  which  covers  a lot  33  by  120  feet 
and  is  three  stories  in  height.  Two  hands  are 
employed  and  a number  of  teams  are  needed 
for  delivering  and  hauling.  The  business 
has  made  a very  prosperous  advance  during 
the  years  since  it  was  started,  and  is  the 
largest  as  w^ell  as  the  most  reliable  in  this 
locality. 

William  H.  Carter  w'as  born  in  1853,  in 
Wheeling,  (West)  Virginia,  a son  of  John 
Carter,  who,  wdth  , his  wife,  came  from 
County  Meath,  Ireland,  about  1850,  locat- 
ing first  at  Wheeling.  Robert  J.  Carter  was 
born  in  1864  at  Bellaire,  where  his  father, 
John  Carter,  w?as  an  early  brick  manufact- 


JAMES  SYKES  ELY,  M.  D, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


465 


urer,  his  plant  occupying  the  present  site 
of  the  Cleveland,  Lorain  & Wheeling  Rail- 
way depot.  The  one  living  daughter  born 
to  Mr.  Carter  is  Mrs.  Annie  Carrick,  the 
widow  of  M.  J.  Carrick, — she  resides  in 
Bellaire. 

The  Carter  brothers  first  engaged  in  the 
manufature  of  brick,  with  their  father,  aftei 
they  had  finished  the  common  school  course, 
and  later  established  and  conducted  for  five 
years,  from  1887  to  1892,  the  Carter  Dairy, 
disposing  of  the  same  upon  entering  into 
their  present  enterprise.  Both  are  yet  un- 
married and  reside  in  pleasant  apartments 
on  the  upper  floors  of  their  building.  In 
politics  they  are  Democrats,  but  pay  much 
more  attention  to  the  proper  and  successful 
conduct  of  their  business  than  they  do  to 
political  activity.  They  were  reared  in  the 
Roman  Catholic  Church  and  are  regular  in 
their  attendance  upon  its  services.  Both  are 
solid,  sensible,  reliable  business  men,  whose 
success  means  just  so  much  more  prosperity 
to  their  city,  as  they  are  interested  in  all  that 
assists  in  its  growth  and  development. 


JAMES  SYKES  ELY,  M.  D.,  is  one  of  the 
most  prominent  physicians  and  citizens  of  Bel- 
mont Coimty,  Ohio.  He  is  one  of  the  organ- 
izers, and  the  present  president,  of  the  Barnes- 
ville  People’s  National  Bank.  He  is  also  one 
of  the  founders  of  the  Barnesville  Gas  Com- 
pany, and  the  owner  of  valuable  property 
interests.  Dr.  Ely  was  born  August  22,  1832, 
and  is  a son  of  Jacob  and  Sarah  (Brown)  Ely, 
of  Harford  County,  Maryland. 

In  1832,  Jacob  Ely  removed  his  family  to 
Morristown,  Ohio.  There  he  followed  his 
trade  of  carpenter  and  cabinet-maker  until 
1838.  At  that  date  he  removed  to  Loydsville 
and  embarked  there  in  a general  mercantile 
business  which  he  followed  through  the  bal- 
ance of  his  life.  Both  parents  were  members 
of  the  Society  of  Friends. 

Dr.  Ely  was  educated  principally  in  the  local 
schools,  attending  a seminar)^  for  a short  time, 


and  was  hut  1 7 years  of  age  when  he  began  the 
study  of  the  profession  in  which  he  has  become 
so  prominent.  His  first  preceptor  was  Dr.  C. 
Schooley,  then  of  Loydsville,  and  later,  of  Mar- 
tin's Ferry,  and  he  completed  the  entire  course 
in  three  years  under  this  skilled  physician.  He 
finished  his  medical  studies  too  early,  however, 
to  permit  of  practicing,  as  the  public  would 
hardly  place  confidence  in  one  so  young.  Until 
he  was  judged  old  enough,  the  talented  young 
physician  engaged  in  teaching,  but  in  1856  he 
located  in  the  village  of  Somerton,  Ohio.  In 
1862,  he  attended  a course  of  lectures  at  the 
Ohio  Medical  College,  and  graduated  in  the 
following  June.  He  was  commissioned  as 
assistant-surgeon  of  the  126th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol. 
Inf.,  November  14,  1862.  He  joined  the  regi- 
ment at  Cumberland,  Maryland,  and  when  the 
Federal  forces  were  driven  out  of  Martinsburg, 
he  volunteered  to  remain  and  care  for  the  suf- 
fering Union  soldiers.  Consequently,  he  fell 
into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  from  whom  he 
received  good  treatment  and  was  soon  paroled. 
While  at  Martinshurg,  two  corps  of  General 
Lee’s  army  passed  through  en  route  to  Gettys- 
burg, and  as  a matter  of  curiosity  he  counted 
256  pieces  of  artillery  in  their  train.  On  their 
return  through  IMartinsburg,  he  also  noted  that 
none  of  the  artillery  passed  through.  On 
February  8,  1864,  Dr.  Ely  received  a commis- 
sion as  surgeon  of  the  126th  Reg.  Ohio  Vol. 
Inf.,  and  on  April  21,  1864,  he  received  a com- 
mission from  the  President  as  assistant  sur- 
geon, United  States  Volunteers.  The  AYilder- 
ness  campaign  was,  however,  then  imminent, 
and  the  Doctor  withheld  his  acceptance  and  re- 
mained with  liis  regiment.  Later,  he  was 
assigned  to  the  operating  staff  of  his  brigade, 
and  here  his  work  was  incessant,  and  was  of 
such  a nature,  that  young  physicians  of  today, 
with  modern  antiseptics  and  discoveries  at 
hand,  are  forced  to  look  with  profound  admira- 
tion on  the  successful  surgeons  of  the  Civil 
War. 

LTpon  the  arrival  of  his  regiment  at  Cold 
Harhor,  Dr.  Ely  reported  at  the  headquarters 
of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  and  was  mus- 
tered in  as  assistant  surgeon  of  United  States 


466 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


\'o!iinteers,  and  was  detailed  for  duty  with  the 
department  of  held  hospitals  at  White  House, 
Virginia.  In  June,  18O4,  these  hospitals  were 
removed  to  City  Point,  Virginia,  and  the  Doc- 
tor was  there  on  duty  until  December  22,  1864. 
1'hen  he  was  placed  in  charge  of  the  cavalry 
cor])s  hospital,  principally  to  accomplish  its 
reorganization.  In  the  following  January,  he 
was  placed  in  charge  of  the  depot  held  hospital, 
of  tlie  6th  Army  Corps,  and  held  that  position 
until  the  surrender  of  General  Lee,  when  all 
the  hospitals  at  that  place  were  broken  up.  On 
May  26,  1865,  having  continued  on  duty  until 
the  last  moment.  Dr.  Ely  transferred  all  the 
remaining  hospital  inmates  aboard  the  hospital 
steamer  “Connecticut,”  in  charge  of  Surgeon 
of  U.  S.  Volunteers,  J.  B.  Hood,  for  transpor- 
tation to  Washington.  Although  much  suffer- 
ing was  endured  by  various  patients,  none  can 
ever  realize  the  unselhsh  devotion  displayed  by 
Dr.  Ely,  or  the  efforts  he  put  forth  at  all  times 
in  their  behalf.  His  valuable  services  were  ap- 
])reciated,  however,  by  the  government.  On 
August  12,  1865,  he  was  placed  in  charge  of 
the  City  General  Hospital  at  Indianapolis,  and 
was  finally  mustered  out  of  service  on  October 
16,  1865. 

After  these  years  of  faithful  service,  under 
the  hardest  possible  conditions.  Dr.  Ely  re- 
turned to  his  home,  and  on  November  7,  1865, 
located  in  Barnesville,  where  he  has  ever  since 
resided.  In  1868,  he  received  an  appointment 
as  United  States  examining  surgeon  for  pen- 
sions, a position  he  held  under  the  administra- 
tion of  President  Cleveland. 

In  1854,  Dr.  Ely  was  married  to  Emily  E. 
Hogne,  a daughter  of  Samuel  Hogue.  Three 
children  were  iJorn  to  this  union,  the  only  sur- 
vior  being  Ernest  S.,  who  is  a graduate  of  the 
Cincinnati  School  of  Pharmacy,  and  is  engaged 
in  the  drug  business  as  a partner  in  the  firm 
of  Ely  & Wilson  in  Barnesville.  As  noted  in 
the  opening  of  this  article.  Dr.  Ely  has  been 
a very  important  factor  in  the  development  of 
the  various  commercial  and  financial  enter- 
prises of  this  city,  and  has  become  one  of  the 
most  substantial  citizens  of  Barnesville.  His 
friends  are  met,  and  old  battles  talked  over. 


in  G.  A.  R.  Post,  No.  220,  of  which  Dr.  Ely 
is  a valued  member.  He  also  enjoys  fi'aternal 
relations  with  the  Masonic  order. 


JAMES  WOODS,  a well-known  and  suc- 
cessful business  man  of  Bridgeport,  Belmont 
County,  Ohio,  is  identified  with  many  of  the 
leading  enterprises  in  this  locality.  While 
his  office  is  located  in  Bridgeport,  his  home 
is  situated  on  the  Cadiz  Pike  and  is  one  of 
the  new  and  elegant  residences  along  this 
highway. 

James  Woods  was  born  at  Mount  Pleas- 
ant, Ohio,  some  53  years  ago,  a son  of  John 
W oods,  who  was  for  many  years  prominently 
identified  with  the  progress  and  development 
of  Belmont  County.  John  Woods  was  also 
Ijorn  at  Mount  Pleasant,  Ohio,  in  1816,  and 
was  a son  of  William  Woods,  a native  of  Ire- 
land. Grandfather  William  Woods  married 
Elizabeth  Harness,  who  was  a daughter  of  a 
wealthy  planter  of  Virginia.  He  was  a soldier 
in  the  War  of  1812,  and  died  in  Mount  Pleas- 
ant, Jefferson  County,  Ohio.  Plis  son  John 
came  to  Belmont  County  March  26,  1863, 
and  located  in  Pease  township  on  a farm 
which  was  secured  from  Gen.  Robert  E.  Lee, 
and  it  was  land  given  by  the  government  to 
the  famous  Harry  Lee  for  services  rendered 
in  the  Revolutionary  War.  John  Woods  ac- 
cumulated both  land  and  property,  became 
a sound  financier  and  was  one  of  the  directors 
of  the  Eirst  National  Bank  of  Bridgeport, 
severing  his  connection  of  25  years  shortly 
before  his  death.  He  died  August  7,  1897. 
He  was  widely  known,  as  he  engaged  in  a 
number  of  business  enterprises  and  accumu- 
lated the  most  of  his  large  means  by  indus- 
try and  keen  business  judgment.  In  his 
earlier  years  he  dealt  in  cattle  and  drove 
them  himself  from  one  county  to  another: 
he  was  long  a large  wool  buyer  and  handled 
sheep  extensively  for  this  purpose.  For  a 
number  of  years  he  was  closely  connected 
with  Mr.  Hogg,  a wealthy  business  man  of 
Mount  Pleasant.  He  settled  up  his  own 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


467 


estate  and  adjusted  his  affairs  two  years  prior 
to  his  death.  His  widow  still  resides  on  the 
large  farm  which  he  occupied  on  the  Cadiz 
Pike.  The  children  of  John  Woods  were 
four  in  number, namely, Janies,  of  this  sketch; 
John  and  William  A.,  both  residents  of 
Pease  township,  and  Mrs.  Anna  S.  Litten,  of 
Colerain.  Mr.  Woods  was  prominent  in  the 
Democratic  party,  also  in  the  Masonic  fra- 
ternity, and  exerted  a wide  influence  in  both 
bodies. 

James  Woods  was  married  in  1900  to  Jetta 
Hayes,  and  they  reside  in  the  beautiful  home 
recently  completed.  Mr.  Woods  is  a stock- 
holder in  the  First  National  Bank  of  Bridge- 
port, and  through  his  energy,  capital  and  in- 
fluence contributes  materially  to  the  develop- 
ment and  prosperity  of  Bridgeport  and 
vicinity. 

T.  BRADLEY  SMITH,  prominently 
known  in  Bridgeport,  Belmont  County,  Ohio, 
as  a member  of  the  W.  B.  Hall  Furniture  Com- 
pany, is  also  serving  his  county  in  the  office  of 
county  commissioner,  having  been  elected  in 
1896  by  the  Republican  party. 

Our  subject  is  a native  of  Jefferson  County, 
\Vest  Virginia,  born  September  18,  1840.  He 
is  a son  of  Frederick  C.  and  Mary  E.  (Sharff) 
Smith,  natives  of  the  states  of  Virginia  and 
Maryland  respectii'ely.  Frederick  C.  Smith 
was  a merchant  miller  by  trade  and  was  known 
throughout  the  county  as  one  of  its  most  en- 
terprising business  men.  In  1857,  he  removed 
from  his  home  in  the  Valle}^  of  Virginia,  and 
resided  in  Wheeling  until  1862,  but  at  that  date 
removed  to  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  and  here 
lived  many  years,  doing  the  farmers  in  this 
district  great  service  by  trading  with  them  and 
furnishing  them  a home  market  for  their 
grain.  He  served  in  some  of  the  minor  offices 
to  the  satisfaction  of  his  party,  and  in  his  re- 
ligious convictions  was  an  attendant  of  the  M. 
E.  Church.  He  died  April  12,  1883,  at  the  age 
of  sixty-nine  }fears  and  nine  months. 

Our  subject’s  mother,  who  was  Mary  E. 
Sharff'  before  marriage,  lii'ed  to  the  age  of  83 
years.  She  was  a member  of  the  M.  E. 


Church.  Her  death  took  place  November  9, 
1898.  She  had  five  children,  all  living  at  the 
present  time,  T.  Bradley  being  the  eldest. 

T.  B.  Smith  received  his  education  in  the 
public  schools  of  Wheeling,  and  in  the  schools 
of  Jefferson  County.  At  the  close  of  school 
days  he  took  up  the  occupation  of  a merchant 
miller,  and  establishing  a business  at  Elm 
Grove,  carried  on  the  same  for  four  years  with 
much  success.  In  1866  he  left  Elm  Grove  and 
entered  into  partnership  with  his  father,  in  the 
same  business,  at  Bridgeport,  Ohio,  the  firm 
name  being  Smith  & Son.  This  continued 
until  the  death  of  the  elder  Mr.  Smith,  in  1883, 
when  the  buisness  was  carried  on  by  our  sub- 
ject until  1898;  at  that  date  the  milling  busi- 
ness was  discontinued,  and  no  other  business 
was  established  until  1902.  In  March,  1902, 
the  W.  B.  Hall  Furniture  Company  com- 
menced business,  the  partners  being  W.  B. 
Hall,  Madison  Aldredge  and  T.  B.  Smith,  our 
subject.  Their  furniture  room  is  very  large 
and  is  one  of  the  finest  in  the  county.  The 
company  carries  a heavy  stock,  and  are  enjoy- 
ing the  best  trade  of  the  city.  In  addition  to 
their  furniture  department  they  have  an  under- 
taking department,  which  is  also  one  of  the 
l^est  in  the  city,  and  their  stock  includes  a fine 
line  of  wall  paper. 

October  8,  1867,  Mr.  Smith  was  united  in 
nratrirnony  with  Nannie  A.  Lash,  a daughter 
of  Abram  and  Nannie  (Powell)  Lash,  people 
who  were  well  known  throughout  the  county. 
Mrs.  Smith  is  a native  of  Belmont  County  and 
she  and  her  husband  have  two  children,  Fred 
L.  and  hlary  Eloise.  Fred  L.  is  an  electrician 
in  charge  of  the  electrical  work  in  the  plant 
of  the  iVmericaar  Tin  Plate  Company 
at  IMartin's  Ferry.  He  was  united  in  marriage 
with  hlinnie  Morgan,  a native  of  Bridgeport, 
Ohio,  and  they  have  one  child.  IMorgan  B. 

hlary  Eloise  is  now  doing  excellent  service 
as  saleslady  in  the  employ  of  the  AV.  B.  Hall 
Furniture  Company;  she  has  the  advantage  of 
a very  good  education,  and  has  a knowledge 
of  bookkeeping,  typewriting  and  stenography, 
being  a graduate  of  the  Bridgeport  High 
School,  class  of  1901. 


468 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Mr.  Smith  has  clone  his  best  to  serve  the 
Republican  party  since  the  election  of  Mr. 
Ihncoln  in  1861.  For  several  years  he  served 
as  school  director,  and  is  now  doing  excellent 
service  as  county  commissioner  of  Belmont 
County,  lie  and  his  worthy  wife  are  members 
of  the  M.  E.  Church.  Mr.  Smith  is  considered 
one  of  his  county’s  most  substantial  citizens 
and  has  unc]uestionably  good  business  c|ualifi- 
cations. 


MORDECAI  NELSON,  a well-known 
railroad  man  and  an  esteemed  citizen  of  Bel- 
laire,  Ohio,  was  born  in  Bultney  township, 
one  mile  west  of  this  city,  in  1842.  He  is 
a son  of  Joseph  and  Tlieresa  (Wheatley) 
Nelson,  the  •former  of  whom  was  of  Irish 
birth  and  parentage. 

Joseph  Nelson,  the  father  of  Mordecai, 
came  to  the  United  States  when  but  a small 
I)oy,  with  his  parents,  who  located  at  West 
Liberty,  Ohio  County,  (West)  Virginia,  and 
when  he  had  reached  maturity  he  removed 
to  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  in  1811,  just  fol- 
lowing his  marriage,  and  located  on  the  farm 
where  his  son,  our  subject,  was  born.  Here 
he  carried  on  farming  all  his  life,  dying  in 
1851,  aged  61  years,  his  widow  surviving 
until  1876,  dying  when  over  75  years.  Seven 
children  were  born  to  Joseph  and  Theresa 
Nelson,  three  of  whom,  including  our  sub- 
ject, are  living,  namely:  Mrs.  Elizabeth 

Hopkins,  who  remains  on  the  home  farm; 
and  Joseph  C.,  who  is  time-keeper  for  the 
National  Cash  Register  Company,  at  Day- 
ton,  Ohio,  where  he  has  a family.  The  mem- 
bers of  the  family  who  have  passed  away  are: 
IMrs.  E.  R.  Gill;  Mrs.  George  Mertz;  John, 
who  died  14  years  ago;  Robert,  who  died 
in  1884;  and  Isaac,  who  died  in  Nebraska  in 
1892, — his  two  sons  still  reside  in  Nel)raska. 

Until  the  age  of  21  years  our  subject  re- 
mained at  home,  occupied  with  agricultural 
pursuits,  receiving  his  education  in  the  pub- 
lic schools.  About  two  months  after  reach- 
ing his  majority,  he  entered  the  employ  of 
the  C.  & P.  Railroad  as  fireman,  between 


Bellaire  and  Pittsburg,  and  five  years  later, 
in  1868,  he  was  promoted  to  the  position  of 
engineer,  and  has  served  as  such  continu- 
ously ever  since.  He  is  fortunate  in  hav- 
ing a short  and  pleasant  run,  between  Bel- 
laire and  Martin’s  Ferry,  as  this  enables  him 
to  enjoy  home  life,  which,  in  his  case,  is  ap- 
preciated, as  he  is  devoted  to  his  home  and 
family.  Since  1878  this  home  has  been  lo- 
cated at  No.  3632  Guernsey  street,  Mr.  Nel- 
son having  purchased  it  at  that  time. 

In  1870  Mr.  Nelson  married  Annie  E.,  a 
daughter  of  Thomas  Anderson,  of  Ohio 
County,  West  Virginia,  and  three  children 
were  born  to  them,  namely:  Edna  May, 

who  died  at  the  age  of  16  years;  Alice  Lulu, 
and  William  E.  In  politics  Mr.  Nelson  has 
always  been  a Republican,  his  father  having 
been  an  old  line  Whig.  Our  subject  is 
serving  his  fifth  term  of  three  years  each 
as  a member  of  the  city  water  board  of  Bel- 
laire. Since  1865  he  has  been  a Mason,  and 
belongs  to  Bellaire  Lodge,  No.  267,  and 
Bellaire  Chapter.  In  1870,  at  Allegheny,  he 
joined  the  order  of  B.  of  L.  E.,  and  belongs 
to  Wellsville  Division,  No.  170. 

As  citizen  and  business  man,  as  well  as 
an  attendant  of  the  services  of  the  Christian 
Church,  of  which  his  family  are  members, 
Mr.  Nelson  has  so  lived  as  to  gain  the  regard 
of  his  fellow  citizens,  and  he  is  able  to  num- 
ber among  his  warm  personal  friends  a large 
proportion  of  the  leading  men  of  Bellaire 
and  vicinity. 


HUGH  M.  MERRITT,  who  laid  out  the 
town  of  Merritt,  in  Belmont  County,  Ohio, 
is  a native  of  Pultney  township,  which  is 
still  his  home,  having  been  born  July  19, 
1842,  within  two  miles  of  his  present  resi- 
dence. He  is  a son  of  Robert  and  Eveline 
(Milligan)  Merritt  and  grandson  of  William 
and  Mary  (Long)  Merritt. 

AVilliam  Merritt  was  born  in  1780  and  fol- 
lowed farming  as  his  vocation  through  life. 
He  purchased  the  farm  upon  which  the  Sub- 
urban Bi'ick  Works  are  located,  near  Bel- 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


469 


laire,  and  lived  there  until  his  death,  which 
took  place  in  his  55th  year,  January  12,  1835. 
December  18,  1806,  he  was  united  in  mar- 
riage with  Mary  Long,  who  was  born  Sep- 
tember 7,  1783,  and  died  February  21,  1840, 
in  her  57th  year. 

The  paternal  grandparents  of  our  subject 
had  seven  children,  namely:  Mary,  Robert, 

Harriet,  James  L.,  Sarah  Ann,  Elizabeth  L., 
and  Benjamin  A.  Mary  was  born  December 
I,  1807,  and  lived  to  the  advanced  age  of 
80  years.  She  married  George  Alilligan  on 
the  i8th  day  of  November,  1824.  They 
moved  into  West  Virginia,  locating  for  a 
time  near  Triadelphia,  and  they  reared  a 
large  family.  In  later  years  they  moved  to  a 
farm  near  Mt.  Vernon,  where  both  spent 
their  last  years.  Harriet  was  born  January 
16,  1812,  and  died  at  the  early  age  of  three 
years.  James  L.  was  born  June  17,  1814, 
and  died  June  15,  1815.  Sarah  Ann  was 
born  January  20,  1818,  and  her  death  took 
place  April  23,  1879.  She  married  John  W. 
Milligan  and  they  resided  some  years  in 
Harrison  County,  but  subsequently  returned 
and  purchased  the  old  homestead,  known  as 
the  George  Robinson  farm,  which  was  their 
home  until  death.  Elizabeth  L.  was  born 
April  20,  1821.  Benjamin  i\.  was  born  Sep- 
tember 2,  1825,  and  came  to  his  death  by 
drowning  in  McMechen’s  Creek,  May  23, 
1850.  He  married  Mary  Thomas. 

Robert  Merritt,  the  father  of  our  subject, 
was  born  March  6,  1809,  and  died  July  26, 
1884.  On  the  1 8th  day  of  October,  1831, 
he  was  joined  in  marriage  with  Eveline  Milli- 
gan; she  was  born  February  19,  1812. 

and  died  January  ii,  1901.  About  1847 
Robert  Merritt  moved  with  his  family  to  the 
farm  just  east  of  subject’s  present  home,  and 
the  same  is  now  owned  by  Charles  Rosser. 
There  the  father  engaged  in  farming  and 
reared  a large  family.  The  children  were 
as  follows:  Mary  A.,  Eliza  Ruth,  James  L., 

Hannah  J.,  William  W.,  Hugh  AT,  Sarah  E., 
Josiah,  Benjamin  A.,  and  Robert  Alitchell. 

Mary  A.  is  the  widow  of  Samuel  Alexan- 
der, who  died  about  1883.  During  his  life 


they  lived  at  the  Robert  Alexander  home- 
stead, which  is  still  the  home  of  the  widow. 
Eliza  Ruth  married  Alfred  Stroman.  They 
lived  in  Southern  Illinois  until  the  death  of 
her  husband.  Mrs.  Stroman  has  returned  to 
her  old  home,  but  now  resides  on  the 
Hutchison  place  in  Pultney  township,  near 
St.  Clairsville.  James  L.,  who  was  a min- 
ister of  the  Presbyterian  faith  for  many 
years,  died  in  1883,  leaving  a widow,  wLo 
resides  in  California. 

Hannah  J.  is  the  wife  of  James  W.  Alel- 
lott,  of  Richland  township,  near  Glencoe. 
William  W.  died  in  1862,  during  the  Civil 
War,  at  Tuscumbia,  Alabama,  at  the  early 
age  of  22  years.  Sarah  E.  died  in  1864,  aged 
20  years.  Josiah  died  in  1890,  aged  40  years. 
He  was  twice  married,  and  left  a widow, 
who  resides  in  Atlantic,  Iowa.  His  death 
took  place  near  Griswold.  Iowa.  Benjamin 
A.,  who  lived  in  Nebraska  and  was  a candi- 
date for  R-epresentative  at  the  time  of  his 
death,  was  killed  in  Cass  County,  Iowa,  in 
1894.  Robert  Mitchell  is  single  and  resides 
in  California. 

Hugh  M.  IMerritt,  from  his  fifth  year,  was 
reared  on  the  old  homestead,  of  which  he 
now  owns  a part.  For  several  years  he  lived 
in  the  old  log  house,  which  was  over  a cen- 
tury old.  His  farm  consisted  of  77  acres  of 
land  adjacent  to  the  town  of  klerritt,  which 
he  laid  out.  He  has  added  many  improve- 
ments to  his  place,  now  having  a nice  resi- 
dence and  a fine  set  of  farm  buildings.  He 
has  devoted  his  life  exclusively  to  his  farm- 
ing interests.  He  has  been  twice  married. 
His  first  marriage  took  place  March  24. 
1869,  with  Sarah  V.  Payne.  She  was  a na- 
tive of  Frederick  County,  Virginia,  and  a 
daughter  of  Joseph  E,  and  Sarah  A.  C. 
Payne.  She  died  January  7,  1873,  leaving 
three  children:  Anna  Roberta,  Joseph  Wil- 

liam, and  Sarah  E.  V. 

Anna  Roberta  was  born  April  29,  1870. 
She  married  William  Crim,  of  Frederick 
County,  Virginia,  and  they  have  two  chil- 
dren, Lois  and  Hugh  M.  Joseph  William 
was  born  July  26,  1871.  and  resides  near 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


470 


our  subject,  lie  married  Carrie  Dunlap  and 
they  ha\'e  reared  four  children.  The  eldest 
two,  George  William  and  Charles  Robert, 
are  twins,  and  the  others  are  Joseph  P.  and 
Helen.  Sarah  E.  V.  was  born  December  13, 
1872.  She  is  the  wife  of  Charles  Ridgeway, 
of  Berkeley  County,  Virginia,  and  they  have 
three  children. 

yVpril  29,  1875,  Mr.  Merritt  was  joined  in 
marriage  wdth  Rachel  A.  Fisher,  daughter  of 
Louis  and  Hannah  Fisher,  of  Smith  town- 
ship. This  marriage  is  without  issue,  and 
the  present  Mrs.  Merritt  was  born  May  3, 
1845.  Politically  our  subject  is  firm  in  his 
allegiance  to  the  Democratic  party.  The 
family  attend  the  First  Presbyterian  Church 
of  Bellaire. 


\\TLLL\M  LIPPHARDT.  Among;  the 
successful  and  rapidly  expanding  business 
concerns  of  Bellaire,  Ohio,  is  that  known  as 
the  Enterprise  Enamel  Company,  which, 
since  its  organization  in  October,  1897,  has 
grown  into  one  of  the  leading  industrial 
plants  of  Belmont  County.  The  officers,  di- 
rectors and  stockholders  are,  in  the  main, 
responsible  and  prominent  citizens  of  Bel- 
laire and  vicinity. 

'Hie  first  meeting  of  the  board  of  direct- 
ors of  the  new  enterprise  convened  on  De- 
cember 13,  1897,  with  William  Lipphardt  as 
president;  Carl  L.  Dorer,  vice-president; 
James  F.  DuBois,  secretary  and  treasurer, 
the  other  members  being  F.  H.  Eick,  J.  A. 
Green,  Theodore  Neff,  and  Theodore  Ross- 
bach.  Since  that  first  meeting  some  re-or- 
ganization has  taken  place,  and  the  present 
officers  are  as  follows;  William  Lipphardt, 
of  Martin’s  Ferry,  president;  Thomas  L. 
Strong,  vice-president  and  general  manager; 
R.  C.  Faris,  secretary  and  treasurer.  The 
board  of  directors  is  composed  of  the  fol- 
lowing leading  citizens  and  capitalists:  Wil- 
liam Lipphardt,  Thomas  F.  Strong,  Theo- 
dore Neff,  C.  L.  Dorer,  J.  A.  Green,  William 
A.  Howell,  and  John  R.  Gow. 


In  February,  1899,  buildings  were 

erected  to  permit  of  the  use  of  modern  ma- 
chinery, and  now  some  two  acres  of  land 
are  included  in  the  plant.  The  imposing 
main  building,  three  stories  in  height,  with 
dimensions  of  60  by  120  feet,  contains  the 
offices,  the  packing  department  and  store 
rooms.  The  furnace  room,  where  the  burn- 
ing and  baking  is  done,  is  a one-story  build- 
ing, with  dimensions  of  120  by  78  feet,  while 
the  drying  and  shipping  rooms  require  an- 
other one-story  building,  of  120  by  too  feet. 
The  building  of  another  large  structure,  in 
which  will  be  installed  machinery  for  press- 
ing iron  into  shape,  shows  that  this  enter- 
prise is  living  up  to  its  name,  its  business 
continually  expanding  until  almost  every 
part  of  the  country  is  demanding  the  pro- 
ducts of  the  Bellaire  plant.  The  location 
of  the  Enterprise  Enamel  Company  works 
is  on  Flnion  street,  between  17th  and 
1 8th,  a situation  which  affords  the  best  of 
railroad  facilities,  the  Baltimore  & Ohio 
road  being  on  one  side  and  the  C.  & P.  on 
the  other.  The  necessary  number  of  em- 
ployees reaches  220.  The  distributing  point 
for  the  completed  work  of  the  Enterprise 
company  is  Chicago,  the  trade  being  han- 
dled through  jobbers. 

That  this  business  should  have  reached 
such  large  proportions  in  comparatively  so 
short  a time,  must,  in  a great  measure,  be 
attributed  to  the  business  energy  of  its  of- 
ficers, wdio  have  all  contributed  to  the  suc- 
cess of  this  industry,  which  shows  every  in- 
dication of  continued  prosperity. 


W.  C.  BERGUNDTHAL,  a citizen  of  Bel- 
laire and  ex-treasurer  of  Belmont  County, 
Ohio,  was  born  in  1851  in  Monroe  County, 
near  the  Belmont  County  line. 

W.  C.  Bergundthal  was  reared  in  Belmont 
County,  and  for  many  years  prior  to  1897  was 
connected  with  the  Lantern  Globe  Company 
of  Bellaire,  Ohio.  In  the  fall  of  1897,  he  was 
elected  county  treasurer  on  the  Republican 


HOxN.  JOHN  SALISBURY  COCHRAN, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


4-73 


ticket,  and  in  1899  was  re-elected,  his  term 
expiring  in  1901. 

Mr.  Bergundthal  was  united  in  marriage 
with  Cora  V.  Dorsey  of  Powhatan,  Ohio,  Jan- 
uary 20,  1881,  and  they  have  two  children: 
Wilma,  born  in  1886;  and  John,  born  in  1891. 
Fraternally,  our  subject  is  a member  of  Moriah 
Lodge  No.  105,  F.  & A.  1\I. ; Bellaire  Chap- 
ter No.  107,  R.  A.  M. ; Hope  Commandery  No 
26,  K.  T. ; Ohio  Consistory  S.  P.  R.  S.  of  Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio;  and  Syrian  Temple,  A.  A.  O. 
N.  M.  S.,  of  Cincinnati.  Mr.  Bergundthal  is 
the  present  cashier  of  the  German  Savings 
Bank  of  Martin’s  Ferry,  which  institution  was 
incorporated  under  the  laws  of  Ohio  in  the 
spring  of  1902. 


HON.  JOHN  SALISBURY  COCHRAN, 
Probate  judge  for  Belmont  County,  secretary 
of  the  Board  of  Trade  of  Martin’s  Ferry,  Ohio, 
a lawyer  of  prominence  and  a highly  esteemed 
citizen,  is  a worthy  representative  of  a family 
of  unusual  prominence  in  the  military  life  of 
the  country,  for  generations. 

Robert  Cochran,  the  grandfather  of  Judge 
Cochran,  was  a direct  descendant  of  Sir  Archi- 
bald Cocbran,  the  ninth  Earl  of  Dundonald, 
England,  and  a son  of  William  Cochran,  who 
was  a pioneer  settler  in  Virginia,  east  of  the 
present  city  of  Wheeling.  In  company  with 
William  Boggs,  William  Cochran  was  sent 
from  Fort  Van  IMeter  as  a scout  to  ascertain 
the  results  of  the  battle  of  Fort  Henr}",  and 
in  this  adventure  was  killed  and  scalped  by  the 
Indians,  east  of  Wheeling.  William  Cochran 
also  was  associated  with  the  noted  scout  and 
Indian  fighter,  Louis  Wetzel,  and  accompanied 
him  in  many  of  his  famous  expeditions. 

Robert  Cochran  was  a contemporary  of 
Elizabeth  Zaire,  the  noted  heroine  whose  tale 
has  been  told  in  song  and  story,  who  carried 
the  powder  at  the  battle  of  Fort  Henry  when 
it  was  attacked  by  the  combined  forces  of  Eng- 
lish and  Indians,  September  13  and  14,  1782. 
It  Avill  be  remembered  that  this  was  the  last 
battle  of  the  War  of  the  Revolution  and  was 
fought  after  peace  was  declared,  no  electric 


messages  then  flashing  the  news  of  peace  al- 
most as  soon  as  it  was  declared,  as  would  be  the 
case  in  modern  warfare.  At  this  time  Robert 
Cochran  was  20  years  of  age  and  Elizabeth 
Zaire  was  16.  Although  history  does  not  re- 
veal the  existence  of  any  romantic  attachment 
between  the  brave  girl  and  our  subject’s  an- 
cestor, it  is  known  that  they  were  friends  and 
companions,  the  family  farms  adjoining  on  the 
hillside  back  of  Martin’s  Ferry.  On  the  Zane 
farm,  Elizabeth  died  in  1828,  while  Robert 
Cochran  lived  to  within  three  months  of  100 
years,  his  tomb  being  the  oldest  one  in  the  old 
Weeks  Cemetery.  He  was  a large  landowner, 
his  possessions  extending  from  Bridgeport  to 
Glen’s  Run,  the  same  being  now  divided  into 
many  good  farm  homes.  His  wife  was  Re- 
becca Pierce,  who  was  a relative,  a cousin  in 
fact,  of  President  Franklin  K.  Pierce.  Her 
death,  at  the  age  of  59  years,  was  caused  by  an 
injury  to  her  throat,  accidentally  inflicted  by 
the  horns  of  a cow. 

Judge  Cochran  was  born  in  Colerain  town- 
ship, Belmont  Count}^  Ohio,  September  9, 
1841,  being  a son  of  Robert  and  Susanna 
(Davis)  Cochran,  both  natives  of  Ohio,  the 
former  born  in  1813  and  the  latter  in  1814. 
Robert  Cochran,  like  his  father,  was  a large 
landowner  and  was  a successful  stockraiser. 
During  the  Civil  W'ar  he  saw  six  of  his  brave 
sons  serving  at  one  time  in  the  L^nion  Army, 
all  of  them  being  under  2 1 years  of  age,  except 
the  eldest,  who  had  cast  his  maiden  vote  for 
.\braham  Lincoln  in  i860.  Through  devotion 
to  a son.  Mr.  Cochran  lost  his  own  life.  One 
son  was  lying  dangerously  sick  within  the  Con- 
federate lines  and  the  father  hastened  to  en- 
deavor to  secure  his  release,  and  contracted 
typhoid  fever,  from  which  he  died,  in  1863, 
the  sick  son  recovering  and  arriving  safely  at 
home.  The  mother  survived  tmtil  1893,  dying 
at  about  tbe  age  of  80  years.  Both  parents 
were  devoted  in  their  attachment  to  the  Meth- 
odist Church  and  their  home  was  open  to  every 
minister  of  their  religious  faith.  They  were 
what  this  modern  age.  in  its  desire  to  express 
its  highest  type  of  Christian  living,  denomi- 
nates, sometimes,  as  “real”  people,  and  exerted 


474 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


an  inrtuence  which  is  stil]  felt  by  those  who 
came  within  their  accjiiaintance.  A family  of 
13  children  was  born  to  them,  two  of  these 
dying  in  infancy.  The  names  of  the  ii  that 
grew  to  maturity  are  as  follows : Robert  H. ; 
Lncelia;  JohnS.,  subject  of  this  sketch;  Wilson 
and  Watson,  twins ; Crowner  C. ; Anna  B. ; 
Cordelia ; Fenimore  P. ; Alfaretta  B. ; and 
Sumner  F.  Robert  H.,  who  was  judge  of  the 
County  Court  of  Ohio  County,  West  Virginia, 
and  one  of  the  prominent  men  of  the  State,  was 
born  June  25,  1836,  and  died  in  Toledo,  Ohio, 
h'ebruary  22,  1895,  aged  59  years.  He  was  a 
member  of  General  Negley’s  staff  and  was 
provost  marshal  of  that  division.  He  partici- 
pated in  the  battle  of  Stone  River  and  other 
engagements.  After  the  war,  he  was  at  differ- 
ent times  supreme  dictator  of  the  Knights  of 
Honor,  a memljer  of  the  executive  board  of  the 
Army  of  the  Cumberland,  and  made  the  first 
annual  address  of  the  meeting  of  the  society  of 
the  Army  of  the  Cumberland,  at  Chattanooga, 
Tennessee.  He  projected  and  constructed  the 
\Vheeling  & Lake  Erie  Railroad,  also  the 
Wheeling  Terminal  Railway,  and  he  built  the 
bridge  5]:)anning  the  Ohio  River  at  Martin’s 
h'erry.  At  different  times  he  was  president  of 
I)Oth  of  these  roads.  Lucelia,  who  married 
John  Brown,  was  a consistent  member  of  the 
Methodist  Church,  and  died  in  1864,  aged  58 
years.  Both  Wilson  and  Watson  belonged  to 
the  52nd  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  both  enlisted 
twice,  both  were  sick  and  were  discharged,  and 
on  reco\'ery  both  re-enlisted.  Wilson  removed 
to  Creighton,  Cass  County,  Missouri,  where  he 
is  a justice  of  the  peace  and  mayor  of  the  town, 
while  Watson  resides  in  Severance,  Doniphan 
County,  Kansas,  a successful  builder  and  con- 
tractor, Crowner  C.  enlisted  in  the  Union 
.\rmy,  in  1862  and  served  through  the  war  as 
a private,  and  now  resides  in  Bridgeport,  where 
he  is  paving  contractor.  Anna  B.  married 
Robert  Woods  and  died  when  about  40  years 
of  age.  Cordelia  married  Dr.  John  Major, 
who  is  deceased,  and  she  resides  in  Severance, 
Kansas.  Fenimore  P.  ran  away  from  home 
when  a little  over  13  years  of  age,  enlisted  as 
a drummer  boy,  was  promoted  to  be  orderly  at 


General  Wood’^  headquarters  and  served  until 
after  the  close  of  the  war.  He  now  resides  at 
Cottonwood  Falls,  Kansas,  and  has  been  prose- 
cuting attorney  of  the  county  for  a number  of 
years.  Alfaretta  B.  married  William  Strain, 
superintendent  of  the  schools  of  Brooke  Coun- 
ty, West  Virginia,  and  is  deceased.  Sumner 
F.  resides  in  Martin's  Ferry,  an  employee  of 
the  Laughlin  Tin  Mill. 

Our  subject  had  completed  his  course  of 
study  in  the  Martin’s  Ferry  High  School, 
when  the  great  wave  of  enthusiasm  passed 
through  the  loyal  North  at  the  call  of  the  Presi- 
dent for  troops  to  subdue  the  rebellion.  On 
July  16,  i86t,  he  enrolled  his  name  as  a soldier 
in  Company  K,  15th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.  The 
death  of  his  father  recalled  him  home  after  a 
service  of  a little  less  than  one  year,  during 
which  period  he  saw  no  small  amount  of  active 
service.  For  a long  time  he  was  occupied  in 
settling  up  the  estate  and  in  arranging  his  late 
father’s  affairs  and  then  engaged  in  teaching 
while  he  pursued  his  law  studies  under  ex- 
Supreme  Court  Judge  Kemion,  Sr.,  of  St. 
Clairsville.  In  December,  1863,  he  was  ad- 
mitted to  the  bar  and  began  practice  at  once  in 
St.  Clairsville,  one  year  later  removing  to 
Sedalia,  Missouri,  where  he  became  prosecuting 
attorney  of  Pettis  County  and  was  subsequently 
elected  judge  of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas. 
After  four  years  in  Missouri,  Judge  Cochran 
returned  east  and  entered  into  a law  practice 
with  his  brother  Robert  H.,  at  Wheeling,  West 
Virginia,  the  partnership  of  Cochran  & Coch- 
ran existing  until  i88o,  when  Robert  H.  Coch- 
ran was  elected  president  of  the  Wheeling  & 
Lake  Erie  Railroad,  his  removal  to  Toledo  fol- 
lowing. Our  subject  remained  in  Martin’s 
Ferry  as  the  attorney  for  that  road  and  later 
for  the  Wheeling  Terminal  Railway,  but  in 
1882  he  bought  a farm  on  the  hill  overlooking 
Martin’s  Ferry,  near  the  old  ancestral  home, 
and  removed  thereto,  although  he  still  con- 
tinued his  practice  in  Wheeling.  Judge  Coch- 
ran has  a large  clientage  in  Martin’s  Ferry  and 
the  eastern  counties  of  the  State,  his  reputation 
as  a fair  and  impartial  adviser  in  complicated 
questions  of  law,  as  well  as  his  knowledge  and 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


475 


experience  of  almost  every  form  of  litigation, 
having  gained  him  increasing  practice  as  the 
years  ha^’e  gone  by.  At  the  recent  election, 
occnrring  November  4,  1902,  Judge  Cochran 
was  elected  Probate  judge  for  Belmont  Coun- 
ty b}'  a majority  of  1,829  votes,  leading  all 
candidates  on  the  Republican  ticket,  whether 
national.  State  or  county. 

On  ]\Iarch  22,  1867,  Ji-'^dge  Cochran  was 
married  to  hlartha  A.  Weldin,  of  St.  Clairs- 
ville,  Ohio,  a native  of  Wheeling,  West  Vir- 
ginia, a daughter  of  Jacob  and  Alice  Weldin, 
both  of  whom  are  deceased.  One  son  was 
born  to  this  union,  Arthur  Weldin,  who  died 
in  infancy.  Both  Judge  Cochran  and  his  wife 
are  valued  members  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church.  In  politics  he  is  an  ardent  member  of 
the  Republican  party,  while  fraternally  he  is 
associated  with  the  Knights  of  the  Maccabees. 


DEWITT  DANFORD,  senior  member 
of  the  law  firm  of  Danford  & Danford,  of 
Bellaire,  Ohio,  is  not  only  a representative 
member  of  his  profession,  but  he  is  also  a 
leading  citizen,  whose  usefulness  in  civic  af- 
fairs was  shown  by  his  election  to  the  posi- 
tion of  president  of  the  City  Council,  and  his 
selection  as  city  solicitor,  for  three  succeed- 
ing terms.  Mr.  Danford  is  a Buckeye,  born 
in  Washington  township,  Belmont  County 
in  1843. 

His  grandfather,  William  Danford,  came 
to  Belmont  County,  with  two  brothers,  in 
1799,  and  he  made  the  first  permanent  set- 
tlement on  Captina  Creek,  the  farm  now  be- 
ing occupied  by  John  Danford.  William 
Danford  died  in  Sandusky  when  his  son  Sam- 
uel was  but  a youth. 

Samuel  Danford,  the  father  of  our  sub- 
ject, was  born  in  Belmont  County  in  1804, 
and  died  in  1899.  By  occupation  he  was 
a farmer,  but  during  the  War  of  the  Rebel- 
lion he  was  a mustering  officer  in  Belmont 
County,  his  father  having  been  in  the  War 
of  1812,  with  the  rank  of  lieutenant.  The 
family  through  three  generations  have  dis- 


played a loyal  spirit  and  have  served  faith- 
fully and  well.  The  mother  of  our  subject 
was  a daughter  of  John  Mechem,  and 
crossed  the  Alleghany  ^Mountains  with  her 
parents  when  she  was  but  two  years  old. 
She  was  born  in  1800  and  died  in  1891. 
Three  sons  and  three  daughters  were  reared 
by  Samuel  Danford  and  wife,  one  son,  our 
subject,  and  two  daughters  still  surviving. 
Lorenzo  Danford,  lately  deceased,  a very 
prominent  citizen  of  Ohio,  was  elected  a 
member  of  Congress  in  1894,  prior  to  which 
year  having  been  a law  partner  with  his 
brother  Dewitt.  Another  brother,  John, 
gave  up  his  life  at  Stone  River,  during  the 
Civil  War. 

In  June,  1861,  Mr.  Danford,  of  this  sketch, 
entered  into  the  service  of  his  country,  enlist- 
ing in  Company  E,  2nd  Virginia  Regiment, 
afterwards  “mounted  infantry,”  and  remained 
in  the  service  for  three  years,  being  mustered 
out  as  a member  of  the  5th  West  Virginia 
Cavalry.  His  regiment  participated  in  many 
engagements  and  skirmishes,  a part  of  the 
time  in  an  independent  brigade,  and  during 
the  winter  of  1863-64  it  was  under  the  com- 
mand of  General  Averill  during  his  raid 
across  the  mountains.  The  last  fight  in 
which  our  subject  took  part  was  at  Floyd 
Mountain,  under  General  Crook. 

Upon  his  return  home,  IMr.  Danford  en- 
tered upon  the  study  of  the  law  at  St.  Clairs- 
ville,  and  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  of  Bel- 
mont County  in  1866,  locating  for  a time 
at  Bellaire.  In  1867  he  took  a trip  to  the 
West,  visitins:  Gentry  County,  Missouri, 
where  he  taught  school  for  a few  months 
and  then  entered  the  offices  of  the  county 
clerk  and  collector,  remaining  so  connected 
for  seven  years.  When  Mr.  Danford  re- 
sumed his  residence  in  Bellaire  he  began  a 
law  practice  in  partnership  with  J.  F.  An- 
derson, which  existed  until  1884,  but  the 
failing  health  of  both  himself  and  wife  made 
removal  to  a farm  a matter  of  importance. 
Three  years  later  he  came  back,  invigorated 
and  in  1887  formed  a law  partnership  with 
his  brother,  Lorenzo  Danford,  which  con- 


476  CENTENNIAL  HISTORY 


tinned  until  the  latter  was  elected  to  Con- 
gress, as  noted  previously. 

In  1874  Mr.  Danford  married  Laura  Cook, 
a daughter  of  Dr.  John  Cook.  She  was  born 
in  1841  at  Richmond,  Jefferson  County, 
Ohio,  but  the  family  removed  to  St.  Clairs- 
ville  some  years  prior  to  her  marriage.  Her 
death  occurred  in  1897,  at  the  age  of  56 
years.  The  one  son  of  this  marriage  was 
born  at  Bellaire  in  1875,  and  is  the  junior 
partner  in  the  firm  of  Danford  & Danford. 
There  are  few  young  men  in  this  city  who 
have  so  (juickly  come  to  the  front  in  public 
life  as  has  Cook  Danford.  He  read  law  for 
two  years  with  his  father,  and  then  spent 
two  years  at  the  Ohio  State  University  in 
the  Law  School,  and  in  1896  was  admitted 
to  the  Ohio  bar.  He  is  serving  his  second 
term  as  city  solicitor.  By  marriage  he  is 
connected  with  the  family  of  John  Timber- 
lake,  prominent  in  Washington  township, 
and  has  one  daughter,  Laura  Elizabeth. 

In  politics  our  subject  is  an  active  Repub- 
lican, and  has  efficiently  served  in  many  local 
offices.  For  a considerable  period  he  was 
a member  of  the  City  Council,  and  a por- 
tion of  the  time  its  president,  and  as  city 
solicitor  he  gave  satisfaction  during  three 
terms.  Mr.  Danford  is  a Methodist  in  re- 
ligious belief.  His  acquaintance  is  large  in 
Bellaire.  and  the  firm  of  Danford  & Danford 
has  the  confidence  of  the  public  in  no  small 
degree. 


HUGH  M.  PICKENS,  who  is  extensively 
engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits  in  his  na- 
tive township,  was  born  September  25,  1833, 
in  Pease  township,  Belmont  County,  Ohio, 
in  his  father’s  cabin  in  the  northern  part  of 
the  township.  He  is  a son  of  John  Clark  and 
Martha  (McConahey)  Pickens,  and  grand- 
son of  William  and  Agnes  (Alexander)  Pick- 
ens. 

William  Pickens,  grandfather  of  our  sub- 
ject, was  born  September  15,  1762,  in  Scot- 
land, and  with  two  of  his  brothers  came  to 
this  country,  locating  in  Maryland.  He  came 


OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


to  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  early  in  the  nine- 
teenth century  and  secured  land  in  the  north- 
ern part  of  Pease  township  from  Robert  and 
Elizabeth  Woods.  It  was  a tract  of  220  acres 
extending  to  the  Jefferson  County  line  and 
located  in  section  33,  township  4,  range  2. 
The  deed  to  this  property  bears  date  of  Oc- 
tober 21,  1821,  and  has  since  been  in  posses- 
sion of  the  Pickens  family.  In  1822  William 
Pickens  built  a house  which  is  still  standing 
and  is  used  now  by  S.  A.  C.  Pickens.  He 
was  a cabinetmaker  by  trade,  also  a mill- 
wright, and  made  doors,  mouldings,  etc.  He 
built  and  conducted  the  first  sawmill  on  Deep 
Run.  Later  he  moved  to  Mount  Pleasant, 
where  he  became  a large  property  holder,  and 
there  he  lived  until  his  death,  April  24,  1841. 
William  Pickens  was  first  married  to  Agnes 
Alexander,  who  was  born  in  Scotland  in 
1762,  came  to  America  in  1771,  and  died 
April  4,  1817.  He  formed  a second  union 
with  Margaret  DeMent,  who  was  born 
August  3,  1779.  By  his  first  wife  he  had  the 
following  children:  Margaret,  born  March 
5,  1790;  Thomas,  born  February  26,  1792; 
James,  born  June  13,  1794;  Ellen,  born  Oc- 
tober 20,  1796;  William,  born  April  10,  1799; 
Janet,  born  November  14,  1801;  Nancy  A., 
born  February  3,  1804;  John  Clark,  born 
August  15,  1806,  and  Alexander,  born 

August  31,  1811. 

John  Clark  Pickens  was  born  in  Pease 
township  and  reared  on  the  home  farm.  He 
purchased  the  farm  now  owned  by  his  son, 
S.  A.  C.  Pickens,  from  the  other  heirs,  and 
died  in  the  residence  where  he  had  lived  from 
the  time  he  was  17  years  of  age.  He 'was 
married  February  9,  1831,  to  Martha  Mc- 
Conahey, who  was  born  April  12,  1807,  at 
Warrenton,  Ohio,  and  died  March  23,  1881. 
Their  children  were  as  follows:  William, 
Hugh  M.,  Margaret  E.,  James  Calvin, 
Thomas  M..  Agnes  Eliza,  Martha  J., 
and  Samuel  A.  C.  William,  who  was 
born  March  7,  1832,  and  died  in  1884, 
married  a daughter  of  Dr.  Caldwell,  who  sur- 
vives him.  They  had  the  following  children: 
Rev.  John,  who  is  a Presbyterian  minister; 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


477 


Hugh,  who  lives  with  his  mother;  Harry, 
who  is  married  and  lives  at  Adena,  Ohio; 
Herbert,  who  is  a druggist  of  Pittsburg; 
Paul,  who  is  in  the  hardware  and  general 
agency  business  at  Colerain;  Mrs.  Maude 
(Dungan),  who  lives  on  a farm  near  New- 
castle, Pennsylvania;  Ora  (Edwards),  de- 
ceased; Bessie,  who  is  at  home,  and  Blanche, 
Walter  and  Sadie,  who  died  young.  James 
Calvin  was  born  April  22,  1838,  and  died  Oc- 
tober 3,  1839.  Margaret  E.,  born  June  9, 
1836,  died  March  i,  1847.  Thomas  M.,  born 
Eebruary  20,  1840,  died  September  20,  1849. 
Agnes  Eliza,  born  April  23,  1843,  widow  of 
Rev.  Dr.  Alexander,  who  died  in  Virginia, 
resides  in  Wheeling.  Martha  J.,  who  was 
born  February  9,  1845,  died  October  28, 
1876. 

Samuel  A.  C.  Pickens  was  born  in  1848  and 
has  resided  on  the  old  home  farm  all  his  life. 
He  owns  a tract  of  181  acres,  and  since  his 
father’s  death  in  1887  has  built  a fine  new 
ten-room  house.  He  was  married  in  1873  to 
Mary  J.  Finney,  a daughter  of  Robert  J.  Fin- 
ney, and  granddaughter  of  Joseph  and  Mary 
(Mitchell)  Finney.  Joseph  Finney  came  to 
Ohio  from  Pennsylvania  early  in  the  nine- 
teenth century.  He  and  his  wife  were  par- 
ents of  the  following  children;  Robert  J., 
John  M.,  who  resides  on  the  old  home  place; 
James  C.,  deceased;  Jane,  who  resides  with 
John;  Elizabeth,  wife  of  George  Parks,  liv- 
ing in  Iowa;  Elizabeth,  deceased,  was  the 
wife  of  William  Darrah,  and  IMargaret  A., 
whose  death  occurred  recently.  Robert  J. 
Finney  was  born  near  Martin’s  Ferry,  Octo- 
ber 9,  1823.  He  married  Rebecca  Gow,  a 
daughter  of  William  Gow,  whose  family  came 
from  Ireland,  and  she  died  December  25, 
1896,  at  the  age  of  69  years.  They  had  twelve 
children,  Margaret  A.,  wife  of  Frank  Jor- 
dan, living  near  Bridgeport;  Mar}^  J.,  bora 
in  1853,  wife  of  Samuel  A.  C.  Pickens; 
Louise,  wife  of  I.  N.  Talbot  of  Martin’s  Fer- 
rv;  Janette  C.,  who  is  at  home:  William  J., 
who  married  Emma  West  and  lives  in  Pease 
township;  Joseph  A.,  who  married  Eva 
Shears  and  lives  in  Pease  township;  Laura 


R.,  wife  of  Dr.  Burdette  of  Burgetstown, 
Pennsylvania;  one  who  died  in  infancy;  Rob- 
ert L.,  who  married  Jane  McCune  and  re- 
sides in  Pease  township;  Val  L,  wife  of  W. 
Taylor  of  Pease  township,  and  John  C.,  who 
is  single  and  lives  at  home.  Samuel  A.  C. 
Pickens  and  wife  have  five  children,  as  fol- 
lows: Elmer  E.,  Mattie  I.,  Robert  C.,  Ada 
R.  and  Mary  E. 

Hugh  M.  Pickens  was  reared  on  the  farm 
now  owned  by  S.  A.  C.  Pickens  and  lived 
there  until  his  marriage  in  1857.  He  started 
for  himself  and  lived  on  a farm  near  the  old 
home  place  for  some  years,  then  was  located 
on  a farm  near  Mount  Pleasant  for  a period 
of  eleven  years.  Disposing  of  that  place,  he 
moved  to  Scotch  Ridge,  in  Pease  township, 
where  he  continued  until  1882,  when  he  pur- 
chased and  located  upon  his  present  home 
farm  on  the  Burlington  Pike,  about  four 
miles  northwest  of  Martin’s  Ferry.  He  is 
a very  prosperous  farmer  and  one  of  the  re- 
spected citizens  of  his  section. 

December  24,  1857,  Hugh  M.  Pickens  was 
joined  in  the  bonds  of  matrimony  with  Mar- 
garet M.  Jamison,  who  was  born  in  Harrison 
County,  Ohio,  December  23,  1841,  and  is  a 
daughter  of  Alexander  and  Mary  Jamison, 
both  of  whom  are  deceased.  Thirteen  chil- 
dren have  blessed  this  union:  Martha  Ada, 
born  August  23,  1839,  died  September  8, 
1864:  James  Alexander,  born  March  2,  1861, 
died  September  19,  1863:  Mary  Margaret, 
born  September  29,  1862,  died  September  6, 
1864:  John  Ross,  born  Julv  21,  1863,  resides 
in  Denver,  Colorado:  William  Clark,  a twin 
brother  of  John  Ross,  is  employed  in  the 
large  department  store  of  Stone  & Thomas 
at  Wheeling:  Barclay  Jamison,  born  June 
18,  1867,  is  employed  at  the  Hub  clothing 
store  at  Wheeling:  Samuel  McConahey. 

born  April  4,  1869,  died  July  29,  1870;  Athel- 
bert  Hueh,  born  February  7,  1871,  married 
Nevada  Darrah  and  resides  with  our  subject; 
a son,  born  February  17,  1873.  died  on  Octo- 
ber 3 of  that  year:  a daughter,  also  born 
February  17,  1873,  died  on  June  20,  1873: 
Martha  Jane,  born  August  4,  1876,  married 


478 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


William  Irwin  and  resides  at  Steubenville, 
Ohio, — they  have  a son,  Hugh  P.;  Agnes 
Jamison,  born  March  i6,  1873,  is  the  wife  of 
Walker  McConnell,  a farmer  near  Steuben- 
ville,— they  have  one  child,  Mai'y  T.,  born 
in  September,  1902;  Lizzie  Lawton,  born 
May  26,  1880,  is  the  only  child  at  home  with 
our  subject  and  his  wife.  Seven  of  the  chil- 
dren, with  their  families,  are  members  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  which  the  Pickens  fam- 
ily has  always  favored. 


DR.  P.  E.  HEPLER,  prominent  as  a physi- 
cian and  surgeon  in  Bridgeport,  Ohio,  as  a man 
of  discreet  judgment,  skilled  in  the  profession 
he  has  chosen  for  his  life-work,  is  an  essential 
citizen  of  Bridgeport.  He  is  a son  of  Jesse  and 
Elizabeth  (Money)  Hepler,  both  natives  of 
Clarion  County,  Pennsylvania,  and  descended 
from  old  and  well-known  families  of  that  State. 

Mr.  Hepler,  father  of  our  subject,  is  now  a 
retired  farmer,  residing  at  Fairmount  City, 
Pennsylvania,  and  reached  his  seventy-eighth 
milestone  on  May  20,  1902.  His  marriage 
with  Elizabeth  Money  resulted  in  three  chil- 
dren, Dr.  A.  J.,  Margaret,  and  Dr.  P.  E.,  our 
subject.  For  years,  the  parents  were  promi- 
nent, working  members  of  the  German  Reform 
Church.  A.  J.  Hepler  is  now  a leading  physi- 
cian and  surgeon  in  New  Bethlehem,  Pennsyl- 
vania, and  is  examining  physician  on  theUnited 
States  pension  board,  and  also  occupies  the 
position  of  president  of  one  of  the  banks  of 
the  city.  His  enterprise  and  activity  in  business 
affairs  are  a credit  to  his  ability  and  spirit  as  a 
citizen.  Margaret  Hepler  married  Gabriel 
Stallman,  a resident  of  Limestone,  Pennsylva- 
nia, who  is  extensively  engaged  as  a farmer. 
The  mother  of  these  children  is  still  living  and 
was  67  years  old,  June  18,  1902. 

Like  his  parents,  our  subject  is  a native  of 
Clarion  County,  Pennsylvania,  and  was  born 
May  10,  1872.  His  educational  advantages 
were  many,  he  being  a student  at  the  Clarion 
State  Normal  School  at  first,  subsequently 
taking  a course  at  the  Western  University  of 


Pennsylvania,  and  afterward  attending  a uni- 
versity in  Tennessee,  and  graduating  in  a class 
of  twenty-two  members  in  1895. 

Dr.  Hepler,  then  a full-fledged  physician 
and  surgeon,  chose  Fairmount,  Clarion  County, 
Pennsylvania,  as  his  first  held  of  labor  and  en- 
joyed a good  practice  until  his  removal  from 
there  to  Bridgeport,  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  in 
1895,  where  he  has  since  been  most  successful, 
and  the  general  practice  which  he  has  built  up 
in  this  city  should  be  a credit  and  honor  to  the 
ability  and  purpose  of  any  physician. 

Our  subject  is  still  enjoying  a life  of  single 
blessedness.  In  fraternal  circles  he  affiliates 
with  a large  number  of  organizations,  and  is 
also  examiner  for  some  of  the^m,  among  them 
the  A.  O.  U.  W.,  the  Patriotic  Order  of  Sons 
of  America,  Knights  of  the  Golden  Eagle,  and 
both  Junior  and  Senior  orders  of  the  United 
American  Mechanics.  In  religious  belief  he  is 
a member  of  the  German  Reform'  Church. 

The  Doctor  stands  high  both  as  a citizen  and 
as  a practitioner.  He  is  a gentleman  of  cour- 
teous, refined  bearing,  the  picture  of  health  and 
strength,  is  well  read  in  his  profession  and  the 
literature  of  the  day,  and  takes  great  interest 
in  what  is  daily  taking  place. 


ALLEN  BAILEY,  a progressive  farmer 
and  dairyman,  of  Warren  township,  Belmont 
Count}%  Ohio,  is  also  one  of  the  county’s  most 
substantial  and  reliable  citizens,  highly  - es- 
teemed for  his  integrity  wherever  known. 

The  birth  of  Allen  Bailey  took  place  on  June 
II,  1859,  in  Goshen  township,  Belmont  Coun- 
ty, one  of  the  seven  children  born  to  Jesse  and 
Asenath  (Patterson)  Bailey,  three  of  whom 
still  survive.  Our  subject  was  reared  and 
educated  in  Goshen  township  and  still  owns  a 
valuable  farm  of  100  acres  in  that  township. 
Since  1889  he  has  resided  in  Warren  township 
and  here  owns  a farm  of  150  acres,  devoting 
much  attention  to  dairying  interests,  in  con- 
nection with  extensive  farming. 

The  marriage  of  Mr.  Bailey  took  place  in 
1880,  to  Eva  L.  Patterson,  a daughter  of 


iC  ■ 

■ ^ ' 


r 


E.  E.  McCOMBS. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


481 


David  Patterson,  a carpenter  by  trade,  and  a 
member  of  one  of  the  highly  respected  county 
families.  The  children  born  to  this  marriage 
are:  Ethel  E.,  Clifford  J.,  Ernest  D.,  Edna 

A.,  Mary  A.,  Dorothy  and  George  Wilson. 
Our  subject  and  family  are  all  members  of  the 
Society  of  Eriends.  For  several  years  Mr. 
Bailey  has  served  on  the  School  Board,  and  be- 
longs to  the  Grange,  taking  a deep  interest  in 
the  movement.  His  political  opinions  make  his 
vote  an  independent  one,  bound  by  no  party 
tie.  His  Warren  township  farm  is  the  one 
formerly  owned  by  Hon.  AVilliam  Bundy,  and 
is  known  to  he  one  of  the  most  valuable  in 
this  part  of  the  county.  Mr.  Bailey,  as  previ- 
ously mentioned,  is  a man  who  is  held  in  the 
highest  esteem,  and  has  a wide  circle  of 
friends. 


E.  E.  McCOMBS,  attorney-at-law  and  no- 
tary public  at  Martin’s  Ferry,  Belmont  County, 
Ohio,  is  president  of  the  German  Savings  Bank 
Company  and  president  of  the  School  Board. 
His  parents  were  Hiram  M.  and-  Sarah  kl. 
(Kemple)  IMcCombs,  natives  of  West  Vir- 
ginia, and  our  subject  was  born  August  23, 
i860,  in  Marshall  County,  West  Virginia. 

Hiram-  M.  McCombs  followed  agricultural 
pursuits  in  West  Virginia  until  1877  and  then 
located  near  Mount  Pleasant,  Jefferson  Coun- 
ty, Ohio,  where  he  lived  until  1880,  when  he 
moved  to  Martin’s  Ferry  and  was  interested  in 
the  grain  and  feed  business  until  he  went  on 
the  farm  previous  to  being  again  engaged  in 
the  grain  and  feed  busines  with  his  son.  Mr. 
McCombs  never  held  office,  hut  was  often  of 
service  in  helping  his  friends  to  office.  He  and 
his  wife  were  active  members  of  the  Presby- 
terian Church  in  West  Virginia,  before  com- 
ing to  Ohio,  and  he  served  quite  a while  as 
deacon.  His  death  took  place  January  2,  1894, 
hut  his  widow  still  survives,  a much  respected 
resident  of  Martin’s  Ferry,  where  she  makes 
her  home  with  her  son,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch.  She  was  the  mother  of  five  children,  as 
follows : Charles  W. : Ida  Bell,  who  died  in 


1881 ; E.  E. ; Etta  A.,  wife  of  G .G.  Sedgwick, 
postmaster  of  Martin’s  Ferry;  and  Bessie  A., 
who  died  at  the  early  age  of  five  years  in  1882, 
a few  months  after  the  death  of  Ida  Bell. 

The  common  schools  of  West  A’irginia  and 
Ohio  furnished  our  subject  with  the  education 
he  possessed  prior  to  his  locating  in  IMartin’s 
Ferry,  where  he  was  graduated  from  the  High 
School  in  the  class  of  1883.  Shortly  after  this, 
he  accepted  a position  as  bookkeeper  and  teller 
in  the  Exchange  Bank,  now  known  as  the  Peo- 
ple’s Savings  Bank,  and  there  remained  for 
about  two  and  a half  years,  at  which  time  he 
decided  to  study  law.  Securing  a certificate, 
he  taught  school  for  one  year  and  read  law,  and 
finally  enrolled  himself  among  the  students  in 
the  law  school  at  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  in  1887. 
He  was  graduated  in  the  class  of  1890,  and 
was  admitted  to  the  bar  May  29,  1890.  He 
immediately  opened  an  office  in  Martin’s  Ferry, 
and  has  met  with  success  in  building  up  a good 
practice.  He  has  been  identified  with  quite  a 
number  of  important  cases  so  far  in  his  career, 
but  prefers  office  rather  than  court  practice. 
He  was  early  admitted  to  practice  in  the  State 
and  Federal  courts.  He  has  identified  himself 
with  many  of  tlie  leading  interests  of  the  city, 
and  is  held  in  the  highest  regard. 

January  15,  1891,  kir.  McCombs  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Cassie  B.  Chandler,  a native 
of  Belmont  County,  and  a daughter  of  the  late 
Joseph  S.  and  Therza  H.  (Hogg)  Chandler. 
Her  father  was  for  many  years  a prominent 
citizen  of  Mount  Pleasant,  Ohio,  and  was  a 
weaver  by  trade.  Mr.  and  klrs.  McCombs 
have  two  children,  Frank  H.  and  Ralph  E.  In 
religion  they  are  Presbyterians. 

Mr.  jMcComhs  has  never  cared  for  office  and 
the  one  he  now  holds  as  president  of  the  School 
Board  is  the  only  one  he  has  ever  accepted.  He 
has  now  served  three  years  as  a member  and 
two  years  as  president.  For  three  years  prior 
to  becoming  a member  of  the  hoard,  he  held  the 
office  of  president  of  the  City  Board  of  School 
Examiners,  hut  when  he  accepted  the  former 
he  resigned  the  latter  office.  In  fraternal  cir- 
cles he  is  a Mason,  being  past  worshipful  mas- 
ter of  the  blue  lodge,  past  high  priest  of  Bel- 


482 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


mont  Cha])ter,  and  a meml^er  of  the  council, 
coniinandcry  and  shrine.  In  politics  he  is  a 
l\epnl)lican  of  decided  opinions.  He  is  classed 
among'  the  county’s  most  worthy  citizens. 


JOHN  H.  McGRAW,  associated  with 
J.  W.  Jones,  under  the  firm  name  of  Jones 
& McGraw,  is  a representative  citizen  of  Bel- 
laire,  Ohio,  in  every  respect.  The  firm  do  a 
most  flourishing-  business  and  have  the  most 
extensive  contracts  in  the  city,  in  the  build- 
ing line,  and  are  well  known  throughout  this 
section  of  Ohio.  Mr.  McGraw  is  a son  of 
James  and  Sarah  (McCracken)  McGraw,  his 
birth  occurring  in  the  vicinity  of  High  Ridge 
Church. 

James  McGraw  was  a native  of  Ireland, 
and  was  born  in  1848  in  County  Antrim. 
He  was  also  a contractor  and  builder  by 
trade,  and  an  excellent  workman.  He  was 
united  in  matrimony  with  Sarah  McCracken, 
who  was  also  born  in  Ireland  and  left  her 
native  countiy  at  the  age  of  six  years.  Mr. 
McGraw  was  located  at  first  in  Pittsburg, 
Pennsylvania,  but  later  removed  to  Belmont 
County,  where  he  remained  until  his  death 
in  April,  1893,  at  the  age  of  79  years.  His 
wife  departed  this  life  some  years  before,  in 
June,  t88o,  and  left  a number  of  children  to 
mourn  her  loss.  Their  union  resulted  in 
eight  children,  of  whom  the  following  are 
yet  living:  William,  who  is  a farmer  and 

justice  of  the  peace  in  Colerain  township; 
Robert,  of  Coffey  County,  Kansas;  Marga- 
ret (Egan),  living  in  Moundsville,  West  Vir- 
ginia; Sarah,  who  is  the  wife  of  A.  J. 
Keyser,  residing  near  Flushing,  Belmont 
County;  and  John  H.  The  father  of  these 
children  was  a thorough  Democrat  and  es- 
teemed as  a dutiful  and  useful  citizen. 

John  H.  McGraw  spent  his  boyhood  days 
on  the  home  place  in  Colerain  township,  re- 
sidiiig  there  until  he  became  20  years  of  age, 
when  he  chose  contracting  for  his  business 
through  life  and  immediately  started  to 
work  with  an  uncle,  William  McGraw.  For 


the  past  13  years  he  has  met  with  unbounded 
good  fortune  in  his  business  life,  and  the 
firm  of  which  he  is  a member  have  charge 
of  probably  90  per  cent,  of  the  building  done 
in  Bellaire,  this  speaking  volumes  for  their 
promptness,  splendid  work,  and  strict  atten- 
tion to  business.  They  employ  about  20 
men  regularly  and  by  kind,  but  firm,  dealings 
with  the  workmen  Mr.  McGraw  not  only 
obtains  the  best  results  in  the  work  but  con- 
tinues in  their  good  will  and  respect.  The 
numerous  large  contracts  which  he  under- 
takes are  filled  to  the  letter,  and  thus  he 
has  the  best  wishes  and  commendation  of 
all  citizens.  All  his  life  has  been  spent  in 
Belmont  County,  and  the  past  23  years  he 
has  lived  in  Bellaire. 

Mr.  McGraw  was  united  in  marriage 
bonds  with  Emma  Nelson,  who  was  born 
in  Belmont  County,  and  they  have  a family 
of  five  children,  as  follows:  William  and 
Robert,  attending  school,  and  John,  Anna, 
and  Herbert,  who  are  still  at  home,  the  fam- 
ily residence  being  located  at  No.  4324 
Noble  street.  The  preference  in  religious 
matters  is  given  to  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church,  of  which  our  subject  is  now  serving 
as  trustee.  Politically  he  is  nearly  always 
a supporter  of  the  Democratic  party,  but 
votes  for  the  man  he  considers  the  best  for 
the  place.  In  fraternal  circles  he  belongs 
to  Black  Prince  Lodge  of  the  Knights  of 
Pythias. 


FRED  NEININGER,  mayor  of  the  city  of 
Bridgeport,  has  led  a wonderfully  active  life 
in  business  affairs  all  over  his  township  and 
countv.  He  is  engaged  in  the  butcher  business 
in  Bridgeport,  being  the  oldest  in  that  business 
in  town,  and  is  a stockholder  in  the  Hide  & 
Tallow  Association,  and  in  the  Union  Opera 
House  of  Bridgeport,  Ohio. 

Our  subject  is  a son  of  John  and  Lucia 
(Gaus)  Neininger.  and  was  born  June  15, 
1857,  claiming  Wheeling,  West  Virginia,  as  his 
birthplace.  His  father  and  mother  were  na- 
tives of  Germany  and  emigrated  to  the  United 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


483 


States  and  conducted  a hotel  at  Wheeling.  In 
1865  John  settled  in  Bridgeport,  and  started 
in  business  as  a grocer  and  later  embarked  in 
the  wholesale  lic[Uor  business  in  which  he  con- 
tinued until  his  death  at  the  age  of  forty-five 
years,  in  1871.  His  wife  has  now  reached  the 
age  of  sixty-nine  years  and  is  still  numbered 
among  the  inhabitants  of  Bridgeport.  She  and 
her  husband  had  five  children,  our  subject  be- 
ing the  second.  They  are : Emma,  now  the 

wife  of  Elias  Williams,  of  Wellsville,  Ohio ; 
Fred  (subject)  ; Bertha,  now  Mrs.  Fred  Del-' 
man  of  Bridgeport ; Joseph,  working  in  the 
mills  at  Columbus,  Ohio;  and  Louis,  who  died 
at  the  early  age  of  twenty  years. 

Fred  Neininger  received  his  education 
in  the  schools  of  Bridgeport,  and  at  the  close  of 
those  delightful  days  learned  the  trade  of  a 
butcher,  and  worked  as  a journeyman  for 
thirteen  years.  He  then  embarked  in  the  butch- 
er business  in  Bridgeport  and  was  for  six  )^ears 
president  of  the  Wheeling  Butchers’  Protec- 
tive Association.  Fie  is  a charter  member  of 
the  Hide  & Tallow  Association,  and  interested 
in  many  other  business  enterprises. 

September  5,  1878,  our  subject  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Louisa  Cedars,  a native  of 
Germany,  and  they  have  five  children:  viz., 
Lucia,  a bookkeeper  and  t3qDewriter;  Eva,  a 
member  of  the  class  of  1902  of  the  Bridgeport 
High  School;  Fred,  Dora  M.,  and  Ada.  The 
entire  family  are  members  of  the  English 
Lutheran  Church,  and  attend  services  regular- 

ly- 

Mr.  Neininger  is  a Democrat  in  politics  and 
takes  a lively  interest  in  township  and  county 
affairs.  In  1892  he  was  elected  councilman, 
and  his  service  in  this  line  was  so  satisfactory 
that  in  1894  he  was  re-elected.  In  1896  he  was 
elected  to  the  position  of  treasurer,  and  served 
with  credit  until  1898,  when  he  became  a candi- 
date for  mayor  of  Bridgeport  and  was  elected, 
serving  until  the  close  of  the  nineteenth  cen- 
tury, and  was  re-elected  to  start  the  new  cen- 
tury. While  fulfilling  his  duties  as  treasurer  he 
ran  for  county  commissioner  on  the  Demo- 
cratic ticket,  and  ran  1028  votes  ahead  of  the 
ticket.  All  the  Republicans  elected  had  a ma- 


jority of  1600  with  the  exception  of  the  op- 
ponent of  our  subject  who  had  only  412  ma- 
jorit}'  and  this  alone  speaks  well  for  our  sub- 
ject’s popularity  not  only  with  the  Democrats, 
but  lilcewise  with  the  Republicans. 

In  fraternal  circles  Mr.  Neininger  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  also  affiliates 
with  the  Elks.  He  is  a progressive  and  up-to- 
date  man  and  evidently  believes  firmly  in  twen- 
tieth century  progress. 


ELLIS  P.  LEE,  editor  and  publisher  of  the 
Banicsvillc  Enterprise,  which  is  one  of  the 
leading  local  papers  of  Eastern  Ohio,  was 
horn  in  Berks  County,  Pennsylvania,  August 
16,  1842,  and  is  a son  of  James  and  Lydia 
Lee,  of  Berks  Count}o 

Mr.  Lee  was  born  in  the  same  house  (which 
is  still  standing)  in  which  Daniel  Boone  was 
born,  and  by  intermarriage  of  his  ancestors 
with  the  Boone  family  is  distantly  related  to 
the  noted  Kentucky  hunter.  He  can  also  trace 
his  ancestors  back  more  than  fifteen  hundred 
years,  by  the  marriage  of  his  great-grand- 
father to  the  daughter  of  Edward  and  Eleanor 
Foulke,  descendants  of  the  royal  families  of 
England  and  Wales.  The  genealogical  tables 
of  the  Foulke  family  show  different  lines  of 
descent  from  about  300  A.  D.,  through  Ed- 
ward L,  William  the  Conqueror,  and  the  va- 
rious kings  of  Great  Britain,  down  to  the  time 
the  Foulkes  came  to  this  country  in  1698  and 
settled  at  Gwynedd,  Pennsylvania. 

In  1861  klr.  Lee  graduated  with  honor  from 
Westtown  Boarding  School,  the  well-known 
school  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  near  West- 
chester, Pennsylvania,  and  then  engaged  in 
teaching  school  in  his  native  county,  later  fol- 
lowing this  profession  in  Columbiana  County, 
Ohio.  Air.  Lee  sul^sequently  took  a commer- 
cial course  and  graduated  from  Crittenden’s 
Commercial  College,  in  Philadelphia:  in  1867 
he  mor^ed  to  Barnes\dlle  where  he  entered  the 
First  National  Bank  as  its  bookkeeper,  and 
was  later  placed  in  the  responsible  position  of 
cashier.  His  faithful  and  efficient  service  in 
this  capacity  continued  through  nine  years,  and 


484 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


u])on  resigning  this  position  he  engaged,  for 
a short  time,  in  tlie  nursery  Ixisiness. 

It  was  in  1878  that  Mr.  Lee  first  became 
connected  with  the  BarncsviUe  Enterprise,  en- 
tering as  its  foreman  and  local  editor,  and  it 
was  soon  realized  hy  himself  and  friends  that 
this  congenial  work  promised  great  success. 
In  October,  1888,  Mr.  Lee  and  wife  purchased 
the  property  and  good  will,  and  under  their 
management  the  paper  has  gained  in  popularity 
until  at  present  it  is  a welcome  visitor  in  almost 
every  home  in  the  city.  Mr.  Lee  has  shown 
excellent  business  ability  and  is  a writer  of 
force  and  character;  he  is  able  to  present  the 
local  news  in  most  pleasing  form,  and  vigor- 
ously champions  all  progressive  and  laudable 
enterprises.  In  his  work  he  is  ably  assisted 
by  the  talented  lady  who  is  his  wife. 

In  1869  Mr.  Lee  Avas  united  in  marriage 
with  Octa  M.  Dove,  who  is  a daughter  of  John 
and  Maria  Dove,  both  of  whom  are  natives 
of  Maryland,  and  were  among  the  early  settlers 
in  Barnesville.  Two  children  were  born  to  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Lee,  namely:  Laura  D.,  who  died 

in  1883,  and  Charles  E.,  who  resides  with  his 
])arents.  Roth  our  subject  and  wife  are  active 
members  of  the  Methodist  Church  and  are 
prominent  in  the  social  life  of  the  city.  For  a 
number  of  years  Mr.  Lee  has  been  a member  of 
the  Masonic  fraternity,  and  belongs  to  Friend- 
ship Lodge,  No.  89,  F.  & A.  M.,  and  Barnes- 
ville Chapter,  No.  69,  R.  A.  M. 


CARLOS  A.  SMITH,  proprietor  of  the 
United  States  Steam  Laundry,  which-  is  the 
finest  establishment  of  its  kind  in  Bellaire, 
( )hio,  has  had  20  years’  experience  in  the 
laundry  business.  He  spent  12  years  in  the 
service  of  the  Bellaire  Steam  Laundry,  on 
Guernsey  street,  which  was  then  owned  by 
his  father,  George  C.  Smith,  who  taught  him 
all  the  details  of  the  business.  Our  subject 
first  started  into  business  for  himself  on  the 
east  side  of  the  park,  but  afterward  secured 
a lot  on  the  corner  of  Noble  street  and  Cen- 
tral avenue,  and  constructed  his  present 


plant  in  1893.  The  building  is  strictly  a 
modern  one,  constructed  of  brick  and  meas- 
ures about  42  feet  by  60  feet.  It  is  a one- 
story  building  and  is  equipped  with  the  lat- 
est and  most  improved  machinery.  In  the 
rear  part  of  the  building  are  the  engine  and 
boiler,  the  former  being  of  10  H.  P.  and  the 
latter  20  H.  P.  These  furnish  the  power 
which  operates  all  the  machinery.  Mr.  Smith 
personally  superintends  all  work,  and  having 
such  facilities  for  turning  out  good  work, 
he  naturally  secures  the  “lion’s  share”  of  the 
business.  In  addition,  he  has  a fine  suburban 
trade,  embracing  New  Concord,  Cameron, 
Barnesville,  and  other  surrounding  towns. 
He  employs  from  17  to  20  workmen  and 
guarantees  satisfaction  to  his  customers. 

Mr.  Smith  was  born  at  Mount  Zion,  Bel- 
mont County,  Ohio,  in  October,  1861.  His 
father,  George  C.  Smith,  was  an  early  resi- 
dent of  Belmont  County,  and  was  a black- 
smith by  trade,  but  the  latter  years  of  his 
life  were  spent  in  the  laundry  business,  own- 
and  operating,  as  he  did,  the  Bellaire  Steam 
Laundry.  He  died  in  September,  1901,  aged 
68  years.  Our  subject’s  mother  is  also  a 
native  of  Belmont  County,  having  been  born 
near  Jacobsburg.  Her  maiden  name  was 
Nancy  Snively,  and  at  this  writing  she  re- 
sides in  Bellaire.  Besides  our  subject,  she 
has  two  other  sons  and  four  daughters,  as 
follows;  F.  B.  of  Cleveland;  E.  R.;  Mrs. 
Alice  Groves  of  Pennsylvania;  Mrs.  James 
Johnson,  whose  husband  was  formerly  city 
marshal  of  Bellaire;  Meda,  and  Margaret. 

Mr.  Smith  has  a fine  modern  residence  at 
No.  3354  Guernsey  street,  which  he  pur- 
chased some  time  ago  and  remodeled.  His 
marriage  with  Kate  Schick,  of  Belmont 
County,  resulted  in  the  birth  of  three  chil- 
dren, viz.:  Beulah,  Lily,  and  Carlos  A.,  Jr. 

In  his  political  preferment  our  subject  is  a 
Democrat,  and  socially  is  a Mason,  and  a 
member  of  Black  Prince  Lodge,  Knights  of 
Pythias;  D.  O.  K.  K.;  B.  P.  O.  E.,  and  Royal 
Arcanum.  The  family  attend  services  at 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  of  which 
they  are  members.  Mr.  Smith  is  uniformly 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


485 


popular  in  his  community,  and  his  straight- 
forward business  methods  have  brought  suc- 
cess which  he  deserves.  Having  discharged 
his  duties  in  a manner  above  criticism,  he 
has  acc[uired  the  approval  not  only  of  pa- 
trons, but  of  all  who  are  in  any  way  con- 
nected with  his  establishment.  He  is  a 
member  of  the  national,  Ohio  State  and 
local  laundrymen  associations. 


HON.  CHARLES  J.  HOWARD,  one  of 
the  leading  attorneys  of  Belmont  County,  Ohio, 
who  has  ably  represented  the  county  in  the 
State  Legislature  for  two  terms,  and  is  now 
serving  the  city  of  Barnesville  as  attorney,  is 
one  of  the  brilliant  young  men  of  this  locality 
wdio  give  promise  of  sustaining  the  proud  repu- 
tation wdiich  Ohio  now  holds  in  the  Sisterhood 
of  States. 

Hon.  Charles  J.  Howard  was  born  in 
Barnesville,  on  March  26,  1862,  a son  of  Al- 
bertus  and  Mary  L.  (Fry)  How^ard,  who  had 
a family  of  three  children  born  to  them.  Al- 
bertus  How-ard  was  the  youngest  of  a family 
of  seven  children  and  w-as  a native  of  Mary- 
land. His  father  moved  to  Belmont  County 
and  died  when  his  son  was  about  four  years 
of  age,  leaving  him  amnle  means  which  he 
used,  later  in  life,  in  extensive  tobacco  opera- 
tions, continuing  the  shipping  of  tobacco  ever 
since. 

Mr.  Howard  of  this  biography  was  afforded 
excellent  educational  advantages,  his  comple- 
tion of  the  common  and  high  school  course, 
in  Barnesville,  being  followed  by  his  attend- 
ance at  the  Ohio  State  LTniversity.  Selecting 
the  law  as  a profession,  he  began  his  reading 
with  Collins  & Smith,  and  in  1883  entered 
the  Cincinnati  Law  School,  wdrere  he  graduated 
in  the  same  year  and  located  in  his  native  city. 
His  ability  soon  brought  him  into  prominence, 
and  in  1895  he  \vas  elected  to  the  State  Legis- 
lature, and  in  1897  approval  of  his  course  was 
shown  by  a re-election.  His  record  while  in 
the  House  is  one  reflecting  credit  upon  him- 
self and  his  constituency.  He  has  ably  served 
the  city  as  attorney  for  several  terras  and 


his  prospects  are  bright  for  higher  political 
honors.  His  interest  in  educational  matters 
caused  him  to  give  them  time  and  atten- 
tion on  the  School  Board,  and  all  matters  of 
public  moment  promising  to  benefit  this  locali- 
ty are  sure  of  his  interest.  Mr.  Howard  is 
both  a Mason  and  a Knight  of  Pythias,  in  his 
fraternal  connection,  wliile  in  religious  mat- 
ters, he  belongs  to  the  Presbyterian  denomina- 
tion and  is  superintendent  of  the  Sunda}^- 
school  at  the  present  time. 


JOHN  R.  GOW,  the  efficient  postmaster 
of  Bellaire,  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  is  now' 
serving  his  second  term  in  that  office,  and  is 
well  know'll  throughout  the  city  as  a busi- 
ness man  and  enterprising  citizen.  Mr. 
Gow’s  parents  have  both  been  dead  some 
years,  and  he  has  practically  spent  his  life 
in  Belmont  County. 

The  early  boyhood  days  of  Mr.  Gow  were 
passed  upon  a farm  near  Martin’s  Ferry, 
Ohio,  and  it  was  in  that  city  that  he  filled  his 
first  position  as  a boy  in  the  new'spaper  busi- 
ness. He  was  just  16  years  of  age  when  he  was 
engaged  in  the  office  of  the  “Ohio  Valley 
New's,”  and  this  position  he  held  w'ith  good 
results  for  a number  of  years,  but  in  1875-76 
he  removed  to  Bellaire,  where,  associated 
W'ith  others,  he  conducted  the  “Bellaire 
Leader’’  for  four  years,  making  it  a bri  ght, 
newsy  sheet,  reading  matter  well  selected, 
editorials  good,  and  local  new’S  admirably 
presented,  Follow'ing  this,  he  was  elected 
city  clerk  and  held  the  office  16  years,  until 
he  received  the  appointment  of  postmaster 
from  President  IMcKinley.  He  took  charge 
of  his  duties  at  the  Post  Office  in  April, 
1898,  and  was  re-appointed  in  April,  1902, 
by  President  Roosevelt,  to  the  satisfaction 
of  the  people  of  his  community. 

Our  subject  has  one  son,  Robert  C.,  who 
w'as  educated  at  Bellaire  and  also  spent  two 
years  at  Kenyon  College,  Gambler,  Ohio. 
He  is  now'  21  years  of  age  and  is  employed 
by  the  Bellaire  Bottle  Company.  Mr.  Gow 
is  identified  w'ith  many  business  enterprises 


486 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY 


of  Bellaire,  among  which  are  tlae  following: 
He  is  a director  of  the  First  National  Bank 
of  Bellaire,  of  the  Enterprise  Enamel  Com- 
pany, and  of  the  Bellaire  Bottle  Works.  He 
is  a Presbyterian  in  religious  faith,  having 
been  reared  as  such. 

Socially  Mr.  Gow  affiliates  with  the  Ma- 
sonic fraternity,  having  passed  through  all 
the  chairs  of  the  blue  lodge  and  chapter  of 
Bellaire,  and  of  Hope  Commandery,  K.  T., 
at  St.  Clairsville. 


WILLIAM  SIDDALL,  the  well-known 
master  mechanic  at  the  Bellaire  Works  of  the 
National  Steel  Company,  came  to  this  city 
in  Eebruary,  1899,  from  Duquesne,  Penn- 
sylvania, to  accept  this  responsible  position, 
and  has  charge  of  all  the  mechanical  part  of 
this  large  plant. 

By  birth  Mr.  Siddall  is  an  Englishman, 
born  in  1867  in  Birmingham,  the  great  in- 
dustrial center,  where  his  father  was  a skilled 
machinist  and  where  he  served  the  rigorous 
apprenticeship  demanded  in  his  native  coun- 
try. Seeing  wider  opportunities  in  America 
for  skilled  labor,  Mr.  Siddall  at  the  age  of  21 
years,  in  1888,  crossed  the  Atlantic  and  lo- 
cated first  at  Cleveland.  There  and  in  other 
localities  Mr.  Siddall  has  continued  in  his 
line  of  work.  Eor  a time  he  was  located  at 
Columbus,  Ohio,  and  there  entered  the  State 
University,  where  he  took  a special  course  in 
mechanical  engineering.  After  completing 
the  same  he  accepted  the  position  of  chief 
engineer  of  the  Duquesne  Mills,  from  which 
he  was  promoted  to  that  of  assistant  master 
mechanic,  which  he  resigned  in  order  to  ac- 
cept the  still  more  desirable  one  which  he 
so  ably  fills  at  the  present  time. 

In  1899  Mr.  Siddall  was  united  in  mar- 
riage with  a daughter  of  the  well-known  con- 
tractor, J.  W.  Jones,  of  Bellaire,  and  they 
have  one  daughter,  Ella.  His  fine  home  was 
completed  in  the  spring  of  1902  and  is  lo- 
cated at  No.  4145  Harrison  street,  and  is  a 
model  of  convenience  and  the  first  of  its 
style  of  architecture  in  the  city. 


OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Politically,  Mr.  Siddall  is  identified  with 
the  Republican  party,  while  fraternally  be 
belongs  to  a number  of  organizations,  nota- 
bly the  Knights  of  Pythias  of  Cleveland,  and 
since  1891  Newburg  Masonic  Lodge  of 
Cleveland,  Baker  Chapter  of  Cleveland, 
and  Scioto  Consistory  of  Columbus. 
Mrs.  Siddall  is  a member  of  the  Metho- 
dist Church,  and  is  a lady  of  social  culture. 
Mr.  Siddall  stands  high  in  his  profession  and 
commands  both  the  esteem  and  confidence 
of  his  employers  as  well  as  of  the  employees. 


WILLIAM  A.  WOODS,  a prominent 
farmer  and  dairyman  of  Pease  township,  Bel- 
mont County,  Ohio,  is  not  only  one  of  its 
most  substantial  citizens,  but  also  one  of  its 
most  reliable  and  respected  men.  He  is  a 
native  of  Pease  township,  and  was  born  in 
1861,  a son  of  John  Woods,  of  whom  ex- 
tended mention  is  made  in  the  sketch  of 
James  Woods. 

Mr.  Woods  grew  to  manhood,  attending 
the  district  schools  and  assisting  in  the  farm 
work  and  also  helping  in  busy  times  in  the 
neighborhood.  One  year  after  marriage  he 
worked  for  his  father  and  then  operated  one 
of  the  latter’s  farms,  according  to  arrange- 
ment, working  on  shares.  Mr.  Woods  pros- 
pered in  this  way  during  13  years  and  then 
bought  his  present  fine  farm  which  comprises 
r 30  acres,  which  is  reputed  to  be  the  best  pro- 
ducing farm  of  the  township.  It  was  former- 
ly known  as  the  Cochran  farm.  Mr.  Woods 
has  placed  very  fine  improvements  here  and 
has  erected  a handsome  residence  of  ten 
rooms  and  a substantial  and  commodious 
l)arn.  For  the  past  three  years  he  has  added 
dairying  to  his  other  interests,  his  place  being 
known  as  the  Upland  Dairy,  and  its  products 
are  sold  in  Bridgeport  and  Martin’s  Ferry. 
Mr.  Woods  is  a practical  farmer  and  believes 
in  handling  only  good  stock,  keeping  Jersey, 
Durham  and  Holstein  cattle.  His  large  home 
farm  is  devoted  to  general  farming  and  dairy- 
ing interests,  and  he  owns  another  farm,  con- 


JOHN  M.  HENDEKSON 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


489 


sisting  of  82  acres,  on  Scotch  Ridge,  which 
he  leases. 

The  marriage  of  Mr.  Woods  was  to  Lou 
Devault,  a daughter  of  William  Devault,  an 
early  settler  of  the  county,  and  they  have 
had  ten  children  born  to  them — Harry  and 
John,  who  died  young;  Myrtle,  Robert  Lee, 
Jesse,  Blanche,  Addie,  Grace,  Ellis  and  Erma. 
In  politics  Mr.  Woods  has  been  a life-long 
Democrat.  His  religious  views  are  liberal, 
but  he  is  ever  ready  to  give  his  support  to 
all  educational  and  moral  enterprises. 


JOHN  M.  HENDERSON,  a hardware 
merchant  of  Martin’s  Eerry,  and  one  of  the 
most  industrious  business  men  of  the  city,  owns 
the  finest  hardware  store  in  the  county,  and 
has  numerous  other  business  enterprises  that 
occupy  all  his  attention,  among  them  his  inter- 
est in  the  coal  lands  so  abundant  throughout 
the  States  of  Ohio  and  Pennsylvania. 

Mr.  Henderson  is  a son  of  Hugh  and  Mar- 
garet (Cowen)  Henderson,  natives  of  the 
Keystone  State,  and  is  himself  a native  of 
Armstrong  County,  Pennsylvania,  where  he 
was  born  February  13,  1863.  Hugh  Hender- 
son was  a stationary  engineer  by  vocation,  and 
followed  that  occupation  throughout  most  of 
his  lifetime.  Previous  to  taking  this  up,  how- 
ever, he  was  a miller  and  owned  a mill  in  Penn- 
sylvania for  many  years  until  after  the  Civil 
War,  when  in  1869  he  removed  to  Ohio  and 
settled  on  a farm  three  miles  from  Martin’s 
Ferry.  This  farm  has  recently  been  sold  to 
the  Cleveland  & Pittsburg  Railroad  Company, 
who  will  open  up  the  coal  fields  it  contains. 
Hugh  Henderson  is  now  a retired  business  man 
and  resides  at  the  old  Henderson  homestead 
in  Martin’s  Ferry,  situated  at  the  head  of  Wal- 
nut street.  He  has  reached  the  advanced  age 
of  76  years.  For  three  score  years  he  has  been 
a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 
has  held  all  the  offices  accorded  to  laymen,  and 
has  been  superintendent  of  the  Sunday-school, 
etc.  His  wife  died  at  the  age  of  66  )^ears,  May 
6,  1898,  having  been  a lifelong  member  of 


the  same  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  She 
was  one  of  the  most  devoted  of  church  work- 
ers, always  painstaking  and  thorough  in  all  she 
did,  and  her  deeds  and  efforts  to  help  others 
will  furnish  pleasant,  endearing  memories  to 
the  many,  who  remember  her  still,  for  long 
years  to  come.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Henderson  were 
the  parents  of  six  children,  our  subject  being 
the  fifth  child.  The  others  are  as  follows : 
Jennie  (Mrs.  William  P.  Green),  who  resides 
in  Pittsburg,  Pennsylvania ; Homer  W.,  who 
was  first  a comemrcial  traveler  for  the  Stand- 
ard Oil  Company  until  1887,  when  he  started 
the  hotel  business  in  Pittsburg,  which  he  still 
carries  on  with  good  sucess;  J.  B.,  who  is  en- 
gaged in  the  coke  and  coal  business  at  Vander- 
bilt, Pennsylvania,  having  enjoyed  a very  suc- 
cessful career ; Emma,  who  is  a resident  of  the 
home  place  with  her  father,  is  a very  active 
church  worker  and  possesses  many  of  the  qual- 
ities and  noble  traits  of  character  which  char- 
acterized the  efficient  services  of  her  mother; 
and  Hugh  K.,  who  lives  in  Pittshurg,  where 
for  14  years  he  was  in  the  coal  business  with 
Joseph  Walton,  and  where  he  still  is  identified 
with  the  Pittsburg  coal  combine. 

John  M.  Henderson,  our  subject,  received 
training  in  the  way  of  education  in  the  com- 
mercial department  of  Frasher’s  College  at 
Wheeling,  West  Virginia.  He  served  an  ap- 
prenticeship at  the  Martin’s  Ferry  Stove 
Works,  and  \vas  later  a member  of  the  Joseph 
Bell  Stove  Company,  of  Wheeling.  He  re- 
mained at  that  place  until  the  foundry  was 
moved  to  Muncie,  Indiana,  in  1890  and  then 
he  found  employment  in  Martin’s  Ferry,  in 
the  establishment  of  the  hardware  business 
which  he  still  conducts.  His  rooms  are  large 
and  well  supplied  with  a full  line  of  jobbers’ 
and  builders’  supplies,  shelf  hardware,  brick, 
tile,  etc.,  in  fact  everything  that  should  be 
handled  by  a hardware  merchant.  The  large 
patronage  which  he  has  and  the*  satisfactory 
manner  in  which  he  conducts  the  business 
speak  for  his  knowledge  of  the  principles  that 
are  best  employed,  and  for  his  honesty  and 
accommodation  as  well.  The  building  which 
he  occupies  could  not  have  a better  location. 


490 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


as  it  is  on  a corner  in  the  business  center  of  the 
city. 

On  October  22,  1892,  Mr.  Henderson  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Ida  M.  Cope  of  Smith- 
field,  Ohio,  the  only  child  of  William  and  Mary 
A.  Cope,  who  are  members  of  the  Society  of 
Friends,  residing  at  Smithfield.  To  the  union 
of  our  subject  and  his  wife  have  been  born  four 
children,  but  one  of  whom  is  now  living.  The 
record  follows:  William  H..and  Lewis,  who 

died  in  infancy;  Joseph  Charles,  whose  death 
took  place  in  1900,  at  the  age  of  four  years; 
and  Lewis  B.,  now  three  years  of  age.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Henderson  are  devoted  to  the  Meth- 
odist Episcoi)al  Church,  in  which  the  former 
has  been  trustee  for  over  20  years. 

The  business  life  of  Mr.  Henderson  has 
many  different  enterprises  to  claim  his  atten- 
tion, among  which  are  the  following.  He  is 
now  the  president  of  the  First  National  Bank 
at  Dillonvale,  Ohio,  which  was  established  in 
Fel)ruary,  1901.  Fie  is  also  connected  with 
other  Ijanking  houses  all  along  the  Ohio  Val- 
ley. Ide  has  coal  stock,  and  an  interest  in  the 
mines  throughout  the  surrounding  country ; in 
the  last  three  years  he  has  disposed  of  80,000 
acres  of  coal  land  in  West  Virginia,  Ohio,  and 
Pennsylvania.  In  Belmont  County  he  has 
bought  in  fee  over  5,000  acres  of  coal  lands 
and  disposed  of  over  18,000  acres. 

In  politics  Mr.  Henderson  is  a member  of 
the  Republican  party,  and  was  elected  in  1890 
to  the  City  Council  of  Martin’s  Ferry,  serving 
as  a member  two  terms  and  as  president  of  the 
same  for  two  terms.  He  is  always  active  in 
politics  and  as  a business  man  is  classed  among 
tire  leaders  in  the  Upper  Ohio  Valley.  No  mat- 
ter how  great  the  rush  in  business  life,  he  has 
time  for  church,  town  or  county  whenever  they 
desire  his  service  or  help. 


WILLIAM  WESLEY  WOODS,  who 
has  engaged  successfully  in  various  lines  of 
business,  is  at  the  present  time  engaged  in 
bottling  and  marketing  the  famous  Woods’ 
Lithia  Water.  He  was  born,  reared  and  has 
always  lived  in  Pease  township,  Belmont 


County,  Ohio,  and  is  a son  of  James  and 
Martha  (Coss)  Woods. 

Janies  Woods  was  born  December  18, 
1818,  and  died  October  25,  1898.  He  was  a 
son  of  William  and  Elizabeth  (Harness) 
Woods.  William  Woods,  grandfather  of  our 
subject,  was  the  first  white  child  born  back 
of  Pittsburg,  on  what  is  called  Woods’  Run, 
and  died  in  the  sixty-eighth  year  of  his  age 
in  1847.  He  was  of  Scotch-Irish  parentage, 
and  for  some  years  of  his  life  engaged  in  the 
butchering  business.  He  and  his  bride,  who 
was  the  daughter  of  a wealthy  Virginia 
planter,  ran  away  to  be  married.  She  died  in 
1889  at  the  age  of  ninety-three  years  while 
living  at  the  home  of  her  son,  John.  Both 
are  buried  in  the  cemetery  at  Mt.  Pleasant, 
Ohio.  They  had  eight  children,  three  of 
whom,  two  sons  named  William  and  a 
daughter,  died  in  childhood.  Those  who 
grew  to  maturity  were:  John,  a record  of 
whose  life  appears  in  the  sketch  of  James 
Woods;  James;  George,  who  was  born  in 
1820  and  died  in  1900;  Robert,  who  resides 
in  Pease  township,  and  in  September,  1902, 
celebrated  his  seventy-fifth  birthday,  and 
Elizalreth,  widow  of  Daniel  Gill,  who  resides 
at  Gillespie,  Ohio. 

James  Woods  was  united  in  marriage  with 
Martha  Coss,  who  was  born  in  May,  1816, 
and  died  March  23,  1898.  She  was  a 

daughter  of  Daniel  and  Elizabeth  (McCon- 
nell) Coss,  her  mother  being  a sister  of  Fran- 
cis McConnell,  a prominent  man  of  this  sec- 
tion. Daniel  Coss  served  in  the  War  of 
1812  and  the  war  with  Mexico,  and  was  cook 
for  the  famous  General  Harrison.  He  con- 
ducted a store  at  Bridgeport  and  during  the 
prevalence  of  cholera  ministered  to  and 
helped  bury  many  of  the  victims.  During 
that  time  he  remained  away  from  his  family 
so  as  not  to  expose  them,  and  neither  he  nor 
they  contracted  the  dread  disease.  He  was 
one  of  the  founders  of  Methodism  in  Bel- 
mont County.  In  1866  he  and  seven  broth- 
ers held  a reunion,  the  youngest  being  sev- 
enty-three years  old  and  the  others  past 
eighty-four  years.  Their  picture  was  taken. 


GEORGE  KERN. 


493 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


and  the  one  in  possession  of  our  subject  is 
very  highly  prized  by  him.  Of  these  broth- 
ers, Jacob,  lived  to  reach  the  age  of  103 
years,  dying  at  Chillicothe;  and  Adam  for 
some  years  conducted  a livery  at  Martin's 
Ferry. 

James  and  Martha  (Coss)  Woods  reared 
seven  children,  as  follows:  John,  who  was 
born  at  Mt.  Pleasant  and  died  at  the  age  of 
two  years;  Elizabeth,  wife  of  James  Mc- 
Bride of  Piper  City,  Illinois;  Eleanor,  of 
Martin’s  Eerry,  widow  of  George  Hoben- 
sack;  Eliza  Bell,  who  died  in  July,  1888,  was 
the  wife  of  Richard  Veasy  of  Martin’s  Ferry; 
James  Ross,  who  resides  at  Bridgeport,  mar- 
ried Mary  McKeever;  George,  who  died 
aged  two  years,  and  William  Wesley,  our 
subject. 

William  Wesley  Woods  has  engaged  in 
many  lines  of  business,  and  although  he  has 
owned  the  home  farm  the  past  few  years,  has 
never  engaged  in  farming.  He  promoted  a 
most  successful  oil  company,  realizing  a 
handsome  amount  in  dividends,  then  pur- 
chased the  home  farm  of  113  acres,  on 'which 
he  has  lived  since  1897.  The  old  home  was 
the  voting  precinct  during  the  time  of  An- 
drew Jackson,  and  some  of  the  ballots  have 
since  been  found.  Mr.  Woods  has  erected 
a comfortable  home.  He  has  been  engaged 
for  some  hve  years  in  bottling  and  shipping 
the  famous  Woods’  Lithia  Water,  obtained 
from  an  unfailing  spring  on  the  farm.  It  is 
particularly  a cure  for  kidney  troubles,  and 
the  number  of  cures  effected  have  been 
numerous.  Of  100  cases  of  Bright’s  disease 
where  the  water  was  freely  used  by  the 
patients,  but  one  was  lost.  The  water  is 
placed  in  one-gallon  bottles  manufactured  at 
Bellaire,  and  from  100  to  500  per  day  are 
shipped  to  different  parts  of  the  country, 
some  going  as  far  as  Minnesota  and  Okla- 
homa. Mr.  Woods  devotes  his  entire  atten- 
tion to  this  business,  leasing  his  farm  to 
others. 

William  W.  Woods  was  united  in  marriage 
with  Margaret  Isola  Stewart,  who  was  born 
in  Jefferson  County  and  is  a daughter  of 


James  and  Rebecca  (Heller)  Stewart.  She 
came  with  her  parents  when  a child  to  Mar- 
tin’s Ferry,  where  her  father  conducted  a 
feed  store  until  his  death.  Her  mother  still 
resides  there.  She  is  one  of  eight  children,  as 
follows:  George,  an  attorney  of  Detroit,  who 
held  a responsible  government  position 
under  President  Cleveland;  Kate,  wife  of 
Samuel  Heaton,  a blacksmith  of  Martin’s 
Ferry;  John,  of  Cameron,  West  Virginia; 
Thomas  S.,  a carpenter  of  Pittsburg;  Frank, 
of  Pittsburg;  Margaret  Isola;  Ella,  wife  of 
R.  H.  McKee,  teller  of  the  Bank  of  the  Ohio 
Wiley  at  Wheeling,  and  Carrie,  who  is  single 
and  at  home. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Woods  have  six  children,  as 
follows:  James  Russell,  born  December  6, 
1881;  Martha  Jane,  born  August  ii,  1885; 
Katie  Belle,  born  April  23,  1888;  Margaret 
Isola,  born  iMarch  21,  1891;  William  McKin- 
ley, born  September  25,  1893,  and  Paul  Ed- 
win, born  November  20,  1899.  Politically, 
Mr.  Woods  is  a Republican.  He  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  A.  O.  U.  W.  of  Bridgeport.  Re- 
ligiously he  is  a member  of  the  M.  E.  Church, 
attending  Lancaster  Chapel,  which  is  located 
on  the  farm,  the  site  of  which  was  donated 
by  James  Woods. 


GEORGE  KERN,  who  has  been  secretary 
of  the  Belmont  Savings  & Loan  Company  of 
Bellaire,  Ohio,  for  the  past  three  years,  was 
born  in  the  Rhine  section  of  Germany,  in  1837. 
In  1853,  when  still  a lad,  he  immigrated  to 
America,  intent  upon  making  a career  for  him- 
self. A short  time  w'as  spent  in  Baltimore, 
Maryland,  and  then  the  young  man  made  his 
way  to  Wheeling,  (West)  Virginia,  and  two 
years  later  located  in  Benwood,  where  he  fol- 
lowed the  trade  of  baker  until  he  came  to  Bel- 
laire. in  1856,  engaging  in  the  same  business 
until  1885. 

Mr.  Kern  then  embarked  in  a confectionery 
business  and  continued  in  the  same  until  he 
accepted  his  present  responsible  position  as 
secretary  of  the  Belmont  Savings  & Loan  Com- 
pany. The  marriage  of  Mr.  Kern  was  to  Cath- 


494 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


erine  Roder,  who  was  l)orn  in  Hesse,  Germany, 
and  a family  of  12  children  was  born  to  them, 
eight  of  these  survi\'e  and  all  live  in  Bellaire, 
with  the  exception  of  one  who  resides  at  Rich- 
mond. Virginia.  The  handsome  family  resi- 
dence is  located  on  Belmont  street  in  South 
Bellaire,  where  the  family  is  much  esteemed 
and  has  a wide  circle  of  friends.  In  politics 
Mr.  Kern  is  a Democrat  and  has  voted  that 
ticket  since  1859.  For  20  years  he  served  his 
township  as  trustee  and  has  been  a member  of 
the  City  Council  of  Bellaire  for  10  years.  Mr. 
Kern  is  a man  of  social  instincts  and  belongs  to 
many  fraternal  orders,  inclnding  the  Odd  Fel- 
lows. For  many  years  he  has  been  a leading 
member  of  the  German  Reformed  Church. 

John  H.  Hopkins,  assistant  secretary  of 
the  Belmont  Savings  & Loan  Company,  was 
born  in  Jefferson  County,  Ohio,  in  1867,  a son 
of  James  P.  and  Isabel  (Nelson)  Hopkins,  the 
former  of  whom  died  in  1881.  The  family 
moved  to  Belmont  County  and  to  Bellaire  in 
1882.  His  mother  was  born  70  years  ago  in 
Bclnront  County  and  our  subject  has  five 
brothers  and  two  sisters,  namely;  Nettie;  N. 
S.,  a farmer  and  also  a stock  dealer;  Rev.  J. 
A.,  pastor  of  a Christian  Church  in  Maryland; 
R.  L.,  a farmer  of  Belmont  County;  Mrs.  Mary 
Giffin,  living  near  Bellaife;  George  E.,  in  the  in- 
surance business  at  Bellaire;  and  Bert  W.,  now 
clerk  of  Pultney  township. 

IMr.  Hopkins  took  a course  at  Wheeling 
Business  College  after  attending  the  Bellaire 
High  School,  and  since  1887  has  followed 
bookkeei)ing,  being  for  a time  with  the  United 
States  Glass  Company  at  Pittsburg.  Since 
June,  1898,  he  has  been  connected  with  his 
])resent  company  and  he  is  also  secretary  of  the 
Bellaire  Water  Works,  the  business  of  the  two 
concerns  being  conducted  in  the  same  office. 
Mr.  Hopkins  was  married  to  Edna  C.  Blackburn, 
a daughter  of  M.  L.  Blackburn,  and  has  one  son, 
hrancis  Perry.  His  pleasant  home  is  situated 
at  Rose  Hill,  and  both  he  and  wife  belong  to 
the  Christian  Church.  His  fraternal  connec- 
tion is  wdth  Black  Prince  Lodge,  Knights  of 
Pythias. 

The  Belmont  Savings  & Loan  Company  was 


incorporated  March  5,  1885,  the  incorporators 
being;  James  B.  Darrah,  deceased;  William 
J.  McClain;  John  W.  Coulson;  Patrick  Whea- 
lan ; David  H.  Darrah;  John  E.  Robinson;  and 
James  E.  Anderson,  and  these  formed  the 
hoard  of  directors.  The  present  officers  are;  J. 
F.  Anderson,  president;  John  H.  McGraw, 
vice-president;  George  Kern,  secretary;  James 
T.  Kelley,  treasurer;  and  John  H.  Hopkins,  as- 
sistant secretary,  the  board  of  directors  being 
formed  by  the  above  with  David  Walker  and 
Charles  A.  Grella.  The  business  is  carried  on 
in  Bellaire  at  No.  3252  Union  street. 


E.  G.  KRAUTER,  a well-known  farmer  of 
Pease  township,  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  was 
born  in  Southern  Germany  in  1856,  and  re- 
sided there  until  he  reached  the  age  of 
eighteen  years.  He  then  came  on  a visit  to 
his  uncle,  William  Burkle,  who  at  that  time 
was  a butcher  of  Bridgeport,  Ohio.  Mr. 
Krauter  engaged  in  the  grocery  business  suc- 
cessfully at  Martin’s  Ferry  for  a period  of 
eight  years,  then  sold  out  to  Louis  Scheehle. 
He  has  since  given  his  attention  to  farming. 

Mir.  Krauter  is  residing  on  the  old  Van 
Pelt  farm,  which  he  purchased  in  1887  from 
Hiram  MIcCombs,  the  grantee  of  Margaret 
Blocher,  who  had  purchased  the  property  at 
the  division  of  the  Van  Pelt  estate.  Jacob 
"Pan  Pelt  had  located  on  the  place  as  early  as 
1825,  and  the  family  owned  a large  tract  of 
land  in  Pease  township.  He  built  the  brick 
part  of  the  house  now  occupied  by  our  sub- 
ject in  1850,  to  which  the  latter  added  and 
remodeled,  making  a very  attractive  home. 
The  Van  Pelts,  who  were  very  prominent  in 
this  county,  have  all  passed  away.  Oliver 
Van  Pelt,  the  last  of  the  name  in  this  county, 
was  born  in  1831  and  died  August  15,  1902, 
having  always  lived  in  Pease  township.  Of 
the  old  homestead  Mr.  Krauter  has  66 
acres,  and  during  the  past  fourteen  years  has 
been  engaged  in  the  dairy  business,  whole- 
saling to  a milkman  at  Martin’s  Ferry.  His 
farm  is  well  stocked  and  he  makes  a specialty 
of  Jersey  and  Holstein  cattle.  He  also  pur- 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


495 


chased  the  James  Wiley  home  of  150  acres 
in  1897.  The  Wiley  farm  he  leases  on  shares. 
He  grows  fruit  extensively  and  devotes  the 
upper  part  of  his  farm  to  raising  grain  and 
stock. 

Mr.  Krauter  was  united  in  marriage  with 
a daughter  of  Christ  Hoffman  of  Ohio 
County,  West  Virginia,  he  being  a retired 
butcher  residing  in  Fulton.  To  this  union  | 
were  born  two  daughters,  Carrie  and  Minnie, 
aged  20  and  16  years,  respectively.  In  poli- 
tics our  subject  has  always  been  a Repub- 
lican. He  has  been  a member  of  the  board  of 
education  for  the  past  twelve  years,  and  for 
ten  years  has  been  commissioner  of  the  Mar- 
tin’s Ferry  & Colerain  Pike.  Fraternally  he 
is  a member  of  the  National  Union.  Relig- 
iously he  is  a German  Lutheran,  but  his  fam- 
ily is  Presbyterian. 


THEODORE  NEFF,  one  of  the  best 
known  citizens  and  business  men  of  Belmont 
County,  Ohio,  maintains  an  office  at  No. 
3184  Union  street,  Bellaire,  and  conducts  the 
largest  fire,  life,  accident,  tornado  and  wind- 
storm insurance  business  in  the  county.  He 
is  a native  of  this  county,  having  been  born 
in  York  township,  October  15,  1851,  and  is  a 
son  of  George  and  Martha  (Williams)  Neff. 

The  Neff  or  Neife  family  originally  came 
from  Switzerland,  locating  in  Pennsylvania 
and  Maryland.  Conrad  Neff,  grandfather  of 
our  subject,  a native  of  IMaryland,  with  two 
brothers,  John  and  George,  started  overland 
for  Missouri  in  1797.  LTpon  arriving  at 
Wheeling,  (West)  Virginia,  the  wife  of  Con- 
rad Neff  was  taken  sick  and  died.  John  Neff 
proceeded  to  Missouri,  but  George  remained 
with  Conrad.  With  their  families  they 
crossed  the  river  and  located  a few  miles 
from  Bridgeport,  in  Belmont  County,  where 
they  entered  land.  The  numerous  repre- 
sentatives of  the  Neff  family,  so  widely 
known  in  Belmont  County,  are  all  descended 
from  these  hardy  pioneers.  By  his  first  wife 
Conrad  Neff  had  two  children.  He  formed 
a second  union  in  1802  or  1803  with  Eliza- 


beth Feeley,  by  whom  he  had  ten  children, 
among  them  being  the  father  of  our  subject. 
Of  the  twelve  children  of  whom  he  was 
father,  all  lived  to  reach  the  age  of  seventy 
years,  and  one  of  them,  Benjamin,  is  now 
residing  in  Pultney  township,  being  past 
eighty  years  of  age. 

George  Neff  was  born  three  miles  east  of 
St.  Clairsville  in  1809,  and  died  December  18, 
1884.  He  followed  the  occupation  of  farm- 
ing, and  during  most  of  his  life  resided  near 
Captina  Creek.  He  married  Martha  Wil- 
liams, who  was  born  in  1811  in  one  of  the 
first  houses  built  in  Bridgeport,  and  died 
in  September,  1878.  She  was  a daughter  of 
Ezra  Williams,  who  was  born  in  County 
Cork,  Ireland,  and  came  to  this  country  at 
an  early  day. 

Theodore  Neff’s  boyhood  days  were  spent 
in  York  township,  where  he  lived  until  he 
passed  the  age  of  35  years.  In  1901  he  pur- 
chased his  present  home  farm,  a part  of  the 
Jacob  Rodefer  farm,  on  the  hill  overlooking 
many  miles  of  the  Ohio  Valley  and  the  cities 
of  Wheeling  and  Bellaire.  Here  he  will  soon 
have  laid  out  and  suitably  set  with  trees  a 
park  to  be  known  as  Neff’s  Grandview  Park, 
which  will  be  a valuable  addition  to  the  city 
of  Bellaire.  A means  of  transportation  will 
be  provided  to  convey  people  up  and  down 
the  bluff,  and  the  view  being  one  of  unsur- 
passed beauty,  it  will  be  a very  popular  place. 
j\Ir.  Neff  owns  five  farms  in  Belmont  County, 
and  for  many  years  has  engaged  in  growing 
vegetables  and  raising  thoroughbred  stock 
and  fowls  of  all  kinds.  He  is  a Democrat  in 
politics,  but  has  accepted  of  no  offices  ex^ 
cept  assessor  of  York  township,  in  which 
capacity  he  served  two  terms.  He  and  his 
son,  Edney,  are  members  of  Ionic  Lodge, 
No.  438,  F.  & A.  IM.  On  his  farm  is  located 
an  abundance  of  splendid  molding  sand,  for 
the  removal  and  exportation  of  which  the 
Belmont  Sand  Company  was  organized. 
The  pits  contain  sands  of  every  grade, 
for  heavy  and  light  molding,  building, 
and  for  plastering  and  bricklaying.  The 
company  controls  the  large  pits  on 


496 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Mr.  Neff’s  farm  and  otheis  in  the 
county,  and  supply  sand  for  the  local  market 
and  for  many  large  corporations  in  other 
parts  of  the  country,  including  the  Pennsyl- 
vania Railroad.  At  the  present  time  about 
lOO  tons  per  day  are  taken  from  the  pits 
and  loaded  upon  cars.  In  the  near  future  up- 
to-date  machinery,  probably  electrical,  will 
be  installed  to  reduce  to  a minimum  the  ex- 
pense of  loading  and  digging.  Ochre  is  also 
found  conveniently  and  will  later  be  devel- 
oped. Mr.  Neff  has  been  the  prime  mover  in 
various  business  enterprises,  notable  among 
which  is  the  Enterprise  Enamel  Company, 
of  which  he  purchased  the  first  shares  of 
stock. 

Five  different  business  concerns  have  their 
oftice  and  headquarters  at  No.  3184  Union 
street,  the  office  of  Mr.  Neff.  Following  is 
a brief  sketch  of  each: 

The  Belmont  Electric  Light  & Power 
Company  was  organized  in  1899  by  Theodore 
Neff,  J.  B.  Watt,  John  T.  Flynn,  J.  A.  Green 
and  Thomas  E.  Shelly.  J.  A.  Green  is  presi- 
dent: H.  A.  Neff,  secretary  and  manager, 
and  five  of  the  organizers  are  directors.  The 
plant  is  located  on  Monroe  street,  between 
35th  and  36th  streets,  and  supplies  light  and 
power  for  the  city. 

The  Neff  Real  Estate  & Investment 
Company  was  organized  and  chartered  under 
the  laws  of  Ohio  in  the  spring  of  1902  by 
Theodore  Neff,  John  W.  NefT,  Harry  A. 
Neff,  Thomas  B.  McKelvey  and  J.  O.  Mc- 
Kelvey,  these  men  constituting  the  board  of 
directors.  The  officers  are:  T.  B.  McKelvey, 
president;  Harry  A.  Neff,  secretary,  and  E. 
D.  Neff,  treasurer.  An  extensive  business 
has  been  done  toward  improving  the  city  and 
suburbs,  especially  at  Shadyside,  where  free 
excursions  are  run  by  the  company  and  many 
lots  have  been  sold  for  residence  and  specu- 
lative purposes.  The  prospects  of  the  suburb 
for  a home  site  are  bright. 

The  Enterprise  Telephone  Company  has 
over  sixty  ’phones  in  use,  besides  centrals, 
accommodating  a large  number  of  farms  and 
business  houses.  The  suburban  line  operates 


through  St.  Joe,  McClainsville,  Neff’s  sid- 
ing, Bald  Knob,  etc.,  with  central  at  Valonia 
and  branches  to  Dillie’s  Bottom,  and  central 
at  Key,  with  branches  among  farmers.  It 
has  central  exchange  with  the  National  and 
Ohio  Valley  companies  at  Bellaire.  Robert 
McKelvey  is  president;  William  Unterzuber, 
vice-president;  Franklin  Neff,  secretary,  and 
J.  O.  McKelvey,  treasurer.  Among  the  di- 
rectors are  William  Ramsey,  Samuel  White, 
John  W.  Neff,  Alexander  Neff  and  Dr.  Korell 
of  Key. 

The  Eastern  Ohio  Milling  Company  was 
recently  incorporated  for  the  purpose  of  mill- 
ing, dealing  in  feed  and  the  wholesale  gro- 
cery business.  The  officers  are:  George  O. 
Robinson,  president;  Morris  Elikan,  vice- 
president,  and  J.  P.  Clutter,  secretary  and 
treasurer.  The  office  will  be  at  the  old  Ault 
Mill,  which  will  be  remodeled  and  equipped. 
The  directors  of  the  company  incude  Alex- 
ander Neff  and  H.  A.  Neff. 

December  4,  1878,  Theodore  Neff  was 

united  in  marriage  with  Nancy  J.  McKelvey 
of  Mead  township,  and  they  have  three  chil- 
dren, namely,  Edney  D.,  aged  22  years,  who 
has  for  the  past  five  years  engaged  in  the 
insurance  business  with  his  father;  Jacob  H., 
who  is  18  years  old  and  lives  at  home,  and 
Carrie  L.,  aged  16  years.  Religiously  the 
family  attends  the  U.  P.  Church. 


JULIUS  H.  HAYS,  superintendent  of  the 
carpenter  and  construction  gang  at  the  Bel- 
laire plant  of  the  National  Steel  Company 
for  the  past  twelve  years,  is  one  of  the  oldest 
employees  of  the  plant,  his  term  of  service 
ranking  second.  Mr.  Hays  is  highly 
esteemed  by  his  employers  for  his  efficiency 
and  long  years  of  faithful  attachment  to  their 
interests. 

Julius  H.  Hays  was  born  in  1852  in 
Germany,  and  alone  and  dependent  upon 
his  own  resources  he  came  to  America 
at  the  age  of  15  years.  In  Germany  his  father 
operated  a large  wind-power  flouring  mill. 


COL.  JAMES  F.  CHARLESWORTH, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


499 


but  the  youth  believed  he  could  better  his 
condition  in  a new  country.  A sister,  Mul- 
der, resides  in  Texas.  Being  willing,  ener- 
getic and  pleasant  in  manner,  he  soon  se- 
cured employment  in  New  York  as  clerk  in  a 
store  at  $8  a month  and  continued  there  for 
two  years,  and  then  went  to  Wheeling,  West 
Virginia.  There  he  learned  the  carpenter 
trade  with  William  Bitmeyer,  and  followed 
the  same  in  Wheeling,  later  being  one  of  the 
builders  of  the  Aetna  Standard  Mill.  In 
1884  he  came  to  Bellaire  and  began  work  as 
a journeyman  carpenter  with  his  present  em- 
ployers, and  by  careful  and  thorough  work 
gained  his  promotion  in  1890  to  the  posi- 
tion of  superintendent  of  all  of  the  carpen- 
tering and  construction  of  the  heavy  rigging 
of  the  steel  works  with  a force  of  from  40 
to  50  men  under  his  charge.  During  his  sev- 
enteen years’  connection  with  this  plant  Mr. 
Hays  has  seen  many  changes.  When  he 
came  here  in  1884  three  carpenters  only  were 
required  where  now  fourteen,  with  helpers, 
are  needed,  and  the  mules  which  used  to  pull 
the  cars  have  been  replaced  by  twelve  loco- 
motives. The  single  blast  furnace,  where  60 
tons  of  pig-iron  was  a large  day’s  work,  has 
been  superseded  by  furnaces  with  a capacity 
of  350  tons. 

Mr.  Hays  has  a beautiful  home  at  No.  4754 
Jefferson  street,  containing  eight  apartments 
and  surrounded  by  a fine  lawn.  The  house 
was  erected  by  him  in  1888.  He  has  a most 
interesting  famil3^  which  is  well  and  favora- 
bly known  in  the  city.  His  marriage  was  to 
Carrie  Backer,  daughter  of  Peter  Backer, 
who  came  to  Wheeling  52  years  ago  from 
Germany  and  was  engaged  for  28  years  at 
the  La  Belle  coal  mine.  Mr.  Backer  at  the 
age  of  81  years  is  still  vigorous  and  but  lately 
returned  from  an  enjoyable  visit  to  his  na- 
tive land.  The  five  children  born  to  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Hays  were:  Anna,  at  home;  Alberta, 
the  wife  of  Augustus  Stellars,  of  the  Novelty 
Stamping  Compan}^  John,  a clerk  and  as- 
sistant mechanical  engineer  at  the  steel 
works;  Nellie,  a stenographer  in  the  office  of 


the  steel  works,  and  George,  receiving  clerk 
at  the  National  steel  works. 

In  political  sentiment  Mr.  Hays  is  an 
ardent  Republican,  and  he  is  fraternally  con- 
nected with  the  Ancient  Order  of  United 
Workmen.  In  his  religious  views  he  is  very 
liberal,  seeing  good  in  every  denomination, 
but  his  family  attend  the  Episcopal  Church, 
and  this  he  liberally  assists.  From  the  posi- 
tion of  a poor  German  lad  without  friends, 
Mr.  Hays  has  made  his  own  way  in  the  world 
and  now  possesses  ample  means,  many  friends 
and  is  well  deserving  the  high  esteem  in 
which  he  is  held  by  those  who  know  him 
best. 


COL.  JAMES  F.  CHARLESWORTH, 
who  has  attained  a high  degree  of  success  as 
an  attorney-at-law  of  St.  Clairsville,  Ohio,  was 
born  in  that  city,  November  25,  1826,  and  is  a 
son  of  Richard  and  Jane  (Porter)  Charles- 
worth.  His  father  was  one  of  the  early  busi- 
ness men  of  St.  Clairsville,  having  come  to  Bel- 
mont County  from  Baltimore,  Maryland,  in 
1820. 

James  F.  Charlesworth  was  educated  at 
Granville  College,  where  he  completed  the 
course  in  1844,  and  then  engaged  in  business 
with  his  father.  At  the  outbreak  of  the  war 
with  Mexico,  he  and  his  younger  brother, 
Richard  W.,  left  home  and  enlisted  in  Com- 
pany H,  First  Regiment  Mounted  Rifles,  now 
the  3rd  U.  S.  Cavalry.  They  saw  active  ser- 
vice in  Mexico  under  Gen.  Winfield  Scott,  and 
Colonel  Charlesworth  was  wounded  at  Con- 
treras. The  colonel  of  his  regiment  performed 
the  functions  of  mayor  of  the  City  of  Mexico 
after  the  entrance  of  the  United  States  troops, 
and  the  regiment  was  detailed  for  police  duty 
for  a period  of  nine  months,  quitting  the  city 
after  the  declaration  of  peace.  Shortly  after 
the  war,  Mr.  Charlesworth  returned  to  St. 
Clairsville,  and  entered  upon  the  study  of  law 
under  the  supervision  of  General  Weir.  After 
his  admission  to  the  bar,  in  1851.  he  success- 
1 fully  engaged  in  practice  until  1854.  when  he 


500 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


was  elected  to  the  office  of  auditor  of  Belmont 
County,  and  served  as  such  for  a term  of  two 
vears..  In  1857,  he  became  proprietor  and  edi- 
tor of  the  Independent  Republican,  a paper 
which  he  published  until  the  outbreak  of  the 
Civil  War,  when  he  felt  that  duty  to  his  coun- 
try called  him  to  the  field.  Tde  raised  the  first 
three  years'  company  entered  on  the  records  of 
the  adjutant  general,  and  of  this  was  com- 
missionefl  captain,  Ji-dy  12,  1861.  His  previ- 
ous military  service  made  him  of  exceptional 
value  to  the  country  at  this  time.  He  was 
active  in  the  field,  and  in  the  fall  of  1861  re- 
ceived a slight  wound  at  Alleghany  Summit, 
Virginia.  His  ability  as  a soldier  and  leader 
attracted  the  attention  of  his  superior  officers, 
and  he  was  rewarded  by  promotion  as  major 
of  his  regiment.  May  16,  1862.  On  June  8th, 
of  the  same  year,  he  was  severely  wounded  at 
the  battle  of  Cross  Keys,  a minnie  ball  enter- 
ing the  abdomen,  and  coming  out  about  two 
inches  from  the  spinal  column.  On  July  30, 
1862,  he  was  promoted  to  be  lieutenant-colonel, 
and  on  May  18,  1863.  resigned  because  of 
jdiysical  disability,  further  service  being  im- 
])ossihle.  His  resignation  received  the  follow- 
ing indorsement  from  Brig.-Gen.  N.  C.  Mc- 
Lean, at  the  headquarters  of  the  First  Division, 
iith  Army  Cor])s,  at  Brooks  Station,  May  13, 
1863:  “Approved  and  respectfully  forwarded 

to  Lieut-Col.  Charlesworth ; I approve  as  I 
jiersonally  know  him  to  be  disabled  by  an  hon- 
orable wound.”  Colonel  Charlesworth  still 
]wssesses  the  ball  which  passed  through  his 
body,  and  was  found  where  he  fell.  He  also 
has  in  his  possession  the  vest  then  worn  by 
him,  showing  the  direction  the  ball  took. 
These  relics  he  treasures  as  mementoes  of  hon- 
ornhle  service. 

Upon  his  return  home  Colonel  Charlesworth 
entered  upon  his  duties  as  clerk  of  Belmont 
County,  to  which  office  he  had  been  elected 
while  in  the  service.  In  1864,  he  served  as 
colonel  of  the  ist  Regiment,  Belmont  County 
Militia.  On  the  expiration  of  his  term  as 
clerk,  he  was  appointed  master  commissioner 
of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas,  and  served  in 
I’wt  capacity  for  nine  years.  During  the 


troubles  incident  to  the  construction  of  the 
Central  Ohio  Railroad,  now  the  Baltimore  & 
Ohio  Railroad,  he  was  appointed  and  com- 
missioned a captain,  to  organize  the  celebrated 
Washington  Guards,  which  were  on  duty 
about  four  years.  He  also  rendered  valuable 
service  to  St.  Clairsville  during  the  county 
seat  contest  with  Bellaire,  and  he  and  his  asso- 
ciates succeeded  in  having  the  Legislature 
make  a]:>propriatibns  for  the  present  magnifi- 
cent county  building.  He  is  a Democrat,  in 
politics,  and  has  been  an  enthusiastic  worker 
for  party  success.  He  was  a delegate  to  the 
convention  which  nominated  James  E.  Camp- 
bell for  governor;  he  has  served  as  vice-presi- 
dent of  the  Democratic  State  Central  Com- 
mittee. and  as  trustee  of  the  Ohio  Soldiers’ 
and  Sailors’  Home.  His  fraternal  associa- 
tions are  with  Lodge  No.  16,  F.  & A.  M. ; 
Chapter  No.  17,  R.  A.  M.;  and  Hope  Com- 
mandery.  No.  26,  K.  T.  He  is  a prominent 
member  of  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic, 
and  was  formerly  commander  of  the  Belmont 
County  Battalion. 

Colonel  Charlesworth  was  married  July  4, 
1855,  to  Laura  A.  Tallman,  a daughter  of 
William  Tallman,  deceased. 


J.  R.  ANDERSON,  superintendent  of  the 
public  schools  of  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  a 
man  of  scholarly  attainments  and  personal 
popularity,  is  an  Ohio  product,  born  at  Bel- 
laire in  1863,  a son  of  Isaac  C.  and  Mahala  J. 
(Lashley)  Anderson,  the  latter  of  whom  be- 
longs to  an  old  county  family  which  located 
southeast  of  the  city  of  Bellaire  as  early  as 
1830. 

The  Andersons  were  natives  of  West- 
moreland County,  Pennsylvania,  and  there 
Isaac  C.  Anderson  was  born  76  years  ago. 
A notal)le  occasion  was  the  celebration  of  the 
golden  wedding  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Isaac 
C.  Anderson,  which  took  place  at  the 
family  residence.  No.  612  Vine  street, 
Bellaire,  in  October,  1901.  Mr.  Ander- 
son is  a veteran  of  the  Civil  War, 
and  he  and  his  estimable  wife  are  the 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


501 


central  figures  in  a large  family  of  children, 
namely:  William,  who  is  engaged  in  business 
in  connection  with  the  Bellaire  Foundry  & 
Machine  Company;  Mrs.  P.  R.  Myers,  who 
resides  at  Quincy,  Illinois;  Mrs.  N.  J.  Mc- 
Donald, who  resides  in  Bellaire;  Newton, 
who  is  also  connected  with  the  Bellaire  Foun- 
dry; J.  Albert,  who  resides  at  South  Bend, 
Indiana;  J.  R.,  who  is  the  subject  of  this  re- 
view; Mrs.  Maria  J.  Simpson,  who  lives  in 
Bellaire;  Mrs.  O.  C.  Henry,  who  is  a resident 
of  Pittsburg,  Pennsylvania,  and  Charles,  who 
is  associated  with  the  subject  of  this  sketch 
in  the  ownership  of  the  Bellaire  Foundry  8c 
Machine  Company  plant. 

The  primary  education  of  Superintendent 
Anderson  was  obtained  in  the  public  schools 
of  Bellaire,  and  his  degree  of  M.  A.  was  se- 
cured after  doing  collegiate  work  at  Bethany, 
W est  Virginia.  Mr.  Anderson’s  services 
were  immediately  secured  in  the  public 
schools  of  his  native  city,  and  for  one  year  he 
was  principal  of  the  Second  Ward  school  and 
for  ten  years  was  assistant  principal  of  the 
Central  building,  in  1898  becoming  superin- 
tendent, filling  the  position  with  the  same 
efficiency  which  has  marked  his  whole  pro- 
fessional career,  bringing  the  schools  to  a 
high  standard. 

The  Bellaire  Foundry  & Machine  Com- 
pany, with  which  enterprise  our  subject  is 
financially  connected,  was  established  in  1895 
by  Charles  and  J.  R.  Anderson  and  Clarence 
Simpson,  the  last  named  withdrawing  after 
three  years.  The  business  is  now  the  prop- 
ertv  of  the  Anderson  brothers  and  is  located 
at  the  corner  of  33rd  and  Hamilton  streets, 
where  a large  business  is  done,  requiring  the 
aid  of  a number  of  skilled  foundrymen  and 
machinists.  It  is  one  of  the  successful  indus- 
tries of  Bellaire. 

The  marriage  of  Prof.  J.  R.  Anderson  was 
to  a daughter  of  John  Wood,  who  came  some 
thirty  years  ago  to  Bellaire.  and  for  thirty 
years  has  been  one  of  the  leading  contracting 
carpenters  in  this  vicinity.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Wood  reside  at  Shadvside.  The  seven  chil- 
dren born  to  our  subject  and  wife  were  as 


follows:  Edward,  Clarence,  Walter,  Robert, 
Bertie,  Ethel  and  Raymond.  Our  subject 
was  reared  to  believe  implicitly  in  the  princi- 
ples of  the  Republican  party,  of  which  his 
father  has  been  an  adherent  from  its  organi- 
zation, and  is  active  in  its  interests.  Fra- 
ternally he  is  associated  with  the  Ionic  Lodge, 
F.  & A.  M.,  of  Bellaire,  the  Knights  of 
Pythias  and  the  Odd  Fellows.  The  Chris- 
tian Church  has  long  been  the  religious  body 
with  which  both  the  Anderson  and  Wood 
families  have  been  identified,  and  our  sub- 
ject is  one  of  its  deacons  and  liberal  support- 
ers. His  standing  as  teacher  and  citizen  is 
unquestioned,  and  his  personal  attributes 
have  brought  to  him  a wide  circle  of  friends. 


ROBERT  McDonald,  a competent 
foreman  to  the  superintendent  of  the  con- 
verting and  blooming  mill  of  the  National 
Steel  Works  at  Bellaire,  Ohio,  is  a veteran 
in  the  steel  business,  having  done  his  first 
work  in  that  line  in  1875.  At  that  time  he 
entered  the  Edgar  Thompson  Steel  Works, 
a part  of  the  Carnegie  plant,  and  has  labored 
faithfully  in  developing  the  steel  industry 
ever  since.  He  spent  nine  years  in  the  Du- 
quesne  mill,  resigning  his  situation  there  to 
accept  his  present  position  at  Bellaire,  where 
he  located  in  April,  1898.  From  too  to  200 
men  are  emplo5'ed  in  the  departments  under 
his  charge,  and  as  Mr.  IMcDonald  has  worked 
his  way  through  all  the  lower  and  inter- 
mediate departments,  he  is  well  fitted  to  ful- 
fill the  duties  devolved  upon  him. 

Our  subject  is  a native  of  Pennsylvania 
and  has  one  brother,  J.  H.  IMcDonald,  who  is 
superintendent  of  the  department  at  the  steel 
works  of  which  the  sul^ject  of  this  sketch  is 
foreman.  The  residence  of  Air.  IMcDonald  is 
at  No.  4269  Noble  street.  Three  years  ago 
he  was  called  upon  to  mourn  the  death  of  his 
wife,  who  was  a Kentucky  lady.  Five  chil- 
dren blessed  their  union.  The  eldest  daugh- 
ter, Bertha,  who  is  eighteen  years  old,  man- 
ages the  home  for  her  father  and  looks  after 


502 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


the  younger  children,  Clifford,  Flora  and 
Esther,  whose  ages  are,  respectively,  thirteen, 
eleven  and  eight  years.  Foster,  the  eldest 
son,  who  is  twenty  years  old,  is  employed  at 
the  steel  works. 

Mr.  McDonald  is  a faithful  adherent  to  the 
Republican  party,  and  uses  both  his  vote  and 
his  influence  to  advance  its  interests.  In  fra- 
ternal organizations  he  is  allied  with  the 
Masons,  being  a member  of  both  blue  lodge 
and  the  chapter  of  Bellaire.  In  his  religious 
opinions  he  favors  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
but  his  children  prefer  to  attend  the  United 
Presbyterian. 


R.  SMILEY  NELSON,  proprietor  of  the 
United  States  Dairy,  conducts  the  leading 
business  in  that  line  in  Bellaire,  Ohio.  He 
was  born  in  Pultney  township  in  1856,  is  a 
son  of  Matthew  G.  and  Mary  Ann  (Keyser) 
Nelson,  and  grandson  of  Robert  and  Mary 
(McGregor)  Nelson. 

Robert  Nelson  was  a native  of  Chambers- 
burg,  Pennsylvania,  and  located  in  Belmont 
County  in  1812,  purchasing  at  that  time  a 
160-acre  farm  in  section  25,  Pultney  town- 
ship. He  cleared  this  farm  and  upon  it  fol- 
lowed agricultural  pursuits  up  to  the  time  of 
his  death,  March  5,  1857.  He  was  69  years 
and  six  months  old  at  the  time  of  his  death. 
His  wife  survived  him  for  many  years,  and 
only  two  of  her  children  lived  to  witness  her 
death,  which  occurred  November  21,  1881, 
she  being  in  her  86th  year.  Eight  children 
were  born  to  her  and  her  husband,  namely, 
John,  Robert,  Elizabeth,  Matthew  G.. 
Thomas,  Alexander,  Benjamin  Franklin  and 
Margaret. 

John  Nelson  was  born  in  1819,  and  died 
in  1902  in  Illinois.  Robert  resides  on  the  old 
home  farm  in  Pultney  township.  He  was 
born  October  8,  1822,  and  married  in  1849 
Emeline  Cummings,  a daughter  of  Joseph  and 
Anne  (Prescott)  Cummings.  His  wife  was 
a native  of  Kennebec  County,  Maine,  born  in 
1825.  They  have  five  children,  as  follows: 
Helen,  wife  of  Warren  Holgate,  a ranchman 


of  Manhattan,  Montana;  Annie;  Edwin,  a 
merchant  in  the  State  of  Maine;  Frank,  who 
resides  in  Pultney  township,  and  Margaret, 
wife  of  Rev.  Ashbel  Lane  of  Fremont,  Ohio. 

Elizabeth  Nelson  was  born  in  1825  and 
died  soon  after  her  marriage  with  Edward 
Gill. 

Thomas  Nelson  was  born  in  1829  and  died 
in  1859. 

Alexander  Nelson  was  born  in  March, 
1831,  and  during  his  active  life  was  a physi- 
cian and  surgeon  at  Martin’s  Ferry.  He  died 
in  1874. 

Benjamin  Franklin  Nelson  was  born  in 
1835  and  followed  mercantile  life  in  Bellaire 
until  cut  off  by  death  in  1864. 

Margaret  Nelson  was  born  in  1837.  She 
married  John  Hinkel  and  passed  to  her  final 
rest  in  1867. 

Matthew  G.  Nelson,  the  father  of  our  sub- 
ject, was  born  January  28,  1827,  in  Pultney 
township.  He  followed  farming  and  died 
in  1871,  but  two  months  before  his  45th 
birthday.  His  widow  is  still  living,  being 
now  79  years  old.  She  resides  with  our  sub- 
ject. Five  children  were  born  to  her  and 
her  husband.  Of  these,  two,  Ella  and  Wil- 
liam, died  young.  One  daughter,  Lizzie,  re- 
sides in  Pultney  township  with  our  subject, 
while  Frank  K.,  our  subject’s  only  brother, 
has  a family  and  resides  on  Wheeling  Island, 
being  an  employee  of  the  Aetna  Standard 
Mill 

We  now  take  up  the  Ife  or  our  subject,  R. 
Smiley  Nelson.  He  was  reared  on  his  father’s 
farm  in  Pultney  township,  and  during  his 
youth  he  attended  Rock  Hill  School.  He 
followed  in  the  footsteps  of  the  grandfather 
and  father  and  confined  himself  to  agricul- 
tural pursuits  until  about  eight  years  ago. 
At  that  time  he  believed  he  saw  a good  busi- 
ness opening,  and  his  effort  during  the  inter- 
vening years  have  proved  the  correctness  of 
his  judgment. 

He  established  the  United  States  Dairy  at 
Bellaire  and  does  a thriving  business  in  that 
prosperous  city.  He  runs  two  wagons,  which 
cover  regular  routes  daily,  and  about  100  gal- 


r 


I 


1-- 


ROGER  ASHTON. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


505 


Ions  of  milk  and  cream  are  required  to  supply 
regular  customers.  IMr.  Nelson  keeps  40 
good  milch  cows,  many  of  them  thorough- 
breds— Jersey,  Holstein  and  Durham  breeds. 
The  constant  attention  of  four  men  is  re- 
quired to  handle  the  business,  which  is  con- 
ducted on  a well-paying  basis. 

Mr.  Nelson  has  a finely  improved  farm. 
His  residence  is  large  and  comfortable,  while 
many  other  convenient  buildings  are  found 
on  his  place. 

His  marriage  with  Cordelia  H.  Robinson 
resulted  in  the  birth  of  three  daughters  and 
one  son.  The  latter,  John  G.,  drives  one  of 
his  father’s  milk  wagons.  The  other  children 
Gara,  Estella  and  Rachel,  are  also  at  home. 
Politically.  Mr.  Nelson  is  a stanch  Repub- 
lican. He  is  public  spirited  and  charitable. 
He  is  a member  of  Rock  Hill  Presbyterian 
Church. 


ROGER  ASHTON,  a prominent  citizen  of 
Martin’s  Eerry,  councilman  from  the  Eirst 
Ward,  superintendent  of  local  mines,  and  a 
stockholder  in  the  German  Bank,  was  born  in 
jMontgomeryshire,  Wales,  September  ii,  1845. 

The  parents  of  Mr.  Ashton  were  John  and 
Mary  (Clayton)  Ashton,  rvho  lived  in  WHles 
all  of  their  lives.  John  Ashton  was  a wool 
carder  by  trade  and  followed  the  occupation 
through  life.  He  lived  to  be  over  82  years  of 
age,  surviving  his  wife  many  years,  her  death 
occurring  at  the  age  of  65  years.  Both  parents 
were  members  of  the  Calvinistic  Alethodist 
Church.  They  were  the  parents  of  ten  chil- 
dren, the  five  survivors  being  the  following; 
John,  Avho  is  a merchant  in  Wales ; Richard, 
who  is  a miner  in  Wales ; Thomas,  Avho  resides 
in  Hocking  Valley,  Perry  County.  Ohio;  Wil- 
liam, who  resides  at  Little  Ealls,  New  York; 
the  fifth  being  Roger,  of  this  biography.  The 
members  of  the  family  who  have  passed  away 
are  ; Edward,  who  died  at  the  age  of  23  ; Eliza- 
beth, who  lived  to  the  age  of  60;  Benjamin, 
who  died  when  23 ; David,  who  died  at  the  age 
of  30;  and  Mary  Ann,  who  died  when  nine 


years  of  age,  all  passing  away  in  "Wales  except 
David,  who  died  in  Alabama. 

klr.  Ashton  had  absolutely  no  early  educa- 
tional advantages,  his  first  opportunity  for  at- 
tending school  presenting  itself  when  he  was 
23  years  of  age.  At  that  time  he  was  even  ig- 
norant of  the  letters  of  the  alphabet,  but  he 
made  excellent  use  of  his  six  months  at  school, 
made  such  rapid  progress,  especially  in  mathe- 
matics, that  his  knowledge  surpassed  that  of 
his  teacher.  After  this  period  of  schooling  was 
passed  he  began  business  as  a coal  weigher, 
following  that  occupation  for  the  succeeding 
nine  years,  at  which  time  he  came  to  the  Unit- 
ed States.  ]Mr.  Ashton  began  his  business  ca- 
reer in  this  country  as  a miner,  digging  coal  in 
the  very  mines  which  are  now  being  operated 
under  his  superintendence.  They  are  located 
within  the  corporate  limits  of  Martin's  Eerry, 
and  are  owned  by  the  American  Sheet  Steel 
Company.  It  is  a testimonial  to  the  ability  and 
efficiency  of  ]\Ir.  Ashton  that  he  has  risen  from 
one  of  the  most  subordinate  positions  to  his 
present  one  of  responsibility,  and  has  so  satis- 
factorily filled  the  same  for  the  past  fifteen 
years.  The  high  esteem  in  which  he  is  held 
by  the  company  is  well  deserved  and  very 
gratifying. 

The  first  marriaee  of  IMr.  Ashton  was  in  his 
native  land  to  iMargaret  Evans,  who  died 
IMarch  19,  i8gi,  at  the  age  of  42  years.  A 
family  of  12  children  was  born  to  this  union, 
all  of  whom  died  in  infancy  with  the  exception 
of  David  R.,  who  is  a tin  worker,  unmarried, 
and  a resident  of  Martin's  Eerry.  The  second 
marriage  of  IMr.  Ashton  was  on  August  3. 
1891,  to  Margaret  Meredith,  a native  of 
Wales,  who  came  to  America  in  1889,  ^ 
daughter  of  Gwenllyn  iMeredith.  The  children 
born  to  this  union  were  as  follows;  Roger; 
Edith,  who  died  at  the  age  of  seven  months; 
IMarv;  John,  who  died  at  the  age  of  one  year; 
and  Margaret.  Mr.  Ashton  has  accumulated 
ample  means,  and  owns  three  houses  and  one 
valuable  lot  within  the  corporate  limits.  He 
has  taken  an  active  part  in  the  political  life  of 
the  community  and  his  election  as  councilman 
I on  April  7,  1902,  was  not  only  a triumph  for 


5o6 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


the  Republican  ticket,  l)iit  also  a testimonial  to 
his  personal  po])iilarity  as  his  majority  was 
nine  over  three  to  one  against  his  opponent, 
h'raternally  Mr.  Ashton  belongs  to  the  Elks. 

.V  review  of  the  career  of  Mr.  Ashton  gives 
an  excellent  illustration  of  the  success  which 
awaits  those  who  come  to  America  resolved 
to  live  a life  of  industry,  to  become  integral 
parts  of  this  great  Nation  and  become  its  use- 
ful citizens.  At  tbe  same  time  it  may  be  noted 
that  Mr.  Ashton  is  a worthy  representative  of 
a country  whose  sturdy  sons  have  contributed, 
in  no  small  degree,  to  the  prosperity  of  many 
sections  of  their  adopted  land. 


-A..  O.  MELLOTT,  ex-mayor  of  Bellaire 
and  senior  member  of  the  firm  of  Mellott  & 
Son,  undertakers  and  furniture  dealers,  owns 
the  finest  establishment  of  its  kind  in  Bel- 
laire and  for  many  years  has  been  one  of 
the  most  successful  merchants  of  that  place. 
-About  30  years  ago  he  purchased  the  store 
of  the  Marietta  Chair  Company,  which  at 
that  time  was  entirely  new,  having  just  been 
rebuilt  after  a destructive  fire.  Mr.  Mellott 
restocked  tbe  building  and  added  the  under- 
taking department. 

The  building  in  wbicb  bis  business  is  con- 
ducted is  located  on  the  corner  of  33rd  and 
Belmont  streets,  is  40  by  120  feet  and  is  two 
stories  bigh.  The  undertaking  parlors  are 
located  on  the  second  floor  and  first-class 
work  in  this  line  is  guaranteed  by  Mr. 
Mellott,  wbo  is  an  expert  embalmer.  The 
furniture  department  contains  a complete 
variety  of  up-to-date  furniture  at  moderate 
prices,  and  the  cpiality  of  goods  is  not  sur- 
passed anywhere  in  the  city. 

Mr.  Mellott  was  born  in  Ricbland  town- 
sbip,  near  Glencoe,  in  September,  1830.  His 
father.  William  ATellott,  was  a native  of 
Eastern  Pennsylv.'ufia,  and  the  vear  t8oo 
marks  the  date  of  his  birth.  About  1804  he 
was  brought  to  Belmont  Count^x  Ohio,  by 
his  father,  John  ATellott,  who  located  the 
first  year  on  a tract  now  known  as  the  Dixon 


farm.  Later,  he  removed  to  the  farm  near 
Glencoe,  which  he  purchased,  and  which  is 
still  in  the  possession  of  The  family,  being, 
at  the  present'  time,  owned  by  James  A'lel- 
lott,  a brother  to  our  subject.  The  grand- 
father and  father  both  followed  farming  as 
an  avocation,  and  the  former  died  in  Mon- 
roe County  when  about  72  years  of  age.  The 
latter  died  in  1885  at  the  great  age  of  four 
score  years  and  five.  Both  were  stanch 
Democrats  in  politics. 

The  mother  of  our  subject  was,  before 
marriage,  a Aliss  Ault,  and  was  also  a native 
of  the  Keystone  State.  She  is  also  deceased. 
Her  father,  Frederick  Ault,  moved  to  Bel- 
mont County  between  1820  and  1825,  and 
two  brothers,  Frederick  and  George,  reside 
near  Belmont.  Adr.  Adellott  has  four  broth- 
ers and  one  sister,  as  follows:  Frederick,  a 

farmer  in  Adonroe  County,  Ohio;  Isaac,  a 
farmer  of  Mead  township,  Belmont  County, 
Ohio;  Sarah,  who  married  a .Mr.  Adanches- 
ter,  a farmer  and  railroad  man  of  Adead  town- 
ship; David,  a farmer  of  York  township;  and 
James,  who  resides  on  the  home  farm  near 
Glencoe. 

The  subject  of  this  biography  was  edu- 
cated in  the  schools  of  Richland  township 
and  in  the  Barnesville  Academy,  and  for 
the  following  18  years  he  engaged  in  teach- 
ing school;  then  he  followed  agricultural 
pursuits  for  about  five  years.  In  1867  he 
removed  to  Bellaire,  and  his  interests  have 
been  identified  with  that  city  ever  since.  He 
operated  a general  merchandise  store  on 
Union  street  and  carried  on  a successful 
business  there  for  three  years.  Disposing 
of  his  business  at  a fair  profit,  he  embarked 
in  the  manufacturing  business  with  the  Bel- 
laire Stamping  Company,  being  one  of  the 
organizers  of  the  same,  also  serving  as  di- 
rector. Then  followed  a prosperous  period, 
during  which  he  served  as  mayor,  and  as 
justice  of  the  peace,  previous  to  engaging 
in  the  vast  business  enterprise  which  still 
claims  his  attention. 

Mr.  Alellott  was  joined  in  marriage  with 
Phoebe  Jane  Myers,  a daughter  of  Dixon 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


507 


Myers,  a distinguished  citizen  of  Mead 
township,  and  she  was  a descendant  of  one 
of  the  oldest  families  of  Belmont  County. 
Mrs.  Mellott  was  born  in  1837  and  passed 
to  her  final  rest  in  February,  1897.  Three 
children  were  born  to  our  subject  and  wife. 
Mfilliam  D.,  the  eldest  son,  is  the  junior 
member  of  the  firm  of  Mellott  & Son,  hav- 
ing been  admitted  into  the  business  in  1884. 
Alice,  the  only  daughter,  married  Aaron 
Smalley,  of  Indianapolis,  Indiana.  James  F., 
the  youngest  son  of  our  subject,  is  an  expert 
accountant  and  bookkeeper  and  for  the  past 
14  years  has  served  as  bookkeeper  of  the 
First  National  Bank  of  Bellaire.  He  is  mar- 
ried and  resides  in  that  city.  The  family 
favor  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

In  all  respects  Air.  Alellott  is  a useful  ,4ud 
influential  member  of  society.  Although  a 
business  man,  he  is  well  informed  on  all  top- 
ics of  general  interest.  As  a friend  he  is  high- 
ly valued,  for  he  is  ever  ready  with  counsel, 
help  and  encouragement.  His  success  has 
come  from  steady  purpose  and  constant  in- 
dustry, and  he  justly  merits  the  position  of 
true  worth  and  esteem  which  he  has  attained. 
He  has  a fine  residence  on  the  corner  of 
Harrison  and  32nd  streets. 

Air.  Alellott  was  one  of  the  incorporators 
of  the  First  National  Bank  of  Bellaire,  Ohio, 
and  has  been  a director  in  that  institution 
since  its  organization. 


CLARENCE  E.  BAUER,  a director  of 
the  Novelty  Stamping  Company  and  for  the 
past  eight  years  superintendent  of  the  stamp- 
ing department  of  this  successful  plant,  has 
been  a resident  of  Bellaire  since  1873,  in 
which  city  he  was  educated. 

The  birth  of  Air.  Bauer  occurred  in  1862 
in  Virginia,  and  during  his  early  youth  with 
hjs  parents  he  resided  at  different  towns  in 
the  Ohio  Valley.  His  family  and  kindred  are 
not  very  numerous,  but  he  has  two  brothers 
and  one  sister  residing  at  Bellaire.  Since 
1874  he  has  been  interested  in  the  stamping 


business,  having  at  that  date  entered  the  em- 
ploy of  the  old  Bellaire  Stamping  Works,  to 
which  the  Novelty  plant  succeeded.  The 
stamping  department,  wdiich  is  immediately 
under  his  supervision,  is  one  of  the  most 
important  in  the  business,  and  forty  men  and 
a large  amount  of  valuable  machinery  is  in 
his  charge,  it  being  his  business  to  see  that 
they  work  in  unison,  with  the  greatest 
amount  of  accuracy  and  perfection,  and  with 
the  least  amount  of  expense.  To  success- 
fully do  this  requires  a man  of  certain  talents, 
and  these  Air.  Bauer  possesses. 

The  family  resides  at  No.  3628  Harrison 
street.  His  political  affiliation  is  with  the 
Republican  party,  although  merely  as  a sup- 
porter, not  as  an  office  seeker.  He  is  justly 
regarded  as  one  of  the  enterprising  business 
men  of  the  city,  and  the  plant  with  which  he 
is  associated  is  widely  known  for  its  excel- 
lent products. 


ROBERT  L.  HENDERSON,  a photog- 
rapher b_v  profession,  is  said  to  be  the  best 
artist  in  Bellaire,  Ohio.  Air.  Henderson  was 
born  in  1869  in  the  city  which  is  still  his 
home,  and  he  is  a son  of  Robert  and  Hester 
J.  (Sellers)  Henderson.  His  father  was  a 
saddler  by  trade  prior  to  his  removal  from 
Richmond,  Virginia.  After  locating  in  Ohio, 
however,  he  followed  railroad  life,  being  em- 
ployed in  the  transportation  department  of 
the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad  at  Bellaire. 
He  died  in  1895,  at  the  early  age  of  42  years. 

The  mother  of  our  subject  is  still  living, 
being  at  the  present  time  a resident  of 
Clarksburg,  AVest  A'irginia.  She  was  born 
in  Vdieeling,  now  AAVst  Wrginia,  and  is  a 
daughter  of  V.  P.  Sellers.  Her  father  re- 
moved from  West  Afirginia  to  Bellaire,  Ohio, 
where  he  conducted  a jewelry  store. 

Air.  Henderson  is  the  eldest  of  a family  of 
five  children;  the  others  are:  Perry,  of  Par- 
kersburg, AA'^est  A^irginia:  Pearl  (Ash);  Ed- 
ward. a theatrical  man,  who  makes  his  home 
in  AA^heeling  when  not  on  the  road;  and 


5o8 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Cora,  who  is  still  at  home.  Our  subject  was 
educated  iu  the  public  schools  of  Bellaire 
and  iu  his  youth  learned  the  j)hotographer’s 
trade  with  Mr.  Sellers,  an  uncle,  who  now 
conducts  a portable  gallery.  J:ie  began  busi- 
ness on  his  own  behalf  in  1896  and  has  been 
very  successful.  His  gallery  is  located  at 
No.  3161  Union  street,  just  north  of  the 
(i!oI:)c  Ilot'-d,  where  he  is  pleased  to  see 
all  ])atrons.  His  photographs  show  the 
touch  of  an  artist  and  give  excellent  satis- 
faction. 

Emma  Coffman,  of  Bellaire,  became  the 
wife  of  our  subject,  and  they  have  two  chil- 
dren, Paul  and  Mildred.  Mrs.  T-Ienderson’s 
home  was  formerly  in  Centreville,  Ohio,  and 
the  family  have  a pleasant  cottage  on  Gravel 
Hill.  In  politics  our  subject  is  outspoken 
and  true  in  his  allegiance  to  the  Republican 
party,  and  in  fraternal  circles  he  belongs  to 
the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  to  the  K.  O. 
T.  M.  The  family  embrace  the  religion  of 
the  Christian  Church  and  have  a large  num- 
ber of  friends.  Mr.  Henderson,  wide  awake 
to  the  interests  of  his  community,  is  an  up- 
right, consistent  and  reliable  citizen. 


JAMIES  M.  WEEKS,  president  of  the 
C.  L.  Dorer  Foundry  Company,  located  on 
Water  street,  north  of  26th,  is  also  manager 
of  the  National  Glass  Works,  located  on 
2 1st  and  Union  streets,  the  latter  being 
owned  by  T.  A.  Rodefer. 

The  birth  of  Mr.  Weeks  took  place  in 
1866,  in  Ohio  County,  West  Virginia,  and  he 
was  brought  to  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  in 
youth,  by  his  parents,  William  and  Arminta 
(Higgs)  Weeks,  the  former  of  whom  is  a 
miller  by  trade  and  has  followed  that  busi- 
ness for  many  years.  William  Weeks  was 
born  65  years  ago  in  the  Shenandoah  Valley 
and  married  in  Virginia,  rearing  a family  of 
four  sons  and  three  daughters:  James  M., 

our  subject;  Harry  C.,  a glass-worker  at 
Bellaire:  Tdlly  (Mrs.  Patterson),  of  Baker 
City,  (bregoir  Nora  (Mrs.  Long),  of  Me- 


Mechen,  We.'^t  \drginia;  Bert  and  Bruce, 
twins,  miller  and  glass-worker,  at  Bellaire; 
and  Jessie  (Mrs.  Dunfee),  of  Bellaire. 

James  M.  Weeks,  of  this  sketch,  was  reared 
near  Bellaire  and  had  but  limited  school  ad- 
vantages, it  being  necessary  for  him  to  leave 
school  early  in  order  to  become  an  earning 
factor  in  the  family.  Pie  first  learned  the 
glass  business,  working  his  way  through  all 
the  various  departments  and  becoming  thor- 
oughly acquainted  with  every  detail.  Since 
February  i,  1893,  he  has  been  connected 
with  the  National  Glass  Works,  and  for  the 
past  three  years  has  had  entire  charge  of 
the  manfacturing  part  of  the  plant,  employ- 
ing 150  men  and  boys.  They  turn  out  lamp 
chimneys,  lantern  globes,  vault  lights,  sky 
lights  and  prismatic  window  lights,  the  out- 
put being  in  demand  all  over  the  country. 
The  C.  L.  Dorer  Foundry  Company  was 
established  and  incorporated  in  the  winter 
of  1900-01,  by  J.  M.  Weeks,  C.  L.  Dorer, 
Henry  Vaupel,  Sebastian  Wimmer,  and  Clar- 
ence Simpson,  the  last  named  having  charge 
of  the  business  as  general  manager.  The 
other  officers  are:  C.  L.  Dorer,  secretary 

and  treasurer;  S.  Wimmer,  vice-president, 
and  our  subject,  president.  This  new  and 
prosperous  enterprise  has  enjoyed  encourag  • 
ing  patronage  and  employs  some  12  skilled 
mechanics,  and  prospects  are  that  the  num- 
ber will  soon  be  increased,  as  large  contracts 
have  been  secured.  The  business  is  that  of 
a general  line  of  foundry  work,  a specialty 
being  made  of  glass-mold  castings.  In  ad- 
dition to  the  great  business  interests  which 
he  has  shown  such  ability  to  manage,  Mr. 
Weeks  is  largxlv  interested  in  Western  lands, 
including  mining  property. 

The  marriage  of  our  subject  was  to  Della 
Lafferty,  a native  of  Belmont  County,  and 
the  pleasant  family  residence  is  at  No.  2009 
Belmont  street.  In  politics  Mr.  Weeks  fa- 
vors the  Prohibition  party,  while  in  religious 
connection  he  belongs  to  the  South  Bellaire 
Methodist  Church.  In  our  subject  we  find 
a typical  representative  of  a self-made 
man,  and  he  possesses  the  poise,  the 


e. 


LOUIS  LINCOLN  SCHEEHLE, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


clear-headed  shrewdness  of  one  who  has 
had  to  battle  for  his  rights,  and  the 
confidence  of  one  who  has  been  successful. 
He  has  shown  his  ability  in  directing  busi- 
ness affairs  and  in  managing  large  forces  of 
men,  and  takes  a leading  position  in  the 
business  world  of  Bellaire.  He  is  much  as- 
sisted by  his  happy  faculty  of  making  friends 
and  is  regarded  with  esteem  by  those  who 
know  him  either  publicly  or  socially. 


LOUIS  LINCOLN  SCHEEHLE,  clerk  of 
the  courts  of  Belmont  County,  and  an  esteemed 
and  well-known  citizen  of  Martin’s  Ferry,  was 
born  in  Wheeling,  West  Virginia,  June  26, 
1864,  being  a son  of  Philip  G.  and  Elizabeth 
( Hardman)  Scheehle,  both  of  whom  were  born 
in  Germany. 

Philip  G.  Scheehle  came  to  the  United  States. 
He  was  a contractor  and  builder  of  note ; the 
Moundsville  Penitentiary,  the  Wheeling  Post 
Office,  and  many  other  imposing  buildings 
stand  to  testify  to  his  constructive  ability.  In 
Martin’s  Ferry  he  erected  the  Buckeye  glass 
house  and  at  Morgantown,  West  Virginia,  he 
built  the  main  college  structure.  Mr.  Scheehle 
was  well  and  favorably  known  through  several 
States  as  a contractor  of  reliability.  He  was  a 
man  of  ample  means,  of  generous  disposition 
and  good  citizenship.  He  belonged  to  the 
Lutheran  Church.  His  death  occurred  at  the 
age  of  66  years.  His  wife  died  at  the  age  of 
64  years.  They  had  a family  of  12  children. 

Louis  Lincoln  Scheehle  was  the  seventh  mem- 
ber of  his  parents’  family  and  the  only  one  who 
resides  in  the  State  of  Ohio.  His  education 
was  secured  in  the  schools  of  Wheeling  and  in 
Frasher’s  Business  College  in  that  city.  After 
finishing  his  attendance  at  school,  he  accepted 
a clerkship  in  a Wheeling  grocery  store  and 
continued  in  the  service  of  one  employer  for 
seven  years.  At  the  age  of  21  he  located  in 
Martin’s  Ferry  and  put  into  practice  the  knowl- 
edge which  his  seven  years  had  brought  him. 
He  embarked  in  the  grocery  business  and  this 
he  has  continued  at  the  same  place  ever  since. 


511 


managing  it  with  excellent  ability,  and  fur- 
nishing to  the  people  of  Martin’s  Ferry  a store 
second  to  none.  Mr.  Scheehle  has  been  a very 
successful  investor  in  real  estate  and  owns 
much  valuable  property.  His  attractive  resi- 
dence on  5th  street  is  one  of  the  handsomest 
and  most  elegantly  appointed  in  the  city.  It 
IS  his  intention  to  still  farther  extend  his  busi- 
ness, which  is  now  the  largest  in  the  county, 
by  providing  still  larger  and  more  modern 
quarters  and  adding  to  his  now  extensive  stock 
everything  to  be  found  in  grocery  establish- 
ments in  any  part  of  the  world. 

In  almost  all  of  the  prominent  business  en- 
terprises of  Martin’s  Ferry  he  has  taken  a 
leading  part.  For  two  terms  he  was  a mem- 
ber of  the  board  of  the  electric  light  plant. 
He  now  is  president  of  the  Retail  Grocer’s 
Association  of  Martin’s  Ferry,  and  his  interest 
in  educational  matters  has  been  shown  by  his 
serving  two  terms  on  the  School  Board,  one 
term  as  its  president.  For  many  years  he  has 
been  the  treasurer  of  the  German  Lutheran 
Church.  He  is  regarded  as  one  of  the  city’s 
most  substantial  and  reliable  men.  His  repu- 
tation as  a capitalist  is  founded  upon  ample 
means  and  larg;e  real  estate  holdings.  In  1901 
he  was  elected  clerk  of  the  Court  of  Common 
Pleas,  on  the  Republican  ticket. 

On  September  14,  1890,  Mr.  Scheehle  was 
married  to  Louisa  J..  daughter  of  the  late 
Charles  Seabright,  and  three  children  have 
been  born  to  this  union,  namely : Elsie,  Har- 

old G.  and  Edward  R.  The  religious  connec- 
tion of  the  family  is  with  the  German  Lutheran 
Church.  Mr.  Scheehle  is  a member  of  the 
Knights  of  Pythias,  the  Elks  and  the  Junior 
Order  of  United  American  Mechanics  of  Mar- 
tin’s Ferry. 


THOMAS  J.  MEARS,  formerly  a promi- 
nent manufacturer  of  Martin’s  Ferry,  now 
deceased,  was  born  in  Wellsville,  Ohio,  on 
August  9,  1848,  being  a son  of  Thomas  and 
Jane  (Callahan)  Mears.  His  paternal  grand- 
parents were  Mark  and  Judith  (Dunn)  Mears, 


512 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


while  his  maternal  grandparents  were  Wil- 
liam and  Catherine  (Crossen)  Callahan. 

Thomas  Hears,  the  father  of  the  late 
Thomas  J.,  was  born  in  Ireland  and  came  to 
America  in  1836,  settling  at  Montreal,  Can- 
ada. Two  years  later  he  came  to  the  United 
States  and  followed  his  trade  of  road  con- 
tracting. In  1839  he  removed  to  Defiance, 
Ohio,  and  secured  the  contract  for  digging  a 
part  of  the  Maumee  Canal,  where  he  was  en- 
gaged for  two  years.  His  next  work  was  at 
Wellsville,  Ohio,  where  he  graded  two  miles 
of  the  Cleveland  & Pittsburg  Railroad  from 
that  place  to  Yellow  Creek,  and  also  graded 
the  road  through  Martin’s  Ferry.  Another  of 
his  contracts  was  the  turnpike  road  from 
Martin’s  Ferry  to  Mount  Pleasant,  Ohio.  He 
died  while  engaged  on  the  contract  for  rail- 
road construction  through  Martin’s  Ferry. 
His  widow  survived  until  April  ii,  1902, 
dying  when  almost  84  years  of  age.  Four 
children  were  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hears, 
viz.,  Thomas  J.,  Catherine  (Mrs.  Charles 
Burns),  of  Bellaire,  Ohio;  Mary,  who  for  the 
past  32  years  has  been  one  of  the  Sisters  of 
the  Visitation  of  Abingdon,  Virginia,  and 
Elizabeth,  who  resides  at  the  old  home  in 
Martin’s  Ferry. 

The  late  Thomas  J.  Hears  was  educated 
in  Martin’s  Ferry  and  learned  the  cooper’s 
trade,  which  he  followed  for  some  ten  years. 
In  1873  started  a small  factory  in  com- 
pany with  William  Houge,  George  Watson 
and  John  Bowen,  but  this  enterprise  was  not 
successful.  In  the  following  January,  under 
other  conditions,  he  again  embarked  in  busi- 
ness in  association  with  D.  Park,  Jr.,  on  the 
site  of  the  present  works.  In  1878  the  plant 
was  destroyed  by  fire,  but  business  had  been 
so  prosperous  that  the  factory  was  im- 
mediately rebuilt.  On  the  death  of  Mr. 
Park  in  1881,  Mr.  Hears  became  the  sole 
proprietor  and  so  continued  until  his  own 
demise,  on  December  26,  1897,  aged  49 
years,  4 months  and  18  days.  His  establish- 
ment was  one  of  the  most  extensive  plants 
for  the  manufacture  of  casks,  barrels,  kegs 
and  boxes  in  the  Upper  Ohio  Valley,  and  its 


prosperous  development  was  a most  eloc^uent 
commentary  upon  the  business  ability  of  its 
founder.  Mr.  Hears  had  other  important 
business  interests.  He  was  one  of  the  or- 
ganizers of  the  Northwood  Glass  Works  and 
a director  of  the  same;  a stockholder  in  the 
Crystal  Glass  Company  of  Bridgeport;  also 
in  the  Junction  Iron  Works  at  Mingo  Junc- 
tion, and  the  Elson  Glass  Works.  In  addi- 
tion he  managed  a factory  at  Bellaire  in  con- 
nection with  a factory  at  Martin’s  Ferry  and 
owned  a general  store  in  the  latter  city,  lo- 
cated on  Washington  street.  His  invest- 
ments in  Martin’s  Ferry  were  many  and  im- 
portant, and  he  was  justly  regarded  as  one 
of  the  notably  successful  men  of  the  com- 
munity. In  his  death  the  city  lost  one  of 
her  most  enterprising  citizens,  one  who  was 
ever  on  the  alert  to  build  up  the  city,  espe- 
cially in  the  line  of  manufacturing.  He  was 
a stanch  Democrat,  but  took  no  active  part 
in  politics,  although  he  served  in  the  City 
Council  and  as  township  clerk.  He  was  a 
consistent  member  of  the  Roman  Catholic 
Church  at  Wheeling. 

On  February  16,  1882,  Mr.  Hears  was  mar- 
ried to  Emma  Watson,  daughter  of  William 
S.  and  Delilah  H.  (Williams)  Watson,  the 
former  of  whom  was  a native  of  Pennsyl- 
vania. By  trade  William  S.  Watson  was  a 
nailer  and  made  his  home  in  Wheeling, 
(West)  Virginia,  prior  to  his  marriage. 
About  1850  he  moved  to  Martin’s  Ferry, 
having  married  in  1849,  lived  there  un- 
til his  death,  which  took  place  in  May,  1898, 
at  the  age  of  75  years.  The  mother  of  Mrs. 
Hears  was  born  in  August,  1831,  and  died 
December  3,  1879.  The  paternal  grand- 
parents of  Mrs.  Hears  were  Nathan  and 
Lucy  (Foraker)  Watson,  the  former  of 
whom  lived  into  advanced  age,  the  latter 
dying  in  early  womanhood,  William  being 
the  youngest  child  in  their  family.  The  ma- 
ternal grandparents  were  Thomas  and  Han- 
nah (Johnson)  Williams,  the  former  of  whom 
was  for  a long  period  a manufacturer  of 
edged  tools  in  Belmont  County. 

Mrs.  Hears  was  one  of  a family  of  seven 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


513 


children,  as  follows:  John,  who  is  a resi- 

dent of  Bridgeport;  William,  who  died  in 
boyhood;  Joshua,  who  resides  in  Martin’s 
Ferry;  Hannah,  who  died  at  the  age  of  two 
years;  Adelaide  P.,  who  married  William 
Woods,  a farmer  of  Belmont  County;  Emma, 
who  became  Mrs.  Mears;  and  James,  who 
died  at  the  age  of  10  years.  Five  children 
were  born  to  Thomas  J.  and  Emma  (Wat 
son)  Mears,  as  follows:  Janie  P.,  born  De- 
cember 22,  1882,  died  August  6,  1896; 

Emma  W.,  born  October  9,  1884,  died  on 
New  Year’s  Day,  1899;  Inez  A.,  Lucy  B., 
and  Thomas  J. 

Mr.  Mears  was  well  known  and  universally 
respected,  and  his  fellow  citizens  recall  him 
with  words  of  praise.  To  those  who  were 
admitted  to  his  friendship  and  private  life, 
he  was  known  as  a man  of  high  and  worthy 
motives. 


JAMES  F.  McGILL,  a prominent  and  suc- 
cessful citizen  of  Barnesville,  Ohio,  conducts  a 
large  blacksmith  shop  in  this  city,  and  also 
deals  extensively^  in  buggies,  wagons  and  im- 
proved machinery  of  various  kinds,  being  him- 
self a practical  machinist. 

Mr.  McGill  was  born  September  9,  1859, 
on  his  father’s  farm  in  Warren  township,  Bel- 
mont County,  Ohio.  He  is  a son  of  John  and 
Mary  (Moore)  McGill.  John  McGill  was 
born  in  Belmont  County,  July  26,  1816,  and 
died  February  14,  1896.  His  widow  still  sur- 
vives. He  was  one  of  the  leading  farmers  of 
Warren  township,  and  the  family^  has  been 
held  in  high  esteem  there  for  a long  period. 

James  F.  McGill  obtained  an  excellent  com- 
mon school  education  in  Warren  township,  and 
at  the  age  of  21  years  began  to  learn  the  black- 
smith’s trade.  In  1880,  he  began  farming  and 
combined  the  two  lines  of  business  until  1898, 
when  he  took  a trip  to  the  far  West.  He  located 
in  Oregon,  where  he  worked  at  his  trade  until 
he  came  back  to  his  native  county,  and  settled 
in  Barnesville,  on  September  15,  1901.  Since 
that  time  he  has  prospered  in  his  business 
enterprises  in  this  cityp  and  at  his  shop  and 


ware-rooms  carries  a stock  of  goods  valued  at 
$2,500. 

Mr.  McGill  was  married  March  20,  1883,  to 
Ida  M.  Outland,  a daughter  of  one  of  Barnes- 
ville’s  representative  citizens.  Four  children 
were  born  to  this  union,  namely:  Outland  T., 
who  died  in  infancy ; Iva  P. ; Howard  C.  and 
Clinton  S.  Mr.  McGill  is  a member  of  the 
Knights  of  Pythias,  in  which  he  is  active.  He 
is  regarded  as  one  of  the  progressive  young 
Imsiness  men  of  the  city,  and  is  considered  an 
excellent  mechanic  and  a trustworthy  and 
honorable  citizen. 


JAMES  A.  JUDKINS,  M.  D.  A leading 
citizen  of  Barnesville,  Ohio,  is  found  in  Dr. 
James  A.  Judkins,  a prominent  physician  and 
surgeon,  and  a worthy  representative  of  a name 
long  respected  in  the  commercial  and  social 
circles  of  this  city. 

The  birth  of  Dr.  Judkins  occurred  in  1842, 
in  Barnesville,  Ohio,  and  he  was  one  of  a 
family  of  three  children  born  to  Jesse  and 
Eliza  (Bailey)  Judkins.  The  father  was  born 
in  North  Carolina,  in  1799,  and  accompanied 
his  parents  to  Barnesville  in  1808.  His  father 
was  a physician,  and  a Friend  in  religious  be- 
lief. The  mother  was  a daughter  of  James  and 
Jane  Bailey^  and  was  born  in  York  County, 
Pennsylvania.  In  his  early  life,  Jesse  Judkins 
was  engaged  in  farming,  but  later  he  became 
a merchant,  and  carried  on  an  extensive  busi- 
ness in  Barnesville  for  many  years. 

Dr.  Judkins  attended  the  common  schools  of 
Barnesville.  and  began  the  study  of  medicine 
under  the  direction  of  his  predecessor.  Dr.  E. 
Williams,  in  the  same  office  he  now  occupies. 
He  graduated  from  the  Ohio  Medical  College, 
of  Cincinnati,  in  the  class  of  1866.  He  was  in 
partnership  with  Dr.  E.  Williams,  his  precep- 
tor, until  1881,  after  which  he  remained  alone 
until  he  associated  with  him  his  son,  William 
L.  Judkins,  who  graduated  in  1892,  from 
Oberlin  College,  and  later,  entered  the  Ehii- 
versity^  of  Pennsylvania,  from  the  medical  de- 
partment of  which  he  graduated  in  the  class  of 
1894.  For  many  y-ears  the  skill  and  ability  of 


514 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


the  sul)ject  of  this  sketch  have  been  generally 
recognized  by  the  citizens  of  Barnesville  and 
\'icinity,  and  he  has  easily  held  the  position  of 
the  leading  practitioner. 

On  October  2,  1867,  Dr.  James  A.  Judkins 
was  united  in  marriage  with  Marietta  V. 
Lewis,  and  two  children  l)orn  to  this  union 
still  survive,  namely:  Dr.  William  L.  and 

Mary  Edna.  The  family  is  identified  with  the 
Methodist  Church,  in  which  it  has  always  been 
one  of  tlie  most  highly  valued.  Fraternally, 
the  Doctor  is  a member  of  the  Knights  of 
Pythias.  Politically,  he  is  a stanch  Republi- 
can. He  belongs  to  the  I3elmont  County  Medi- 
cal Society.  Dr.  Judkins,  on  account  of  his 
extensive  experience,  is  often  called  into  con- 
sultation with  l)rother  practitioners,  with 
whom  he  enjoys  the  most  cordial  relations.  He 
is  highly  esteemed  in  Barnesville  and  occupies 
an  enviable  position,  socially  and  profession- 
ally. Since  its  organization,  he  has  been  one 
of  the  directors  of  the  People’s  National  Bank. 


CHARLES  W.  RODEWIG,  mayor  of 
the  city  of  Bellaire,  Belmont  County,  Ohio, 
was  born  in  Bellaire  in  November,  1862,  be- 
ing a son  of  Frederick  and  Margaret  (Luck- 
hard)  Ivodewig,  the  latter  of  whom  was  born 
63  years  ago  in  Hesse,  Germany,  and  is  now 
a l)eloved  and  honored  resident  at  the  home 
of  her  son,  H.  P.  Rode  wig. 

Frederick  Rodewig,  the  father  of  Mayor 
Rodewig,  was  born  near  Hanover,  Germany, 
where  he  learned  the  trade  of  willow  worker, 
becoming  a designer  and  maker  of  fancy 
chairs  and  other  articles.  At  one  time  he 
exhibited  some  of  his  work  at  a fair  in 
Wheeling.  Llowever,  Mr.  Rodewig  was 
ol)liged  to  give  up  his  employment  on  ac- 
count of  impaired  health,  resulting  from  the 
sedentary  occupation.  In  1854  he  located 
in  Bellaire,  and  here  engaged  in  a bakery 
l)usiness,  which  he  successfully  conducted 
until  about  1887,  when  he  retired  from  ac- 
tive business  life.  Mr.  Rodewig  became  a 
prominent  and  influential  man  in  Bellaire, 


was  made  receiver  for  the  old  street  car  line, 
and  was  active  in  securing  the  present  elec- 
tric service.  He  was  one  of  the  originators 
of  the  old  line,  and  also  of  the  gas  plant, 
and  later  was  a stockholder  in  the  gas  and 
electric  light  company.  For  nine  years  he 
was  a member  of  the  Board  of  Education  and 
for  four  years  was  city  treasurer,  also  serv- 
ing for  several  years  as  councilman  from  the 
Third  Ward.  The  handsome  business  block 
at  No.  3137  Belmont  street  was  erected  by 
him.  In  politics  he  was  a Democrat.  Dur- 
ing the  period  that  he  was  a member  of  the 
School  Board,  a number  of  the  commodious 
school  buildings  which  adorn  the  city  were 
erected.  A family  of  seven  sons  came  to 
him  and  his  wife,  viz.:  August,  who  is  in 
the  employ  of  the  Cleveland,  Lorain  & 
Wheeling  Railway  Company,  at  Bridgeport; 
Fred,  who  is  a clerk  in  his  brother’s  furniture 
store;  Charles  W. ; Henry  P.,  who  is  a furni- 
ture merchant  in  Bellaire;  John,  who  is  a 
clerk  in  the  above-named  business;- and  Ed- 
ward and  George,  both  connected  with  the 
glass  works,  the  latter  being  a member  of 
the  Trade  Assembly. 

The  present  presiding  city  officer  of  Bel- 
laire, Charles  W.  Rodewig,  the  subject  of 
this  sketch,  has  been  connected  with  the 
business  life  of  this  city  since  attaining  his 
majority.  He  assisted  his  father  in  the  bakery 
business  until  1889,  was  an  efficient  member 
of  the  police  force,  engaged  in  the  furniture 
business  for  some  years,  became  prominent 
in  Democratic  politics,  and  in  April,  1902, 
was  elected  mayor  of  the  city.  He  has  justi- 
fied the  expectations  of  his  friends  in  making 
a fine  officer,  and,  judging  the  future  by  the 
past,  Bellaire  will  have  a clean,  honest  ad- 
ministration, in  which  its  citizens  can  take 
pride. 

The  first  marriage  of  Mayor  Rodewig  was 
to  Lena  Glaser,  who  at  decease  left  one 
daughter,  Clara  M.,  a graduate  of  the  Bel- 
laire schools,  and  although  but  18  years  of 
a.ge,  a cadet  on  the  teacher’s  list.  The  second 
marriage  of  Mayor  Rodewig  was  to  Eliza- 
beth Ludwig,  and  they  have  two  children. 


r 

\ 


I 


THOMAS  MTSTAR  SHREVE, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


517 


namely:  Blanche  and  Carl  W.  The  family 
are  German  Lutherans.  Socially  our  subject 
belongs  to  the  Belmont  Turnverein,  the 
Knights  of  Pythias,  and  the  B.  P.  O.  E., 
and  he  also  belongs  to  the  Chemical  Com- 
pany of  the  volunteer  fire  department. 


THOMAS  WISTAR  SHREVE,  a promi- 
nent attorney  of  Martin’s  Eerry,  Belmont 
County,  Oh.io,  and  a representative  of  an  old 
and  scholarly  family,  was  born  in  Roscoe, 
Coshocton  County,  Ohio,  March  31,  1858, 
and  is  a son  of  Charles  R.  and  Martha  (Brad- 
shaw) Shreve,  natives  of  Ohio  and  New  York, 
respectively.  All  his  ancestors,  as  far  back  as 
can  be  accurately  traced,  were  very  promi- 
nent men  in  the  communities  in  which  they 
lived,  and  all  had  ver}^  eventful  lives. 

It  is  believed  that  all  the  Shreves  in  America 
are  the  descendants  of  one  Thomas  Sheriff. 
The  first  authentic  evidence  of  his  presence  in 
the  country  is  found  at  Plymouth,  Massachu- 
setts, under  date  of  December  7,  1641 ; he 
seems  to  have  later  moved  to  Rhode  Island. 
He  became  the  owner  of  land  at  Portsmouth, 
Rhode  Island,  December  10,  1666.  Those  of 
his  descendants  who  stayed  in  Rhode  Island 
as  late  as  1737  retained  the  name  “Sheriff,” 
while  his  son  Caleb,  who  married  and  went  to 
New  Jersey,  adopted  the  form  “Shreve.” 
Both  names  have  the  same  meaning  and  deri- 
vation. Shrievalty,  (shrevalty,  as  it  is  some- 
times spelled)  and  sheriffalty  are  different 
spellings  of  the  same  word.  Webster  says 
that  “shrieve”  is  a contraction  of  the  Old 
English  “shereve”  or  “shirereeve.” 

Caleb  Shreve  permanently  located  in  New 
Jersey  about  1680.  He  purchased  land  in 
Shrewsbury,  New  Jersey,  to  which  he  got 
title  by  virtue  of  a deed  dated  January  9, 
1676-7.  The  original  deed  is  in  the  possession 
of  one  of  his  descendants.  On  April  22,  1699, 
he  purchased  a farm  in  Burlington  County, 
New  Jersey,  seven  miles  east  of  the  present 
site  of  Mount  Holly.  This  farm  has  ever  since 
been  owned  by  one  of  his  descendants,  a por- 


tion of  the  house  in  which  Caleb  Shreve  lived 
which  was  built  of  brick  is  still  standing.  He 
had  seven  children  to  each  of  whom  at  their 
marriage  he  gave  a fine  farm.  Judging  from 
the  records  of  New  Jersey,  Caleb  Shreve  and 
Ins  immediate  descendants  played  a most 
prominent  part  in  the  early  history  of  the 
colony.  Besides  being  prominent  in  civil  life, 
the  “Official  Register  of  tlie  Officers  and  Men 
of  New  Jersey  in  the  Revolutionary  War” 
shows  that  there  were  12  Shreves,  all  of  whom 
are  believed  to  have  been  descendants  of  Caleb 
Shreve,  in  the  Revolutionary  Army.  Among 
them  were  three  colonels,  one  lieutenant- 
colonel,  one  captain  and  two  lieutenants. 

Col.  Israel  Shreve,  the  grandson  of  Caleb 
Shreve  and  great-great-grandfather  of  our 
subject,  served  his  country  throughout  the 
Revolutionary  War.  Soon  after  the  battle  of 
Bunker  Hill,  the  Provincial  Congress  ordered 
four  regiments  to  be  raised  from  New  Jersey. 
Although  Quaker  blood  coursed  in  his  veins, 
Israel  Shreve  promptly  responded  and  was 
appointed  lieutenant-colonel  of  the  second 
battalion  of  New  Jersey  troops  November 
8,  1775,  and  upon  the  re-organization  of 
the  “Jersey  Line”  November  28,  1776,  he 
was  made  colonel  of  the  Second  Regiment, 
in  which  capacit}"  he  served  until  the  end 
of  the  war.  His  regiment  was  a part  of 
Maxwell’s  brigade  and  was  with  Washing- 
ton in  many  of  the  most  important  bat- 
tles of  the  Revolutionary  War,  and  under 
his  command  won  laurels  in  many  bloody  en- 
counters. His  son,  Lieut.  John  Shreve,  the 
great-grandfather  of  our  subject,  though  a lad 
of  only  13  years  of  age  at  the  beginning  of  the 
war,  took  an  active  part  in  the  struggle  for  in- 
dependence, much  of  the  time  in  service  with 
his  father.  When  the  father's  regiment 
marched  for  Canada  in  February,  1776,  the 
son  went  with  him.  On  July  15,  1776,  John 
Shre^'e  was  appointed  an  ensign  in  his  father’s 
regiment.  When  the  regiment  was  re-organ- 
ized. he  was  made  first  ensign  in  the  regiment, 
and  later,  July  i,  1777,  was  promoted  to  the 
rank  of  lieutenant.  Both  father  and  son  passed 
the  winter  of  1777  and  1778  with  Washington 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


518 


at  Valley  Forge.  Lieut.  John  Shreve  has  left, 
in  his  own  handwriting,  lengthy  accounts  of 
the  connection  of  himself  and  his  father  with 
the  Revolutionary  War  in  general.  Both  were 
on  the  ground  during  the  negotiations  between 
Arnold  and  Andree,  and  both  were  eye  wit- 
nesses of  the  latter's  execution.  Col.  Israel 
Shreve  had  a brother,  William  Shreve,  who 
served  as  major,  then  as  lieutenant-colonel,  and 
finally  as  colonel  of  the  ist  New  Jersey  Regi- 
ment. Another  brother,  Samuel  Shreve,  en- 
tered the  Revolutionary  Army  as  a captain  in 
the  First  Battalion  Gloucester  (New  Jersey), 
and  became  lieutenant-colonel  of  the  same. 
Still  another  brother,  Caleb  Shreve,  was  very 
prominent  in  civil  life,  in  New  Jersey,  during 
the  war.  Two  of  the  three  brothers  of  Col. 
Israel  Shreve  had  sons  in  the  same  army,  one 
of  whom  was  a captain.  All  were  “Fighting 
Quakers"  and  were  disciplined  for  their  want 
of  meekness,  but  after  the  war  were  forgiven 
and  allowed  to  return.  Col.  Israel  Shreve  died 
the  same  night  Washington  did,  and  it  is  be- 
lieved about  the  same  hour.  It  is  said  that 
his  last  words  were:  “Washington,  O!  Wash- 
ington.” 

Lieut.  John  Shreve,  the  great-grandfather 
of  the  subject  of  this  biography,  spent  about 
forty  years  of  the  best  part  of  his  life  in  West- 
ern Pennsylvania,  where  for  a great  part  of 
that  time  he  served  as  a public  official  in  vari- 
ous capacities,  representing  his  county  several 
times  in  the  State  Legislature.  lie  died  near 
Alliance,  Ohio,  at  the  age  of  92  years,  honored 
and  respected  lyy  all. 

His  son.  Dr.  Thomas  C.  Shreve,  the  grand- 
father of  our  subject.,  was  a graduate  of  Jeffer- 
son Medical  College,  Philadelphia,  holding 
high  rank  among  his  associates  and  in  the  in- 
stitution, and  practiced  his  profession  through 
life  successfully.  Pie  passed  the  early  part  of 
his  professional  life  in  Ohio,  during  which 
time  he  represented  his  county  in  the  Ohio 
Legislature  in  the  years  1845  1846.  He 

went  to  Kansas  in  1857,  locating  at  White 
Cloud.  He  had  become  prominent  as  an 
Abolitionist  before  he  left  Ohio.  He  was  one 
of  the  early  Republicans  in  the  Sunflower 


State.  He  was  a man  of  fine  personal  appear- 
ance. It  is  said  of  him  at  his  death,  that  “intel- 
ligent, social,  high-minded,  courteous  and  hon- 
orable, he  seeilied  like  a gentleman  of  the  olden 
time,  rarely  met  in  these  days.”  His  wife, 
Ann  G.  (Coates)  Shreve,  was  a most  remark- 
able woman  in  every  way.  She  was  born  in 
1802,  and  was  educated  at  the  Friends’  school 
at  Westtown,  Pennsylvania.  In  her  Ohio  home, 
she  warmly  espoused  the  cause  of  temperance 
and  was  one  of  the  first  in  the  struggle  for  the 
legal  rights  of  women,  at  the  time  when  great 
heroism  was  required.  She  was,  as  well,  an 
active  and  effective  laborer  for  the  freedom  of 
the  slaves.  She  and  her  husband  soon  filled 
an  influential  position  in  their  new  Kansas 
home.  Sh.e  lived  nearly  95  years.  An  interest- 
ing story  is  told  of  her  grandmother  Coates. 
She  with  her  newly  married  husband  were 
living,  during  the  winter  and  spring  of  1778, 
on  a farm,  near  the  winter  camp,  occupied  by 
Washington  and  his  army  at  Valley  Forge. 
One  day  at  the  opening  of  spring,  in  the  ab- 
sence of  both  husband  and  wife,  some  of 
Washington’s  men  came  to  the  farm  and  took 
away  the  farm  team,  leaving  an  old  worn-out 
horse  to  do  the  spring  plowing  and  planting. 
On  the  return  of  the  wife,  on  learning  what 
had  hap])ened,  she  mounted  the  old  horse  and 
I'ode  to  the  camp,  and  asked  for  an  interview 
with  General  Washington.  He  granted  the 
interview.  In  the  course  of  it,  she  is  said  to 
have  assured  him,  that  she  and  her  husband 
were  anxious  to  do  all  in  their  power  to  supply 
the  needs  of  the  army,  but  that  it  was  simply 
impossible  for  them  to  do  their  part  in  pro- 
viding provisions,  if  they  were  deprived  of  the 
assistance  of  the  team  which  had  been  taken 
for  the  use  of  the  army.  She  plead  her  case 
so  elequently  that  Washington  granted  her 
request,  and  allowed  her  to  take  the  team 
back  home  with  her. 

Charles  R.  Shreve,  the  father  of  our  sub- 
ject, was  one  of  the  ablest  and  best  known 
educators  in  the  State  of  Ohio.  He  took 
charge  of  the  schools  of  Martin’s  Ferry,  in 
1859,  which  schools  he  served  continuously 
as  superintendent  and  teacher  for  29  years. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


519 


\Vhen  he  took  charge  of  them,  they  were  in  a 
deplorable  condition,  but  he  gradually  brought 
them  t‘o  a high  standard  of  efficiency.  Lead- 
ing educators  of  the  State  have  said  that  Mr. 
Shreve  graduated  from  the  Martin’s  Ferry 
schools  a class  of  students  second  to  none  in  the 
State.  It  was  said  by  one  of  his  students, 
,who  graduated  under  him,  that  if  it  had  been 
left  to  the  graduates  of  the  Martin’s  Ferry 
High  School,  Mr.  Shreve  would  have  been 
kept  in  the  office  of  superintendent  as  long  as 
he  was  able  to  attend  to  its  duties,  and  then 
would  have  been  pensioned  the  remainder  of 
his  life.  When  he  severed  his  connection  with 
the  schools  in  1888,  they  were  recognized  by 
the  leading  educators  of  Ohio  as  being  among 
the  best  in  the  State.  Mr.  Shreve  acted  as 
county  school  examiner  for  Belmont  County 
for  a long  term  of  years,  and  also  served  one 
term  as  State  school  examiner  under  Prof.  J. 
J.  Burns,  State  Superintendent  of  Schools  of 
Ohio.  Before  coming  to  Martin’s  Ferry,  he 
had  been  for  10  years  superintendent  of  the 
public  schools  of  Roscoe,  Ohio,  and  had,  earlier 
still,  taught  four  years  in  the  High  School  at 
Massillon,  where  he  met  Martha  B.  Bradshaw, 
a lady  of  scholarly  attainments,  who  became 
his  wife  October  25,  1851.  Mrs.  Shreve 
taught  in  the  High  School  at  Roscoe,  and 
afterward  in  Martin’s  Ferry. 

The  genealogy  of  our  subject's  mother  has 
never  been  verified  as  was  that  of  his  father, 
but  her  ancestors  are  believed  to  have  been  as 
high-minded  people  and  to  have  resisted 
English  rule  in  Scotland  and  Ireland  as 
bravely  and  with  as  much  self-forgetfulness 
as  did  the  Shreves  in  America. 

After  severing  his  connection  with  the 
schools  in  1888,  Mr.  Shreve  engaged  in  the 
business  of  writing  life  and  fire  insurance.  He 
died  June  25,  1890,  at  the  age  of  62  years. 
Mrs.  Shreve  survives  her  husband  and  is  still 
living  in  Martin’s  Ferry  at  a ripe  old  age, 
highly  honored  by  those  with  whom  she  has 
been  so  long  and  so  intimately  associated. 

Charles  R.  Shreve  was  a member  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  and  served  the 
same  as  senior  warden.  He  was  brought  up 


a Friend.  After  coming  to  Martin’s  Ferr}% 
he  became  a member  of  the  Episcopal  Church 
at  Wheeling,  West  Virginia.  Later  on,  de- 
siring to  become  associated  with  a Martin’s 
Ferry  church,  and  as  there  was  no  church  of 
the  Episcopal  denomination  in  the  city  then, 
he  affiliated  himself  with  the  Presbyterians; 
but  when  a branch  of  the  Episcopal  Church 
was  organized  he  united  himself  with  it.  He 
was  clerk  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  from 
1868  to  1885.  He  had  many  friends,  among 
whom  was  Rev.  George  W.  Chalfant,  D.  D., 
who  for  years  had  been  pastor  of  the  Presby- 
terian Church  at  Martin's  Perry.  At  the  date 
of  the  death  of  Mr.  Shreve,  Dr.  Chalfant  was 
the  pastor  of  one  of  the  leading  churches  of 
Pittsburg,  whence  he  came  to  preach  the 
funeral  sermon  over  his  dead  friend.  Dr. 
Chalfant  began  his  remarks  by  saying,  in  sub- 
stance, that  when  in  the  course  of  his  ministry 
he  came  to  preach  on  any  particular  phase  of 
character,  he  was  in  the  habit  of  choosing 
from  among  his  acquaintances  the  man  whose 
character  would  furnish  him  the  best  type  of 
the  phase  of  character  to  be  described,  which 
character  he  would  then  take  as  a basis  of  the 
discussion.  On  one  occasion  he  desired  to 
preach  a sermon  on  the  ideal  Christian  gentle- 
man. He  said  he  did  on  this  occasion  as  his 
custom  was ; he  thought  over  the  whole  range 
of  his  acquaintances,  and  chose  the  character 
of  the  man  who  lay  before  them  as  the  best 
type  known  to  him  personally  of  what  he  be- 
lieved an  ideal  Christian  gentleman  should  be. 
He  said,  “I  intend  to  preach  today,  as  a 
funeral  sermon,  the  sermon  I then  preached, 
with  this  difference : then,  what  I said  was 
altogether  impersonal ; today,  I shall  show  how 
the  life  and  character  of  the  departed  justified 
ni}’  choice  of  him  as  the  type.”  Then  with  elo- 
quence he  spoke  of  the  ideal  Christian  gentle- 
man, illustrating  his  address  with  events  in 
the  life  of  Charles  R.  Shreve. 

Thomas  W.  Shreve  was  the  eldest  of  the 
two  chidren  born  to  his  parents,  his  sister, 
Margaret  C.  Shreve,  dying  in  1887,  at  the  age 
of  16  years.  His  primary  education  was  ob- 
tained in  the  public  schools  of  Martin’s  Ferry, 


520 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


from  which  he  graduated  in  1875.  He  immedi- 
ately entered  Western  Reserve  College,  then 
located  at  Hudson,  Ohio,  from  which  college 
he  graduated  in  1879  with  the  degree  of  A.  B. 
He  taught  the  next  year  in  the  Martin’s  Ferry 
High  School.  In  the  fall  of  1880  he  entered 
the  law  department  of  the  University  of 
^Michigan,  from  which  he  graduated  in  1882 
with  the  degree  of  LL.  B.  He  spent  his  vaca- 
tions reading  law  in  the  office  and  under  the 
directicui  of  Hon.  Lorenzo  Danford.  In  May, 
1882,  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  by  the 
Supreme  Court  of  Ohio,  and  at  once  opened 
an  office  in  Martin’s  Ferry,  where  he  is  now 
located.  He  has  practiced  his  profession  in 
all  the  courts  of  the  State  of  Ohio.  In  1895 
he  won  a notable  victory  in  the  United  States 
Circuit  Court  of  Ap])eals  for  the  Third  Cir- 
cuit, sitting  at  Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania. 
He  is  regarded  as  one  of  the  most  logical 
reasoners  and  most  careful  advisers  in  the 
county. 

Our  subject  was  brought  up  in,  and  early 
joined,  the  Episcopal  Church,  serving  the 
Martin’s  Ferry  church  for  a number  of  years 
as  its  clerk,  a member  of  its  vestry  and  super- 
intendent of  its  Sunday-school.  He  was  a 
member  of  the  Iniilding  committee  that  built 
the  church  edifice  for  the  organization  in  Mar- 
tin’s Ferry. 

On  July  3,  1883,  Mr.  Shreve  was  united  in 
marriage  to  Jennie  L.  Gray,  a daughter  of 
James  A.  and  Martha  D.  Grtiy.  James  A. 
Gray  was  a memlrer  of  the  well  known  bank- 
ing firm  of  Gray  & Smith,  who  organized  and 
successfully  conducted  for  many  years  in  Mar- 
tin’s Ferry  the  I)ank  known  as  the  Commer- 
cial Bank  of  Martin's  Ferry,  Ohio.  Miss  Gray 
graduated  from  the  Martin’s  Ferry  Fligh 
School  in  1877  and  from  the  Wheeling 
Female  College  in  1881.  Mrs.  Shreve  was  at 
her  marriage  and  now  is  a member  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church.  To  them  were  born 
four  sons,  namely : Charles  Gray,  who  gradu- 
ated from  the  Martin’s  Ferry  High  School  in 
1902,  and  is  now  (1902-03)  a freshman  in 
Adelbert  College  of  Western  Reserve  Uni- 
versity, at  Cleveland,  Ohio;  Ernest  Bradshaw, 


of  the  class  of  1904  in  the  Martin’s  Ferry  High 
School;  James  Wistar  and  Eugene  Sheldon. 
It  is  a pleasant  hit  of  family  history  that  as 
both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Shreve  are  graduates  of 
the  Martin’s  Ferry  High  School,  they  are  the 
first  couple  to  have  a child  follow  their  ex- 
ample. 

klr.  Shreve  joined  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  1891.  In  1893  he  became  clerk  of  the  con- 
gregation, which  office  he  has  ever  since  held. 
In  1896  he  was  elected  a trustee,  which  office 
he  held  until  his  resignation  in  1901.  On 
April  3,  1901,  he  was  elected  an  elder  of  the 
same  church.  Fie  is  serving  the  church  as  the 
superintendent  of  its  Sunday-school.  Fie  was 
a member  of  the  building  committee  that 
planned  for  and  built  the  new  church  edifice 
for  that  congregation.  Mr.  Shreve  has  held 
a number  of  offices  in  connection  with  union 
Sunday-school  work  in  the  county,  township 
and  city.  For  a time  he  was  president  of  the 
Y.  M.  C.  A.  of  Martin’s  Ferry. 

Mr.  Shreve  has  always  taken  an  active  in- 
terest in  athletics.  He  was  the  second  mem- 
ber of  the  Martin’s  Ferry  Volunteer  Fire 
Department,  Dr.  J.  W.  Darrah  being  the  first. 
He  was  an  active  member  of  the  Alert  Hose 
Company  from  1887  to  1901.  He  was  a mem- 
ber of,  and  ran  with,  the  Independence  Hose 
team  at  the  beginning  of  its  career  as  a vic- 
torious racing  team. 

Mr.  Shreve  is  actively  interested  in  what- 
ever will  further  the  growth  and  prosperity  of 
Martin’s  Ferry  and  vicinity.  He  is  an  active, 
energetic  member  of  the  Martin’s  Ferry  Board 
of  Trade. 

The  home  of  our  subject  is  one  that  is  made 
beautiful  by  the  refining  influences  of  life,  and 
where  the  old-fashioned  virtues  of  manly  honor 
through  achievement,  and  of  attainment 
through  Christian  living  are  taught  the 
younger  generation. 

Mr.  Shreve’s  political  affiliations  are  with 
'the  Prohibition  party.  He  has  been  a member 
of  tbe  party  since  1888.  He  has  been  a candi- 
date a number  of  times  for  county  and  local 
offices  on  the  ticket  of  that  party.  On  May  16, 
1901,  he  was  nominated  by  the  Ohio  State 


ROBERT  W.  MUHLEMAN,  M.  D. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


523 


Prohibition  Convention,  held  at  Akron,  Ohio, 
for  attorney  general  of  Ohio;  and  at  a like 
convention  held  at  Martin's  Ferry  in  1902,  he 
was  nominated  for  Congress  for  the  Sixteenth 
Congressional  District  of  Ohio. 


ROBERT  W.  MUHLEMAN,  M.  D.,  a 
prominent  and  successful  physician  of  Bellaire, 
Ohio,  is  also  a leading  citizen  who  has  been 
identified  with  many  of  the  business  interests 
which  have  largely  contributed  to  the  pros- 
perity of  the  city.  The  birth  of  Dr.  Muhleman 
took  place  in  Monroe  County,  Ohio,  May  5, 
1853,  a son  of  Frederick  and  Elizabeth  (Zink) 
Muhleman. 

Both  parents  of  our  subject  were  born  in 
Switzerland  and  came  to  America  and  to  Mon- 
roe County,  Ohio,  about  1S30,  and  were  mar- 
ried in  1843.  The  father  engaged  in  farming 
until  his  death,  which  took  place  in  1884,  when 
he  was  75  years  of  age.  The  mother  survived 
until  February,  1898,  dying  at  the  age  of  79 
years.  They  had  eight  children,  as  follows : 
Edward,  a prominent  citizen  of  Bellaire,  who 
is  at  the  head  of  the  Imperial  Glass  Com- 
pany, now  engaged  in  building  a plant  at 
a cost  of  $200,000;  Henry,  deceased,  who  was 
a clerk  at  the  Crystal  Window  Glass  Works, 
and  his  family  resides  at  Bridgeport ; Charles, 
who  is  a ph}^sician  at  Parkersburg,  West  Vir- 
ginia, studied  with  our  subject,  took  a medical 
course  at  Cleveland,  and  practiced  for  two 
years  in  Bellaire ; Mary,  who  is  the  wife  of  the 
architect,  W.  B.  O’Neill;  Caroline,  who  mar- 
ried A.  W.  Voegtly,  formerly  secretary  of  the 
Crystal  Window  Glass  Company  of  Bellaire, 
now  residing  at  Gas  City,  Indiana ; Sarah,  who 
is  a resident  of  Barnesville,  Monroe  County, 
Ohio;  Emma  (Mrs.  Paulus),  who  resides  at 
Chicago,  Illinois.  Our  subject  was  the  third 
son  of  the  family. 

Dr.  Muhleman  was  primarily  educated  in 
the  schools  of  Monroe  County  and  later  at- 
tended Baldwin  University  at  Berea,  Ohio. 
After  completing  his  collegiate  course,  he  re- 
turned home  and  engaged  in  teaching  for  a 


number  of  years  and  became  so  well  knowm  as 
an  educator  that  he  was  elected  superintendent 
of  schools  at  Barnesville,  during  1873-74.  His 
aim,  however,  was  to  enter  the  medical  pro- 
fession and  his  studies  had  been  privately  pur- 
sued to  that  end,  and  after  a thorough  training 
under  Dr.  S.  A.  Muhleman,  of  Wheeling,  in 
1876  he  entered  Pulte  Medical  College,  at  Cin- 
cinnati, and  graduated  in  1877,  immediate- 
ly locating  in  his  present  home.  Here  Dr. 
Muhleman  has  enjoyed  an  extensive  and 
lucrative  practice.  Early  in  his  citizenship 
in  Bellaire,  he  became  interested  in  the 
glass  business,  and  in  company  with  C.  C. 
Cratty,  C.  C.  Kelley,  H.  Roemer  and  others, 
organized  the  Union  Window  Glass  Company, 
in  1879;  the  instituting  of  this  business  enter- 
prise was  followed,  in  1882,  by  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  Crystal  Window  Glass  Company, 
in  association  with  D.  J.  Smith,  S.  O.  Hamil- 
ton and  John  Shannafelt,  of  which  company 
Dr.  kluhleman  was  chosen  president,  which 
official  position  he  has  filled  ever  since.  He  is 
also  interested  in  and  is  the  vice-president  of 
the  Bellaire  Window  Glass  Company. 

Dr.  Muhleman  is  a man  of  fine  business  in- 
stinct and  when  he  invested  largely  in  land  at 
Wichita,  Kansas,  in  1887,  he  foresaw  the  cer- 
tain development  of  that  State,  and  realized 
handsomel)^  on  his  investments.  His  owner- 
ship of  valuable  property  in  Bellaire  is  large, 
including  residence  sections,  building  blocks, 
the  Post  Office  building,  the  furniture  store 
building  occupied  by  Rodewig,  and  also  the 
quarters  used  by  the  Wheeling  Natural  Gas 
Company.  The  Doctor  has  taken  a deep  inter- 
est in  almost  all  progressive  movements  in  the 
city  and  man}'  of  them  owe  their  prosperity  to 
his  fostering  care.  He  is  vice-president  of  the 
Ohio  Valley  Telephone  Company. 

Dr.  Muhleman  has  settled  convictions  on 
almost  all  subjects,  as  is  the  case  with  strong 
men,  and  his  loyalty  to  the  Democratic  party 
is  well  known  to  his  friends  and  associates.  In 
a like  way  he  believes  in  and  supports  the 
Methodist  Church,  his  activity  taking  the  form 
of  assisting  in  its  many  enterprises  and  mak- 
ing possible  a wider  field  for  its  work.  He 


524 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


entertains  the  most  eordial  relations  with  his 
brother  physieians  and  l)elongs  to  the  Ohio 
\hdley  IMeclical  Association. 


R.  ROSS  WATT,  president  and  general 
manager,  and  also  the  junior  member,  of  the 
Watt  Mining  Car  Wheel  Company,  of  Barnes- 
ville,  Ohio,  is  one  of  the  progressive  and  ener- 
getic young  business  men  which  the  great  de- 
velopment of  industries  here  has  brought  to 
the  front.  The  times  require  active  brains  and 
youthful  energy  and  these  are  supplied  by  cap- 
able, self-poised,  and  intelligent  young  men 
like  R.  Ross  WTtt. 

Mr.  Watt  was  born  April  17,  1861,  in  Mon- 
roe County,  Ohio,  where  he  was  reared.  He 
attended  the  public  schools  of  Barnesville,  and 
graduated  from  the  High  School.  He  is  a 
son  of  Joseph  and  Maria  (Slack)  Watt,  most 
highly  respected  residents  of  Monroe  County. 
In  1877,  Mr.  Watt  became  connected  with  the 
Watt  Mining  Car  Wheel  Works  in  the  capacity 
of  bookkeeper,  and  when  the  concern  was 
organized  into  a stock  company,  in  1882,  he 
became  financially  interested  in  it  and  was 
made  secretary  and  treasurer,  in  which  capaci- 
ties he  continued  until  May,  1902.  The  death 
of  his  l)rother,  James  H.  Watt,  who  was  the 
president  of  the  company,  then  caused  a 
change  to  he  made,  and  the  officers  of  the  com- 
pany now  are:  R.  R.  Watt,  president  and  gen- 
eral manager;  J.  W.  Watt,  vice-president  and 
treasurer;  P.  H.  Laughlin,  secretary,  and 
Stewart  Watt,  superintendent.  The  Watt 
Mining  Car  Wheel  Works  constitutes  a lead- 
ing industry  of  Belmont  County,  and  gives 
employment  to  more  persons  than  any  other 
concern  in  the  county.  Mr.  Watt  is  very  popu- 
lar with  his  employees  and  is  regarded  as  one 
of  the  leading  business  men  of  this  locality. 

On  June  ii,  1891,  Mr.  Watt  was  united  in 
marriage  with  Mary  Lewis,  a daughter  of  J. 
Milton  Lewis,  ])resident  of  the  First  National 
Bank  of  Barnesville.  Two  children  have  been 
horn  to  this  union,  Alice,  and  Lewis,  who  bears 
his  grandfather's  honored  name.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 


Watt  are  consistent  members  of  the  Presby- 
terian Church  and  take  an  active  part  in  its 
benevolent  and  charitable  work.  In  the 
Masonic  fraternity,  Mr.  Watt  is  well  known, 
and  is  in  active  affiliation  with  its  many  bodies. 
His  political  sympathy  is  entirely  with  the 
Repul)lican  party,  although  he  has  no  political 
ambitions.  The  family  home  is  one  of  the 
most  beautiful  in  Barnesville,  which  is  noted 
for  the  taste  and  elegance  displayed  in  its  resi- 
dences. Mr.  Watt  and  his  wife  are  promi- 
nent factors  in  the  higher  circles  of  its  social 
life. 


J.  A.  GREENFIELD,  freight  agent  of  the 
Cleveland  & Pittsburg  Railroad  at  Bellaire, 
Ohio,  is  a typical  railroader  and  has  been  a 
faithful  employee  of  that  companysince  1864, 
having  filled  his  present  position  since  1887. 
Mr.  Greenfield  was  born  in  Western  New 
York  in  1849,  is  a son  of  William  Green- 
field, who  was  also  a native  of  the  Empire 
State.  With  his  family  he  settled  in  Bellaire 
in  1864,  and  was  employed  for  many  years  in 
the  freight  department  of  the  same  system 
upon  which  our  subject  is  employed.  He 
died  in  1876,  aged  62  years.  His  widow  is 
still  living  and,  with  her  daughter,  Jen- 
nie, resides  with  our  subject  in  Bellaire.  Her 
maiden  name  was  Strong,  and  her  father  was 
a noted  contractor  and  builder,  having  built 
the  first  church  structure  in  Svracuse,  New 
York. 

In  early  youth  Mr.  Greenfield  began  a rail- 
road career,  working  first  on  the  Pennsyl- 
vania lines.  He  was  first  stationed  at  Bel- 
laire as  clerk  in  the  freight  department,  but 
was  soon  transferred  to  different  points.  He 
rose  from  clerk  to  freight  agent,  and  was  em- 
ployed in  the  latter  capacity  at  Liverpool 
for  five  years,  from  1882  to  1887,  when  he 
was  transferred  to  his  present  position  at  Bel- 
laire, where  he  continues  to  give  excellent 
satisfaction. 

Politically,  Mr.  Greenfield  is  a close  ad- 
herent to  the  Republican  party,  as  have  been 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


525 


all  members  of  the  family.  For  six  years  he 
served  as  deputy  supervisor  of  elections  for 
Belmont  County.  Socially  he  is  a Mason  of 
high  degree,  being  a member  of  the  blue 
lodge  of  Bellaire  and  of  Hope  Commandery, 
K.  T.,  of  St.  Clairsville.  On  religious  subjects 
he  entertains  liberal  ideas,  but  his  mother  is  a 
Baptist,  while  his  sisters  favor  the  Methodist 
Church.  His  record  with  the  railroad  is 
above  reproach.  By  his  own  exertions  and 
his  faithfulness  in  executing  the  trusts  im- 
posed upon  him,  he  has  worked  his  way  up 
from  an  humble  position,  and  deserves  great 
credit. 


W.  W.  COWEN.  The  subject  of  this 
sketch  is  not  only  a prominent  member  of  the 
legal  profession  and  a leading  citizen  of  St. 
Clairsville,  Ohio,  but  he  bears  a name  which 
for  many  years  has  been  distinguished  in  Bel- 
mont County.  The  names  of  Tallman,  Car- 
roll,  Danford  and  Cowen  have  shed  luster  upon 
the  bar  of  this  county.  W.  W.  Cowen  is  suc- 
cessfully treading  in  the  footsteps  of  his  hon- 
ored father. 

The  birth  of  Mr.  Cowen  occurred  in  St. 
Clairsville,  April  i,  1868.  He  is  a son  of  Judge 
D.  D.  T.  Cowen,  of  Harrison  County,  Ohio, 
and  Anna  E.  Martin,  his  wife,  who  was  born 
near  Uniontown,  Pennsylvania.  Judge  Cowen 
was  for  many  years  so  conspicuous  a figure  in 
the  annals  of  Belmont  County,  that  the  biog- 
rapher quotes  concerning  his  life  and  services 
from  a high  authority  concerning  the  public 
men  of  the  Upper  Ohio  A^alley : 

“Judge  D.  D.  T.  Cowen  was  one  of  the 
most  distinguished  lawyers  who  practiced  at 
the  Belmont  County  bar.  His  father,  Benja- 
min Sprague  Cowen,  was  a noted  jurist  and 
statesman,  and  both  he  and  his  wife  w^ere 
natives  of  Washington  County,  New  York, 
whence  they  moved,  in  1825.  to  Harrison 
County,  Ohio,  where  Judge  Cowen  was  born 
January  20,  1826.  A few  years  later  the  fam- 
ily moved  to  St.  Clairsville.  Ohio,  where  the 
Judge  attended  the  public  schools  and  Brooks’ 
Institute,  his  father  being  one  of  the  founders 


of  that  institution.  His  classical  education  was 
received  under  the  tutelage  of  Dr.  McBane,  of 
Cadiz,  Ohio,  and  later  he  studied  medicine  and 
surgery  under  his  uncle.  Dr.  Sylvanus  Wood, 
of  Cadiz,  and  Dr.  Alexander,  of  St.  Clairsville. 
His  study  of  medicine  was  only  to  get  a 
broader  and  more  comprehensive  education, 
preparatory  to  the  practice  of  the  law,  for  that 
was  his  chosen  profession.  Under  the  wise 
guidance  of  his  eminent  father  and  his  father’s 
partner,  Hugh  J.  Jewett,  later  president  of  the 
Erie  Railroad,  he  was  fitted  for  the  bar  and 
was  admitted  on  January  20,  1847.  Soon 
afterward  he  began  practice  in  Belmont  Count}^ 
and  attained  a high  standing  in  this  county, 
whose  bar  has  been  adorned  with  the  talents  of 
an  exceptionally  large  number  of  able  men.  In 
time  Judge  Cowen  came  to  be  the  recognized 
leader  of  this  association  of  leaders,  and  prac- 
ticed in  all  the  courts  of  his  section  and  in  the 
Supreme  Court  of  Ohio.  Soon  after  the  com- 
mencement of  hostilities  between  the  North 
and  the  South  he  was  commissioned  lieutenant- 
colonel  of  the  52nd  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  of 
which  Daniel  McCook  was  colonel.  Later, 
when  that  officer  was  assigned  to  the  command 
of  a brigade,  the  command  of  the  regiment 
devolved  upon  Colonel  Cowen,  and  he  partici- 
pated in  all  the  engagements  in  which  his  com- 
mand took  part,  until  the  sad  news  of  his  wife’s 
failing  health  forced  him  to  resign  his  commis- 
sion and  return  to  her  to  whom  he  owed  his 
first  allegiance.  Tendering  his  resignation,  he 
was  honorably  discharged  in  February.  1863. 
On  his  return  home,  he  was  made  chairman 
of  the  military  committee  of  Belmont  County, 
of  which  Judge  Kennon,  Judge  Kelley  and 
Benjamin  S.  Cowen  were  members.  Judge 
Cowen  served  as  prosecuting  attorney  of  this 
county  from  1852  to  1858.  He  also  served 
as  mayor  and  clerk  of  St.  Clairsville,  at  other 
times,  and  was  a inember  of  the  boards  of  Edu- 
cation and  School  Examiners,  from  1854  to 
1862,  at  which  time  he  resigned  in  order  to 
enter  the  army.  On  the  resignation  of  Judge 
John  Okey  as  Common  Pleas  judge.  Colonel 
Cowen  was  made  his  successor,  and  served  the 
remainder  of  the  former’s  term.  Judge  Cow- 


526 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


cn’s  superior  ability  was  recognized  by  bis  elec- 
tion as  a delegate  to  the  Constitutional  Conven- 
tion of  1873,  by  a majority  of  over  2,300  votes, 
in  a county  about  evenly  divided  politically, 
b'rom  its  organization  he  was  president  of  the 
b'irst  National  Bank  of  St.  Clairsville.  In 
April,  1884,  this  distinguished  man  passed 
away  to  his  eternal  rest,  his  death  causing  a 
sorely  felt  vacancy  in  the  county.” 

Judge  Cowen  rvas  twice  married,  first  to 
h'rances  Martin,  who  died  in  1863,  and  second, 
to  her  sister,  Anna  E.  Martin ; they  were 
daughters  of  Tazw'ell  P.  and  Nancy  E.  Mar- 
tin. The  death  of  the  second  Mrs.  Cowen  took 
place  in  March,  1901.  The  children  horn  to 
fudge  Cowen's  first  marriag'e  were  as  follows: 
Pressley,  deceased;  Walter  S.,  a resident  of  St, 
Clairsville;  Frank  M.,  cashier  of  a hank  at 
Flushing,  Ohio;  Duane,  an  insuranc  eagent  at 
Bellaire;  Martin,  a resident  of  Bellaire;  and 
h'lora  May,  now  Mrs.  James  Williams,  resid- 
ing near  East  Richland,  Ohio.  The  children  of 
the  second  marriage  were, — Warren  W,,  the 
subject  of  this  biography,  and  Eleanor,  now 
Mrs.  Miskimmins,  of  St.  Clairsville. 

The  primary  education  of  Warren  W. 
Cowen  was  obtained  in  the  public  schools  at 
St.  Clairsville,  and  this  was  followed  by  a 
course  at  Washingion  and  Jefferson  College, 
in  Pennsylvania.  Under  the  discipline  of  the 
well-known  firm  of  Nichols  & Pollock,  of  St. 
Clairsville.  he  prepared  for  the  bar,  and  was 
almitted  to  practice  in  1895.  For  four  years 
he  served  as  deputy-sheriff,  under  Sheriff 
Darby,  who  is  now  warden  of  the  Ohio  State 
Penitentiary.  Since  the  fall  of  1899  Mr. 
Cowen  has  enjoyed  a large  practice,  independ- 
ent of  any  partnership,  and  his  ability  has 
been  recognized  in  many  cjuarters. 

On  February  21,  1890,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch  was  united  in  marriage  with  Estella 
Kirk,  a native  of  Belmont  County,  and  a 
daughter  of  Cyrus  and  Catherine  Kirk.  Her 
father  died  in  1892.  and  her  mother  is  one  of 
the  esteemed  and  honored  residents  of  Kirk- 
wood township.  The  three  children  horn  to 
this  union  are, — Elsie  Armstrong;  Stella  Bea- 
trice ; and  Martin  Lindsey.  Mr.  Cowen,  with 


his  family,  belongs  to  the  Methodist  Church, 
in  which  he  is  a member  of  the  official  body, 
and  to  which  he  contributes  liberal  support. 
He  is  recognized  as  one  of  the  rising  young 
attorneys  of  Belmont  County,  is  energetic  and 
enterprising,  and  takes  a justifiable  pride  in 
the  record  of  his  eminent  father  and  grand- 
father. 


BENJAMIN  S.  McBRIDE,  who  formerly 
carried  an  extensive  line  of  groceries  in  St. 
Clairsville,  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  was  born 
near  that  city,  December  6,  1845,  is  a son 
of  Jonathan  and  Mary  (Harrison)  McBride. 

Jonathan  McBride  was  horn  in  Baltimore, 
Maryland,  and  during  the  years  of  his  active 
business  life  followed  hlacksmithing.  He  was 
an  expert  mechanic,  and  a man  of  much  ingenu- 
ity. In  1833  he  married  Mary  Harrison,  who 
was  horn  in  Lancastershire,  England.  He  died 
in  1839,  and  his  wife  died  March  9,  1879,  aged 
68  years.  They  reared  the  following  children, 
namely:  William  H.,  who  lives  on  a farm  iir 

Belmont  County;  Robert  H.,  who  lives  in  Mc- 
Pherson County.  Kansas;  Daniel  H.,  who  deals 
in  hardware  and  farming  implements  in  St. 
Clairsville;  Benjamin  S.,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch ; Amos,  who  is  at  the  head  of  the  Mc- 
Bride Carriage  Company;  Sirena,  the  wife  of 
Franklin  Ayers,  of  Washington  County,  Ohio; 
Elizabeth,  the  wife  of  Henry  Piper,  of  Cleve- 
land, Ohio;  and  Mary  Ann,  who  died  in  1869, 
aged  19  years. 

Benjamin  S.  McBride  attended  the  public 
schools  of  Belmont  County,  and  afterward 
worked  on  a farm  for  some  time.  On  May  l, 
1862,  he  enlisted  in  Company  H,  85th  Reg. 
Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  to  do  garrison  duty.  He  was 
put  into  active  service,  followed  Morgan  into 
Kentucky,  and  was  on  duty  until  September  of 
that  year.  After  his  return,  Mr.  McBride 
learned  the  trade  of  a blacksmith  with  his 
brother,  Robert,  and  worked  at  it  for  25  years. 
He  then  sold  out  to  his  brother,  and  in  1901  en- 
gaged in  the  grocery  business,  carrying  a full 
line  of  fancy  and  staple  groceries.  His  store  is 
well  patronized,  and  his  customers  receive 


_ 

- 

V 


'•^  , — 


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M-  ‘ 

i^..' 

i-f-Z  ■ - ' 

I;"; 

i;-  ‘ ^ 


DAVID  K.  ALLEN 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


529 


prompt  and  courteous  attention.  Mr.  McBride 
is  a man  of  good  business  principles,  and  deals 
honestly  and  fairly  with  all. 

On  December  20,  1S77,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch  was  married  to  Emma  J.  White,  , a 
native  of  St.  Clairsville,  and  a daughter  of 
Israel  and  Arminda  White,  of  this  city.  They 
have  five  children,  namely:  Benjamin  S.,  who 
is  in  the  carriage  business  with  his  uncle,  Amos 
McBride;  Robert  H.,  who  clerks  in  his  fath- 
er's store;  Luella  A.;  Margaret  D. ; and  Si- 
rena  E. 

Mrs.  McBride  is  a member  of  the  Methodist 
Church.  Mr.  McBride  has  served  as  council- 
man, and  has  been  a member  of  the  School 
Board  for  four  years.  He  is  a Mason,  and  a 
member  of  the  G.  A.  R.,  in  which  he  is  a char- 
ter member  and  quartermaster  of  Drummond 
Post,  No.  203,  of  St.  Clairsville. 


19AVID  K.  ALLEN,  a prominent  business 
man  of  Martin’s  Eerry,  was  born  in  Bridge- 
port, Ohio,  on  the  Kirkwood  side,  on  June  5, 
1844.  His  parents  were  David  and  Ann  S. 
(Kirkwood)  Allen,  the  latter  a member  of  an 
old  and  distinguished  family  of  the  State. 

David  Allen,  the  father  of  David  K.,  was 
born  in  1796  and  died  October  23,  1872.  His 
life  had  been  one  of  active  endeavor  in  many 
lines.  His  birthplace  was  in  Fayette  County, 
Pennsylvania,  and  there  he  was  educated  and 
became  cashier  in  a local  bank.  Later  he  be- 
came a partial  owner  and  one  of  the  directors 
of  the  first  foundry  erected  at  Wheeling,  and 
after  locating  there  engaged  in  the  commis- 
sion mercantile  business,  which  he  also  carried 
on  at  Bridgeport,  Ohio.  He  commanded  a 
company  during  the  War  of  1812  and  was  very 
prominent  in  political  life.  After  serving 
through  two  terms  as  auditor  of  B.elmont 
County,  he  was  elected  to  the  Senate  from 
this  county  and  subsequently  was  re-elected. 
Mr.  Allen  for  some  time  was  also  engaged 
in  an  insurance  business.  He  was  acknowl- 
edged to  be  the  best-informed  man  in  the 


county  on  current  literature  and  through  life 
exerted  a wide  iniiuence.  His  wife  was  a 
daughter  of  Joseph  Kirkwood,  whose  father 
commanded  a Delaware  regiment  during  the 
Revolutionary  War.  Mrs.  Allen  died  on 
November  3,  1887,  aged  77  years,  her  birth 
having  been  on  February  28,  1812.  The  chil- 
dren born  to  David  Allen  and  wife  were  the 
following:  Sutia  A.  K.,  deceased,  was  the 
wife  of  Albert  Rice;  Mary  B.,  deceased,  was 
the  wife  of  John  F.  Wetzel,  a descendant  of 
Lewis  Wetzel,  the  famous  Indian  fighter; 
Robert  K.  resides  at  Dixmont,  Pennsylvania, 
where  he  is  assistant  superintendent  of  a hos- 
pital ; Margaret  E.  is  Mrs,  James  M.  Culbert- 
son and  resides  at  Alliance,  Ohio;  James  died 
at  the  age  of  six  years ; David  K.  of  this 
sketch  was  the  sixth  child  in  order  of  birth ; 
the  next  was  an  unnamed  infant ; Jonathan  G. 
resides  at  Alarshall,  Texas;  Joseph  K.  resides 
in  Alliance,  Ohio ; James  P.  resides  in  Cum- 
berland, Maryland;  and  George  G.  resides  at 
Boston,  Massachusetts. 

David  K.  Allen  enjoyed  educational  advan- 
tages in  the  schools  of  Bridgeport  and  later 
took  a course  at  AVheeling,  West  Virginia, 
under  Professor  Harding.  He  had  scarcely 
completed  his  schooling  when  he  enlisted  for 
service  in  the  Civil  War,  on  August  15,  1862, 
entering  Company  F,  50th  Reg.,  Ohio 
Vol.  Inf.,  and  took  part  in  his  first  battle  on 
October  8,  1862,  at  Perry ville,  although  he 
had  been  through  several  skirmishes  prior  to 
this.  In  the  Army  of  the  Ohio  he  participated 
in  all  the  Atlanta  campaign  and  was  under  those 
noted  Ohio  generals,  Sherman  and  Scho- 
field. After  the  siege  of  Atlanta  Mr.  Al- 
len was  a member  of  the  23rd  Army  Corps, 
which  was  sent  liy  General  Sherman  to 
relieve  General  Corse  at  the  dreadful  battle  of 
Altoona  Pass.  “Hold  the  fort  for  troops  are 
coming”  was  Sherman’s  signal  to  Corse,  but 
before  General  Sherman  arrived  General  Corse 
had  defeated  the  enemy  and  put  them  to  flight. 
Mr.  .\llen’s  corps  went  with  Sherman  as  far  as 
Rome,  Georgia,  and  then  they  were  ordered 
back  to  Tennessee,  via  Chattanooga,  Columbia, 
Spring  Hill  and,  after  the  battle  there  on  No- 


530 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


\’ember  29th,  reached  Franklin  on  November 
30.  1864. 

At  the  1)attlc  which  took  place  at  Franklin, 
Mr.  .Mien  was  severely  wounded,  in  the  head, 
leg,  and  breast  near  the  heart.  These  injuries 
not  only  closed  his  career  as  a soldier,  but  very 
nearly  ended  his  life.  For  months  he  was  para- 
lyzed and  it  was  long  a matter  of  doubt  about 
his  final  recovery.  Fie  remained  in  the  hospital 
at  Nashville,  Tennessee,  until  December  8, 
1864,  and  was  then  sent  to  the  hospital  at 
Aladison,  Indiana,  where  he  received  care  until 
March,  1863,  when  he  was  sent  to  the  Wheel- 
ing Hospital  from  which  he  was  discharged  on 
June  6,  1865.  having  faithfully  served  and  suf- 
fered for  his  country.  After  the  close  of  the 
war,  Mr.  Allen  took  a course  under  Professor 
Harding  as  noted. 

Mr.  Allen  then  learned  telegraphing  and 
served  with  the  Western  Union  Telegraph 
Company  until  1868  and  then  was  manager  of 
the  T’acific  & Atlantic  at  Bridgeport,  having  the 
telegraph  office  located  in  his  grocery  store, 
which  business  was  carried  on  for  about  six 
years.  He  then  opened  up  a coal  business  in 
Kirkwood  where  he  is  owner  of  considerable 
valuable  property,  comprising  some  60  acres  of 
land,  both  improved  and  vacant.  In  1878  Mr. 
Allen  located  in  Martin’s  F'erry  and  became  iden- 
tified with  coal  mining.  He  owns  some  desir- 
al)le  ])i'operty  which  he  has  worked  by  others. 
1 le  developed  a fine  vein  of  sand  in  this  locality 
and  for  fi\'e  years  has  worked  it.  Mr.  Allen 
was  one  of  the  early  developers  of  the  mining 
industry  in  this  section  and  has  been  more  or 
less  interested  in  coal  since  1865. 

Mr.  Allen  is  deeply  interested  in  G.  A.  R. 
mo\’ements.  He  has  been  four  times  elected 
commander  of  Tboburn  Post,  No.  72,  of  Mar- 
tin's Ferry  and  has  high  rank  in  all  the  soldier 
organizations  in  the  county.  Mr.  Allen  was 
the  organizer  in  this  section  of  the  Sons  of  Vet- 
erans and  the  Union  Veteran  Legion  and  is 
now  chairman  of  the  soldiers’  relief  comiriittee 
of  the  First  and  Second  wards,  having  held 
this  position  for  the  past  16  years.  Among 
his  most  cherished  possessions  is  a commission 
as  notary  public  from  Comrade  William  Mc- 


Kinley, who  was  Governor  of  Ohio  when  it 
was  given.  This  he  prizes  both  on  account  of 
old  associations  as  a comrade  and  also  on  ac- 
count of  the  high  esteem  in  which  he  always 
held  the  beloved  chief  magistrate  as  a man. 

On  March  ii,  1873,  Allen  was  married 
to  Mary  Florence  Crosby,  daughter  of  John 
and  Eliza  (Andrews)  Crosby,  both  deceased. 
Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Allen  belong  to  the  Kirk- 
wood Presbyterian  Church.  He  was  a charter 
member  of  tbe  Federation  of  Labor  in  Martin’s 
Ferry  and  framed  its  constitution  and  by-laws, 
and  is  still  in  sympathy  with  the  union.  Mr. 
Allen’s  record  as  a soldier  is  one  of  which  his 
friends  are  justly  proud.  As  a civilian  he  is  an 
upright,  substantial  and  worthy  business  man. 
Martin’s  Ferry  has  many  estimable  citizens,  but 
none  are  more  deserving  of  public  esteem  and 
confidence  than  is  David  K.  Allen. 


FRED  CANNON  PEREGOY,  M.  D.  One 
of  the  enterprising  and  successful  young  phy- 
sicians of  Barnesville,  Ohio,  is  Dr.  Fred  Can- 
non Peregoy,  who  was  born  in  New  Athens, 
Ohio,  March  31,  1869,  and  is  a son  of  Rev. 
William  and  Malinda  E.  (Cannon)  Peregoy. 

Rev.  William  Peregoy  was  born  in  Shep- 
herdstown,  Ohio,  where  he  resided  up  to  the 
time  he  became  a minister  of  the  Methodist 
Church.  Fie  now  a has  a charge  in  Youngs- 
town, Ohio. 

Dr.  Peregoy  attended  the  public  schools  and 
New  Concord  College,  and  on  deciding  to 
study  medicine  entered  the  office  of  Dr.  A.  H. 
Trueman,  of  Cumberland,  Ohio.  Later  he 
took  a complete  reading  course  under  Dr.  N. 
Obetz,  of  Columbus,  Ohio,  prior  to  entering 
Starling  Medical  College  in  that  city.  He  grad- 
uated from  this  institution  on  March  6,  1890, 
and  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year  located  in 
Barnesville,  where  he  has  met  with  gratifying 
success.  He  is  deeply  interested  in  his  pro- 
fession and  keeps  abreast  of  all  the  modern 
discoveries  and  inventions  in  medicine  and 
surgery. 

Dr.  Peregoy  was  united  in  marriage  with 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


531 


Anna  L.  Hance,  a daughter  of  George  Hance, 
of  Barnesville.  Both  are  active  members  of  the 
Methodist  Church,  and  are  highly  esteemed 
socially.  The  Doctor  belongs  to  the  Independ- 
ent Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  and  also  has  mem- 
bership with  the  Belmont  County  Medical  So- 
ciety. His  political  affiliation  is  with  the  Re- 
publican party. 


GRANVILLE  S.  WELLONS,  M.  D.,  is 
one  of  the  oldest  and  certainly  one  of  the  most 
highly  esteemed  physicians  and  surgeons  of 
Barnesville,  Ohio,  where  for  many  years  his 
name  has  been  almost  a household  word,  espe- 
cially with  the  older  generation,  to  whom  he 
has  ministered  for  almost  44  years. 

Dr.  Wellons  comes  of  old  Virginia  ancestry, 
and  counts  among  his  forefathers  many  of  the 
distinguished  men  of  that  State.  His  birth 
occurred  on  September  22,  1834,  in  Somerton, 
Belmont  County,  Ohio,  and  he  is  a son  of  Asa 
and  Asenath  (Idavis)  Wellons. 

Moses  Davis,  the  maternal  grandfather  of 
Dr.  AAVllons,  was  born  in  Virginia,  and  was 
one  of  the  first  settlers  of  the  city  of  Barnes- 
\dlle,  Ohio.  This  was  when  Warren  township 
was  still  a wilderness,  inhabited  only  by  wild 
animals.  He  later  moved  to  Somerton,  Bel- 
mont Count}%  where  he  remained  the  rest  of 
his  active  life.  The  birth  of  the  father  of  Asa 
Wellons  occurred  in  1802,  and  he  lived  until 
his  89th  birthday.  His  wife  was  born  in  1801, 
and  lived  to  the  age  of  96  years.  They  had 
four  children,  two  of  whom  died  in  infancy.  In 
his  early  years  A.sa  Wellons  was  engaged  in 
wagon-m.aking.  He  also  owned  a carding  ma- 
chine, and  carded  wool  for  several  years.  Later 
he  became  a farmer,  and  was  a prominent  and 
respected  citizen.  He  lived  in  Somerton  up  to 
1865,  his  death  took  place  in  Barnesville. 

The  educational  advantages  afforded  Dr. 
AVellons  in  his  youth  were  limited  indeed,  and 
all  his  school  opportunities  were  those  offered 
by  the  little  log  cabin  in  the  woods.  His 
parents  taught  him  the  value  of  industry,  and 
when  a mere  boy  he  was  placed  at  work  to  feed 
the  carding  machine,  and  was  thus  employed 


until  he  was  16  years  old.  He  then  worked, 
for  one  year,  on  a farm  one  mile  north  of 
Barnesville,  which  was  a welcome  relief  from 
the  toil  of  the  factory.  In  1850  an  epidemic 
of  typhoid  fever  broke  out  in  Somerton,  and 
the  suljject  of.  this  sketch  left  his  work  in  the 
country  and  offered  his  services  to  assist  in  car- 
ing for  the  sick.  Later,  he  returned  to  the 
farm,  as  his  father  needed  his  assistance. 

In  1852  Dr.  AA^ellons  assumed  the  respon- 
sibility of  his  own  care  and  career.  Although 
he  had  enjoyed  such  meager  advantages,  he 
was  probably  better  eciuipped  mentally  than 
many  of  his  companions,  as  he  had  taken  ad- 
vantage of  every  spare  moment  to  improve 
his  mind,  and  was  accepted  as  a teacher,  in 
1853.  AVhile  teaching  during  the  succeeding 
three  years,  the  young  man  was  still  an  ambi- 
tious student.  He  read  medical  works  when- 
ever opportunity  came,  and  saved  his  earnings, 
so  that  during  the  summers  of  1854  and  1855 
he  was  able  to  attend  the  Classic  Institute,  in 
Barnesville.  His  medical  education  was  being 
pursued  under  the  direction  of  Dr.  Schooley, 
and  he  continued  to  teach  until  1858.  After 
completing  the  course  of  medical  reading  then 
prescribed.  Dr.  AATllons  moved  into  Barnes- 
ville, in  1859,  and  was  there  married  to  Anna 
J.  Griffin.  Her  death  occurred  in  1895.-  Four 
children  were  horn  to  this  union,  of  whom  the 
sole  survivor  is  Dr.  James  AAh  AATllons,  who 
is  well  and  favorably  known  to  the  public  and 
the  medical  profession  in  this  county.  The 
second  wife  of  Dr.  AATllons  was  Sarah  P.  IMc- 
Kee^■er,  a daughter  of  John  McKeever.  One 
daughter.  May,  was  born  to  this  union,  who 
was  one  of  the  graduates  from  the  Barnesville 
High  School  in  the  class  of  1902.  She  is  now 
attending  AA^ilson  College,  Chambersburg, 
Pennsylvania. 

Prior  to  entering  upon  his  practice.  Dr.  AATl- 
lons  attended  the  lectures  of  the  Ohio  Medical 
College,  at  Cincinnati,  and  graduated  from  this 
institution.  In  July,  1863.  he  was  commis- 
sioned as  surgeon,  and  on  July  29th  was 
assigned  to  the  91st  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.  He 
remained  in  the  service  until  the  regiment  was 
mustered  out,  and  recalls  with  melancholy 


532 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


pleasure  his  comrades,  Sheridan  and  McKinley. 

Immediately  upon  his  return  to  Barnesville, 
Dr.  Wellons  resumed  his  practice,  his  army 
experience  having  more  thoroughly  fitted  him 
for  his  chosen  work.  Since  1887,  he  has 
di\-ided  his  attention  between  his  practice  and 
the  management  of  one  of  the  largest  drug 
stores  of  the  city,  having  intrusted  much  of 
the  former  kind  of  work  to  others.  During  the 
administrations  of  President  Cleveland  and 
President  Idarrison,  Dr.  Wellons  was  medical 
examiner  for  the  government,  and  he  is  now 
surgeon  for  the  P)altimore  & Ohio  Railroad 
Company.  Me  has  been  prominent  in  public 
life  and  a member  of  the  City  Council.  He  is 
a man  of  large  means  and  is  generous  in  his 
charities.  His  drug  stock  is  valued  at  some 
$4,000,  while  his  farm  of  82^2  acres,  located 
a mile  and  a half  from  the  city,  is  finely  im- 
proved and  is  probably  better  equipped  than 
any  other  of  its  size  in  the  State.  Dr.  Wellons 
also  ov.ms  a number  of  fine  houses  and  lots  in 
the  city.  His  present  store  was  erected  on  a 
lot  18^  feet  front,  by  165  feet  depth.  This 
building  was  rebuilt  after  a disastrous  fire,  in 
1895,  at  a cost  of  $6,000,  and  is  one  of  the 
most  modern  establishments  of  its  kind  in  the 
city.  The  Doctor  occupies  both  stories  in  his 
business,  and  carries  a complete  line  of  drugs, 
physicians’  supplies  and  surgical  goods.  Dr. 
Wellons  is  interested  in  the  oil  bitsiness,  also, 
to  the  extent  of  enjoying  an  income  from  a 
fine,  producing  well  on  his  farm. 

In  politics.  Dr.  Wellons  has  been  a lifelong 
Republican,  and  bas  voted  the  ticket  of  that 
]^arty  for  .47  years.  Although  his  parents  were 
Virginians,  they  did  not  approve  of  slavery, 
and  Dr.  Wellons  grew  up,  imbibing  Republican 
])rinciples.  Dr.  Wellons  has  had  such  a wide 
acquaintance  in  this  section,  that  he  seems  to 
he  identified  with  almost  everything  pertaining 
to  it  for  half  a century.  His  influence  has 
always  been  directed  to  tbe  upbuilding  of  tbe 
business  standards  of  Barnesville,  and  to  the 
education  of  its  people  in  the  line  of  morality 
and  temi)erance.  While  he  is  a member  of  no 
religious  denomination,  he  is  a liberal  supporter 
of  churches. 


JAMES  W.  WELLONS,  M.  D.,  who  is  one 
of  the  leading  physicians  and  surgeons  of 
Barnesville,  Ohio,  honorably  perpetuates  a 
name  and  fame  won  by  his  esteemed  father. 
Dr.  Granville  S.  Wellons,  who,  for  many 
years,  was  one'  of  the  ablest  practitioners  of 
Belmont  County.  The  latter  has  resigned  the 
major  part  of  his  practice  to  his  son,  and  is 
engaged  in  the  drug  business  in  Barnesville. 
The  mother  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was 
also  born  in  this  locality,  her  name,  Anna  J. 
Griffin,  recalling  that  of  one  of  the  old  set- 
tlers of  the  vicinity.  James  W.  is  the  only  sur- 
vivor of  three  children  born  to  his  parents. 

Dr.  James  W.  Wellons  was  born  in  Barnes- 
ville, October  i,  1862,  and  attended  the  com- 
mon schools.  His  early  inclination  in  the  direc- 
tion of  a medical  career  was  fostered  by  his 
father,  under  whose  wise  direction  he  pursued 
his  studies  until  he  was  ready  to  enter  the  Ohio 
Medical  College,  at  Cincinnati,  from  which  his 
father  had  graduated.  The  son  finished  his 
course  with  great  credit,  on  March  8,  1884, 
and  then  took  a special  course  on  diseases  of 
the  eye  and  throat.  After  receiving  his  diploma 
he  returned  to  Barnesville  and  entered  into  a 
congenial  partnership  with  his  father,  which 
continued  until  their  business  was  interrupted 
by  a great  loss  from  fire.  Since  that  time,  the 
younger  physician  has  attended  to  a large  prac- 
tice alone,  his  ])atronage  coming  from  all  over 
the  city,  as  well  as  his  immediate  vicinity. 

In  1886,  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Nora  W.  Hunt,  of 
Barnesville,  Ohio,  a daughter  of  Erancis  and 
Hannah  Hunt,  prominent  residents  of  Barnes- 
ville. One  child  was  born  to  this  union, — 
Francis  G.,  who  died  in  infancy.  Mrs.  Wel- 
lons died  in  December,  1888. 

On  September  24,  1891,  Dr.  Wellons  mar- 
ried Nellie  E.  McCartney,  who  is  a daughter 
of  William  H.  McCartney,  one  of  Belmont 
County’s  leading  farmers.  The  two  children 
born  to  this  union  are  named  Charles  M.  and 
Annie  E.  The  family  is  identified  with  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  and  is  prominent  in  social 
life.  Dr.  Wellons  belongs  to  Friendship  Lodge, 
No.  89.  F.  & A.  M.,  and  Barnesville  Chapter, 


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JACOB  BONEYSTEELE. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


535 


No.  69,  R.  A.  M.  He  is  also  a member  of 
Warren  Lodge.  No.  76,  Knights  of  Pythias. 
His  political  adherence  is  to  the  Republican 
party. 

The  worth  of  Dr.  Wellons  as  a physician 
and  surgeon  of  the  utmost  reliability  has  been 
frequently  demonstrated  by  his  selection  for 
important  professional  positions.  From  1884 
to  1891,  he  was  township  physician,  and  dur- 
ing the  3^ears  1890  and  1891  he  was  physician 
and  medical  examiner  for  the  Baltimore  & 
Ohio  Railroad  Company.  In  1896,  he  was 
again  appointed  township  physician,  and  since 
1901  has  been  ph)^sician  at  the  Children’s 
Home;  he  is  also  a member  of  the  City  Board 
of  Health.  His  interest  in  educational  matters 
has  been  displayed  in  man\'  ways,  and  he  is  the 
present  clerk  of  the  Board  of  Education. 


JxLCOB  BONEYSTEELE,  proprietor  of 
the  only  artificial  ice  factory  in  Bellaire,  Ohio, 
has  a plant  of  some  magnitude  on  the  corner 
of  23rd  and  Union  streets,  which  has  a capacity 
of  35  tons  daily.  Mr.  Boneysteele  first  en- 
gaged in  the  manufacture  of  ice  in  1885,  when 
he  entered  into  a partnership  for  that  purpose 
with  William  Bridenstein.  The  latter  retired 
from  business  in  1891  and  our  subject  then 
became  sole  proprietor.  He  erected  the  pres- 
ent plant,  which  was  increased  to  its  present 
capacity  in  1901,  and  employs  13  regular  men, 
running  three  delivery  wagons.  His  office  is 
at  No.  209  23rd  street,  and  he  does  a large 
amount  of  business. 

Mr.  Bone^'Steele  was  horn  near  Pittsburg  in 
1852,  and  previous  to  engaging  in  the  manu- 
facture of  ice  learned  the  glass-blower’s  trade, 
and  followed  that  line  of  work  for  a number 
of  years  with  the  National  Glass  Company  of 
Bellaire,  He  also  served  several  years  as  man- 
ager for  that  company.  His  marriage  with 
Katie  Baggs,  who  is  a native  of  the  Mountain 
State  but  who  has  lived  in  Belmont  County 
since  1872,  took  place  at  Bridgeport,  and  they 
have  four  children,  namely,  Margaret,  Eliza- 
beth, Jacob  and  Park.  The  family  residence  is 


situated  at  No.  215  23rd  street.  The  religious 
views  of  the  family  are  varied:  our  subject 
favors  the  German  Lutheran  Church ; his  wife, 
the  Methodist  Episcopal ; his  eldest  daughter, 
the  Episcopal ; and  the  other  three  children,  the 
Presbyterian. 

Politically,  Mr.  Boneysteele  is  a Republican, 
and  has  served  six  years  as  a member  of  the 
City  Council  from  the  First  Ward.  Socially, 
he  is  allied  with  the  Knights  of  Pythias, 
Benevolent  & Protective  Order  of  Elks,  and 
Wheeling  Lodge  No.  424,  Knights  of  Honor. 
He  has  been  decidedly  successful  in  his  busi- 
ness ventures  and  now  possesses  considerable 
real  estate  in  Bellaire.  In  addition,  he  has 
invested  largely  in  various  public  enterprises, 
among  them  the  Earmers’  & Merchants’  Bank,- 
in  which  he  is  a stockholder.  He  was  a stock- 
holder in  the  Star  Glass  Company,  and  was  a 
stockholder  in  the  Ohio  Valley  Glass  Company, 
of  Bridgeport,  Ohio,  of  which  he  was  manager, 
— this  firm  manufactures  bottles  and  fruit  jars. 
He  is  a stockholder  in  the  Enameled  Steel  Tile 
Company,  of  Bellaire,  Ohio. 


WILLIAM  O.  CHAPPELL,  one  of  the 
younger  members  of  the  Belmont  County  bar, 
was  born  in  Boston,  Belmont  County,  Ohio, 
December  8,  1873.  He  was  one  in  a family 
of  four  children  of  Joseph  and  Melissa  A. 
(John)  Chappell. 

Joseph  W.  Chappell  is  one  of  the  substan- 
tial citizens  of  Barnesville,  where  he  was  long 
engaged  as  a merchant  and  insurance  agent. 
He  was  horn  in  1849,  is  still  a resident  of 
Barnesville,  where  he  and  wife  are  much  es- 
teemed. 

William  O.  Chappell  attended  the  public 
schools,  and  subsequently  pursued  a course  in 
the  Batesville  (Ohio)  Normal  School.  At  the 
age  of  18  years  he  began  to  put  his  education 
to  practical  use  by  engaging  in  teaching,  which 
he  continued  for  two  years.  Subsequently  he 
went  into  the  insurance  business  and  began 
the  study  of  law,  under  the  careful  tutelage 
of  Attorney  George  A.  Colpitts,  of  Barnesville. 


536 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Me  was  admitted  to  the  bar  of  Belmont  County 
Octoljer  14,  1899,  and  was  admitted  to  practice 
in  the  United  States  courts  on  October  12, 
1900.  He  immediately  entered  into  practice 
in  Barnesville,  in  partnership  with  George  A. 
Colpitts. 

On  December  22,  1894,  Mr.  Chappell  was 
united  in  marriage  withe  Carrie  B.  Dement,  a 
daughter  of  Josiah  Dement.  Two  children 
have  been  born  to  their  union,  namely : Eva 

H.  and  Clifford  L.  The  religious  connection 
of  the  family  is  with  the  Christian  Church,  in 
which  they  are  prominent  and  useful.  Mr. 
Chappell  is  an  active  Republican  in  politics, 
and  his  present  ])rominence  promises  more  for 
the  future,  as  Ohio  has  long  supplied  some  of 
■the  best  political  material  the  party  has  had. 
Fraternally,  he  is  connected  with  the  Knights 
of  Pythias.  He  is  an  earnest,  able  and  indus- 
trious lawyer,  and  is  thoroughly  devoted  to  his 
profession.  He  justly  receives  a large  patron- 
age, and  enjoys  a wide  circle  of  warm  friends. 


WILLIAM  SLOAN,  an  enterprising, 
congenial  and  most  highly  respected  citizen 
of  Martin's  Ferry,  Ohio,  is  a contractor  and 
I)uilder  by  trade  and  claims  Pittsburg,  Penn- 
sylvania, as  his  native  city.  He  was  born 
Noveml:)er  26,  1826,  a son  of  John  and  Jane 
(Kissick)  Sloan,  both  born  in  Ireland,  where 
they  were  also  reared  and  married  October 
8,  1825. 

John  Sloan  was  born  November  24,  1803, 
and  his  wife’s  birth  took  place  Noveml)er  19, 
1804.  Soon  after  they  were  married  they 
immigrated  to  the  United  States,  and  Mr. 
Sloan  found  work  in  the  boiler  works  in 
Pittsburg  and  continued  in  the  place  for  four 
years,  and  at  the  end  of  that  time  removed  to 
Harrison  County,  Ohio,  bought  a farm,  then 
sold  it  and  subsequently  purchased  property 
in  the  town  of  Moorefield,  Harrison  County, 
and  spent  the  next  five  years  there  until  his 
death  occurred,  September  19,  1878. 

In  politics  Mr.  Sloan  was  first  a Whig  and 
later  a Republican,  and  served  two  years  as 


county  auditor,  but  was  then  knocked  out 
by  the  Know-Nothing  party.  At  a later  date 
he  also  served  for  many  years  as  county  com- 
missioner, and  altogether  he  was  considered 
one  of  the  leading  men  of  his  county,  a fine 
scholar  and  a true  gentleman.  He  and  his 
wife  were  active  workers  in  the  United  Pres- 
byterian  Church,  of  which  he  was  an  elder 
for  fifty  years  or  more.  When  the  Civil  War 
broke  out  he  was  one  who  believed  in  its 
vigorous  prosecution,  and  his  two  sons  were 
active  participants  during  the  years  that  it 
lasted.  His  wife  died  September  28,  1844, 
and  left  him  six  children  as  a legacy.  They 
are  as  follows:  William,  our  subject;  Nancy, 
who  was  born  in  1829,  married  John  Mar- 
shall, and  died  in  1898;  Jane,  the  widow  of 
William  Buchanan,  numbered  among  the  in- 
habitants of  Minnesota;  Anna  E.,  now  Mrs. 
William  Scott  of  Harrison  County;  Thomas, 
who  resides  in  Minnesota,  enlisted  in 
Company  C,  98th  O.  V.  L,  in  1862, 
and  served  under  General  Sherman  in 
his  march  to  the  sea, — Jefferson  Davis  of 
the  Federal  service  was  his  corps  com- 
mander, and  he  took  part  in  all  the  battles  of 
the  command,  having  the  good  fortune  never 
to  be  in  the  hospital;  and  Mary  M.,  born  in 
1840,  died  in  1844. 

Some  years  after  the  death  of  his  first  wife 
Mr.  Sloan  married  a second  time,  this  time 
choosing  Eliza  Wherry,  by  whom  he  had 
three  children;  Sarah  (Mrs.  Newton  Lance), 
whose  husband  died,  but  she  married  a sec- 
ond time;  Levi  W.,  residing  on  a farm  in 
Harrison  County;  Mary  E.  (Mrs.  John  Clem- 
ens), residing  in  Harrison  County  on  a farm. 
The  mother  of  these  children  was  also  a mem- 
ber of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  and 
died  when  about  60  years  of  age. 

William  Sloan,  our  subject,  received  his 
education  in  the  Harrison  County  common 
schools,  and  later  when  he  had  finished  his 
education  in  these  he  went  to  Martin’s  Ferry 
in  1850,  became  a contractor  and  builder, 
built  many  of  the  fine,  handsome  houses  seen 
throughout  that  city  and  the  surrounding 
country,  among  them  his  own  beautiful  resi- 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


537 


clence,  and  has  ever  since  that  date  made  his 
home  in  that  city.  He  has  always  employed 
many  men  in  his  work,  and  in  his  work  he 
does  not  take  contracts  for  building  any  pub- 
lic buildings,  but  contents  himself  with  doing 
good  work  on  *the  dwelling  houses.  He  has 
the  reputation  of  being  an  excellent  work- 
man, and  with  his  wide  experience  in  the 
business  easily  makes  it  profitable.  His 
place  of  business  is  8oi  South  4th  street. 

In  March,  1864,  our  subject  became  a 
member  of  Company  C,  ist  West  Vir- 
ginia Vol.  Inf.,  and  was  in  the  Army 
of  the  Shenandoah,  doing  most  of  his 
shooting  and  marching  in  that  part 
of  the  country.  He  was  a participant 
in  the  battle  when  “Sheridan  was  tw'enty 
miles  aw’ay,”  and  w^as  personally  acquainted 
w'ith  that  great  general.  July  16,  1865,  he 
was  honorably  discharged  at  Clarksburg, 
West  Vhrginia,  and  returned  to  his  home  and 
resumed  the  business  which  he  has  ever  since 
continued. 

Mr.  Sloan  has  been  twdce  married.  He  was 
united  in  matrimony  November  18,  1851, 
with  Louanna  C.  Sigler,  a native  of  Ohio  and 
a daughter  of  Philip  Sigler  and  his  wife.  This 
marriage  was  prolific  of  four  children — Eliza- 
beth J.,  who  w'as  born  July  10,  1852,  and  died 
October  3rd  of  the  same  year;  Elliott  Mb, 
born  September  10,  1854,  \vas  united  in  mar- 
riage with  Maggie  Irwin,  who  died  and  left 
him  one  child,  Cora  M.;  he  died  December  6, 
1891,  and  his  little  daughter  then  made  her 
home  with  our  subject  and  has  remained 
there  ever  since;  Anna,  the  third  child,  died 
in  infancy,  and  Cora  B.,  born  IMarch  29,  1888, 
lives  with  our  subject.  Mrs.  Sloan  w^as  born 
June  3,  1830,  and  her  death  occurred  June 
25,  1861.  During  her  life  she  was  an  active 
worker  in  the  United  Presbyterian  Church. 
March  3,  1863,  our  subject  w'as  married  a 
second  time,  this  time  choosing  Mrs.  Mar- 
garet Smith,  the  widows  of  John  Smith  and  a 
daughter  of  John  Murphy  of  Pennsylvania. 
She  died  August  10,  i88i.  She  w^as  also  a 
United  Presbyterian  in  her  religious  belief. 
Our  subject’s  daughter,  Cora  B.,  is  also  a 


great  wmrker  and  helper  in  the  same  church 
and  is  loved  and  respected  by  all  for  her 
many  gentle  and  good  qualities. 

In  politics  Mr.  Sloan  is  an  ardent  Repub- 
lican, and  in  fraternal  circles  is  a member  of 
the  I.  O.  O.  E.  organization  and  has  passed 
through  all  the  chairs,  being  a past  grand. 
He  is  also  a member  of  the  G.  x\.  R.  Post 
and  past  commander  of  that  organization. 


LEVI  LICHTIG,  proprietor  of  the  large 
department  store  located  at  Nos.  3000-3016 
Union  street,  Bellaire,  Ohio,  is  a most  suc- 
cessful merchant,  excellent  citizen  and  self- 
made  man.  Through  his  own  able  efforts  he 
has  built  up  a large  and  prosperous  business, 
become  the  owmer  of  much  valuable  prop- 
erty, and  is  financially  interested  in  a number 
of  the  prominent  commercial  enterprises  of 
this  city. 

The  birth  of  Mr.  Lichtig  w-as  in  Austria  in 
1862,  where  he  resided  and  acquired  his  edu- 
cation until  1882,  when  he  came  to  America. 
Locating  in  the  city  of  New  York,  he  em- 
ployed his  first  year  in  selecting  a permanent 
location  in  which  to  open  up  a small  business 
and  selected  Bellaire  as  the  scene  of  his  oper- 
ations. At  No.  3016  Union  street  he  first 
engaged  as  a merchant  in  a popular  selection 
of  articles  wdiich  he  could  sell  for  five  or  ten 
cents.  His  pleasant  manners,  excellent  stock 
and  fair  and  honorable  dealing  soon  brought 
him  custom,  and  as  it  gradually  increased  he 
purchased  the  building  and  added  to  his 
goods  until  he  now'  ow'ns  the  block  inclusive 
between  Nos.  3016  and  3000,  wdth  about  no 
feet  of  frontage  on  Union  street.  His  great 
department  store  includes  these  depart- 
ments; Shoes,  clothing,  gents’  furnishings, 
dry  goods,  notions,  hardware,  tinware,  jew- 
elry, optical  goods,  etc.,  and  in  connection 
conducts  the  only  loan  office  in  the  city,  this 
being  a great  accommodation  to  many  per- 
sons. Quite  recently  he  has  added  to  his 
holdings  in  the  city  the  Eberly  property  on 
Belmont  street  and  there  conducts  a furni- 


538 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


turc  business.  Although  Mr.  Lichtig  per- 
sonally superintends  his  large  enterprises,  he 
employs  a number  of  skilled  and  accommo- 
dating helpers,  his  business  on  Union  street 
requiring  eight  salespeople. 

Mr.  Lichtig  is  a man  of  keen  business  judg- 
ment and  is  a wise  adviser  to  many  who  wish 
to  invest  money,  his  own  success  demon- 
stratins'  his  business  shrewdness  and  capac- 
ity. He  is  interested  in  the  Merchants’  & 
I'armers’  Bank,  and  also  the  Mason  Heater 
Company  and  Driggs  Baking  Company,  both 
of  Bellaire,  and  is  a stockholder  in  the  Rich 
Enamel  Company  of  Cleveland,  Ohio.  His 
marriage  was  to  Rosie  Rich  of  Zanesville, 
Ohio,  and  his  residence  is  on  the  upper  floor 
of  his  great  store  building.  In  political  sen- 
timent Mr.  Lichtig  is  an  active  Republican, 
and  he  is  fraternally  connected  with  the  Bel  • 
laire  Lodge,  No.  378,  of  Odd  Fellows.  He 
belongs  to  the  Hebrew  Congregation.  In 
business  circles  in  Bellaire  our  subject  has 
a high  standing  as  an  upright  man,  and  few 
citizens  are  more  generous  in  their  contri- 
butions to  worthy  charities. 


J.  E.  SPRINGER,  the  superintendent  of 
the  x\etna  Standard  Mill  at  Martin’s  Ferry 
and  Bridgeport,  Ohio,  is  a gentleman  deserv- 
ing of  the  recognition  and  esteem  of  all  his 
fellow-men  and  an  upright  citizen  of  Bel- 
mont County.  He  is  a son  of  Thomas  and 
Celena  (Bott)  Springer,  and  was  born  Janu- 
ary  5,  1873,  Wheeling,  West  Virginia. 

Thomas  Springer  was  born  in  Washington 
County,  Ohio,  and  early  in  life  learned  the 
trade  of  a wagonmaker  and  worked  at  this 
for  some  time.  At  this  writing,  however,  he 
is  a mill  worker,  which  he  began  after  leav- 
ing the  occupation  of  his  trade.  He  married 
Celena  Bott.  Avho  is  now  deceased,  her  death 
having  taken  place  December  20,  1886,  at 
the  age  of  33  years.  To  this  union  were  born 
five  children,  as  follows:  Charles  Henry,  who 
died  in  childhood;  J.  E.,  our  subject;  George 


W.,  Harry  and  Thomas,  the  last  three  being 
mill  workers  in  Martin’s  Ferry.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Springer  belonged  to  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  and  in  that  faith  our  sub- 
ject was  reared.  The  father  was  united  in 
marriage  a second  time  in  July,  1893,  with 
Louisa  Fowler,  a daughter  of  David  Fowler, 
and  they  have  four  children,  namely,  Madge 
L.,  Ralph  W.,  Merle  L.  and  Edith  M.,  who 
died  in  infancy.  Mr.  Springer  is  still  living  at 
the  age  of  fifty-one  years. 

Our  subject  graduated  from  the  schools  of 
Martin’s  Ferry  in  1891,  and  worked  a few 
months  with  his  father  in  the  mill.  Subse- 
quently he  became  connected  with  the  cleri- 
cal force  in  February,  1892,  and  at  the  pres- 
ent time  is  serving  as  superintendent.  He 
commenced  near  the  bottom  of  the  ladder 
and  has  been  advanced  by  good  service  from 
time  to  time  until  he  attained  his  present 
position. 

August  28,  1894,  Mr.  Springer  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Milicent  M.  Fowler,  a 
native  of  Marshall  County,  Iowa,  and  a 
daughter  of  David  W.  and  Elizabeth  (Hor- 
nish)  Fowler,  the  former  a native  of  Belmont 
County  and  the  latter  of  Washington 
County,  Pennsylvania.  David  W.  Fowler 
was  an  agriculturist  and  served  his  country 
during  the  Civil  War  as  a member  of  the  100- 
day  service.  In  1875  he  returned  to  Belmont 
County,  Ohio,  and  as  long  as  he  was  able  in- 
terested himself  in  farming.  His  death  oc- 
curred October  5,  1890,  at  the  age  of  61 
years.  He  was  a member  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  and  his  beloved  widow  is 
still  living  at  the  age  of  73  years.  Our  sub- 
ject’s wife  was  the  ninth  child  in  a family  of 
ten  children,  and  their  names  are  as  follows: 
Ella  M.,  who  followed  teaching  for  many 
years;  John  W.,  who  died  in  February,  1896: 
Joseph  E.,  a mill  worker  in  Martin’s  Ferry; 
Agnes  J.,  now  Mrs.  George  W.  Thompson, 
residing  at  Martin’s  Feri'y;  Anna  M.  (Mrs. 
John  R.  Thompson);  Lizzie  A.;  Louisa, 
who  married  Thomas  Springer  and  lives  in 
Martin’s  Ferry;  David  H.,  a blacksmith  of 
that  city  also;  our  subject’s  wife,  Milicent, 


DK.  DALE  L.  WALKER, 


AND  REPRESFMTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


541 


and  Russell,  who  died  when  but  three  years 
of  age. 

Mr.  Springer  takes  an  interest  in  politics 
and  votes  the  Republican  ticket.  His  first 
national  vote  was  cast  for  William  McKinley. 
He  was  elected  member  of  the  School  Board 
April  8,  1892,  and  has  served  conscientiously 
and  well.  In  social  circles  he  is  a member  of 
Ohio  City  Lodge,  No.  486,  F.  & A.  M.; 
is  junior  warden  of  the  same,  and  is  a mem- 
ber of  Belmont  Chapter.  His  residence  is  lo- 
cated at  No.  512  Vine  street,  and  there  he 
and  his  wife  enjoy  a peaceful,  comfortable  ex- 
istence. 


DR.  DALE  L.  WALKER,  of  St.  Clairs- 
ville,  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  was  born  in 
i860,  in  the  house  in  which  he  now  lives. 
He  is  one  of  the  most  highly  esteemed  phy- 
sicians and  citizens  of  St.  Clairsville,  and  is 
a son  of  Dr.  Joseph  Walker,  and  grandson 
of  James  Walker. 

James  Walker  was  a native  of  Ireland,  and 
was  the  first  representative  of  the  family  to 
settje  in  this  country.  Dr.  Joseph  Walker 
was  born  in  Wheeling  township,  Belmont 
County,  in  1820,  and  was  educated  at  Frank- 
lin College.  He  read  medicine  with  Dr. 
Alexander,  of  St.  Clairsville,  and  took  lec- 
tures at  the  Ohio  Medical  College,  in  Cin- 
cinnati. He  began  the  practice  of  medicine 
in  St.  Clairsville  in  1843,  and  continued  thus 
until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1864.  He 
was  a prominent  man,  and  his  death  was 
greatly  mourned  in  the  community.  He 
married  Margaret  L.  Jennings,  who  was  born 
in  1826,  and  was  a daughter  of  David  Jen- 
nings. She  died  in  1892,  leaving  the  follow- 
ing children,  namely:  Alphonso,  a drug- 

gist, of  Chicago;  Elma  E.,  who  lives  in  St. 
Clairsville,  and  Dale  L.,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch. 

Dr.  Dale  L.  Walker  attended  the  common 
schools  of  St.  Clairsville,  and  later  was  a 
pupil  in  the  St.  Clairsville  High  School.  He 
began  the  study  of  medicine  with  Dr.  J.  C. 
Tallman  and  took  a course  of  lectures  at  the 


Jefferson  Medical  College  of  Philadelphia, 
where  he  graduated  with  the  class  of  1885. 
He  immediately  began  the  practice  of  his 
chosen  profession  in  St.  Clairsville,  where  he 
has  continued  to  reside,  and  is  known  as  one 
of  the  finest  physicians  of  the  county.  He 
has  a large  number  of  patients,  who  place 
the  greatest  confidence  in  his  ability  as  a 
physician  and  surgeon,  and  his  name  is  well 
known  in  medical  circles. 

Dr.  Walker  is  a member  of  the  Belmont 
County  Medical  Society.  He  belongs  to  the 
Knights  of  Pythias. 


JONATHAN  T.  SCOEIELD.  The  real 
estate,  loan  and  insurance  business  is  one  of 
great  importance  in  a growing  and  prosper- 
ous city  like  Barnesville,  and  the  satisfactory 
handling  of  it  requires  men  of  ability  and 
experience.  One  of  the  old  and  reliable 
agents  in  this  line  is  Jonathan  T.  Scofield, 
who  has  conducted  an  office  in  Barnesville 
since  1875. 

Mr.  Scofield  was  born  February  6,  1820, 
in  Warren  township,  Belmont  County,  Ohio, 
and  is  one  of  the  eight  children  of  Issachar 
and  Edith  (Marshall)  Schofield.  His  father 
was  born  in  Montgomery  County,  Mary- 
land, and  spent  his  younger  days  on  the 
sea.  Later  he  learned  the  milling  business 
and  also  engaged  in  teaming.  During  the 
War  of  1812,  his  teams  were  pressed  into  the 
service  and  employed  hauling  government 
records  and  books  out  of  the  United  States 
capital,  when  Washington  was  threatened. 
In  this  war  the  British  army  encamped  near 
his  home,  in  that  part  of  Maryland  which 
became  a part  of  the  District  of  Columbia. 
His  death  occurred  in  1834,  and  his  widow 
survived  him  until  1852.  ^ 

The  birth-place  of  the  subject  of  this 
sketch  was  within  a mile  and  a half  of  his 
present  home,  on  a farm,  southeast  of 
Barnesville,  on  which  his  father  began  farm- 
ing in  1815.  There  Jonathan  grew  to  man- 
hood. Early  in  life,  he  spent  five  years  in 


542 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Alexandria,  Virginia,  but  with  this  excep- 
tion Ohio  has  been  his  home  ever  since,  and 
LSelmont  County  his  location,  in  1873  he 
moved  from  the  farm  into  Barnesville,  and 
established  the  business  which  he  has  since 
conducted. 

In  December,  1848,  Mr.  Scofield  was  mar- 
ried to  Abigail  Steer,  a daughter  of  James 
Steer,  of  Colerain,  formerly  of  Concord, 
Ohio.  A family  of  five  children  was  born 
to  this  union.  A daughter  married  Perley 
Pickett,  of  Pittsburg,  Pennsylvania.  The 
family  is  connected  with  the  Society  of 
Friends.  In  politics  Mr.  Scofield  has  always 
been  a Republican,  since  the  formation  of 
the  party;  he  was  formerly  a Whig.  Many 
positions  of  responsibility  have  been  urged 
for  his  acceptance,  and  he  has  served  three 
years  as  county  commissioner, — from  1859 
to  1862.  He  has  been  identified  with  many 
progressive  and  important  movements  in  the 
county  which  have  tended  to  the  public 
benefit.  His  straightforward  business  meth- 
ods have  always  won  him  the  confidence  of 
his  fellow  citizens,  and  his  long  business  ca- 
reer has  caused  his  name  to  be  held  in  the 
highest  esteem  in  Belmont  County. 


HENRY  J.  CECIL,  a well-to-do  sheet  mill 
roller,  of  Martin’s  Ferry,  residing  at  No.  714 
Pearl  street,  is  perhaps  one  of  the  most  popu- 
lar men  of  his  city.  As  a pul.)lic  spirited  man 
he  takes  a keen  interest  in  all  local  affairs 
and  has  made  an  excellent  record  among  fra- 
ternities. He  was  born  in  Wheeling,  Ohio 
County,  West  Virginia,  at  the  corner  of  loth 
and  Market  streets,  December  31,  1864,  and 
is  the  son  of  Robert  M.  and  Mary  V.  (Wadel 
Cecil. 

Robert  M.  Cecil  was  born  in  Virginia  in 
1820.  After  reaching  manhood  he  followed 
farming  in  his  native  State  with  much  suc- 
cess for  a great  many  years.  Late  in  life,  in 
1885,  he  came  to  Martin’s  Ferry,  where  he 
lived  in  retirement  with  his  sons.  He  died 
in  March,  1888,  at  the  age  of  67.  During  his 


young  manhood  Mr.  Cecil  married  Millie  J. 
Manning,  and  after  her  death  Mary  V.  Wade. 
The  second  Mrs.  Cecil  is  now  living  in  Mar- 
tin's Ferry.  She  is  an  honored  and  active 
member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 
By  the  first  marriage  there  were  seven  chil- 
dren, most  of  whom  are  now  living  in  Mar- 
shall County,  West  Virginia — George  W., 
Henry  M.,  Vine,  Leah,  John,  Mary  and  Mil- 
lie. By  the  second  marriage  there  were  six 
children — Henry  J.,  who  is  mentioned  be- 
low; James,  a sheet  mill  roller,  of  Martin’s 
Ferry;  Isaac  N.,  who  has  a sketch  elsewhere 
in  this  volume;  Robert  M.,  a sheet  mill 
roller;  Rebecca,  who  married  Fred  Ebber- 
ling,  and  Jeannette,  who  has  never  married. 
The  last  three  reside  in  Martin’s  Ferry,  the 
latter  with  her  mother. 

Llenry  J.  Cecil  procured  his  education  in 
Rule  Schule  of  West  Virginia,  exhibiting  a 
decided  tendency  toward  mathematics,  at 
which  he  afterward  became  very  expert.  Ac- 
customed to  farm  work  from  his  earliest 
years,  as  a young  man  he  followed  that  oc- 
cupation for  some  time  by  himself.  At  the 
same  time  he  materially  increased  his  in- 
come by  getting  out  timber  for  the  Shriver 
Coal  .&  Lumber  Company.  Deciding,  how- 
ever, that  he  might  better  his  chances  in  life 
by  removing  to  a city,  he  finally  moved  to 
Martin’s  Ferry,  where  he  soon  secured  a posi- 
tion as  heater  in  the  Standard  Mill.  Taking 
hold  of  his  work  with  energy  and  ability,  he 
made  a thorough  success  of  it  and  remained 
with  that  company  until  the  autumn  of 
1901.  Since  then  he  has  been  engaged  in 
the  Laughlin  Sheet  Mill  in  this  city.  His 
work  has  always  been  thorough  and  profi- 
cient and  commands  for  him  a good  salary. 

January  13,  1889,  Air.  Cecil  married  Mary 
A.  Davis,  who  was  born  in  Martin’s  Ferry, 
daughter  of  W.  and  Alartha  Davis,  who  still 
reside  at  Martin’s  Ferry.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cecil 
have  had  three  children — Alabel,  who  died  at 
the  age  of  one  year;  Windom  D.,  and 
Henry  J. 

Mr.  Cecil  is  a man  who  has  always  made 
the  most  of  his  opportunities,  and  has  won 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


543 


for  himself  a lasting  reputation  as  an  advo- 
cate of  progress  and  advancement  in  our  in- 
dustrial system.  As  a member  of  the  A.  A. 
I.  S.  & T.  W.  he  is  now  serving  his  third 
term  as  deputy  vice-president  of  the  second 
district  of  the  order.  He  has  attended  four 
of  its  annual  conventions — at  Detroit,  In- 
dianapolis, Milwaukee  and  Wheeling,  re- 
spectively. As  a man  of  intelligence  and 
force  he  has  served  on  six  conference  com- 
mittees, three  of  which  have  been  with  the 
American  Sheet  Steel  Association  and  the 
other  three  with  the  United  States  Steel 
Corporation.  In  conventions  he  speaks  with 
force  and  to  the  point,  and  his  word  carries 
weight.  Other  lodges  with  which  he  affiliates 
are  the  K.  of  P.,  the  F.  of  A.  and  the  P.  H. 
C.  His  wife  is  a prominent  member  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 


THOMAS  L.  WILLIAMS,  councilman 
from  the  Fourth  Ward  of  Martin’s  Ferry. 
Belmont  County,  Ohio,  was  elected  to  that 
position  in  April,  1902.  He  is  an  enterpris- 
ing  young  man.  He  is  a tinworker  by  trade 
and  is  now  engaged  in  the  Laughlin  Mill  as 
roller.  The  parents  of  our  subject  were  mar- 
ried in  1871  in  England  and  left  directly 
afterward  for  the  United  States.  They  landed 
in  Richmond,  Virginia,  the  birthplace  of  our 
subject,  and  lived  there  until  Thomas  L.  had 
attained  the  age  of  3 months,  and  then  re- 
moved to  Martin’s  Ferry,  which  has  ever 
since  been  their  home.  The  father  learned 
the  trade  of  a roller  in  England  and  immi- 
grated to  this  country  with  the  view  of  work- 
ing in  the  mills  here.  He  rolled  the  first  iron 
ever  rolled  in  the  Ohio  Valley  Rolling  Mill, 
which  afterward  became  the  Laughlin  Mill. 
At  the  present  time  he  is  a sheet  heater  in  the 
Aetna  Standard  Mill  and  is  a prominent 
workman.  He  is  now  51  years  of  age,  and  is 
trustee  of  the  River  View  Cemetery,  although 
he  never  has  cared  to  accept  offices.  In  fra- 
ternal circles  he  is  a prominent  Mason,  being 
a member  of  the  chapter.  His  wife  is  now  53 
years  of  age,  and  they  have  had  five  children. 


our  subject  being  the  eldest,  whom  they 
reared  in  the  faith  of  the  klethodist  Episco- 
pal Church. 

The  children  of  our  subject’s  parents  were: 
Thomas  L.,  our  subject;  Fred  G.,  working 
in  the  mill;  Lottie,  who  married  George 
Heil,  a butcher,  of  Martin’s  Ferry;  Nettie, 
engaged  in  the  millinery  business  and  a mem- 
ber of  the  firm  of  Foreman  & Williams  of 
klartin’s  Ferry,  and  Harry,  who  still  attends 
school. 

Thomas  L.  Williams  received  a good  edu- 
cation in  the  public  schools  of  Martin’s  Fer- 
ry, where  he  has  lived  since  September, 
1873.  close  of  his  school  days  he  was 

in  the  bicycle  business  and  is  the  holder  of 
several  road  records  in  Wheeling  and  Chi- 
cago and  local  century  runs.  He  was  also 
one  of  the  first  to  introduce  football  in  this 
vicinity,  being  manager  and  right  tackle  of 
the  old  Y.  M.  C.  x\.  team,  and  also  manager 
of  the  Vigilant  Athletic  Club,  which  organi- 
zation played  some  of  the  best  teams  in  this 
district.  After  leaving  the  bicycle  business 
he  was  engaged  in  the  men’s  furnishing  busi- 
ness for  a short  time  and  in  1896  went  into 
the  American  Tin  Plate  Company’s  employ 
and  is  now  roller,  rendering  good,  capable 
service. 

October  16,  1895,  subject  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Isabel  Johnson,  a native  of 
Ohio  and  a daughter  of  Charles  A.  and  Mary 
J.  Johnson,  the  latter  an  honored  resident 
of  Martin’s  Ferry,  klr.  Johnson,  who  died  at 
the  age  of  47  years  in  1878,  served  three 
years  when  the  Civil  War  was  in  progress, 
enlisting  at  New  Castle,  Pennsylavnia.  klrs. 
Williams  is  one  of  nine  children,  and  those 
besides  herself  are:  Charles,  of  Elwood,  In- 

diana; Mary  K.,  now  klrs.  P.  J.  Beck;  John 
E.:  George,  who  died  when  three  months 
old;  Hanw  S.,  Philip  and  Unity  B.  The 
most  of  these  are  residents  of  IMartin’s 
Ferry. 

Our  subject  and  his  wife  have  one  child, 
Doris  Lottie.  i\Ir.  Williams’  attention  has 
various  enterprises  to  claim  it  since  he  is  on 
a number  of  committees,  such  as  street, 


544 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


waterworks,  finance,  fire  department  and 
city  scales,  and  is  chairman  of  several  of 
them.  He  is  a member  of  the  Martin’s  Fer- 
ry Fire  Department  and  is  secretary  of  the 
Alert  Hose  Company,  for  further  information 
of  which  see  the  sketch  of  Dr.  Darrah,  also 
in  this  volume.  He  is  owmer  of  the  Ohio  Val- 
ley Heagle  Kennels,  whose  dogs  are  some  of 
the  finest  in  the  country,  last  year  winning 
the  National  Derby  at  Wakefield,  New  Jer- 
sey, besides  numerous  other  firsts  on  the 
bench  elsewhere.  They  are  a source  of  profit 
to  their  owner. 

In  fraternal  circles  Mr.  Williams  is  also 
prominent,  affiliating  wdth  the  Junior  Order 
of  United  American  Mechanics,  F.  & 
A.  M.,  and  Belmont  Chapter,  R.  A. 
IM.  He  is  a member  of  the  Lewds 
Avon  Lodge,  No.  34,  of  the  Amalga- 
mated Association  of  Iron,  Steel  and 
Tin  Workers,  is  now^  serving  his  fifth  term  as 
financial  secretary,  and  has  re]:)resented  the 
lodge  at  the  last  three  conventions,  one  at 
IMilwaukee  in  1901,  and  one  in  Wheeling  in 
1902:  also  one  at  Pittsburg  (a  special)  in 
1902. 

In  politics  Air.  Williams  is  a very  active 
Republican  and  has  been  a delegate  to  sev- 
eral county  conventions.  He  is  a member  of 
the  famous  Alark  Hanna  Club  of  Alartin’s 
Ferry  and  helped  to  organize  it.  Its  reputa- 
tion was  that  of  one  of  the  I)est  drilled  clubs 
in  the  county.  In  every  w'ay  our  subject  is 
whole-hearted,  congenial  and  courteous,  hos- 
])itable  and  gentlemanly  in  conduct,  and 
most  jmpular  wdth  his  fellow  citizens. 


DAVID  WALKER,  real  estate  agent 
and  collecting  agent  for  the  First  National 
Bank  of  Bellaire,  Ohio,  may  virtually  be 
termed  a self-made  man,  one  who,  from  small 
beginnings,  has  risen  to  a place  full  of  re- 
sponsibility and  trust.  Air.  Walker  is  a 
Scotchman  by  birth,  that  event  having  taken 
place  January  22,  1865,  in  Lanarkshire, 

Scotland. 


His  parents  w'ere  Samuel  and  Amelia 
(Crow'son)  Walker,  who  located  in  Belmont 
County  in  1882.  The  beloved  mother  died 
in  1899,  aged  73  years,  and  she  is  still  sur- 
vived by  her  husband,  who  has  now  passed 
his  79th  year  and  resides  with  our  subject 
in  Bellaire. 

Air.  Walker  is  one  of  a family  of  seven 
children,  all  being  deceased  with  the  excep- 
tion of  four.  lAvo  brothers,  Samuel  and 
James,  are  employed  at  the  Bellaire  Steel 
Works  and  reside  in  that  city.  Our  subject 
w'as  the  recipient  of  a common  school  edu- 
cation in  his  native  country.  After  coming 
to  the  United  States  he  took  a thorough 
business  course  at  Wheeling  Business  Col- 
lege, and  for  a period  of  twm  years  thereafter 
he  W'as  engaged  in  work  at  the  steel  w'orks 
in  Bellaire.  In  November,  1883,  he  accepted 
a position  as  collecting  agent  of  the  First 
National  Bank,  and  has  worked  in  that  ca- 
pacity through  the  intervening  years  up  to 
the  present  time.  Six  months  after  engaging 
wdth  the  bank,  he  opened  a real  estate  office 
and  has  handled  large  amounts  of  property. 
For  many  years  he  also  handled  fire  insur- 
ance, but  in  1901  he  disposed  of  the  latter, 
selling  his  interest  in  that  line  to  Creamer  & 
Neff.'" 

Mr.  Walker  has  a convenient  office  di- 
rectly over  the  First  National  Bank.  He 
has  conducted  his  business  on  a paying  basis 
and  has  accumulated  quite  a good  deal  of 
property.  He  ow'iis  several  houses  in  Bel- 
laire in  addition  to  his  present  attractive 
residence,  wdiich  he  recently  built  on  the 
corner  of  44th  and  Harrison  streets. 

Our  subject  has  been  twice  married.  His 
first  marriage  was  contracted  with  Sarah 
Elizabeth  Browm,  of  Belmont  County.  Three 
children  blessed  this  union;  two  died  in  in- 
fancy. The  remaining  one,  Laura,  is  attend- 
ing school.  OctoTer  i,  1890,  the  mother  of 
these  children  left  her  earthly  home  for  the 
life  beyond  the  grave.  Mr.  Walker  was  sub- 
sequently joined  in  marriage  with  Anna 
Elizabeth  Conrad,  and  two  children  were 
born  to  them,  David  and  Vera.  Socially  our 


iisj: 


'f 


~y 


I 


i 


GEORGE  O.  ROBINSON, 


AKW  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


547 


subject  is  identified  with  the  Knights  of 
Pythias  and  Knights  of  the  Golden  Eagle 
Himself  and  wife  are  also  members  of  the 
Ladies’  Temple  of  the  Golden  Eagle.  In 
his  religions  views  he  is  an  active  member 
of  the  Christian  Church,  of  which  he  is  dea- 
con at  the  present  writing.  Politically,  he 
is  a stanch  Republican.  In  the  spring  of 
1902  he  was  elected  a member  of  the  School 
Board  of  Bellaire.  Mr.  Walker  takes  a fit- 
ting interest  in  Bellaire  and  vicinity  and  is 
a liberal  contributor  toward  enterprises  of 
worth  and  benefit  to  the  city.  He  is  a di- 
rector of  the  Belmont  Savings  & Loan  Com- 
pany. 


GEORGE  O.  ROBINSON,  one  of  the  most 
successful  business  men  and  manufacturers  of 
Belmont  Count3^  has  been  a resident  of  the 
county  since  1864.  He  was  born  in  Wheeling, 
(West)  Virginia,  in  1852,  and  is  a son  of 
John  R.  Robinson,  who  was  for  many  years 
identified  with  the  iron  and  steel  interests  of 
Wheeling. 

George  O.  Rohinson  was  practically  reared 
in  Belmont  County,  and  his  first  business  ex- 
perience was  in  market  gardening  on  Mc- 
Mechen’s  Creek,  following  that  occupation  for 
a period  of  eight  years.  He  then  embarked  in 
the  ice  business,  to  which  he  later  added  the 
coal  and  brick  business,  and  in  the  latter  branch 
he  still  continues.  He  is  one  of  the  large  real 
estate  owners  of  the  county,  being  interested 
in  various  tracts  of  land  in  Pultney  township, 
much  of  it  close  to  the  city  of  Bellaire.  All  is 
arable  land  and  most  of  it  is  under  lease  for  . 
coal  and  other  purposes.  Among  his  holdings 
are  a half  interest  in  206  acres  adjoining  the 
city  limits,  19  acres  on  McMechen’s  Creek  in 
the  suburbs  of  Bellaire,  and  about  40  acres  at 
Georgetown,  a part  of  the  old  home  farm,  and  | 
a half  interest  in  a lOO-acre  tract,  a part  of  | 
which  is  in  the  cit}^  limits.  Mr.  Robinson’s  * 
main  attention  is  given  to  the  brick  business  | 
and  his  real  estate  interests.  He  is  vice-presi-  j 
dent  and  general  manager  of  the  Standard  j 
Stone  & Brick  Company,  which  was  started  in 


May,  1901,  the  plant  being  located  at  McClain- 
ville,  on  the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad.  It  is 
a modern  plant  in  all  its  appointments  and 
gives  emplo^’ment  to  some  55  men,  having  a 
capacity  of  50,000  bricks  per  day.  It  is  under 
the  superintendence  of  his  son,  John  Howard 
Robinson.  Alexander  Neff  is  president  of  the 
company;  George  O.  Robinson,  vice-president 
and  general  manager;  and  Franklin  Neff,  sec- 
retary and  treasurer.  The  plant  is  located 
about  three  miles  west  of  Bellaire  and  during 
the  first  year  of  its  existence  turned  out 
6,000.000  bricks.  They  operate  a sandstone 
quarry  in  connection,  and  a fine  quality  of 
building  stone  is  furnished  to  the  surrounding 
county.  The  office  of  the  plant  is  located  on 
23rd  street,  between  Belmont  and  Guernsey 
streets,  in  Bellaire. 

Mr.  Robinson  is  president  of  the  Eastern 
Ohio  Milling  Company,  and  a director  in  the 
First  National  Bank  of  Bellaire,  Ohio. 

Mr.  Robinson  was  united  in  marriage  with 
Emma  L.  Thompson  of  Belmont  County,  and 
they  have  the  following  children:  John  How- 
ard, superintendent  of  the  Standard  Stone  & 
Brick  ComqDany,  who  resides  at  Georgetown, 
where  he  has  a small  farm, — he  married  Daisy 
Bohill,  and  they  have  two  chilrren,  Dorothy 
and  Grace ; Lulu  and  Mary,  who  are  attending 
the  seminary  at  Washington.  Pennsylvania; 
Grace,  who  is  in  school  at  Washington,  Penn- 
sylvania; Frank,  who  attends  school;  George, 
also  attending  school : and  Ada.  Owing  to  bet- 
ter educational  facilities  at  Washington,  Penn- 
sylvania, Mr.  Robinson  moved  his  family  to 
that  city,  although  all  his  business  interests  are 
in  Belmont  County.  In  politics,  he  is  a strong 
Republican.  He  is  a Mason,  and  in  religious 
belief  is  a Presbyterian. 


SAMUEL  B.  PIPER,  who  is  township 
clerk  of  Warren  township,  and  ex-postmaster 
of  the  city  of  Barnesville,  Ohio,  is  one  of  the 
prominent  surviving  soldiers  of  the  Civil  War, 
and  a most  highly  respected  citizen. 

Mr.  Piper  was  born  June  14,  1837, 
Barnesville,  where  his  parents,  John  H.  and 


548 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Jane  1'^  (Claudy)  Piper,  resided  and  where 
they  reared  a family  of  five  children.  Plis 
father  was  horn  in  Georgetown,  Delaware, 
where  he  was  engaged  in  the  transportation 
hnsiness.  llis  death  occnrred  in  Barnesville,  in 
1876,  and  his  wife  survived  him  until  1885. 
Until  he  was  14  years  of  age,  Samuel  B.  Piper 
attended  the  ])ublic  schools,  and  at  the  age  of 
18  years  began  to  learn  the  saddlery  and  har- 
ness business,  at  which  he  worked  for  two 
years.  'Fhen  he  entered  the  office  of  the  Ohio 
Central  Railroad,  now  a part  of  the  Baltimore 
& Ohio  Southwestern  Railroad.  There  he  was 
eni])loyed  until  1860.  and  then  went  into  the 
dry  goods  business. 

On  Ai)ril  15,  1861,  Mr.  Piper  enlisted  at 
Columbus.  Ohio,  in  Company  A,  for  the  three 
months  service.  Two  months  lat^r  he  was 
mustered  out,  and  on  the  same  day, — June  13, 
1 86 1,  he  re-enlisted  in  the  same  company  for 
three  years.  Mr.  Piper  faithfully  performed 
the  duties  of  a soldier.  With  great  good  for- 
tune he  escaped  danger  and  was  honorably  dis- 
charged March  28,  1865.  Returning  to 

Barnesville.  he  re-entered  the  dry  goods  busi- 
ness, and  continued  thus  until  January,  1867. 
'fhen  he  was  elected  sheriff  of  Belmont  County 
on  the  Republican  ticket.  His  duties  in  that 
capacity  were  also  performed  with  complete- 
ness, and  again  he  returned  to  mercantile  pur- 
suits. In  1870  he  sold  his  business  and  became 
a traveling  representative  of  a wholesale  hat 
and  cap  establishment  of  Philadeljdiia.  One 
year  later,  he  resigned  this  position,  and 
returned  to  Barnesville. 

In  Mr.  Pi])er,  Postmaster  Lewis  found  an 
excellent  assistant  at  this  time,  and  one  year 
later  the  former  was  appointed  postmaster  by 
President  Grant.  For  12  }?ears,  he  continued 
in  this  office  in  Barnesville,  and  resigned  in 
October,  1886,  in  order  to  devote  his  time  to 
fire  and  life  insurance.  In  this  line  Mr.  Piper 
has  been  engaged  successfully  ever  since.  On 
January  27,  1894,  he  was  appointed  township 
clerk  and  served  thus  until  the  following  April. 
He  was  elected  to  the  same  office  in  1894,  and 
re-elected  in  1896,  1898,  1900  and  1902.  His 
inanagement  of  the  affairs  of  the  office  has 


been  so  efficient  that  the  public  is  loth  to  dis- 
pense with  his  valuable  services. 

Mr.  Piper  was  married  to  Sarah  E.  Fra- 
sier, who  was  a daughter  of  J.  W.  Frasier,  a 
prominent  farmer  of  Belmont  County.  Three 
daughters  were  born  of  this  union,  namely : ^ 
Laura  B.,  now  Mrs.  E.  M.  Hunt;  Mar}^  E. ; 
and  Bertha,  now  Mrs.  E.  O.  Cox.  All  of  the 
family  belong  to  the  Presbyterian  Church,  with 
the  exception  of  Mary  E.,^who  is  a member 
of  the  Methodist  Church.  Mr.  Piper  is  a man 
of  social  instincts  and  belongs  to  Friendship 
Lodge,  No.  89,  F.  & A.  M. ; Warren  Lodge, 
No.  76,  K.  of  P. : and  Flilles  Post,  No.  220, 

G.  A.  R.  Mr.  Piper  is  widely  known,  and 
enjoys  a full  measure  of  public  esteem.  Fie  is 
one  of  the  representative  citizens  of  Barnes- 
ville. 


CHARLES  J.  LYNCH,  who  has  attained 
a high  position  among  the  citizens  of  Bel- 
laire,  Ohio,  by  his  practice  of  the  legal  pro- 
fession in  that  city,  is  a gentleman  of  schol- 
arly attainments,  and  has  secured'  a large 
clientage.  His  office  is  located  in  the  Buck- 
eye Building.  He  was  born  in  Antioch, 
Monroe  County,  Ohio,  in  1872,  and  is  a son 
of  E.  L.  and  Elizabeth  (Read)  Lynch,  both 
descendants  of  old  Ohio  families,  who  are 
highly  respected  citizens  of  Woodsfield, 
Ohio. 

E.  L.  Lynch  is  also  a practitioner  of  law, 
and  has  made  Monroe  County  the  field  of 
his  labors  for  a large  number  of  years.  He 
is  a native  citizen  of  Monroe  County  and  at 
one  time  served  two  terms  as  clerk  of  the 
courts.  Fie  and  his  wife  located  at  AVoods- 
field  years  ago,  and  for  at  least  20  years 
Mr.  Lynch  has  been  an  attorney  of  law  at 
that  place,  gaining  the  plaudits  of  all  by  his 
eloquence  and  comprehensiveness.  In  poli- 
tics he  was  a firm  Democrat.  His  family 
consisted  of  three  sons  and  five  daughters, 
the  latter  being  still  inmates  of  the  home 
circle.  Our  subject’s  two  brothers  are  in- 
terested in  the  oil  business  quite  extensively. 

Charles  Lynch  was  reared  and  educated 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


549 


in  Woodsfield,  Ohio,  and  chose  the  profes- 
sion of  law  for  his  life  work,  following  wisely 
in  the  footsteps  of  his  father.  He  therefore 
read  law  in  his  father’s  office  and  was  finally 
admitted  to  the  bar  in  1895,  and.  immedi- 
ately entered  upon  his  duties  as  an  attorney. 
The  pash  four  years  have  been  spent  in  Bel- 
mont County,  the  first  two  in  Barnesville, 
and  the  past  two  in  Bellaire.  As  a speaker 
he  is  argumentive  and  eloquent  and  enters 
upon  a case  with  enthusiasm  and  energy, 
such  as  can  only  bear  good  results  to  the 
cause  of  his  client.  By  his  conscientiousness 
and  good  judgment  he  has  won  the  approval 
of  his  fellow  citizens,  as  well  as  their  esteem. 

Mr.  Lynch  was  united  in  marriage  with 
Gail  V.  McKeever,  of  Barnesville,  and  they 
make  their  home  at  No.  4652  Jefferson 
street.  In  politics  our  subject  gives  his  vote 
and  influence  to  the  Democratic  party,  and 
fraternally  he  is  a member  of  the  B.  P.  O.  E., 
and  of  the  Masonic  Lodge  at  Woodsfield. 
Ohio. 


WILLIAM  L.  MILLIGAN  of  the  well- 
knowir  firm  of  J.  H.  Milligan’s  Sons,  now 
doing  business  at  No.  3117  Union 

street,  Bellaire,  has  one  of  the  largest 
and  most  reliable  shoe  stores  in  this 
vicinity,  and  in  1902  was  compelled  to 
erect  a splendid  new  brick  buildins^j 
in  order  to  supply  the  demands  of  his  stead- 
ily increasing  custom.  He  makes  no  preten- 
sions to  being  self-made,  his  father  having 
paved  the  way  to  the  business  he  is  now  so 
ably  continuing.  Nevertheless,  he  has  shown 
himself  a man  of  enterprise  and  of  much  in- 
herent ability  for  managing  and  directing 
affairs. 

Mr.  Milligan  was  born  in  Belmont  County 
and  comes  of  one  of  the  old  and  influential 
families  of  the  vicinity,  his  father,  J.  H.  Mil- 
ligan, a well-known  business  man  and  promi- 
nent agriculturist,  having  been  born  in  Bel- 
mont County  about  1829.  Here  near  Bel- 
laire, in  Pultney  township,  upon  reaching 


manhood  he  settled  upon  a farm  and  engaged 
in  agriculture.  Like  everything  he  under- 
took in  life,  he  concentrated  his  entire  ener- 
gies upon  this  work  and  made  an  unqualified 
success  and  continued  in  it  until  1881.  Pos- 
sessed of  considerable  means,  in  1884  he 
moved  to  Bellaire,  and  in  company  with  his 
son,  J.  L.,  opened  a shoe  store.  By  prudent 
management  and  courteous  reception  of  cus- 
tomers he  worked  up  a large  trade  and  soon 
had  the  business  on  a very  firm  foundation. 
Retaining  the  confidence  of  the  public,  he 
continued  the  business  until  1891,  when  he 
was  succeeded  in  the  partnership  by  his  son, 
AAnlliam  L.  Math  an  eye  to  the  future  he 
has  always  managed  to  lay  aside  something 
for  a rainy  day.  He  is  now  comfortably 
fixed.  His  farm  in  Pultney  township  he  has 
never  disposed  of,  and  he  still  receives  a 
large  income  from  it.  He  is  now  living  in  re- 
tirement at  his  pleasant  residence  in  Bel- 
laire. Mr.  Milligan  married  Hannah 
J.  Carson,  from  West  Alexandria,  Pennsyl- 
vania, and  their  children  are:  Clinton,  who  is 
connected  with  a window  glass  company 
at  Danville,  Illinois:  Eunice,  who  is  now  at 
home:  E.  C.,  and  William  L.  of  Bellaire: 
and  J.  L.,  who  died  in  1896. 

Mfilliam  L.  IMilligan  embarked  upon  his 
successful  business  career  in  1893,  succeed-, 
ing,  as  has  been  said,  his  father.  The  firm 
name,  however,  was  not  changed,  remaining 
as  it  had  been,  J.  H.  Milligan  & Son.  He 
took  up  the  work  as  if  accustomed  to  it  all 
his  life,  and  very  ably  supplied  his  father’s 
vacant  place.  For  three  years  the  business 
continued  under  the  same  firm  name,  then 
occurred  the  death  of  the  senior  member  of 
the  firm,  J.  L.  IMilligan,  and  a change  oc- 
curred. Another  brother,  E.  C.,  stepped  into 
the  vacant  place  and  the  firm  name  was 
changed  to  J.  H.  klilligan’s  Sons.  These  two 
enterprising  men  have  advanced  their  indus- 
trv  materially,  have  added  a leather  and  find- 
ing department,  and  in  other  respects  en- 
larged the  business.  The  new  building  which 
thev  erected  is  a three-story  modern  brick 
structure  and  was  built  on  the  site  of  the 


55° 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


old  building.  The  upper  doors  will  be  rented 
as  dwellings. 

Socially,  Mr.  Milligan  stands  high  in  his 
community.  He  is  a member  of  the  F.  & A. 
i\I.  of  Bellaire;  Hope  Commandery,  No.  26, 
K.  T.,  of  St.  Clairsville;  Aladdin  Temple,  A. 
A.  O.  N.  M.  S.,  of  Columbus,  and 
the  1).  P.  O.  E.  of  Bellaire.  He  usually 
votes  the  J)emocratic  ticket,  but  is  some- 
what independent  in  politics.  In  religious 
sentiment  he  is  a Presbyterian. 


JOHN  METZGER,  a well-known  travel- 
ing salesman  located  at  No.  28  South  2nd 
street,  Martin’s  Eerry,  an  active  member  and 
ex-president  of  the  City  Council,  was  born  in 
Martin’s  Eerry,  April  17,  1874. 

The  parents  of  Mr.  Metzger  were  George 
and  Margaret  (Jacob)  Metzger,  both  of 
whom  were  natives  of  Germany,  born  near 
Strasburg,  in  Alsace.  In  1872  they  came  to 
America  and  located  at  Martin’s  Ferry, 
where  the  father  was  employed  at  the  glass 
works.  His  death  occurred  when  he  was 
about  50  years  of  age.  A cpnet,  industrious 
man,  he  only  took  a voting  interest  in  poli- 
tics, identifying  himself  wdth  the  Republican 
party.  He  belonged  to  the  German  Luth- 
eran Church.  His  widow  has  reached  the  age 
of  68  years  and  is  one  of  the  most  highly 
respected  residents  of  the  city.  She  has  in- 
terested herself  in  active  church  work  and  is 
well  known  for  her  charity  and  Christian 
S])irit.  Five  of  the  children  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Metzger  were  born  in  Germany  near  Stras- 
burg,  John,  of  this  sketch,  being  the  young- 
est and  the  only  one  born  after  the  family 
reached  America.  The  other  members  were; 
One  daughter,  who  died  young  in  Alsace: 
Mary,  who  married  Fred  Somers,  had  one 
son,  Louis,  and  died  at  the  age  of  33  years; 
Eva,  who  married  Baltzer  Thiel,  a millman, 
in  AVheeling,  has  three  children — John, 
Clara  and  Margaret;  George,  who  died  in 
Martin’s  Eerry  in  1887  at  the  age  of  20  years, 
and  Michael,  who  married  Martha  Edwards, 
resides  at  Marietta,  Ohio. 


John  Metzger  obtained  an  excellent  com- 
mon-school education  in  the  schools  of  Mar- 
tin’s Eerry  and  commenced  his  business  life 
as  a clerk  in  the  grocery  store  of  Lotz  & 
Scheehle  in  this  city, withwhom  he  continued 
for  thirteen  years,  acquiring  a thorough  and 
practical  knowledge  and  becoming  well  ac- 
quainted with  the  trade  and  the  public.  Two 
years  since,  when  Mr.  Metzger  bought  out 
the  grocery  business  of  Mrs.  Thomas  Mears, 
he  found  he  had  many  friends,  and  his  busi- 
ness in  this  line  continued  until  June,  1902, 
when  he  sold  out  on  account  of  failing  health 
and  engaged  with  S.  C.  Bigler  & Co.,  whole- 
sale produce  merchants  of  Wheeling,  West 
Virginia,  and  is  meeting  with  much  success. 

Mr.  Metzger  was  carefully  reared  in  the 
German  Lutheran  Church,  and  is  serving 
now  as  one  of  the  trustees  and  for  seven 
years  has  been  the  Sunday-school  superin- 
tendent. A stanch  Republican,  he  is  serving 
his  second  term  as  councilman,  having  been 
president  of  the  board  during  his  first  term, 
and  is  a member  of  the  finance,  street  and 
sewer  committees.  In  fraternal  life  he  be- 
longs to  the  Foresters  of  America,  and  is  a 
charter  member  in  the  order  of  the  Shield  of 
Honor.  Afr.  Metzger  has  shown  great  busi- 
ness ability  and  public  spirit  in  the  manage- 
ment of  public  affairs,  and  is  justly  regarded 
as  one  of  the  rising  young  men  of  the  city 


BLUM  BROTHERS  is  one  of  the  most 
progressive  and  enterprising  business  houses 
of  Bellaire,  Ohio.  It  is  composed  of 
Henry  and  Isaac  Blum,  proprietors  of 
the  mammoth  store  located  on  the  corner 
of  33rd  and  Belmont  streets,  in  this  city, 
dealers  in  gents’  furnishings,  clothing,  dry 
goods,  carpets,  ladies’  underwear,  etc.,  and 
a complete  line  of  ladies’  ready-made  suits, 
many  of  which  are  imported.  This  great 
establishment  has  a frontage  on  Belmont 
street  of  80  feet,  and  carries  the  largest  and 
best  selected  stock  in  the  city. 

The  enterprising  members  of  the  firm  of 
Blum  Brothers  were  born  in  Alsace,  Erance, 


r 


1 ( 


ir  * 

'Mr 


BENJAMIN  DAVENPORT, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


553 


which  country  they  left  about  1870,  Henry 
preceding  Isaac,  and  becoming  a clerk  in  the 
establishment  of  an  uncle  in  Wheeling,  West 
Virginia.  Later  when  Isaac  arrived  he  also 
entered  his  uncle’s  employ  as  bookkeeper. 
In  1875  Henry  Blum  embarked  in  business 
in  Bellaire,  and  two  years  later  his  brother 
joined  him  and  the  present  partnership  was 
formed.  Business  began  in  a small  way  on 
Union  street  at  the  former  home  of  the  First 
National  Bank,  removal  being  made  later  to 
the  ]\Irs.  Fless  building,  opposite  the  Post 
Office,  and  it  was  not  until  1884  that  the 
present  most  desirable  location  was  secured. 
In  that  year  the  energetic  brothers  opened  a 
single  store  on  the  corner  of  33rd  and  Bel- 
mont streets,  the  same  now  being  the  cloth- 
ing and  gents’  furnishing  department.  Busi- 
ness increased  at  such  a rapid  rate  that  three 
years  later  they  purchased  the  adjoining- 
store,  which  was  formerly  occupied  by  a tea 
company,  and  after  remodeling  this,  making 
what  is  really  a double  store,  they  turned  it 
into  a vast  dry-goods  department.  With  80 
feet  frontage  and  100  feet  depth  and  two 
floors,  they  have  one  of  the  most  convenient 
stores  to  be  found  in  the  city.  Five  em- 
ployees are  necessary  in  the  gents’  clothing- 
department,  one  cashier  only  being  necessary 
on  account  of  the  employment  of  the  cash 
carrier  system.  In  the  dry-goods  department 
six  girls  and  five  boys  are  required,  while  the 
personal  attention  of  both  partners  is  given 
at  all  times.  They  have  so  systematized  their 
business  that  patrons  are  able  to  be  served 
with  no  loss  of  time,  while  the  cjuality  of  the 
goods,  the  taste  employed  in  their  selection 
and  the  utmost  courtesy  with  which  custom- 
ers are  welcomed  have  brought  to  this  firm 
a permanent  and  constantly  increasing  trade 
of  a most  satisfactory  kind. 

Both  memfiers  of  the  firm  of  Blum 
Brothers  are  married  and  reside  in  adjoining- 
homes  on  Belmont  street.  Socially  they  are 
memliers  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  both 
having  formerly  been  Odd  Fellows.  Both  are 
also  members  of  the  Jewish 'Reform  Church, 
of  which  Henrv  Blum  is  treasurer  and  Isaac 


Blum  is  reader.  Henry  is  a trustee  of  the 
Jewish  Orphans’  Home  at  Cleveland,  Ohio, 
and  is  interested  in  various  manufacturing 
plants  at  Bellaire,  one  of  these  being  the 
Novelty  Stamping  Company,  and  others  the 
new  Enameled  Steel  Tile  Company  and  the 
Imperial  Glass  Works.  The  firm  as  indi- 
viduals have  always  contributed  liberally  to 
the  various  business  and  social  enterprises 
which  have  been  inaugurated  for  the  city's 
benefit,  and  in  every  way  are  most  highly 
esteemed  and  valued  citizens. 


BENJAMIN  DAVENPORT,  who  for 
many  years  was  one  of  the  leading  citizens  of 
Warren  township,  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  and 
an  important  factor  in  the  commercial  growth 
of  Barnesville,  passed  out  of  life,  full  of  years 
and  honors,  April  19,  1885. 

The  birth  of  Mr.  Davenport  took  place  Feb- 
ruary 2,  1813,  and  he  was  one  of  a family  of 
eight  children  born  to  Hon.  John  and  Martha 
( Colson)  Da\-enport,  who  came  from  Virginia 
to  Barnesville  in  1818.  The  other  members 
of  the  family  were:  Colson,  who  represented 

his  constituents  during  two  terms  in  the  State 
Legislature ; Eleanor ; IMary  A. ; Rebecca  C. 
John  A.  and  William,  who  died  in  infancy,  the 
deaths  of  George  H.  and  Samuel  occurring 
later  in  life. 

In  1834  Benjamin  Davenport  was  united  in 
marriage  with  Anna  IM.  Bradshaw,  a daughter 
of  Maj.  Whlliam  Bradshaw.  She  died  in  Au- 
gust, 1889.  and  the  children  of  this  union  were 
as  follows : Ellen  M. ; Adrianna,  the  wife  of 

Col.  W.  C.  Watsou,  of  East  Liverpool,  Ohio; 
Betty  L..  wife  of  C.  C.  iMinton.  of  Marion, 
Kansas:  Harriet  F.,  who  is  the  wife  of 

Judge  James  H.  Collins,  one  of  the  most  emi- 
nent jurists  of  the  State  of  Ohio:  John  \\  .,  de- 
ceased: and  James,  who  is  in  business  in  Bal- 
timore, IMaryland.  After  marriage  INIr.  Dav- 
enport embarked  in  the  mercantile  business 
which  occupied  his  -energies  almost  through 
his  life,  being  associated  during  the  greater 
part  of  the  time  with  his  brother  Colson,  and 


554 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


William  A.  Talbott.  The  reliable  and  upright 
character  of  Mr.  Da\'enport  made  him  of  great 
\-alue  in  his  township  as  justice  of  the  peace 
for  many  years  and  during  a part  of  his  ca- 
reer he  served  as  recorder  and  also  as  mayor. 
Me  took  a personal  pride  in  the  religious  de- 
veloi)ment  of  the  city,  and  with  pleasure  served 
for  30  years  as  superintendent  of  the  Metho' 
(list  Sahbath-school. 

.Although  his  family  name  was  one  held  in 
respect  in  Belmont  County,  he  did  not  need  its 
luster  to  illumine  his  life,  for  its  own  acts  tes- 
tified to  its  worth.  Scrupulously  honest,  whole- 
souled,  kind-hearted  and  charitable,  he  not 
only  looked  after  the  welfare  of  those  depend- 
ent upon  him,  but  he  willingly  shared  with  oth- 
ers who  were  unfortunate.  Friends  won  were 
always  friends.  Belmont  county  never  lost  a 
more  upright,  useful  or.  conscientious  man  than 
Benjamin  Jhavenport,  and  the  testimonials  to 
his  worth  were  general  through  the  city  in 
which  his  estimable  life  bad  exerted  its  benefi- 
cent intluence. 

Judge  J.\mes  H.  Collins,  cvhose  name 
is  indissolubly  connected  with  the  tri- 
umphs of  the  Belmont  County  bar,  was  born  in 
the  State  of  Maryland,  but  was  practically 
reared  in  Barnesville.  After  a happy  child- 
hood on  his  father's  farm  near  Henrysburg, 
he  attended  school  and  in  early  manhood  began 
to  fit  bimself  for  the  law.  His  reading  was 
conducted  under  Hon.  John  Davenport, 
and  resulted  in  his  admission  to  practice  in 
1862,  Barnesville  being  selected  l)y  him  as  his 
field  of  action.  In  1867  he  was  appointed  at- 
torney for  the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad 
Company  and  in  1879  was  appointed  general 
counsel  of  all  lines  of  the  Baltimore  & Ohio, 
east  of  the  Ohio  River,  and  since  that  time  his 
major  interests  have  been  centered  in  it. 
Since  i88i  be  has  been  located  in  Columbus, 
where  he  is  an  authority  in  his  chosen  profes- 
sion. The  first  marriage  of  Judge  Collins  was 
to  Rachel  Judkins,  and  two  children  rvere  born 
to  this  union,  Essie  B.,  being  the  only  sur- 
vi\’or.  The  second  marriag'e  of  Judee  Collins 
was  to  Harriet  F.  Davenport,  in  1873.  . Both 
Judge  and  Airs.  Collins  belong  to  the  Aletho- 


dist  Church.  Their  winter  residence  is  in  Co- 
lumbus, but  they  spend  their  summers  at  a 
beautiful  home  located  one  mile  west  of  Barnes- 
ville. 


G.  W.  MEDILL,  a retired  wholesale  mer- 
chant of  Bridgeport,  Ohio,  was  attentive  to  bus- 
iness for  many  years  in  this  city  and  has  a repu- 
tation for  only  scjuare  and  honest  dealings  with 
his  many  friends  and-  acquaintances.  He  is  a 
son  of  Joseph  and  Nancy  (Fleming)  Medill, 
and  was  born  in  Jefferson  County,  Ohio,  Oc- 
tober 26,  1841. 

Joseph  Medill  lived  in  his  native  country, 
Ireland,  until  he  attained  the  age  of  twenty-one 
years,  when  he  crossed  the  ocean  and  landed 
in  Philadelphia.  There  he  resided  until  his 
removal  to  Washington  County,  Pennsylvania, 
where  he  first  met  Nancy  Fleming,  a native  of 
that  county,  who  afterward  became  his  wife, 
and  was  the  mother  of  our  subject.  He  then 
traveled  to  Ohio,  and  at  a sheriff’s  sale  at 
Steubenville  he  purchased  the  farm  that 
became  the  family  homestead.  He  farmed 
very  extensively  and  was  especially  de- 
voted to  raising  sheep  for  the  wool. 
At  one  time  he  owned  1800  sheep  and 
had  possession  of  1031  acres  of  land,  own- 
ing more  land  than  any  other  farmer  in  the 
county.  At  his  death,  when  eighty-one  years 
of  age,  Jefferson  County,  Ohio,  lost  one  of  her 
most  proficient  citizens  and  farmers.  His  be- 
loved wife  departed  this  life  when  forty-five 
years  of  age  and  she  and  her  husband  were 
members  of  the  Mount  Pleasant  Presbyterian 
Church.  She  was  a noble,  kind-hearted  wom- 
an, devoted  to  her  church,  and  loved  to  be 
of  help  and  assistance  to  any  one  suffering  or 
troubled.  Air.  Medill  was  first  a Whig  and 
later,  until  his  death,  a Democrat,  and  while 
much  interested  in  politics,  he  would  never  ac- 
cept the  responsibilities  of  office. 

Of  the  hvelve  children  born  to  this  estimable 
couple,  four  only  are  now  living;  William  (2), 
now  residing  at  Tiltonville,  Ohio;  Alar- 
garet,  the  wife  of  Adam  AIcCune,  of  Kan- 
sas; G.  W.,  subject  of  this  personal  history; 


AhW  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


555 


and  Nancy,  now  Mrs.  Dr.  Kelley  of  Steuben- 
^■ille,  Ohio.  The  children  now  deceased  were : 
John,  James,  Thomas  (i),  Fdizabetli,  Joseph, 
Fleming,  William  (i),  and  Thomas  (2). 

Our  subject  derived  his  education  from  vari- 
ous schools  and  colleges  attending  first  the 
normal  school  at  Hopedale,  Ohio,  where  he 
completed  a course  with  honor,  and  subse- 
quently took  a more  thorough  course  in  the 
Iron  City  Commercial  College  at  Pittsburg, 
Pennsylvania.  When  his  school  days  were 
over,  the  work  on  the  farm  being  quite  heavy 
he  assisted  his  father  for  nearly  a year  in  these 
duties.  Soon  afterward  he  removed  to  Mar- 
tin’s Feri'}',  where  he  embarked  in  the  merchan- 
dise business  under  his  own  name,  continuing 
until  he  sold  out  in  January,  1868.  On  Febru- 
ary 28  of  the  same  year  he  removed  to  Bridge- 
port, Belmont  County,  Ohio,  and  again  entered 
business  as  a wholesale  grocer,  under  tbe  firm 
name  of  AVatkins,  Ferguson  & Co.  Four  years 
later  be  bought  the  share  of  Mr.  AA^atkins  and 
the  firm  became  Ferguson  & Medill  which  con- 
tinued four  years  longer,  when  the  business 
was  sold  out.  BTr  the  year  following  our  sub- 
ject kept  books  for  J.  S.  Bates  & Co.,  when 
Bates,  Junkins  and  Alexander  had  interests  in 
the  business;  our  subject  finally  bought  one- 
half  interest  and  with  Ross  Junkins  ran  the 
business  with  success  and  profit  until  1876, 
then  concluded  to  buy  the  share  of  IMr.  Junkins 
also,  and  conducted  things  by  bimself  until 
1889,  then  selling  with  profit.  He  enjo)"ed  a 
vacation  of  a year,  resting  from  the  cares  of 
business  life  and  then  once  again  started  to 
work,  this  time  in  the  capacity  of  clerk  for 
Stone  & Thomas  of  AVheeling,  West  Afirginia. 
After  three  years  of  this  work  he  left  and 
opened  up  business  in  bis  own  name  as  a retail 
grocer  in  Bridgeport,  Ohio.  For  six  years  he 
met  with  the  best  of  success,  but  bis  health 
broke  down  and  he  was  compelled  to  sell  the 
business  to  a IMr.  Boston,  and  retire  from  ac- 
tive life. 

November  4,  1870,  Mr.  Medill  was  united  in 
matrimony  with  Mary  A.  Gra3^  a native  of 
Bridgeport  and  a daughter  of  James  A.  Gray 
of  Martin’s  Ferry.  They  have  three  children; 


namely,  James  G.,  secretary  of  the  Laughlin 
Tin  Alill  at  Martin’s  Ferry  ; Martha  M.  (now 
hlrs.  John  S.  Goodwin),  of  East  Liverpool, 
Ohio,  where  IMr.  Goodwin  is  engaged  in  the 
pottery  business, — they  have  on  child,  James; 
and  George  F.,  boss  roll  turner  at  Cambridge, 
Ohio.  The  family  attend  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  of  which  klr.  and  Mrs.  iMedill  are 
members,  the  former  having  been  trustee  for 
many  years. 

Mr.  Medill  served  as  township  treasurer  for 
nine  years,  being  elected  ever\"  year  and  was 
nominated  for  the  tenth  year,  but  declined.  In 
politics  he  votes  for  the  man  who  will  be  the 
best  for  the  position. 

Mr.  Medill  affiliates  with  the  Masonic  fra- 
ternity, being  a member  of  blue  lodge,  chapter 
and  commander\\ 


EUGENE  M.  AATLKES,  ciA  clerk  of  the 
city  of  Barnesville,  Ohio,  and  who  is  also  in- 
terested in  the  Globe  clothing  establishment  of 
this  city  as  leading  salesman,  is  one  of  the  en- 
ergetic and  successful  business  men  of  the 
younger  generation. 

The  birth  of  IMr.  Wilkes  was  on  November 
12,  1873,  Noble  County.  Ohio,  a son  of  Cy- 
rus A.  and  Amanda  (kloseley)  AAulkes,  the 
former  of  whom  is  an  extensive  farmer  and 
respected  resident  of  Morgan  County,  Ohio. 
A family  of  five  children  was  born  to  the  pa- 
rents of  our  subject,  three  of  whom  still  sur- 
vive. 

jMr.  AAfilkes  secured  the  greater  part  of  his 
excellent  education  in  the  common  schools  of 
Noble  County,  but  at  the  age  of  15  years  he 
came  to  Barnes-\-ille.  and  has  been  identified 
with  this  city  ever  since.  For  12  years  he  was 
the  efficient  clerk  and  bookkeeper  in  a grocer}' 
establishment,  and  at  tbe  same  time  took  an  ac- 
tive part  in  politics.  Both  lines  brought  him 
reward,  the  former  close  attention  to  business 
and  display  of  activity  making  him  a desired 
acquisition  to  the  Globe  clothing  establishment, 
and  the  latter  furnishing  the  Republican  party 


556 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


with  a most  excellent  citizen  for  the  position  of 
city  clerk.  His  connection  with  the  Globe  dates 
from  January,  1902.  and  rvith  the  civic  posi- 
tion, from  .\pril,  J902.  ^ 

On  September  8,  1887,  Mr.  Wilkes  was 
united  in  marriage  wdth  Katie  Hackett,  and 
two  children  were  born  to  this  union,  namely: 
L.  Wauneta  and  Helen  B.  Mr.  Wilkes  is  so- 
cially inclined,  and  is  a valued  member  of  the 
Knights  of  Pythias  and  the  Jr.  O.  U.  A.  M. 
Although  young  in  years,  he  has  shown 
so  much  interest  in  party  matters  and  has  dis- 
played such  excellent  judgment  that  it  is  the 
opinion  of  his  many  friends  that  the  future 
holds  more  rewards  for  his  party  integrity  and 
activity. 


JAMES  F.  DuBOIS,  a young  business 
man  of  Bellaire,  Ohio,  whose  enterprise  and 
ability  have  placed  him  in  the  forefront  of 
a number  of  substantial  enterprises  in  Bel- 
laire, is  one  whose  success  may  rank  him  in 
the  future  with  other  captains  of  industry. 

James  F.  DuBois  was  born  near  Bridge- 
port, Belmont  County,  Ohio,  in  1865,  and 
is  one  of  six  sons  born  to  John  DuBois,  who 
is  well  known  in  the  lumber  and  planing- 
mill  l)usiness.  Morris  DuBois,  a brother  to 
James  F’.,  served  for  a period  as  city  treas- 
urer of  Bellaire.  When  about  12  years  of 
age  our  subject  came  with  his  parents  to 
Bellaire,  and  entered  his  father’s  planing-mill 
as  bookkeeper,  remaining  there  for  several 
years.  Later  he  became  teller  of  the  Dollar 
Savings  Bank,  rvhere  he  remained  for  three 
years.  As  an  organizer  his  ability  was  first 
shown  in  the  forming  of  the  Enterprise 
Enamel  Company,  of  rvhich  he  rvas  sec- 
retary for  some  time.  He  then  served  for 
six  months  as  secretary  of  the  Novelty 
Stamping  Company.  Experience  teaches, 
and  through  a number  of  business  ventures 
and  successes  Mr.  DuBois  ■ reached  his 
present  responsible  position  of  secretary, 
treasurer  and  general  manager  of  the 
Bellaire  Brick  Company,  a Delaware 
corporation,  recently  formed.  This  busi- 


ness was  established  in  the  spring  of 
1900  by  our  subject,  in  conjunction,  with 
S.  H.  and  H.  H.  Criswell,  all  being  stock- 
holders. In  1901  the  business  was  incor- 
porated under  the  laws  of  the  State  of  Dela- 
ware, with  the  following  officers:  S.  H. 

Crisrvell,  president;  FI.  H.  Criswell,  vice- 
president,  and  James  F.  DuBois,  secretary, 
treasurer  and  general  manager.  The  busi- 
ness site  was  bought  from  J.  A.  Gallaher  and 
Crozier  Brothers,  but  the  buildings  have 
been  almost  entirely  erected  by  the  present 
company.  Ten  and  one-half  acres  of  ground 
are  utilized,  the  clay  and  other  ingredients 
being  found  on  the  place.  The  product  is 
red  brick,  the  capacity  of  a lo-hour  day  be- 
ing from  35,000  to  40,000  bi'icks.  The  burn- 
ing of  the  brick  is  done  with  coal,  but  nat- 
ural gas  is  used  for  drying. 

A notable  invention  belonging  to  and  used 
by  this  company  is  the  result  of  ideas  of 
Mr.  DuBois,  which  • enables  the  company 
to  take  the  wet  clay  from  the  bank,  mold  it 
into  bricks,  burn  the  bricks,  and  load  them 
on  the  cars  ready  for  shipment  in  72  hours, 
and  with  but  one  handling.  This  is  some- 
thing entirely  new  in  brick-making,  and  the 
invention  is  being  rapidly  developed  to  per- 
fection. From  15  to  20  men  are  given  em- 
ployment. 

The  Enameled  Steel  Tile  Company  is  a re- 
cently incorporated  business  enterprise  of 
Bellaire,  its  articles  of  incorporation  bearing 
date  of  June  25,  1902.  The  industry  is  for 
the  manufacture  of  metallic  tile,  enameled, 
for  use  in  l^ath-rooms,  for  hearths,  ceilings, 
in  all  colors  and  designs,  rvith  a finish  which 
is  guaranteed  to  be  durable.  The  plant  for 
this  great  industry  rvill  be  located  on  lower 
Union  street,  and  will  have  a capacity  of 
3,000  square  feet  of  ceiling  per  day  of  10 
hours,  and  rvill  give  employment  to  a large 
number  of  people.  It  has  been  incorporated 
with  a capital  of  $50,000,  and  its  of- 
ficers are  the  following  substantial  citizens; 
James  F.  DuBois,  president;  E.  J.  A.  Dren- 
nen,  of  Martin’s  Ferry,  vice-president;  J.  W. 
Garber,  secretary  and  treasurer;  and  William 


'J'HOMAS  T.  FRASIER. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


559 


Landkrohn,  manager.  Mr.  DuBois  is  a tire- 
less worker,  and  he  has  ever  at  heart  the 
best  interests  of  those  organizations  with 
which  he  is  connected. 

Our  subject  was  married  in  1895  to  a 
daughter  of  Alexander  Heatherington,  and 
a granddaughter  of  Jacob  Heatherington. 
Jacob  Pleatherington  is  one  of  the  most  ven- 
erable residents  of  Belmont  County,  to  which 
he  came  in  1832,  and  is  nearing  his  90th 
birthday.  During  his  business  career  he  was 
a very  prominent  coal  operator.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  DuBois  have  one  son,  John  Alexander. 
The  family  residence  is  located  at  No.  1766 
Belmont  street.  The  family  are  members 
of  the  Christian  Church,  although  Mr. 
DuBois  is  liberal  to  all  denominations.  In 
politics  he  is  a Republican,  and  is  fraternally 
prominent  as  a Knight  of  Pythias  and  a 
Mason,  being  a member  of  Bellaire  Lodge, 
F.  & A.  M.,  and  also  of  the  chapter  and 
council  of  Bellaire. 


THOMAS  T.  FRASIER,  a retired  builder 
and  contractor  of  Bridgeport,  Ohio,  is  a sub- 
stantial and  esteemed  citizen  of  Belmont 
County,  and  is  also  a representative  one  in  his 
line  of  activity.  Mr.  Frasier  is  a man  of  en- 
lightened views  and  liberal  ideas,  many  years 
of  his  life  having  been  spent  in  most  useful  en- 
deavor in  various  parts  of  the  country,  and  he 
was  no  small  factor  in  the  progress  and  ma- 
terial development  of  some  portions  of  it. 

The  birth  of  Mr.  Frasier  occurred  in  Bel- 
mont County,  Ohio,  on  July  23,  1832,  a son 
of  Townsend  and  Elizabeth  (Bailey)  Frasier, 
the  former  of  whom  was  a native  of  Loudoun 
County,  Virginia,  and  the  latter  of  Ohio. 
Townsend  Frasier  started  for  Ohio  in  young 
manhood,  making  the  trip  on  horseback,  riding 
behind  another  man.  His  business  and  occupa- 
tion was  that  of  bricklayer,  but  like  other  com- 
petent men  of  his  time  he  was  equally  skilled 
in  other  trades.  It  was  his  hand  that  drove  the 
first  stake  on  the  National  Road  on  this  side 
of  the  Ohio  River,  and  it  was  his  horse  that 
first  crossed  the  Ohio,  on  what  was  then  the 


new  bridge,  the  rider  of  the  horse  being  Daniel 
Zane.  Mr.  Frasier  on  account  of  the  excellence 
of  his  work  was  employed  to  make  the  most 
of  the  bricks  used  in  his  locality  and  he  did 
much  of  the  work  on  many  public  buildings, 
one  of  these  being  the  first  bank  built  in 
Bridgeport,  which  he  did  by  contract.  For 
some  years  he  conducted  the  old  Stone  Tavern, 
where  our  subject  was  born,  but  later  removed 
to  the  farm  of  108  acres  where  his  son  now  re- 
sides. This  land  was  originally  the  property 
of  the  Zanes,  and  Mr.  Frasier  was  employed 
by  them  to  lay  off  farms.  This  was  his  home 
until  his  death,  at  the  age  of  80  years.  Few 
men  were  better  or  more  favorably  known  in 
this  locality  than  Townsend  Frasier.  His  many 
years  of  consistent  life  in  the  Methodist  Church 
made  him  acceptable  in  all  of  the  offices  of  the 
laymen,  and  by  example  and  precept  he  lived 
up  to  his  professions.  Mr.  Frasier  was  mar- 
ried in  St.  Clairsville.  Mrs.  Frasier  also  was  a 
devout  member  of  the  Methodist  Church.  She 
died  at  the  age  of  82  years.  They  were  both 
known  as  pioneers  of  the  county  and  were 
most  excellent  people,  and  though  gone  their 
many  good  deeds  and  acts  of  kindness  afford 
pleasing  memories  to  many  who  are  yet  living. 
In  cases  of  sickness,  distress  and  other  emer- 
gencies, they  were  always  found  where  they 
could  do  the  greatest  good.  Their  nine  child- 
ren were  the  following : Alfred,  who  died  un- 
married at  the  age  of  20  years;  Charles,  who 
died  at  the  age  of  60  years,  was  a farmer; 
James,  who  died  when  about  30  years  of  age, 
went  with  a party  to  California,  in  1849;  Ade- 
line, who  first  married  John  Huss,  and  second, 
Jason  Pool,  died  at  about  30  years  of  age;  Eliz- 
abeth, who  married  Amos  Osborne ; Thomas, 
who  is  the  subject  of  this  biography;  Joseph, 
who  is  deceased ; Wesley  B.,  who  resides  in  this 
county;  and  William,  who  is  also  a farmer  in 
Belmont  County. 

Thomas  T.  Frasier  was  18  years  of  age 
when  he  completed  his  school  days  and  then  be- 
gan to  learn  the  building  trade  under  his  broth- 
er-in-law, Amos  Osborne,  later  going  to  Bu- 
reau County,  Illinois,  where  he  worked  at  his 
trade  for  one  year  and  then  was  one  of  a party 


56o 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


of  four  who  went  to  Iowa,  to  lay  off  land  war- 
rants. lie  remained  during  one  summer  at 
Xewton  and  then  went  to  Leavenworth,  Kan- 
sas, finding-  plenty  and  remunerative  work  there 
at  his  trade,  for  eight  years.  Mr.  Frasier  then 
licg'an  his  adventurous  career  as  a freighter, 
making-  the  trip  to  Denver,  twice  a year,  with 
ox-teams.  This  linsiness  he  followed  for  five 
years  and  during  this  time  made  nine  trips,  his 
lireparations  for  the  tenth  lieing  interrupted 
liy  active  Indian  hostilities.  With  his  teams 
he  returned  to  Leavenworth  and  there  loaded 
up  with  government  goods  for  F'ort  Gibson. 
Flowever  he  was  able  to  get  no  farther  than 
Fort  Scott  as  the  escort  got  too  far  ahead,  and 
that  winter  the  train  had  to  camp  there.  In 
the  si)ring-  of  iS66  he  took  the  overland  route 
to  Montana,  with  ox-teams,  and  rvas  103  days 
on  the  way-,  fording  streams,  crossing  gulches 
and  over  almost  impassable  roads,  at  last  mak- 
ing the  great  crossing  of  the  Platte,  at  Jnles- 
hnrg.  Mr.  Frasier  saw  many  wild  adventures 
and  witnessed  many  thrilling  incidents,  at  all 
times  doing  his  part  toward  the  peaceful  ad- 
justment of  differences.  At  F'ort  Carney  this 
expedition  halted  for  a short  time,  hut  finally 
reached  the  intended  destination  and  delivered 
the  goods. 

]\Ir.  Frasier  remained  for  three  years  in 
Montana,  during  which  time  he  engaged  in 
prospecting  and  did  some  mining,  returning 
then  to  his  home.  The  great  West  attracted 
him  again,  resulting  in  a second  visit  to  Mon- 
tana, in  1868,  and  during  the  succeeding  three 
years  he  became  much  interested  in  gold  min- 
ing, and  finally  became  the  owner  of  a claim 
which  he  later  sold  to  an  English  company. 
During  this  period,  in  company  with  16  oth.ers, 
Mr.  Frasier  started  from  Deer  Lodge,  and 
visited  the  secti(-)n  ^Yhich  is  now  the  great  Na- 
tional Park,  enjoying  its  beauties  and  wonders 
before  art  had  done  anything  to  spoil  nature’s 
own  handiu-ork  in  that  grand  canyon.  In  the 
fall  of  the  same  year,  our  sulpject  returned  to 
Ohio,  his  travels  and  experiences  having  given 
hini  an  education  which  rvhole  libraries  could 
not  have  bestowed. 

Since  locating  permanently  in  Bridgeport, 


Mr.  F'rasier  has  done  a vast  amount  of  work  in 
the  line  of  his  trade,  and  has  also  been  inter- 
ested in  other  activities.  Pie  has  erected  many 
dw-ellings,  and  has  erected  all  the  tipples  for 
the  Wheeling  Creek  "Coal  Company,  also  at 
Crescent  and  at  Barton.  One  of  his  private  en- 
terprises has  been  the  building  of  a number  of 
comfortable  cottage  homes,  suitable  for  the 
families  of  miners,  and  which  are  sold  to  them 
as  their  nreans  permit  them  to  buy.  This  has 
been  a much  appreciated  charity  and  has  en- 
couraged many  a struggling  but  honest  miner 
to  better  his  condition.  This  is  what  Mr.  Fra- 
sier believes  to  be  true  pbilanthropy,  to  help 
others  to  help  themselves.  For  many  years  he 
has  shown  deep  interest  in  educational  matters 
l)y  service  on  the  School  Board  and  has  been  a 
very  lil^eral  supporter  of  public-spirited  enter- 
prises. For  a long  period  he  has  been  a trustee 
in  the  Presbyterian  Church.  As  a financier  he 
has  been  a conservative  vice-president  of  the 
Dollar  Savings  Bank  of  Bridgeport.  He  was 
a charter  memljer  of  the  Linwood  Cemetery 
Association  and  is  one  of  its  officers.  Mr. 
Frasier  is  an  cx-ofUcio  justice  of  the  peace  of 
Brookside,  which  is  a suburb  of  Bridgeport. 

In  1882  Mr.  Frasier  -was  married  to  Sarah 
E.  Enlow,  who  was  born  in  Belmont  County, 
r.  daughter  of  John  and  Mary  (DuBois)  En- 
low, and  the  two  children  born  to  this  union 
are:  M.  Margaret  and  Thomas  Townsend. 


WILLIAM  KOEHNLINE,  a contractor, 
Iniilder,  and  real  estate  man  of  Bridgeport, 
Ohio,  has  led  an  active  life  since  his  early 
years.  He  is  a son  of  John  M-.  and  ElizalDeth 
(Klein)  Koehnline  and  rvas  born  in  Benwood, 
Marshal]  County,  (West)  Virginia,  April  4, 
1858. 

Jolm  M.  Koehnline  w-as  a native  of  Wurtem- 
berg,  Germany,  born  in  1816,  and  in  1838  left 
his  native  country  and  came  to  the  United 
States,  lieing  on  the  rvater  four  months  in  a 
sailing  vessel.  Bellaire  became  his  home  upon 
his  arrival  in  this  country,  and  some  time  later 
he  removed  to  Marshall  (Tounty,  AVest  Virginia, 
previous  to  locating  permanently  in  Bridge- 


r- 


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HON.  CAPELL  L.  WEEMS, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


563 


port  in  the  winter  of  1863.  There  he  bought 
coal  mines  and  shipped  the  coal  from  them  as 
far  south  as  New  Orleans.  He  made  a success 
of  his  business  and  was  respected  by  all  who 
knew  him. 

He  chose  for  his  wife  Elizabeth  Klem  also 
of  German  nativity,  and  claiming  Baden  as  her 
birthplace.  They  had  a family  of  six  children, 
Avho  were  as  follows : Elizabeth  married 

Nicholas  Zimmer,  and  died  in  her  fifty-eighth 
year.  John  was  engaged  for  twenty  years 
in  partnership  with  our  subject,  William,  in 
the  coal  business  and  his  death  took  place 
recently,  April  14,  1902,  at  the  age  of  sixty-two 
years.  He  served  his  country  valiantly  for 
four  years  as  a private  in  one  of  the  com- 
panies recruited  in  West  Virginia.  Before  the 
close  of  the  war  he  was  severely  wounded  by 
a shell  and  up  to  the  time  of  his  death  it  caused 
him  trouble  and  pain.  Jacob,  rvho  enlisted  in 
the  war  about  the  same  time  as  his  brother,  was 
in  a clilTerent  regiment  and  served  nearly  four 
years  also.  His  death  at  Carlton,  Kentucky, 
in  1866,  was  caused  by  cholera  after  a sickness 
of  about  five  hours.  Catherine  B.,  who  was 
Mrs.  William  Conway,  is  now  deceased.  Henry 
resides  in  Bridgeport.  William,  subject  of  these 
lines,  is  the  youngest  in  the  family. 

Mr.  Koehnline's  death  took  place  in  1875 
and  his  widow  survived  him  until  she  attained 
the  age  of  eighty-one  years  and  five  months 
and  then  also  departed  this  life,  on  the  5th  day 
of  February,  1899.  Both  parents  were  mem- 
bers of  the  German  Lutheran  Church. 

William  Koehnline  received  his  education  in 
the  public  schools  of  Bridgeport,  and  subse- 
C|uently  embarked  in  the  coal  and  ice  business, 
in  partnership  with  his  brother,  John,  under  the 
firm  name  of  Koehnline  Brothers,  continuing 
for  twenty  years  when  he  engaged  in  business 
as  a real  estate  dealer  and  a contractor  and 
builder,  in  which  he  has  continued  to  the  pres- 
ent day.  Success  has  crowned  his  efforts  and 
he  is  esteemed  as  a good  citizen  who  is  public- 
spirited  and  enterprising.  He  served  as  school 
director  seven  years,  and  for  eleven  years  was 
councilman,  serving  during  the  period  when 
the  city  progressed  rapidly  and  built  the  sew- 


erage and  water  works  as  necessary  improve- 
I ments  to  its  welfare  and  advancement. 

November  17,  1889,  our  subject  was  united 
in  marriage  rvith  Rachel  Fox,  a daughter  of 
Jacob  and  Christiana  Fox,  and  a native  of  Bel- 
mont County.  She  was  one  of  a number  of 
children,  seven  of  whom  are  now  living,  as  fol- 
lows : Lizzie,  now  klrs.  Lewis  Cook ; William  ; 
Fred;  Rachel,  wife  of  our  subject;  Henry; 
Mary,  employed  as  cashier  for  the  Bell  Tele- 
phone Company ; and  Edward. 

Our  subject  and  his  wife  have  five  children, 
four  of  whom  are  attending  school.  They 
are  as  follows : William,  Irvin,  IMabel,  Eliza- 
beth, and  an  infant.  The  family  are  all  faith- 
ful members  of  the  German  Lutheran  Church. 
In  fraternal  circles  he  affiliates  with  the  F.  & 
A.  M.  He  is  considered  one  of  the  substantial 
and  essential  citizens  of  Bridgeport  and  cer- 
tainly does  his  part  to  help  in  its  advancement. 


HON.  CAPELL  L.  WEEMS.  One  of  the 
leading  citizens  of  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  is 
Capell  L.  Weems,  who  has  made  an  honorable 
record,  both  as  legislator  and  prosecuting  at- 
torney for  the  county. 

Mr.  Weems  is  an  Ohio  product,  born  in  No- 
ble County,  July  7,  i860,  being  a son  of  David 
L.  and  Hester  A.  AWems,  the  former  of  whom 
was  born  in  Maryland,  and  the  latter  in  Ohio. 
Their  residence  is  now  in  Summerfield,  Noble 
County,  and  they  are  aged  respectively  69  and 
60  years.  For  a period  David  L.  Weems  was 
well  known  in  the  tobacco  packing  trade,  and 
later  as  a reliable  carpenter  and  builder.  For 
some  years  he  has  lived  retired  from  activity, 
Mrs.  Weems  is  a member  of  the  Methodist 
Church  in  Summerfield.  They  reared  four 
children,  Capell  L.  being  the  eldest,  and  the 
others  as  follows;  Mason  O.,  an  educator  and 
county  superintendent,  in  Ohio,  who  is  now 
taking  a post-graduate  course  at  Ada,  Ohio : 
William  H.,  who  is  a stenographer  in  the  em- 
ploy of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company 
at  Greensburg,  Pennsylvania,  and  Dora  A., 
whose  husband  is  superintendent  of  an  artificial 
ice  plant,  at  klemphis,  Tennessee,  she  having 


564 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY. 


for  some  years  been  a nurse  in  a private  sani- 
tarium in  the  same  city. 

The  early  education  and  training  of  our  sub- 
ject was  that  which  the  average  American  hoy 
of  the  day  receives,  in  the  public  schools,  ex- 
cept that  he  earlier  than  usual  began  a career 
as  educator.  Taking  a short  course  in  the  nor- 
mal school,  he  started  out  at  the  age  of  16 
years  and  not  only  succeeded  in  the  country  dis- 
tricts, hut  was  soon  promoted  to  higher  posi- 
tions and  was  finally  made  superintendent  of 
the  Senecaville  schools,  filling  this  responsible 
])osition,  notwithstanding  his  youth,  until  he 
left  it  to  enter  upon  the  practice  of  law,  the 
study  of  which  he  had  been  pursuing  in  the 
meantime.  His  preceptors  were  McGinnis  & 
Dalzell,  of  Caldwell,  Ohio,  and  there  he  was 
admitted  to  the  bar  in  October,  1881  and  began 
jiractice  in  1883.  Our  subject  entered  upon  his 
law  course  in  partnership  with  Mr.  McGinnis, 
and  the  firm  style  adopted  was  that  of  McGin- 
nis & WTems  which  continued  until  1889,  at 
which  time  Mr.  Weems  removed  to  Cleveland 
to  accept  a partnership  there  with  William  T. 
Clark  and  R.  D.  Updegraff. 

•In  May,  1890,  Mr.  Weems  remolded  from 
Cleveland  and  located  at  St  Clairsville,  Ohio. 
Prior  to  this,  in  1884,  while  still  one  of  the 
youngest  members  of  the  bar  of  Noble  County, 
ills  ability  was  so  manifest  that  he  was  elected 
prosecuting  attorney,  and  his  career  in  this  of- 
fice increased  public  confidence  in  such  a mea- 
sure, that  before  the  expiration  of  his  first  term 
he  was  nominated  and  elected  a member  of  the 
House  of  Representatives.  It  was  no  small 
honor  for  the  young  member  to  be  placed  upon 
the  judiciary  committee  and  the  esteem  in 
which  he  was  held  could  have  been  no  more  fit- 
tingly shown,  than  it  was  by  his  selection  as  a 
member  of  the  joint  committee  of  the  two 
houses,  which  met  in  the  recess  of  1888.  This 
committee  prepared  the  constitutional  amend- 
ments that  were  submitted  to  the  people  of  the 
State  in  1889,  and  on  account  of  his  legal  learn- 
ing and  unerring  judgment,  much  of  the  work 
fell  upon  Mr.  Weems.  In  1893  he  was  elected 
prosecuting  attornev  of  Belmont  County,  al- 
though his  opponent  was  an  older  resident  and 


more  widely  known,  but  his  vigorous  adminis- 
tration during  his  first  term  gave  him  a popu- 
larity that  was  exhibited  at  his  second  election, 
when  he  ran  far  ahead  of  the  general  and  na- 
tional ticket.  Since  residing  in  St.  Clairsville, 
Mr.  Weems  has  carried  on  his  large  practice 
alone  and  has  covered  a wide  field  of  work. 
His  interest  in  political  questions  is  always  ac- 
tive and  during  important  campaigns  his  ser- 
vices are  placed  at  the  command  of  his  party 
leaders,  his  oratorical  powers  making  him  a 
valued  speaker. 

On  November  6,  1883,  Mr.  Weems  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Mary  B.  Nay,  a native 
of  West  Virginia,  and  a daughter  of  P.  G. 
Nay,  who  is  engaged  in  the  silver-smith  busi- 
ness at  Knightstown,  Indiana.  The  three 
children  born  to  tins  union  are : Chester  N., 

Milton  M.  and  Lillian  A.  Mrs.  Weems  is  very 
actively  connected  with  the  Methodist  Church 
and  is  the  president  of  the  missionary  society 
of  that  body.  Mr.  Weems  is  a man  of  genial, 
social  nature  and  his  fraternal  connections  are 
with  the  blue  lodge,  F.  & A.  M.,  the  Knights  of 
Pythias  and  the  Elks.  Mr.  Weems  has  been 
prominently  before  the  public  for  a number  of 
years,  he  has  borne  the  lime-light  of  criticism 
as  all  public  men  must  do,  but  his  record  as  a 
good  and  efficient  officer  and  as  a true  and 
worthy  citizen  is  before  the  world,  and  he  can 
easily  abide  by  its  verdict. 


THOMAS  R.  MORROW,  superintendent 
and  sexton  of  the  Northern  and  Southern  Cem- 
etery, at  Barnesville,  Ohio,  was  born  in  Guern- 
sey County,  Ohio,  April  2,  1831,  and  was  a 
babe  of  five  weeks  when  he  was  taken  by  his 
father  to  Barnesville,  where  he  was  reared  and 
educated.  His  parents  were  John  and  Evelyn 
( Pf?ck)  Mor  row,  the  former  of  whom  was 
born  in  Pennsylvania,  in  1806.  He  learned  the 
trade  of  carpenter  and  followed  it  through  life, 
his  death  occurring  on  August  23,  1884.  He 
was  an  intelligent  and  well  educated  man  and 
left  many  friends  to  mourn  his  loss. 

Our  subject  was  one  of  a family  of  seven 
children,  having  one  brother  and  three  half  sis- 


p 


WILLIAM  A.  SHARP. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


567 


ters  and  two  half  brothers.  When  he  selected 
his  life  work  he  chose  the  vocation  of  black- 
smith and  had  his  training  at  the  forge  under 
William  H.  Moore,  and  followed  the  business 
until  1862.  His  next  work  was  as  baggage 
master  at  Barnesville,  with  the  Baltimore  & 
Ohio  Railroad,  and  he  remained  in  that  ca- 
pacity for  three  years.  In  1875  he  was  ap- 
pointed to  his  present  position  and  has  most 
eflicientlv  performed  its  duties  ever  since.  His 
taste  and  care  have  made  the  cemetery  under 
his  charge  a very  beautiful  spot. 

On  October  4,  1853,  Mr.  Morrow  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Julia  A.  Gardner,  a daughter 
of  Joseph  Gardner,  formerly  of  Barnesville, 
and  three  daughters  were  born  to  this  union. 
Mr.  Morrow  is  identified  with  the  Democratic 
party,  and  for  many  yeai's  has  been  in  affilia- 
tion with  the  order  of  Odd  Fellows.  With 
his  family  he  attends  the  Methodist  Church 
and  is  one  of  its  leading  members.  Mr.  Mor- 
row is  one  of  the  oldest  residents  of  Barnes- 
ville and  enjoys  the  esteem  of  a wide  circle  of 
friends.  Despite  his  advancing  years  he  pos- 
sesses eyesight  that  might  be  envied  by  those 
much  younger,  while  his  memory  reaches  back 
to  the  days  when  many  of  the  modern  comforts 
of  life  were  still  unthought  of  in  the  little  town 
which  now  is  the  bustling  city  of  Barnesville. 


WILLIAM  A.  SHARP,  a representative 
farmer  and  respected  citizen  of  Wdieeling 
township,  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  was  born 
May  14,  1858,  on  the  farm  which  he  now  owns 
and  occupies,  this  being  land  entered  from  the 
government  by  his  grandfather,  George  Sharp, 
in  1806.  The  latter  was  a native  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, and  was  evidently  a man  of  foresight 
and  excellent  business  ability,  for  he  not  only 
secured  640  acres  of  land  in  the  newly  opened 
territory,  but  later  increased  it.  He  resided 
upon  this  farm  and  spent  his  life  clearing  and 
improviirg  it,  and  here  reared  a large  family. 

William  Sharp,  son  of  George,  and  father 
of  William  A.,  was  born  in  1809,  and  inherit- 
ing his  father’s  large  estate,  followed  fanning 


through  life  and  died  May  18,  1859. 
vember  14,  1838,  he  married  Caroline  Harrah, 
who  was  born  on  January  22,  1814,  on  a farm 
near  Lafferty  station,  where  her  father,  Alex- 
ander Harrah,  had  settled  in  1802.  The  birth 
of  the  latter  was  on  July  7,  1779,  and  his  death 
occurred  July  15,  1859.  His  wife  Jane  was 
born  October  17,  1780,  and  died  March  8, 
1861.  The  mother  of  our  subject  died  October 
20,  1886.  The  children  born  to  William  and 
Caroline  Sharp  were  these : Isoline,  born  Oc- 

tober 5,  1839,  married  Samuel  Campbell  May 
19,  1869,  and  they  reside  at  St.  Clairsville; 
Agnes,  born  June  16,  1841,  married  Alexander 
C.  Patton,  who  is  deceased,  and  she  resides  near 
Springfield,  with  two  children;  James  Alex- 
ander, born  February  21,  1843,  died  June  ii, 
1848;  George,  born  March  23,  1845,  married 
on  May  20,  1874,  Mary  J.  Walker,  and  they 
live  at  Mutual,  Ohio,  and  have  eight  children : 
Joseph  L.,  born  May  28,  1847,  ’^'’as  married 
November  30,  1876,  to  Susanna  Frater,  and 
lived  on  the  home  farm  until  both  died,  leav- 
ing five  children, — Harry,  born  June  10,  1879, 
George  and  Caroline,  twins,  born  September  7, 
1883,  and  Samuel  and  Isoline,  twfins,  born 
May  12,  1893,  who  make  their  home  on  a 
part  of  the  old  Sharp  homestead ; Gri- 
zella  Jane,  born  September  2,  1849, 

married  June  28,  1877,  to  John  M.  Finney, 
and  lives  near  Cedarville,  having  five 
surviving  children;  Ethelinda,  born  No- 
vember 15,  1851,  was  married  November  15, 
1871,  to  M.  C.  Browmlee,  and  they  live  at  Co- 
lumbus, Missouri,  and  have  eight  children;  and 
William  A.,  wdio  is  the  subject  of  this  record. 

Mr.  Sharp  w^as  educated  liberally,  attending 
both  Wooster  University  and  Franklin  Col- 
lege.' He  has  devoted  his  time  to  agricultural 
pursuits,  having  charge  of  the  old  homestead 
farm ; has  been  very  successful  in  raising  fine 
cattle,  his  herds  of  Aberdeen- Angus  cattle  be- 
ing among  the  most  valuable  in  the  county.  He 
also  owns  and  operates  a portable  sawmill,  and 
also  is  interested  in  the  mo^'ements  looking  to 
the  development  of  the  coal  and  oil  interests  of 
Belmont  County.  For  se^'eral  years  he  was  a 
member  of  the  Uniontown  Band,  but  has  sev- 


568  CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


ercd  oflicial  connection  with  it.  He  is  a man 
of  Imsiness  and  active  in  its  promotion,  but 
takes  little  interest  in  political  matters.  Mr. 
Sharp  is  rather  lil)eral  in  his  religious  views, 
hut  inclines  to  the  body  of  United  Brethren  to 
which  his  good  mother  belonged.  He  is  most 
highly  esteemed  in  Wheeling  township  where 
his  family  has  so  long  had  an  honorable  rec- 
ord. 


ISAAC  NEWLAND,  mayor  of  the  city  of 
Martin’s  Ferry,  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  justice 
of  the  ])eace,  a leader  in  the  contracting  and 
building  trade,  and  a progressive,  public-spirit- 
ed citizen,  was  l)orn  in  Kirkwood,  a suburb  of 
Bridgeport,  on  December  29,  1841. 

The  parents  of  Mayor  Newland  were  John 
K.  and  Jane  M.  (Sims)  Newland,  both  of 
whom  were  born  in  New  York  and  married  in 
W’etzel  County,  (West)  Virginia,  coming  to 
Belmont  County,  Ohio,  in  1837.  Air.  Newland 
opened  the  first  lumber  yards  in  Belmont 
County,  locating  them  in  Bridgeport,  and  did 
an  immense  luml)er  Imsiness  for  many  years 
all  over  the  county,  in  which  he  became  well 
known  and  relied  upon.  Air.  Newland’s  knowl- 
edge of  luml)er  was  complete  and  although 
he  dealt  in  it  individually,  he  also  at  times  had 
partners,  and  one  of  these  was  John  Nelson,  an 
old  and  esteemed  resident.  Air.  Newland  was 
connected  by  bonds  of  friendship  with  such 
men  as  Ebenezer  Zane  and  with  the  latter  was 
interested  in  many  progressive  enterprises  for 
the  development  of  Belmont  County.  His  death 
occurred  in  1867,  at  the  age  of  66  years,  a 
member  of  the  Christian  Church,  in  Wheeling. 
His  widow  passed  away  in  1881  at  the  age  of 
68  years,  a woman  of  character  and  virtue,  one 
who  bravely  endured  the  privations  of  pioneer 
life. 

The  familv  moved  to  Alartin’s  Ferry  in  the 
spring  of  1857.  Air.  Newland  purchased 
farming  land  from  Noah  Zane,  a son  of  Daniel, 
and  here  he  made  a vineyard,  having  some  40 
acres  in  grapes.  This  vineyard  was  rented  by 
our  subject  and  his  brother  from  the  father, 
anrl  in  the  early  spring  of  1869  the  vines 


promised  well.  However,  a terrific  hailstorm 
on  Alay  29th  of  that  year  tore  down  the  vines 
and  destroyed  all  hope  of  grapes.  In  the  follow- 
ing year,  however,  this  loss  was  made  up,  as 
during  1870  the  family  picked  and  sold  65  tons 
from  the  rested  vines,  at  $100  a ton.  The 
children  born  to  Air.  and  Airs.  Newland  were: 
William,  Archimedes,  A.  D.,  Isaac,  John  K., 
Mary  and  Jennie. 

The  primary  education  of  Mayor  Newland 
was  accjuired  in  his  native  place,  and  later  he 
entered  the  public  school  in  Martin’s  Ferry. 
After  finishing  his  education  he  began  to  farm 
and  operate  the  vineyard  and  garden  on  the 
home  place.  From  these  rural  and  peaceful 
employments  he  was  aroused  by  President  Lin- 
coln’s call  for  troops,  and  in  April,  1861,  en- 
listed for  a four-months’  service.  At  its  close 
the  men  were  paid  in  full,  and  he  received  his 
pay  in  gold,  at  the  old  Rhodes  Hotel,  in 
Bridgeport.  After  a visit  at  home  he  re-en- 
listed, first  entering  Capt.  Frank  Buell’s  bat- 
tery, but  later  was  ti'ansferred  to  the  nth  Ohio 
Cavalry,  and  his  command  was  sent  to  fight  the 
Indians  in  the  Western  territories.  Prior  to 
this  he  had  participated  in  the  battle  of  Cross 
Keys  and  other  engagements,  in  West  Vir- 
ginia, and  his  later  service  consumed  two  and 
one-half  yeai's,  making  his  full  term  four  and 
trvo-third  years.  During  his  Western  service 
the  duty  was  principally  to  keep  open  the  road 
for  the  Overland  Mail  to  California.  During 
his  residence  in  these  regions  he  met  Buffalo 
Bill,  whose  name  is  well  known  in  this  and 
other  countries,  and  he  also  belonged  to  the 
party  that  accompanied  the  Grand  Duke  Alexis 
when,  during  his  visit  to  the  United  States,  he 
shot  buffalo  througb  our  Western  lands. 
Alayor  Newland  assisted  in  taking  about  700 
Indian  ponies  on  the  Little  Big  Horn,  near 
where  the  brave  General  Custer  met  death  in 
1876.  Later  these  ponies  were  sold,  at  Fort 
Laramie,  by  the  government.  During  all  his 
perilous  service,  our  subject  was  never  wound- 
ed or  taken  prisoner. 

Upon  his  return  to  Ohio,  Mayor  Newland 
engaged  in  building  and  contracting,  making  a 
specialt}^  of  school  buildings,  although  many 


CAPT.  BURGET  McCONNAUGHY 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


handsome  residences  in  this  vicinity  testify  to 
his  skill  as  a builder.  In  May,  1900,  Mayor 
Newland  was  elected  justice  of  the  peace,  and 
the  duties  of  this  position  made  it  necessary 
for  him  to  withdraw  from  other  activity.  Al- 
though he  has  been  an  interested  Republican, 
he  has  never  been  a politician  in  the  sense  of  an 
office  seeker,  and  the  office  of  mayor  was  given 
him  by  appreciative  friends  and  fellow-citizens. 

Mayor  Newland  returned  from  the  army  in 
August,  1866,  and  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year 
was  married  to  Laura  Moore,  a native  of  this 
county,  a daughter  of  James  and  Anna  Moore, 
who  came  to  Ohio  from  New  York.  Mr. 
Moore  was  a native  of  England,  an  old  resi- 
dent of  Belmont  County,  and  at  one  time  owned 
a large  woolen  factory. 

The  five  children  born  to  Mayor  Newland 
and  wife  were:  Frank,  who  died  at  the  age 

of  18  months;  Hally  B.,  a contractor  in  Mar- 
tin’s Ferry,  who  married  a Miss  Burney,  has 
two  children — John  K.,  and  Gene;  Annie,  who 
married  Robert  Harper,  resides  in  Pittsburg 
and  has  one  son — Richard ; Mary,  who  died  at 
the  age  of  one  year;  and  Margaret,  who  is  a 
student  in  the  High  School. 


CAPT.  BURGET  McCONNAUGHY,  a re- 
tired coal  dealer  of  Bridgeport,  Ohio,  and  an 
extensive  property  owner,  was  born  November 
17,  1828.  He  is  a son  of  Joseph  and  Rebecca 
(Glass)  McConnaughy,  who  were  among  the 
most  prominent  citizens  of  Bridgeport,  Ohio. 

Joseph  McConnaughy  was  9.  native  of  Mary- 
land and  his  birth  dates  back  to  October,  1801. 
In  early  manhood  he  located  in  Jefferson  Coun- 
ty, Ohio,  and  was  employed  for  many  years 
at  Moore’s  Salt  Works.  In  1831  he  came  to 
Belmont  County,  but  the  following  year  re- 
turned to  Jefferson  County  to  escape  the  rav- 
ages of  the  cholera,  which  was  quite  prevalent 
in  Bridgeport  for  several  months.  Returning, 
he  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  brick  and 
also  became  an  expert  bricklayer.  He  was  a 
contractor  and  built  many  of  the  old  time 
residences  and  edifices  in  the  vicinity,  among 
them  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  at 


Scott’s.  He  also  took  contracts  for  excavat- 
ing and  road  building  and  in  that  capacity 
worked  upon  the  old  National  Road,  furnish- 
ing stone,  etc.  He  filled  many  large  contracts 
for  hauling,  for  bridges,  buildings,  etc.  He 
was  a very  prominent  man  in  the  community. 
He  was  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  in  Bridgeport,  and  was 
among  the  most  active  members  of  that  church. 
He  donated  the  lot  upon  which  the  church 
was  built  in  the  west  end,  which  is  in  his  first 
addition  to  the  city.  He  also  served  as  trustee 
of  his  township  during  the  war.  His  useful 
career  was  cut  short  by  his  death,  January  19, 
1887,  when  he  was  in  his  86th  year.  He  laid 
out  his  farm  into  city  lots  and  in  this  way  he 
made  five  additions  to  Bridgeport,  covering  a 
period  of  52  years.  His  wife  was  a life-long 
member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 
and  she  died  in  1876,  aged  76  years.  Ten  chil- 
dren were  born  to  this  worthy  couple,  namely, 
Mary,  who  married  William  Taylor;  Eliza- 
beth, who  married  Amos  Davis ; Milton,  a resi- 
dent of  Kirkwood;  Burget,  the  subject  of  this 
biography;  Matilda,  who  married  J.  C.  Dun- 
can; James;  Joseph;  William;  Martin  L.,  a 
resident  of  Bridgeport;  and  Emma  S.,  who 
married  James  Cochran.  All  are  now  deceased 
except  our  subject,  his  brothers,  Milton  and 
Martin  L.,  and  his  sister,  Elizabeth. 

Captain  McConnaughy  was  educated  in  the 
public  schools  of  the  west  end  of  Bridgeport 
and  also  attended  a private  subscription  school. 
While  still  in  his  youth,  he  began  teaming  for 
his  father,  and  at  the  early  age  of  17  hauled 
bacon,  lard  and  tobacco  over  the  old  National 
Road  across  the  mountains  to  Cumberland, 
Maryland, — a distance  of  132  miles.  From 
nine  to  ten  days  were  required  to  make  the 
trip  each  way,  and  he  brought  dry  goods,  etc., 
back  with  him.  Five  horses  were  used  by  our 
subject  in  making  this  trip,  and  his  brother 
Milton,  who  did  similar  teaming,  drove  six 
horses. 

November  21,  1848,  when  20  years  old. 
Captain  McConnaughy  was  united  in  marriage 
with  Elizabeth  De  Noon,  a native  of  Belleville, 
Pennsylvania,  and  the  only  survivor  of  a large 
family.  Her  father  was  Elias  D.  De  Noon. 


572 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


One  brother,  W'illiam,  served  in  the  war  for 
three  years.  Another  brother,  Benjamin,  died 
in  the  State  of  New  York.  A sister,  Tabitha, 
married  Miles  Hutchinson. 

After  his  marriage  Captain  McConnaughy 
continued  in  the  transfer  business,  also  pur- 
chasing coal  from  his  father,  which  he  sold  and 
delivered  to  his  customers,  and  made  a very 
fair  income.  In  the  fall  of  i860,  with  his 
brother  Joseph,  he  loaded  coal  into  boats,  in- 
tending to  go  to  New  Orleans.  They  started 
on  September  12th,  and  upon  reaching  Louis- 
ville, Kentucky,  the  river  suddenly  fell  and 
they  were  compelled  to  lay  there  until  October. 
They  then  proceeded  on  their  way  together 
to  Helena,  Arkansas,  where  they  separated,  our 
subject  taking  one  boat  and  his  brother  the 
other.  y\t  St.  Joseph,  Missouri,  and  Helena, 
Arkansas,  they  began  selling  coal  by  the  barrel. 
As  they  neared  New  Orleans  they  exchanged 
coal  for  sugar  and  molasses,  and  upon  reaching 
that  city  w'cre  compelled  to  sell  out  at  half  price. 
It  was  then  January  8,  1861,  and  the  climate 
was  uncomfortably  warm  for  Northerners  in 
more  ways  than  one.  Hastily  disposing  of  his 
cargo  for  wdiat  he  could  obtain.  Captain  Mc- 
Connaughy returned  to  Cairo,  Illinois,  his 
brother  following  three  w^eeks  later, — each  a 
sadder  and  wiser  man,  having  lost  $600  apiece 
on  the  trip. 

The  Captain  has  a war  record  wdiich  is  sec- 
ond to  few'  in  this  section.  He  is  a veteran 
wdio  carried  the  gun  and  sw'ord  for  more  than 
live  years  and  took  part  in  many  of  the  lead- 
ing engagements.  As  a soldier  of  the  Army 
of  the  Potomac,  he  made  a record  that  all  his 
descendants  can  point  to  with  pride.  June  5, 
1861,  he  enlisted  as  a private  in  Company  A, 
25th  Regiment,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  wdiich  w'as  put 
in  the  i ith  Army  Corps  just  prior  to  the  battle 
of  Gettysburg.  The  first  battle  in  wdiich  he 
took  active  part  w'as  at  Green  Brier,  West  Vir- 
ginia. This  w'as  follow'ed  by  the  battles  of 
Chancellorsville,  Second  Bull  Run,  and  the 
great  battle  of  Gettysburg.  During  the  latter 
every  commissioned  officer  in  his  company  fell, 
wdth  the  exception  of  one,  a second  lieutenant. 
In  all,  our  subject  took  part  in  more  than  20 


important  battles  and  he  w'as  also  in  about  70 
skirmishes.  January  i,  1863,  he  re-enlisted  in 
South  Carolina,  and  then  w'ent  home  on  a 30 
days’  furlough,  returning  at  its  close  to  Hilton 
Head,  where  he  w'as  stationed  for  six  months. 
November  31,  1864,  during  an  engagement  at 
Honey  Hill,  South  Carolina,  he  w'as  severely 
but  not  dangerously  wounded  in  the  thigh. 
Captain  McConnaughy  served  five  years  and 
thirteen  days  and  did  not  receive  his  discharge 
until  June  18,  1866,  over  a year  after  the  sur- 
render of  Lee.  Enlisting  as  a private,  he  was 
soon  made  corporal  and  tw'o  years  later  w'as 
promoted  to  sergeant.  Promotion  again  fol- 
lowed and  he  became  second  lieutenant,  serving 
as  such,  however,  only  one  day,  and  that  at 
Gettysburg.  From  first  lieutenant  he  was  made 
captain  of  Company  G,  25th  Regiment,  Ohio 
Vol.  Inf.,  and  as  such  received  honorable  dis- 
charge. 

Captain  and  Mrs.  McConnaughy  have 
reared  four  children,  tw’o  sons  and  two  daugh- 
ters, and  have  lost  tw'o,  Dorcas  and  William. 
Those  living  are  Joseph,  Emma,  Elias,  and 
Anna.  Joseph  has  been  twdce  married.  His 
first  union  w'as  with  Mary  Birdsall  and  his 
second  wdth  Mrs.  Sarah  Radcliff.  He  has 
three  children,  Charles,  Harry,  and  Lottie,  and 
has  lost  four.  Emma  has  also  been  twice  mar- 
ried. Her  first  marriage  was  contracted  with 
Robert  McCullough  and  one  child,  Burt,  who 
still  survives,  w'as  the  issue.  She  is  now  the 
wife  of  William  Williams.  Elias  married  Jen- 
nie Nichols,  and  they  have  seven  children. 
Anna,  who  is  the  present  Mrs.  John  Oxentine, 
W'as  first  wedded  to  George  Shafer,  by  whom 
she  had  one  son,  Echvard. 

Captain  McConnaughy  is  a valued  member 
of  Branum  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  and  is  now  serving 
as  senior  vice-commander.  He  was  quarter- 
master of  the  same  for  four  years.  Before  the 
w'ar  he  served  one  term  in  the  City  Council. 
Since  the  w'ar  he  has  served  as  trustee  of  Pease 
towmship  for  13  successive  years.  He  was 
elected  a member  of  the  School  Board  and  has 
served  19  years,  and  his  service  in  that  capacity 
has  proved  most  beneficial.  He  is  on  the 
committee  for  repairs,  painting  and  building. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


573 


The  Captain  has  also  been  director  of  the  Bel- 
mont County  Infirmary  for  four  years,  filling 
one  long  term  and  one  short  term.  He  has 
been  presiding  judge  in  the  Second  Ward  ever 
since  the  Australian  ballot  system  has  been  in 
use,  and  is  filling  that  position  at  the  present 
time.  Some  time  since  he  was  elected  presi- 
dent of  the  Home  Building  & Loan  Associa- 
tion, and  served  as  such  for  nine  consecutive 
years.  That  organization  has  recently  squared 
up  all  accounts  and  has  gone  out  of  existence. 

Religiously,  our  subject  is  a consistent  mem- 
ber of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  No- 
vember lo,  1872,  he  was  made  a trustee  and 
subsequently  became  steward.  Politically,  he 
is  an  ardent  Republican.  However,  he  did  not 
vote  for  President  Lincoln  when  he  was  first 
elected  President  on  account  of  being  away 
from  home,  being  at  that  time  in  Louisville.  In 
1864  he  made  his  vote  count,  being  then  at 
Folly  Island,  South  Carolina,  when  he  served 
as  judge  of  election.  He  was  with  Capt. 
Charles  ATrth,  when  that  gentleman  was  shot 
by  a sharpshooter. 

Upon  his  return  from  the  war.  Captain  Mc- 
Connaughy  purchased  25  acres  of  land,  upon 
which  he  opened  a coal  mine  in  the  following 
August.  By  October  seven  men  were  at  work 
in  the  mine,  which  goes  to  prove  the  hustling 
qualities  of  our  subject.  For  16  years  this 
mine  was  successfully  operated,  and  at  the  close 
of  that  time  the  land  was  sold  at  the  same  price 
as  the  purchase  money,  having  yielded  its 
owner  a fair  income  for  all  those  years  and 
returning  him  the  original  sum  of  investment. 


JAMES  W.  WISE,  senior  member  of  the 
basket  manufacturing  firm  of  Wise  & Dewees, 
of  Barnesville,  Ohio,  proprietors  of  the  exten- 
sive industry  known  as  the  Barlow  Basket 
Company,  is  one  of  the  city’s  most  progressive 
business  men. 

The  Wise  family  is  one  of  the  oldest  in  Bel- 
mont County, -the  grandfather  of  James  W. 
having  been  born  here  in  1817.  He  passed 
away  in  the  spring  of  1902,  when  almost  85 


years  of  age.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was 
horn  in  the  vicinity  of  Bellaire,  Ohio,  on  his 
father’s  farm,  August  25,  1871,  and  is  a son  of 
John  A.  and  Mary  (Williams)  Wise.  John 
A.  Wise  is  well  known  as  a skilled  and  suc- 
cessful gardener. 

James  W.  Wise  attended  the  common 
schools  in  his  vicinity,  and  for  a numl)er  of 
years  was  connected  with  the  canning  industry. 
He  acted  as  manager  of  a large  canning  estab- 
lishment in  Barnesville  for  a considerable  pe- 
riod, and  is  now  working  in  the  same  capacity 
with  the  E.  C.  Plains'^  Company,  which  pur- 
chased the  canning  plant.  In  1898  he  ac- 
cepted a similar  position  in  an  extensive  es- 
tablishment in  Carthage,  Indiana,  where  he 
remained  one  year.  His  business  ability  made 
him  desire  to  enter  into  an  industrial  line  of 
his  own,  and  this  he  was  enabled  to  do  by  the 
purchase  of  a half  interest  in  the  Barlow 
Basket  Company.  This  is  the  only  concern 
of  its  kind  in  Barnesville,  and  is  equipped  for 
the  manufacture  of  fruit  and  vegetable  baskets, 
packages  and  crates  of  30  different  styles.  The 
company  ships  its  products  extensively  to  Ohio, 
Indiana,  West  Virginia,  Maryland  and  Penn- 
sylvania. It  has  a capacity  of  20,000  baskets 
daily,  and  employs  during  the  busy  season 
about  35  hands.  The  receipts  aggregate  from 
$7,000  to  $8,000  annually,  and  the  plant  covers 
a space  of  half  an  acre,  being  valued  at  $6,000. 

Mr.  Wise  was  married  in  December,  1899, 
to  Inez  Barlow,  a dauehter  of  Amos  Barlow, 
a prominent  business  man  of  Barnesville,  who 
established  the  basket  company  in  1887,  under 
the  style  of  A.  Barlow  & Son.  The  elder  Bar- 
low  withdrew  from  the  company  in  1899.  Mr. 
Wise  succeeded  him  in  the  concern,  his  partner 
being  W.  H.  Barlow,  and  the  business  was  thus 
conducted  until  1902,  when  Mr.  Barlow  sold 
his  interest  to  Samuel  Dewees,  and  the  enter- 
prise became  known  as  the  Barlow  Basket 
Company. 

In  politics  Mr.  Wise  is  identified  with  the 
Republican  party.  He  and  his  wife  are  valued 
members  of  the  Methodist  Church.  His  abil- 
ity as  a business  man  has  been  in  evidence  since 
he  has  become  associated  with  the  Barlow  Bas- 


574 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


ket  Company,  and  not  only  his  products  but 
his  nietliods  have  marked  him  as  worthy  of 
the  esteem  of  the  community  and  the  confidence 
of  the  trade. 


SAMUEL  A.  CLEAIENS,  who  is  a leading 
business  man  of  Bridgeport,  Ohio,  operating 
one  of  the  most  complete  grocery  stores  in  the 
city,  and  who  is  also  a most  highly  esteemed 
citizen,  was  born  in  Belmont  County,  January 
29,  1830,  a son  of  Augustus  and  Ann  (Carna- 
han) Clemens,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of 
Pennsylvania. 

Augustus  Clemens  was  a ship  carpenter  by 
trade  and  this  occupation  he  followed  through 
life.  After  locating  in  Ohio  he  engaged  in  the 
building  of  boats'  for  the  Ohio  River  trade, 
many  of  these  being  for  the  transportation  of 
coal.  He  died  in  1852,  at  Bridgeport,  of  the 
cholera,  which  at  that  time  was  epidemic.  Many 
of  the  people  had  lied  and  it  was  most  dif- 
ficult to  procure  help  to  decently  dispose  of 
the  dead.  He  consented  to  prepare  one  Bloom- 
field for  burial,  and  two  hours  later  succumbed 
to  the  dread  malady  himself.  He  was  known 
as  a most  worthy,  kind-hearted  man,  one  who 
was  always  ready  to  extend  assistance,  and 
his  death  was  doubly  sad  on  this  account  and 
because  it  left  his  wife  and  three  children  prac- 
tically without  means  of  livelihood. 

The  mother  of  our  subject  was  one  of 
those  noble,  courageous  women  whose  lives  of 
self-denial  and  devotion  command  the  reverent 
attention  of  all  who  learn  of  them.  She  was 
born  on  January  23,  1803.  and  was  a daughter 
of  Robert  and  Ann  Carnahan,  who  were  na- 
tives of  Ireland.  They  came  to  America  and 
settled  in  youth  in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania, 
were  married  there  and  reared  a family  of 
seven  children,  among  whom  were : Thomas, 

John,  Margaret,  now  Mrs.  John  Bailey,  Mary, 
Elizabeth,  now  Mrs.  Watkins,  and  Mrs. 
Clemens.  The  latter  lived  until  Decem- 
lier  29,  1892,  a devout  member  of  the 

Methodist  Church.  After  the  death  of  her 
husband  she  faced  the  world  with  three 
small  children,  one  of  these  being  a babe 


but  eight  weeks  old,  and  by  her  good  manage- 
ment, thrift  and  care,  reared  them  to  respect- 
able maturity,  receiving  no  assistance  from 
friends  or  relatives.  Very  often  in  those  early 
years  it  taxed  her  heavily  to  provide  for  and 
to  educate  her  little  flock,  but  she  managed  to 
do  it  and  is  remembered  with  grateful  affection 
by  these  children.  Our  subject  was  the  second 
member  of  the  family  and  had  two  sisters,  one 
of  these,  Jane,  is  the  wife  of  Hon.  David  Wag- 
ner of  West  Wheeling,  now  retired,  formerly 
an  ex-State  Senator ; the  other,  Cornelia 
L.,  was  Mrs.  D.  B.  Kirk,  who  died  in  1892. 

Our  subject  was  “the  only  son  of  his  moth- 
er," and  she  being  a widow,  he  early  began  his 
efforts  to  contribute  to  the  support  of  the  fami- 
ly, entering  an  establishment  to  learn  the  carpet 
trade  as  soon  as  he  completed  a course  in  a 
private  school.  This  trade,  however,  he  never 
followed,  later  beginning  work  in  a paper  mill 
on  the  Wheeling  side  of  the  river.  There  our 
subject  spent  30  years  of  his  life,  an  expert  in 
the  business  and  was  known  as  a finisher. 
When  Dr.  Todd  became  postmaster  of  Bridge- 
port, during  the  administration  of  President 
Grant,  he  looked  about  for  a reliable  man  for 
his  assistant  and  selected  for  the  position 
Samuel  A.  Clemens,  and  three  years  were 
passed  in  that  office.  After  the  close  of  his 
official  life,  Mr.  Clemens  went  to  work  in  a 
planing  mill  known  as  Baggs’  mill,  and  re- 
mained there  over  five  years,  and  during  that 
whole  period  lost  but  five  and  one-half  days. 
Here  he  was  engaged  in  making  boxes  for  use 
in  the  glass  houses.  Changing  his  business  at 
that  time,  our  subject  then  bought  out  the 
grocery  store  of  James  Clark,  which  was  then 
located  on  the  present  site  of  Dent’s  drug  store. 
Three  months  later  he  purchased  the  new  well- 
a])pointed  grocery  store  which  he  now  occu- 
]fies,  and  since  that  time  has  steadily  enlarged 
and  expanded  his  business  until  he  now  leads 
in  the  grocery  line. 

When  President  Lincoln  made  his  call  for 
75,000  men  in  t86t,  our  subject  was  one  who 
loyally  responded.  He  gave  four  years  of 
service  to  the  government,  in  the  Cjuarter- 
master’s  department  under  Col.  H.  C.  Ransom, 


ANDREW  JAMES  NEFE 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


577 


in  West  Virginia,  Kentucky,  Tennessee,  and 
Alabama.  At  first  Mr.  Clemens  was  engaged 
as  a teamster,  at  $20  a month,  bnt  Colonel  Ran- 
som was  a very  good  friend  to  him  and  was  a 
classmate  of  General  Grant.  The  Colonel  was 
glad  to  have  a quiet,  industrious,  reliable  man, 
with  a good  record  about  him,  and  instead  of 
giving  our  subject  a team  he  put  him  at  other 
work  requiring  ability  and  when  the  war  closed 
the  latter  was  drawing  and  earning  a salary  of 
$80  a month.  During  the  campaign  in  Ken- 
tucky he  was  wagon-master  and  had  charge  of 
the  teams  of  General  Granger’s  command  and 
these  teams  through  all  the  dangers  and  dis- 
advantages incident  to  storms,  bad  roads  and 
marauding  parties,  succeeded  in  getting  pro- 
visions to  the  soldiers,  a very  necessary  part 
of  the  great  game  of  war. 

vTlie  marriage  of  Judge  Clemens,  for  he  has 
long  served  as  a most  efficient  justice  of  the 
peace,  being  now  in  his  fourth  term,  took  place 
December  26,  1854,  to  Catherine  Loe,  a native 
of  Belmont  County.  To  this  marriage  these 
children  were  born  : Ella  B.,  who  married  Mil- 
ton  B.  Morgan,  and  has  two  children,  Earl 
and  Milton;  and  Harry  A.,  who  is  his  father’s 
efficient  clerk.  The  mother  of  these  children 
died  February  23,  1862,  aged  33  years,  while 
our  subject  was  in  the  army.  She  was  a devout 
member  of  the  Methodist  Church. 

The  second  marriage  of  our  subject  took 
place  on  October  15,  1865,  to  Mary  E.  Hom- 
age, a native  of  Belmont  County,  a daughter 
of  George  Homage.  No  children  of  this  mar- 
riage survive.  She  was  born  February  10, 
1837,  and  died  February  10,  1899,  a good 
Christian  woman,  and  a consistent  member  of 
the  Methodist  Church.  The  only  members  of 
the  family  of  his  wife  who  still  survive  are 
David  Loe,  of  West  Wheeling,  and  Robert 
Lowe,  of  Wood  County,  Ohio.  A sister  of  the 
second  Mrs.  Clemens,  Margaret  A.  Homage, 
has  made  her  home  with  our  subject  for  many 
years. 

Mr.  Clemens  is  one  of  the  most  enterprising 
and  substantial  citizens  of  Bridgeport.  In  his 
official  position  he  has  been  a great  peacemaker, 
settling  many  disputes  without  litigation.  He 


is  one  of  the  trustees  of  the  Methodist  Church 
and  has  filled  many  positions  on  its  official 
board.  Fraternally,  Mr.  Clemens  is  a blue 
lodge  Mason,  and  politically  he  supports  the 
Republican  party.  His  long  residence  has 
made  him  familiar  to  almost  every  one  in 
Bridgeport,  and  it  is  a testimonial  to  his  worth 
that  he  is  held  in  such  general  esteem. 


ANDREW  JAMES  NEFF,  who  owns  sev- 
eral fine  farms  in  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  re- 
sides upon  the  home  farm  in  section  17,  Pult- 
ney  township,  where  his  birth  took  place  in 
1850.  His  life  has  practically  been  spent  upon 
that  place.  This  farm  contains  214  acres,  is 
finely  improved  with  handsome  residence,  sub- 
stantial barns,  granaries,  etc.  The  house  itself 
was  built  by  Mr.  Neff’s  father  in  1842,  but 
many  of  the  improvements  have  been  added  by 
our  subject.  In  addition,  our  subject  owns  a 
137-acre  farm  in  the  valley  south,  and  a 120- 
acre  tract  in  Mead  township,  in  all  about  500 
acres.  Most  of  this  land  is  under  lease,  but 
the  home  farm  is  operated  by  Mr.  Neff,  who 
makes  a specialty  of  raising  fine  fruits,  espe- 
cially peaches.  Some  attention  is  also  paid  to 
stock  raising  and  a glimpse  into  his  stock  pens 
and  pastures  reveals  the  presence  of  some 
choice  breeds. 

Andrew  J.  Neff  is  a son  of  Andrew,  Sr.,  and 
Jane  (Alexander)  Neff.  His  mother  was  a 
daughter  of  Robert  Alexander,  one  of  the 
pioneer  settlers  of  Belmont  County.  He  was 
a blacksmith  by  trade  and  was  an  expert  work- 
man in  that  line,  conducting  for  many  years  a 
shop  near  St.  Clairsville  Junction.  He  pur- 
chased a farm  in  that  vicinity,  and  cleared 
much  of  the  land  himself.  Subject’s  father 
also  followed  agricultural  pursuits  and  fur- 
ther mention  is  made  of  his  life  in  the  more 
complete  history  of  the  Neff  family  given  in 
another  part  of  this  volume.  He  had  three 
sons,  John  W.,  a resident  of  Richland  town- 
ship: Alexander,  of  Pultney  township,  and 
Andrew  James,  the  subject  of  this  narrative. 

Andrew  J.  Neff  attended  public  school  in 


578 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


his  native  township  and  also  a private  institu- 
tion of  learning  near  Bethel.  His  life  has  been 
devoted  almost  wholly  to  farming  in  its  va- 
rious branches,  and  success  has  met  his  efforts. 
He  is  the  proud  possessor  of  the  ancestral 
homestead,  which  he  obtained  by  purchasing 
the  interest  of  the  other  heirs  His  marriage 
with  Mary  A.  Brannen,  a daughter  of  Joseph 
and  Harriet  (Shahan)  Brannen,  of  Pultney 
township,  has  resulted  in  four  children.  Two 
of  these  died  young, — one  an  infant  yet  un- 
named, and  the  other,  Charles  A.,  who  was 
seven  months  old  at  the  time  of  his  death.  The 
surviving  children  are  Herbert  B.  and  Hazel 
J.  The  former  is  attending  commercial  col- 
lege in  Bellaire  and  the  latter  is  a student  in 
the  St.  Clairsville  schools.  Mrs.  Neff’s  parents 
were  among  the  early  settlers  in  Pultney  town- 
ship and  are  still  highly  esteemed  residents  of 
that  community. 

In  politics  Mr.  Neff  is  a faithful  advocate 
of  the  Democratic  party.  He  takes  a becom- 
ing interest  in  both  national  and  municipal 
issues.  He  is  largely  concerned  in  various  busi- 
ness organizations  in  his  section  and  at  the 
present  time  is  serving  in  an  official  capacity 
for  several.  He  stands  well  in  social  and  re- 
ligious circles,  being  an  active  member  of  the 
Bethel  Presbyterian  Church. 


JAMES  MITCHELL  BLACKFORD,  M. 
I).  /\mong  the  prominent  men  of  Martin’s 
Ferry,  Ohio,  who  stand  high  in  professional 
and  social  life,  is  Dr.  James  Mitchell  Black- 
forrl,  who  was  born  in  Pease  township,  Bel- 
mont County,  Ohio,  on  January  24,  1837,  a son 
of  Joseph  and  Isabella  (Latimer)  Blackford. 

Joseph  Blackford  was  a son  of  Robert 
Blackford  who  served  as  a soldier  in  the  War. of 
1812  and  whose  wife  was  given  a pension  after 
his  death,  in  1832,  in  this  county,  of  Asiatic 
cholera.  Joseph  Blackford  settled  on  his  farm 
which  he  purchased  in  1832,  and  lived  there 
until  his  death,  which  occurred  on  February 
29.  1880,  when  over  82  years  of  age,  his 
birth  having  taken  place  in  Ohio  County,  (West) 


Virginia,  in  1797.  He  was  a leading  man  in 
his  township  and  most  prominent  in  the  Pres- 
byterian Church,  a charter  member  of  the 
church  in  Alartin’s  Ferry,  having  previously 
been  an  elder  in  the  church  at  Mount  Pleasant 
in  Jefferson  County.  For  35  years  he  was  an 
elder  in  the  Martin’s  Ferry  church  and  one  of 
its  most  substantial  nrembers  and  strong  sup- 
porters. Mr.  Blackford  was  for  many  years 
a stanch  Democrat,  but  his  attitude  in  regard 
to  temperance  laws  made  him  an  early  mem- 
ber of  the  Prohibition  party.  His  farming 
was  carried  on  in  the  days  when  the  rule  of 
the  neighborhood  in  which  he  lived,  was  to 
supply  his  assistants  during  the  heavy  summer 
work  with  intoxicants  ; he,  however,  after  noting 
the  effect  would  not  observe  the  custom  and 
took  a firm  stand  against  it.  In  this  he  was 
seconded  by  his  friend  and  neighbor,  Joshua 
Steele,  a worthy  Quaker,  and  they  were  the 
first  men  to  succeed  in  having  their  harvesting 
done  without  the  dispensation  of  whisky.  It 
was  probably  due  to  the  high  personal  charac- 
ter of  these  two  men  that  so  little  trouble  arose 
when  they  thus  dared  custom  and  public  opin- 
ion, but  they  succeeded  by  their  firmness  in 
checking  a growing  evil,  and  finally  turning 
the  tide  in  favor  of  temperance.  A brother  of 
Joseph  Blackford,  Robert  by  name,  located  on 
a farm  in  Pease  township  in  1841,  and  lived  a 
cpiiet,  unassuming  life,  was  known  as  an  excel- 
lent Idacksmith  and  as  an  exemplary  citizen. 
He  died  in  1891,  at  the  age  of  79  years.  His 
son  Josiah,  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy 
at  the  battle  of  Chickamauga  and  his  fate  was 
never  learned. 

The  mother  of  our  subject  was  a daughter 
of  William  Latimer  and  was  born  in  1805,  the 
youngest  of  a family  of  eight  children,  all  of 
whom  have  passed  away.  In  1800  William 
Latimer  came  with  John  Wiley,  from  Pennsyl- 
vania, and  settled  on  adjoining  sections  of  land 
in  Belmont  County  on  what  is  now  known  as 
the  Colerain  Pike.  One  son  of  Mr.  Latimer 
named  William  was  killed  in  the  War  of  1812. 
Mrs.  Blackford  died  at  the  age  of  66  years. 
She  was  long  a member  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church.  A family  of  six  sons  was  born  to 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


579 


Joseph  Blackford  and  wife,  namely : William 

H..  deceased,  who  farmed  the  old  homestead, 
died  Sept.  14,  1902,  aged  75;  Rev.  Alexander 
Latimer,  D.  D.,  who  for  30  years  was  a mis- 
sionary in  Brazil,  died  during  , a visit  to  the 
United  States  in  1890  of  yellow  fever  at  At- 
lanta, Georgia,  at  the  age  of  62  years ; Rev. 
Robert  Allen,  who  was  a minister  for  13  years 
■at  Clarksburg,  West  Virginia,  and  died  in 
1896;  Rev.  John  H.,  a Presbyterian  minister 
for  many  years,  and  has  been  stationed  since 
1897,  at  Slatelick,  Pennsylvania;  Dr.  James 
Mitchell,  who  is  the  subject  of  this  biography; 
and  Joseph  Anderson,  who  died  at  the  age  of 
eight  years.  All  of  these  sons  that  grew  to 
maturity  have  become  prominent  in  profes- 
sional life,  testifying  in  the  strongest  degree 
the  tendency  given  by  early  moral  surround- 
ings. 

Dr.  Blackford  acquired  his  literary  education 
at  Miller  Academy,  and  later  pursued  a higher 
course  at  Vermilion  Institute.  His  preceptor 
in  medicine  was  that  eminent  physician.  Dr. 
John  Campbell,  of  Uniontown,  Ohio,  of  whom 
Dr.  John  Cook,  formerly  of  Bridgeport,  was 
also  a pupil.  Dr.  Blackford  still  further  pur- 
sued his  studies  at  the  Cincinnati  College  of 
Medicine  and  Surgery,  and  completed  his 
course  at  Starling  Medical  College,  at  Colum- 
bus, in  1865.  He  began  practice  at  Morris- 
town. Ohio,  removing  in  1873  to  Martin’s 
Ferry,  thus  being  the  second  oldest  practitioner 
in  this  city,  being  preceded  l)y  Dr.  Williams. 
Dr.  Blackford  has  always  held  a large  practice, 
his  learning  and  skill  making  him  prominent 
through  the  county  and  a very  valued  member 
of  the  Belmont  County  Medical  Society,  of 
which  he  has  served  as  president.  He  is  a ready 
writer  as  well  as  deep  thinker  and  his  contribu- 
tions to  medical  journals  have  been  regarded  as 
worthy  of  extended  notice  and  discussion.  He 
has  been  the  medical  examiner  for  insurance 
companies  and  has  been  health  officer  a num- 
ber of  times.  No  more  judicious  selection 
could  be  made  on  the  School  Board  than  Dr. 
Blackford,  as  his  interests  have  always  been 
engaged  in  the  cause  of  education,  ancl  he  has 
served  for  six  years.  While  Dr.  Blackford  is 


a close  student  and  careful  observer  in  his  own 
profession,  and  an  interested  promoter  of  civic 
progress,  he  takes  no  active  part  in  politics, 
being  only  concerned  that  the  most  capable 
men  be  elected. 

On  January  16,  1866,  Dr.  Blackford  was 
married  to  Catherine  Reid,  who  was  born  in 
Ireland,  coming  to  the  United  States  at  the  age 
of  ten  years.  She  is  one  of  ten  living  children 
and  the  eldest  born  to  her  parents. 

The  four  children  born  to  Dr.  and  Mrs. 
Blackford  were:  Robert  A.,  Mary  R.,  Joseph 
E.  and  John  Latimer,  the  last  named  dying  at 
the  age  of  five  years.  Robert  A.  graduated 
from  Washington  and  Jefferson  College,  in 
1889  and  from  the  medical  department  of  the 
University  of  Pennsylvania  in  the  class  of 
1899.  also  from  Washington  College  in  1899, 
then  taught  two  years  in  the  grammar  schools 
of  IMartin’s  Ferry  and  for  three  years  was  prin- 
cipal of  the  High  School,  served  for  two  years 
as  physician  of  an  insane  asylum,  at  Warren, 
Penns}dvania,  and  one  year  at  the  hospital  at 
Pottstown,  in  the  same  State,  and  is  now  per- 
manently located  in  practice  with  our  subject. 
Joseph  E.  has  been  for  the  past  10  years  the 
Martin's  Ferry  correspondent  of  the  Wheeling 
Nezv's;  he  married  Anna  Bell  Hobbs  and  their 
two  children  were  named  Edward,  who  died  at 
the  age  of  five  years,  and  Kathryne.  Mr. 
Blackford  is  regarded  as  a rising  man  in  the 
newspaper  profession. 

Dr.  Blackford  is  an  elder  in  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church  and  his  two  oldest  chil- 
dren are  also  members.  The  family  is  one  of 
the  most  highl}^  regarded  in  the  social  circles 
of  Martin's  Ferry  and  its  head  enjoys  uni- 
versal esteem. 


REV.  FATHER  JOSEPH  A.  WEIGAND, 
pastor  of  St.  Anthony's  Catholic  Church,  of 
Bridgeport,  Ohio,  was  born  in  Baden,  Ger- 
many. June  8,  1866.  His  parents  were  Felix 
and  Genevieve  (Schmidt)  Weigand,  the  form- 
er of  whom  was  an  extensive  farmer,  a man  of 
general  knowledge  and  one  whose  influence 
was  directed  continually  to  enterprises  for  the 


580 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY 


hetterment  of  the  church  and  his  community. 
Ilewas  a zealous  worker,  was  widely  known  and 
deservedly  respeeted.  His  death  oecurred  on 
July  7,  1895,  from  an  attack  of  “la  grippe,”  this 
being  the  first  sickness  he  ever  had.  The  moth- 
er of  Father  Weigand  died  when  he  was  a 
small  child. 

Father  Joseph  Weigand  was  one  in  a fami- 
ly of  12  children  born  to  his  parents,  all  of 
whom  were  given  educational  advantages, 
l^reparatory  study  is  very  thorough  in  Ger- 
man}’ and  this  foundation  results  in  that  coun- 
try’s producing  the  most  scholarly  men  of  the 
limes.  After  this  preparation,  Father  Wei- 
gand entered  the  gymnasium  at  Tauber-Bisch- 
ofsheim,  where  he  took  a course  of  study 
requiring  attendance  for  three  years,  and  then 
came  to  America.  Fie  was  but  12  years  of  age 
when  he  entered  St.  Vincent  College,  complet- 
ing there  his  classical  training,  and  then  en- 
tered St.  Mary’s  Seminary,  at  Baltimore,  Mary- 
land, where  he  completed  his  theological  course 
and  was  there  ordained  by  that  distinguished 
dignitary  of  the  Church,  Cardinal  Gibbons. 
Father  Weigand  was  but  23  years  of  age,  the 
youngest  of  a class  of  53.  and  carried  off  the 
highest  honors,  and  received  the  books,  prem- 
iums and  medals.  His  first  work  was  assigned 
him  under  Father  White,  at  the  Cathedral  at 
Columhus,  Ohio,  but  within  six  months  he  was 
appointed  to  the  Bridgeport  pastorate,  taking 
chm-ge  January.  1900.  As  assistant  he  has 
Father  Roderick  McEachen,  a native  of  Shaw- 
nee, Ohio,  who  was  ordained  August  10,  1901, 
by  Bishop  Moeller,  in  Columbus.  Father  Mc- 
Fachen  studied  theology  at  Inspruck,  Austria, 
and  was  appointed  here  in  September,  1901. 

Father  McEachen  returned  to  Europe  in  the 
fall  of  1902,  in  order  to  take  a special  course 
in  the  Sclavonic  languages,  for  the  purpose  of 
fitting  himself  for  Avork  among  the  Slavonic 
people  in  the  Columbus  diocese.  St.  Anthony 
has  a congregation  of  100  families,  aside  from 
a great  number  of  single  communicants  who 
find  a home  in  Bridgeport.  This  is  an  un- 
usual showing  for  a town  of  its  size.  No  less 
than  1 2 nationalities  are  represented  in  the  con- 
gregation. The  day  school  is  in  charge  of  the 


Sisters  of  Charity,  of  Nazareth,  Kentucky,  and 
the  attendance  varies  from  100  to  150.  Excel- 
lent advantages  are  afforded  the  pupils  and  a 
course  of  study  is  followed  as  prescribed  for 
the  State  and  public  schools. 

Eather  Weigand  has  still  another  school  un- 
der his  charge,  conducted  by  the  same  Sisters, 
located  at  Maynard,  a mining  district,  the  pu- 
pils being  about  75  Slavonic  children.  At 
that  point  the  school  has  been  in  existence  for 
some  four  years  and  soon  a fine  school  build- 
ing will  be  erected.  Father  Weigand  is  filled 
with  the  zeal  of  the  early  Fathers,  and  his  suc- 
cess in  pioneer  fields  is  worthy  of  all  commen- 
dation. The  great  truths  of  his  teaching  have 
changed  a mass  of  ignorant,  neglected  people 
into  self-respecting,  law-abiding  citizens,  and 
his  work  is  heartily  commended  by  all  resi- 
dents of  Bridgeport,  entirely  irrespective  of 
doctrinal  belief.  Personally  he  is  both  beloved 
and  esteemed. 

Father  Joseph  Wittman  of  Troy,  New  York, 
has  been  assisting  Father  Weigand  since  the 
departure  of  Father  McEachen. 


CFIARLES  FOWLER,  a well-known  con- 
tractor and  farmer  of  Barnesville,  Ohio,  was 
born  F'ebruary  12,  1852,  a son  of  Samuel  and 
Eliza  (Groves)  Fowler,  the  former  of  whom 
was  a native  of  Maryland,  became  a skilled  me- 
chanic, and  for  a number  of  years  superintend- 
ed the  gravel  trains  on  the  Baltimore  & Ohio 
Railroad  in  Barnesville.  His  death  took  place 
here  early  in  the  “seventies,”  and  his  widow 
passed  away  in  1898. 

Charles  Fowler  was  one  of  a family  of  seven 
children,  all  of  whom  were  reared  to  be  in- 
dustrious and  were  afforded  good,  common 
school  educations.  When  about  21  years  of 
age,  our  subject  learned  the  carpenter  trade, 
and  his  close  application  and  thorough  work 
soon  brought  him  promotion  and  enabled  him 
to  enter  upon  contracting  and  building  on  a 
large  scale.  He  also  owns  a farm  in  the  vi- 
cinity of  Barnesville,  where  he  demonstrates 


JOSEPH  KIRKWOOD. 


VINCENT  MITCHELL. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


585 


that  he  is  as  successful  an  agriculturist  as  he  is 
a contractor  and  huilder. 

On  September  29,  1879,  Mr.  Fowler  was 
married  to  Hulda  Greeneltch,  a daughter 
of  one  of  the  highly  respected  families  of 
Monroe  County.  She  is  a lady  of  great  capac- 
ity and  has  shown  her  business  ability  by  her 
successful  management  of  the  Fowler  Hotel, 
which  she  conducted  from  the  spring  of  1899 
and  finally  purchased.  Under  her  management 
the  hotel  is  not  only  a financial  success,  but  it 
is  also  one  of  the  best  regulated  hostelries  of 
the  city. 

Ml.  Fowler  has  been  a life-long  Republican 
and  a useful  citizen. 


MRS.  J.  (KIRKWOOD)  MITCHELL,  so 
highly  esteemed  and  beloved  by  the  people  of 
Kirkwood,  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  was  born  in 
that  town  and  ranks  among  the  oldest  residents. 
She  is  a daughter  of  Joseph  and  Margaret  (Gil- 
lespie) Kirkwood,  granddaughter  of  Robert 
Kirkwood,  and  was  born  September  15,  1827. 

Our  subject’s  paternal  grandfather,  Robert 
Kirkwood,  was  deeply  interested  in  his  studies 
for  the  ministry  when  the  Revolutionary  War 
broke  out.  He  immediately  dropped  “Euclid” 
and  shouldering  his  musket  marched  to  the  ser- 
vice of  his  country.  He  started  as  captain, 
raised  a company  in  Newark,  Delaware,  his 
native  State,  and  afterward  served  as  an  officer 
of  high  rank  under  the  illustrious  Washington. 
His  two  children,  one  daughter  and  one  son, 
were:  Joseph,  the  father  of  our  subject;  and 

Mrs.  Whitely,  who  after  her  first  husband’s 
demise  married  Mr.  Boyer, — she  had  two  child- 
ren, Robert  H.  and  Mar}^  A.  by  her  first  mar- 
riage, and  her  children  of  the  second  marriage 
are  now  deceased.  Robert  Kii'kwood  died  at 
the  age  of  seventy-two  years. 

Joseph  Kirkwood  was  born  March  25,  1784, 
and  chose  for  his  wife  Margaret  Gillespie,  who 
was  horn  July  6,  1785.  Both  were  natives  of 
Newark,  Delaware,  and  both  attended  the  same 
schools  there  when  children.  During  his  early 
youth,  Mr.  Kirkwood  worked  as  bookkeeper 


in  his  uncle’s  store  in  Newark,  hut  after  his 
marriage  crossed  the  Alleghanies  on  horseback 
and  arrived  in  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  during 
the  early  part  of  the  last  century.  He  settled 
in  Canton  (now  Bridgeport),  and  immediately 
turned  his  attention  to  farming  and  there  re- 
mained until  his  death,  June  9,  1856.  In  1812 
he  served  in  the  war  but  would  not  receive  a 
pension  or  warrant  for  his  services.  He  and 
his  beloved  wife  had  a family  of  10  children : 
Hannah  M.  (Mrs.  James  McCune),  born  in 
3807  and  died  1849;  Sarah  (jMrs.  Joseph 
Large)  ; Robert,  born  in  1810,  and  died  in 
1811;  Ann  S.,  who  was  born  February  28, 
1812,  married  David  Allen,  and  is  now  de- 
ceased ; Adeline,  who  married  Dr.  Henry  West 
and  died  July  8,  1854;  Mary,  born  in  1817,  and 
died  in  1838;  Elizabeth,  born  Eehruary  5,  1818, 
and  died  in  the  “nineties” ; Catherine  S.,  born 
August  24,  1820,  married  Dr.  James  McCona- 
hey,  and  died  in  the  “eighties” ; IMargaret  A., 
born  May  27,  1823,  is  now  a resident  of  Kirk- 
wood, the  rvidow  of  Rev.  James  Alexander  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church ; and  Airs.  Alitchell, 
our  subject,  who  is  the  youngest  in  the  family 
and  who,  with  klrs.  Margaret  A.  Alexander,  is 
the  only  living  member  of  the  once  large  family. 
Mrs.  Joseph  Kirkwood’s  death  took  place  at 
the  advanced  age  of  84  years,  February  14, 
1866.  She  was  a life-long  member  of  the  Pres- 
byterian Church,  and  a pioneer  with  her  hus- 
band, both  knowing  well  the  hardships,  dan- 
gers, deprivations,  and  difficulties  of  early 
Ohio  pioneer  life. 

Airs.  Alitchell  is  the  widow  of  Vincent  klit- 
chell,  who  was  a native  of  Alount  Pleasant,  Jef- 
ferson County,  Ohio,  where  he  was  profitably 
engaged  in  mercantile  business  until  1849, 
when  he  removed  to  Kirkwood.  He  and  our 
subject  were  united  in  matrimony,  IMarch  14, 
1850,  and  their  union  was  blessed  with  eight 
children,  as  follows : Margaret  A. : William 

W:  Rockwell  B. ; Ada  and  Lee,  who  died 
young;  Clara  E.  and  Carrie  E.,  twins;  and 
Walter.  Alargaret  x\.  is  the  wife  of  Rev. 
Shields  AI.  Macurdv,  one  of  the  leading  men 
of  the  Pittsburg  Conference,  highly  respected 
by  all  and  a charming  singer.  They  have  six 


586 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


children;  Josephine,  Vincent,  S.  W.,  Britton, 
hdder,  and  Errat.  William  V.  is  as  yet  un- 
married and  resides  at  home,  as  does  also  Rock- 
well Ik,  the  latter  having  served  several  terms 
as  mavor  of  Bridgeport,  of  which  Kirkwood  is 
a part.  Clara  E.,  one  of  the  twins,  is  now  Mrs. 
ID.  Mvers  of  Wheeling  Island;  her  twin  sister, 
Carrie  E.  (Mrs.  George  Robinson),  also  of 
W'heeling  Island,  is  now  deceased,  having  left 
two  children,  Josephine  and  Martha  L.  Walter 
Mitchell  married  Daisie  Adams  of  California, 
and  has  one  daughter,  Alphia. 

Vincent  IMitchell  died  at  the  age  of  77  years, 
October  25,  1881.  He  was  a life-long  member 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  Mrs.  Mitchell 
has  been  a member  since  her  i6th  year.  In 
politics,  he  was  a Democrat,  glad  to  be  of  ser- 
vice to  his  party  whenever  it  was  possible.  Be- 
fore his  marriage  with  our  subject,  Mr.  Mit- 
chell was  united  in  marriage  October  ii,  1830, 
with  Susanna  Hogg,  who  died  October  19, 
1845,  leaving  three  children,  Miriam,  R.  Jane, 
and  John  J.  Miriam  Mitchell  was  the  wife  of 
R.  B.  Boyd,  and  died  at  the  age  of  40  years. 
R.  Jane  Mitchell  resides  with  her  step-mother, 
the  sulpect  of  this  biography.  John  J.  Mitchell 
married  Margaret  Guyton,  hut  is  now  deceased, 
having  left  seven  children  to  mourn  his  loss, 
namely;  Myrtle  E.,  Harry,  Alonzo  L.,  Alma, 
Ollie,  Rose  E.,  and  Lulu  G. 


BINDLEY  P.  BAILEY.  The  dairy  inter- 
ests are  important  ones  in  Belmont  County, 
Ohio,  where  natural  conditions  are  so  favorable 
to  success,  and  intelligent  operators  engage  in 
tbe  industry.  Dairies  and  creameries  are 
found  in  every  towmship,  but  very  few  of  them 
reach  the  high  standard  demanded  by  the  criti- 
cal and  fastidious  ])ublic.  The  Belmont  Stock 
Farm  Dairy  fulfills  every  condition  and  is 
owned  and  operated  by  Bindley  P.  Bailey,  a 
prominent  dairyman,  -who  is  also  well  known 
as  a breeder  of  fine.  Jersey  cattle,  and  who  is 
the  able  president  of  the  Ohio  Dairymen’s  As- 
sociation. 

Tbe  birth  of  Mr.  Bailey  occurred  on  March 
8.  1850,  in  Goshen  towmship,  Belmont  County, 


one  of  seven  children  born  to  Jesse  and  Ase- 
nath  (Patterson)  Bailey,  three  of  whom  sur- 
vive. Jesse  Bailey  w^as  also  born  in  Belmont 
Count3^  a son  of  Jesse,  wdro  w^as  a native  of 
NortH  Carolina.  The  Bailey  family  has  been 
noted  for  its  agricultural  success  and  its  mem- 
bers have  belonged  to  Belmont  County’s  best 
class  of  citizens.  Jesse  Bailey  spent  his  whole 
life  as  a farmer  and  reaped  ample  results  from 
h.is  excellent  methods  and  intelligent  manage- 
ment. In  the  country  schools  of  his  locality, 
Mr.  Bailey  was  given  his  elementary  educa- 
tion, wdiich  was  supplemented  by  attendance  at 
the  Friends’  Boarding  School,  at  Mt.  Pleasant, 
Ohio.  After  seven  years  devoted  to  teaching, 
during  which  time  he  gave  much  intelligent  at- 
tention to  agricultural  matters,  Mr.  Bailey  de- 
cided to  follow^  the  family  vocation  and  become 
a farmer.  After  making  a successful  trial  on 
rented  land,  he  went  into  debt  for  a tract  of 
66  acres  of  good  land,  gave  it  close  attention, 
put  into  practice  modern  methods,  and  pros- 
pered from  the  very  first,  gradually  adding  to 
his  possessions  until  he  now  owns  240  acres  of 
choice  Belmont  County  land,  with  excellent  im- 
]Drovements  and  fine,  modern  buildings. 

In  1881  Mr.  Bailey  made  his  first  experiment 
with  Jersey  cattle,  trading  a threshing  machine 
for  his  first  herd,  and  has  succeeded  far  beyond 
tbe  average,  altbough  he  has  met  wdth  some 
reverses,  as  is  the  case  in  almost  every  kind 
of  business,  in  1885,  losing  about  $3,000  in 
shipping.  In  1888  he  erected  his  present 
creameiy,  at  a cost  of  $1,000,  and  this  estab- 
lishment has  gained  a wide  reputation  for  the 
c[uality  of  its  products,  manufactured  under  the 
careful  eye  of  its  owner,  with  the  assistance 
of  one  expert  and  four  helpers.  Between  60 
and  70  head  of  cows  contribute  the  milk  sup- 
ply. Believing  in  the  advantages  that  accrue 
from  concentration  of  effort,  Mr.  Bailey  has 
devoted  most  of  his  energies,  in  the  past  20 
years,  to  the  development  and  improvement  of 
Jersey  cattle  and  to  securing  excellence  in  claity 
products,  and  it  is  his  opinion  that  the  future 
of  satisfactory  dairying  lies  entirely  in  intelli- 
gent education  in  this  line.  He  would  have 
this  improvement  begin  in  the  stable  and  con- 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


587 


tinue  until  the  finished  product  is  served  to  the 
public,  and  believes  that  then  and  only  then, 
will  the  public  know  the  perfection  which  may 
be  attained.  Most  necessary  adjuncts  are 
cleanliness,  intelligence  and  honesty,  in  com- 
bination with  the  modern  machinery  which 
must  be  in  use  wherever  equality  is  a necessity 
to  success.  In  his  own  establishment,  Mr. 
Bailey  has  spared  no  expense,  has  placed  ex- 
pensive machines  with  skilled  labor,  and  the 
patrons  of  the  Belmont  Stock  Farm  Dairy  may 
led  assured  that  its  milk  has  been  Pasteurized 
and  rendered  wholly  healthful  and  of  the  finest 
flavor.  j\Ir.  Bailey  obtains  a large  supply  of 
his  milk  from  his  own  carefully  tended  herd 
and  those  of  his  neighbors  who  comply  with 
the  sanitary  requirements  demanded,  and  care 
and  feed  their  cows  as  science  has  determined 
will  produce  healthful  milk.  The  large  product 
of  this  creamery,  during  the  winter  season,  all 
goes  to  the  Mejunkin  Straight  Dairy  Co.,  of 
Pittsburg,  Pennsylvania,  wdio  are  extensive  re- 
tailers, supph'ing  the  leading  families  of  that 
city. 

Mr.  Bailey  has  been  so  prominently  identi- 
fied with  the  dairy  interests  of  Ohio,  that 
scarcely  any  leading  organization  or  journal 
has  failed  to  give  him  credit.  Prior  to  becom- 
ing president  of  the  Ohio  Dairymen’s  Associa- 
tion, he  served  as  secretary  and  treasurer  for  a 
long  period,  and  in  1898  was  made  special 
dairy  inspector  of  the  State  under  J.  E.  Black- 
burn and  Governor  Bushnell.  In  1893  he  was 
made  a director  in  the  American  Jersey  Cattle 
Club,  few  men  in  the  county  or  State  having 
a more  complete  and  exhaustive  knowledge  of 
Jersey  cattle.  In  1896  Mr.  Bailey  held  his  last 
annual  sale  of  Jersey  cattle,  this  being  the  ninth 
occasion.  The  Belmont  Stock  Farm  is  located 
one  and  one-half  miles  from  Barnesville,  on 
the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad,  and  these  sales 
were  always  largely  attended,  dealers  realiz- 
ing that  here  could  be  obtained  superior  cattle, 
and  Iraving  ever}'  assurance  that  only  honest 
methods  would  be  employed  in  their  disposal. 
It  has  been  our  subject’s  aim  to  produce  a 
dairy  animal,  wdiich,  by  proper  and  careful  at- 
tention, will  produce  the  greatest  yield  of  milk 


and  butter,  while  adding  nothing  to  its  ex- 
pense. This  is  practical. 

In  July,  1871,  Mr.  Bailey  was  united  in  mar- 
riage with  Elizabeth  Stanton,  daughter  of 
Joseph  Stanton,  of  Belmont  County,  and  six 
children  were  born  to  this  union,  namely: 
Edwin  M.,  Oscar  J.,  Anna  M.,  Alva  C.,  Clara 
and  Jesse  S.  Edwin  M.  married  Lillian  Doud- 
na,  a daughter  of  J.  W.  Doudna,  and  operates 
a modern  creamery  at  Pittsburg.  Oscar  J. 
married  Marv  A.  Bracken,  daughter  of  Lind- 
ley  Bracken,  of  Belmont  County,  and  conducts 
a creamery  business  in  Wheeling,  West  Vir- 
ginia. Anna  M.  married  Clarence  Patton,  of 
Iowa.  Alva  C.  married  Laura  Steer,  a daugh- 
ter of  Nathan  Steer  and  in  association  with  his 
father  conducts  a dairy  business  at  Spencer. 
Although  Mr.  Bailey  did  nothing  to  influence 
his  sons  in  their  choice  of  career,  when  the 
choice  was  made,  he  assisted  them  in  thorough- 
ly perfecting  themselves  in  the  details  of  the 
business,  sending  two  of  them  to  the  dairy 
school  conducted  at  Madison,  Wisconsin,  and 
the  third  to  a similar  school  in  Ohio.  The  fami- 
ly belongs  to  the  Society  of  Friends,  and  all  its 
memljers  are  thoroughly  respected  members  of 
the  community.  In  political  association,  Mr. 
Bailey  is  a Republican,  but  has  never  consent- 
ed to  accept  any  office  except  that  of  school 
director,  although  particularly  w^ell  fitted  to 
discharge  the  duties  of  almost  any  office.  His 
large  business  enterprises  and  his  absorption  in 
his  business,  wdiereby  he  has  attained  such  suc- 
cess, have  precluded  activity  in  other  lines. 


LIEUT.  JOHN  F.  SMITH,  a retired  farm- 
er and  most  highly-esteemed  citizen  of  Bridge- 
port, Ohio,  was  born  in  Pease  township,  Bel- 
mont County,  Ohio,  on  October  4,  1830,  a son 
of  James  M.  and  Mary  (Berry)  Smith,  the 
latter  of  wdiom  w'as  a native  of  Loudoun  County 
Virginia. 

James  M.  Smith,  the  father,  was  also  born 
in  Loudoun  County  and  by  trade  was  a cooper. 
About  1815  or  1816  he  decided  to  move  to 
Ohio  where  he  believed  there  would  be  more 


588 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


demand  for  his  goods,  and  with  wife  and  three 
children,  a wagon  load  of  household  helong- 
ings,  with  $50  in  his  pocket  and  two  strong- 
horses,  set  out  for  the  new  home,  reaching  St. 
Clairsville,  Ohio,  in  the  course  of  time,  tired 
doubtless  and  homesick  for  the  old  surround- 
inp'S.  However,  the  father  and  mother  of  our 
subject  possessed  the  true  pioneer  spirit,  and 
soon  after  located  at  Glenn's  Run,  where  Mr. 
Smith  was  engaged  to  make  the  liour  barrels 
for  the  mills  at  that  place,  under  the  manage- 
ment of  William  McWilliams.  Buying  20 
acres  of  land,  Mr.  Smith  began  a little  farming 
which  was  fairly  successful,  but  later  became 
engaged  in  the  boat-building  business,  an  en- 
terprise which  rewarded  him  well.  The  boats 
he  constructed  were  known  as  “broad  horns,” 
and  were  built  for  the  purpose  of  taking 
produce  down  the  Ohio  River,  Mr.  Smith 
receiving  fifty  cetits  per  barrel  for  making  the 
trip.  It  was  his  custom  to  build  two  boats 
every  year,  one  filled  with  coal,  the  other  with 
produce,  run  them  down  the  river  to  New  Or- 
leans and  there  trade  boat  and  all  for  molasses 
and  sugar  which  he  would  bring  back  on  a 
steamboat  to  Wheeling.  Several  occasions  oc- 
curred when  he  and  his  boys  made  the  return 
trip  from  Louisville  on  the  ice.  On  his  last 
trijj,  Mr.  Smith  received  some  very  choice 
sugar  of  th.e  loaf  variety  and  with  this  he  en- 
tered into  negotiations  with  Governor  Shan- 
non, by  which  the  latter  took  the  sugar  in  part 
payment  for  66  acres  of  land,  this  being  now 
owned  by  the  subject  of  this  sketch.  Governor 
Shannon  had  bought  this  land  from  an  heir 
in  Ireland,  who  had  inherited  it  in  the  division 
of  an  uncle’s  estate,  hut  this  heir  never  came 
to  America  and  the  original  owners  do  not  pos- 
sess any  of  the  large  property,  our  subject 
owning  150  acres  of  it  and  his  sister,  Mrs. 
Amanda  Brown,  another  150  acres.  James  M. 
Smith,  or  more  properly.  Colonel  Smith,  as  he 
was  locally  known,  served  in  the  War  of  1812 
and  received  for  this  service  a land  warrant  in 
Missouri  upon  which  his  son  settled.  He  was 
made  colonel  of  the  county  militia  and  thus  ac- 
Cjuired  his  title.  For  many  years  he  served  as 
a justice  of  the  peace  and  his  influence  was 


great  with  litigants,  settling  many  difficulties 
without  costs  or  trouble.  James  M.  Smith 
was  born  in  1817  and  died  in  1873.  He  was 
a Mason  and  loved  the  workings  of  that  body. 
He  is  still  recalled  as  one  of  the  useful  citizens, 
a good  man,  a kind  neighbor  and  a firm  friend. 

No  less  estimable  a character  was  our  sub- 
ject's worthy  mother.  She  was  some  18  months 
younger  than  her  husband  and  filled  every  sit- 
uation in  life  with  the  affection,  self-sacrifice 
and  cheerfulness  of  a lovely,  Christian  nature. 
Her  many  acts  of  kindness  afford  pleasant 
memories  to  this  day.  She  was  the  beloved 
mother  of  12  children,  the  three  survivors  of 
this  large  family  being : John  F.,  who  is  the 

subject  of  this  sketch,  being  the  youngest  of 
all ; Thomas,  who  is  a merchant,  resides  at 
Burlington,  in  Belmont  County ; and  Allen,  who 
lived  for  a time  in  this  county,  later  moved  to 
Missouri,  and  is  now  a resident  of  Colorado. 
One  other  member  of  the  family  was  our  sub- 
ject’s sister  Amanda,  who  married  Hezekiah 
Brown  in  Belmont  County,  but  died  a widow, 
in  Tennessee,  when  nearly  70  years  of  age. 

Our  subject  had  poor  school  advantages,  but 
l:)Oth  his  father  and  mother  were  far  above  the 
average  in  intelligence  and  his  home  training 
was  excellent.  His  early  years  were  spent  in 
farming  and  in  driving  a team,  hauling 
]:»roduce  through  the  town  and  country  and 
hauling  the  materials  for  boat-building.  The 
boating  enterprise  covered  a period  of  20  years 
and  he  was  actively  engaged  in  assisting  his 
parent  in  this  business,  although  his  principal 
business  from  youth  has  been  farming.  Mr. 
Smith  owns  a farm  of  140  acres  which  a geo- 
logic survey  has  demonstrated  to  be  under- 
laid with  coal.  In  time  this  may  prove  a large 
fortune  for  our  subject. 

Although  a zealous  and  influential  Republi- 
can, Lieutenant  Smith  has  never  sought  office. 
His  title  was  honorably  obtained  during  the 
Civil  'War,  when  he  belonged  to  Company  G, 
170th  Regiment,  Ohio  National  Guard,  an  or- 
ganization which  did  faithful  garrison  duty, 
and  on  July  4,  1864,  was  hastened  to  the  front, 
being  ordered  from  Washington  City  to  Har- 
per’s Ferry.  During  the  succeeding  four 


HON.  .JAMP]S  A.  WHITE. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


591 


months,  the  regiment  was  continually  engaged 
in  skirmishing  between  Harper’s  Ferry  and 
Cedar  Creek.  When  the  regiment  was  honor- 
ably discharged  and  its  members  mustered  out, 
at  Columbus,  our  subject  had  a good  record, 
but  had  escaped  either  wound  or  imprisonment, 
although,  as  he  humorously  expresses  it,  he  on 
one  occasion  did  some  “tall  running’’  to  escape. 

Mr.  Smith  was  married  on  January  3,  1861, 
to  Theresa  M.  Miller,  a native  of  Wheeling, 
West  Virginia,  and  a daughter  of  David  and 
Elizabeth  (Whitaker)  Miller,  who  were  natives 
of  Germany.  Our  subject  is  a valued  member 
of  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic,  and  is  a 
man  who  stands  well  in  his  community.  His 
genial,  pleasant  manner  makes  him  popular 
and  among  those  who  know  him  best,  he  is 
prized  most  highly  as  friend  and  comrade. 


HON.  JAMES  A.  WHITE,  the  popular 
and  efficient  mayor  of  the  city  of  Barnesville, 
Ohio,  is  one  of  the  leading  and  representative 
young  men  of  the  city,  with  whose  civic  affairs 
he  has  been  identified  since  1898. 

Mayor  James  A.  White  is  an  Ohio  product. 
He  was  born  in  Muskingum  County,  October 
13,  1872,  and  is  one  of  a family  of  five  children 
born  to  Alexander  and  Christina  (Hammond) 
White,  both  of  whom  were  also  natives  of 
Ohio.  Alexander  White  followed  agricultural 
pursuits  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in 
1890.  His  widow  still  survives  him,  and  finds 
a congenial  home  with  her  son,  James  A. 

A good,  common-school  education  was  af- 
forded James  A.  White  in  his  boyhood,  but 
his  knowledge  of  the  higher  branches  was  ac- 
quired by  his  own  efforts,  in  the  evenings,  after 
the  finishing  of  his  day’s  work  in  the  planing 
mill,  where  he  continued  for  18  months.  He 
attended  Mount  Union  College  for  one  year, 
and  later  matriculated  in  Muskingum  College, 
from  which  he  graduated  with  the  class  of 
1898.  For  some  time  he  was  engaged  in  teach- 
ing, and  followed  this  profession  with  much 
success.  In  1891,  he  located  in  Barnesville, 
and  three  years  afterward  was  chosen  as  a 
teacher  in  W arren  township ; he  continued  in 


that  capacity  until  1897.  In  1898,  he  was 
elected  mayor  of  this  city,  on  the  Citizens’ 
ticket,  and  so  excellent  was  his  municipal  rule 
that  in  1900  he  was  re-elected  on  the  Republi- 
can ticket.  This  was  certainly  a personal  tri- 
umph, and  it  was  made  more  notable  by  a sec- 
ond re-election  in  1902.  At  each  election,  he 
was  also  made  a justice  of  the  peace.  His  able 
administration  has  won  him  the  confidence  of 
all  factions,  and  there  are  few  men  in  public 
life  who  are  so  universally  and  justly  popular. 

Mr.  White  is  a prominent  citizen,  outside  of 
politics.  His  interest  in  the  growth  and  devel- 
opment of  the  city  in  every  way  is  continued 
and  earnest.  He  has  served  on  the  School 
Board,  has  been  one  of  the  county  executive  of- 
ficers, and  has  exerted  his  influence  in  favor  of 
every  laudable  enterprise.  He  is  a Mason,  a 
Knight  of  Pythias,  and  also  belongs  to  the 
Jr.  O.  U.  A.  M.  For  a number  of  years,  he  has 
been  connected  with  the  Methodist  Church,  and 
is  active  in  assisting  in  its  benevolent  work.  He 
has  been  a Sunday-chool  teacher  for  several 
years,  and  is  now  serving  as  president  of  the 
Epworth  League.  He  was  a member  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Conference  held  at  Chi- 
cago, Illinois,  in  May,  1900,  having  been  se- 
lected as  one  of  six  from  the  East  Ohio  Con- 
ference. 


ROBERT  GIFFIN,  an  esteemed  resident  of 
Bridgeport,  Ohio,  is  a representative  of  one  of 
the  oldest  and  most  favorably  known  families 
in  Belmont  County.  For  many  years  he  has 
followed  the  trade  of  brick-laying  and  is  gen- 
erally acknowledged  to  be  the  most  reliable 
worker  in  that  line  to  be  found  in  the  county. 
In  addition  to  this  it  may  be  truthfully  re- 
marked that  Mr.  Giffin  has  an  honorable  rec- 
ord as  a soldier  of  the  Civil  AVar  to  which 
both  he  and  his  fellow-citizens  may  point  with 
pride. 

The  birth  of  Robert  Giffin  occurred  on  July 
9,  1836,  in  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  a son  of 
Robert  and  Sarah  (Hinkel)  Giffin,  both  of 
whom  were  also  natives  of  this  county.  The 
father  of  our  subject  was  a carpenter  and  con- 


592 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


tractor  and  erected  many  residences  and  a 
great  munber  of  the  commodious  and  substan- 
tial l)arns  which  indicate  so  well,  through  the 
county,  the  substantial  standing  of  the  farmer. 
11  is  religion  was  that  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  belonging  first  to  the  Covenanters’ 
and  later  to  the  Cnited  Presbyterian  Church. 
He  died  in  1866.  His  widow  survived 
to  the  age  of  87  years.  The  Giffin  fam- 
ily, as  noted,  is  an  old  one  in  Belmont 
County,  founded  by  George  Giffin,  our 
subject’s  grandfather.  The  father  of  George 
w'as  one  of  the  first  settlers  at  Roney’s  Point, 
(West)  Virginia,  and  there  George  married 
Mary  Milligan,  and  they  came  to  Belmont 
County  in  the  latter  part  of  the  i8th  century. 
The  grandfather  died  about  1840.  Both  he 
and  wife  belonged  to  the  old  Covenanters’ 
Church  and  he  contrilnited  the  land  on  which 
to  erect  the  High  Ridge  Church  edifice,  where 
is  located  High  Ridge  Cemetery.  George  Gif- 
fin was  an  extensive  farmer  and  owned  much 
land,  giving  a farm  to  each  of  his  five  boys  and 
three  girls,  all  of  whom  have  passed  off  the 
stage  of  life. 

Robert  Giffin  of  this  sketch  is  one  of  a fami- 
ly of  13  children  born  to  his  parents,  all  of 
whom  are  living  in  Belmont  County  with  the 
exception  of : Mary,  who  died  at  the  age  of 

15  months;  Daniel,  wdio  died  unmarried  in 
1855,  in  Blinois;  and  Susan,  Mrs.  McFarland, 
wdio  died  in  Oregon.  A good,  common-school 
education  was  afforded  our  subject  and  he 
grew'  to  young  manhood  assisting  his  father 
on  the  farm,  continuing  to  be  thus  employed 
until  the  day  of  his  enlistment  for  service  in 
the  Civil  War,  September  17,  1861.  On  Oc- 
tober 14,  1861,  he  W'as  mustered  into  Company 
A,  43rd  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.  as  a private  and  his 
first  meeting  w'ith  the  enemy  w'as  in  General 
Pope's  army,  at  the  battle  of  New  Madrid, 
iMissouri.  participating  then  in  all  the  battles 
of  bis  command, — Island  No.  10,  Fort  Pillow, 
Corinth,  both  siege  and  battle,  and,  then  tak- 
ing j;)art  in  the  marches  and  skirmishes  of  Sher- 
man’s army  after  his  re-enlistment,  on  Decem- 
ber 2-1,  1863,  in  the  same  company  and  regi- 
ment. Then  came  the  battle  of  Atlanta,  and 


the  siege  of  Atlanta,  the  latter  being  under- 
stood by  those  w'ho  endured  it  as  a period  of 
120  days  under  fire.  To  fully  understand,  the 
younger  generation  must  listen  to  the  thrilling 
story  as  it  is  related  by  one  of  the  surviving 
heroes,  and  sluggish  indeed  will  burn  the  fires 
of  patriotism  if  it  does  not  thrill  the  heart  and 
kindle  anew  the  respect  with  which  the  Civil 
War  veterans  should  be  regarded.  After  the 
close  of  the  Atlanta  campaign  came  the  march 
to  the  sea,  thence  into  South  Carolina,  then  to 
her  northern  sister  and  then  came  the  happy 
day  w'hen  Johnston  surrendered  to  the  gallant 
army  of  General  Sherman.  Mr.  Giffin  was  per- 
mitted to  also  participate  in  the  grand  review 
at  Washington  City,  an  occasion  which  will 
never  be  forgotten  by  the  brave  soldier  who 
W'as  one  of  the  honored  ones  of  the  occasion. 
On  July  13,  1865,  he  was  mustered  out  of  the 
service  at  Louisville,  Kentucky,  having  served 
three  years  and  nine  months.  During  this  long 
])eriod  he  was  never  wounded  or  taken  prisoner 
and  endured  the  exposure  very  well  after  the 
first  year.  At  the  siege  of  Corinth  on  May  26, 
1862,  he  was  prostrated  by  a sunstroke  w'hich 
rendered  him  insensible  until  the  following 
day,  but  this  was  his  most  serious  accident. 

After  he  had  done  his  duty  to  his  country, 
our  subject  quietly  returned  to  his  home  and 
took  up  his  trade,  and  has  followed  brick-lay- 
ing ever  since.  For  some  25  years  this  has 
been  his  chief  employment  and  during  a great- 
er part  of  the  time  he  has  been  an  employee  of 
the  Aetna-Standard  Sheet  Steel  Works,  this 
alone  testifying  to  his  skill,  only  w'orkmen  of 
high-grade  being  employed  here.  He  is  known 
for  his  reliability  as  well  as  his  good  w'ork  and 
commands  the  respect  of  all  who  know  him. 

The  marriage  of  Mr.  Giffin  was  in  April, 
1861,  to  Florence  L.  McConnaughy,  a daugh- 
ter of  John  McConnaughy,  a native  of  this 
county.  Mrs.  Giffin  was  one  of  a family  of 
five  children  born  to  her  parents,  namely : Lu- 

cinda, W'ho  died  in  girlhood;  Elzan,  who  is 
Mrs.  William  Smith,  of  this  town ; Flor- 
ence L.,  wdio  became  Mrs.  Giffin;  Howell, 
who  resides  in  Bridgeport;  and  Jane,  who 
married  C.  W.  Clogston,  and  died  in  In- 


593 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


dian  Territory,  in  1901.  The  children  born  to 
our  subject  and  wife  were:  John,  who  is  a 

paper  hanger  and  contractor,  residing  in  Bridge- 
port, married  Ella  Tomlinson  and  has  one 
child;  Virginia  Clara,  who  is  Mrs.  John  Mc- 
IMillen  and  who  resides  in  Maynard,  has  three 
children  by  a former  marriage ; Maggie,  who  is 
Mrs.  William  Boyles  and  resides  in  Bridge- 
port, has  two  children — Harry  and  Robert ; 
Van  Roy,  who  married  Bessie  Higgs  and  has 
two  children — Irene  and  Kenneth ; and  Ida, 
who  is  a graduate  of  Frasher's  Business  Col- 
lege, in  Wheeling. 

For  several  years  our  subject  served  as  a 
member  of  the  board  of  health  and  for  two 
years  he  has  been  a trustee  of  the  cemetery.  In 
Masonic  circles  Mr.  Giffin  has  long  been 
known  as  an  enthusiastic  and  useful  member, 
his  connection  with  the  order  covering  a period 
of  35  years,  during  the  most  of  this  time  he  has 
been  tyler  of  the  lodge.  He  also  belongs  to 
Belmont  Chapter,  No.  140,  and  has  been  guard 
for  a quarter  of  a century,  and  is  one  of  the 
charter  members  of  this  chapter.  He  is  also  a 
charter  member  of  Branum  Post  No.  221,  G. 
A.  R.,  is  officer  of  the  day  and  has  filled  al- 
most every  official  position  in  this  ])OSt.  He 
also  belongs  to  tbe  Senior  Order  of  United 
.A.merican  Mechanics.  Mr.  Giffin  has  many 
friends  in  Bridgeport  and  is  known  for  his  in- 
tegrity and  estimable  character.  The  religious 
connection  of  the  family  is  with  the  Methodist 
Church. 


JOHN  S.  HUTCHISON,  a retired  farmer 
of  Belmont  Count,  Ohio,  who  resides  at  St. 
Clairsville,  was  born  in  Belmont  County, 
August  25,  1825,  and  is  a son  of  David  and 
Jane  (Smith)  Hutchison. 

David  Hutchison  was  born  in  Chester 
County,  Pennsylvania,  in  1762.  His  parents 
'were  Robert  and  Nancy  Hutchison,  natives  of 
Ireland,  who  fled  from  their  country  on  ac- 
count of  religious  persecution,  and  settled  in 
Pennsylvania  in  1740,  where  they  remained 
through  life.  Our  subject’s  grandmother, 
Nancy  Hutchison,  died  in  1782.  David  Hutch- 


ison's wife  was  born  in  Ireland.  When  she 
was  13  years  old  her  parents  embarked  on  a 
sailing  vessel  for  tbe  United  States,  but  many 
misfortunes  befell  them.-  The  vessel  lost  her 
bearings  and  was  on  the  ocean  for  13  weeks, 
during  which  time  a great  deal  of  suffering 
prevailed  on  account  of  the  scarcity  of  drinking 
water.  The  only  way  this  was  procured  was 
by  taking  advantage  of  the  rainstorms,  hold- 
ing a sheet  by  its  four  corners,  and  catching 
enough  fresh  water  to  turn  into  a vessel.  In 
spite  of  this  and  many  later  hardships,  this 
brave  woman  lived  to  the  age  of  74  years  and 
reared  a family  of  1 1 children. 

In  1803  David  Hutchison  journeyed  to 
Ohio,  passing  through  Wheeling  on  his  way 
to  Belmont  County,  and  finding  there  but  a 
few  dwellings.  He  died  in  1847,  ^.ge  of 

85  years.  He  and  his  wife  were  consistent 
members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  The  life 
histories  of  the  1 1 children  left  by  this  most 
worthy  couple  would,  in  many  instances,  read 
like  romances.  All  of  them  became  most  ex- 
emplary men  and  women.  In  the  order  of  their 
birth  these  children  were  as  follows  : Rebecca, 

Nancy,  James,  Robert,  David,  William,  Jane, 
Elizabetb,  Mary,  Joseph,  and  John  S.  Rebecca 
became  Mrs.  Jasper  Robson  and  died  in  the 
vicinity  of  St.  Clairsville,  December  23,  1892, 
aged  89  years,  4 months  and  20  days.  Nancy 
died  unmarried,  October  ii,  1891,  aged  86 
years.  James  became  an  extensive  farmer, 
having  passed  through  the  experiences  of  Ohio 
pioneer  life.  For  many  years  he  was  a leading 
elder  in  the  Presbyterian  Church  and  a mem- 
ber of  the  session  for  37  years.  His  death  oc- 
curred September  13,  1898,  when  he  was  91 
years  and  2 months  old.  Robert  died  July  6, 
1846,  at  the  age  of  36  years,  3 months  ancl  18 
days.  He  had  made  his  home  in  Missouri. 
While  making  a journey  to  the  old  homestead 
in  Belmont  County,  he  became  so  ill  that  he 
hardly  reached  there  before  the  final  collapse. 
David  went  to  California  in  the  late  “forties,” 
prior,  however,  to  the  finding  of  gold  in  1849. 
He  married  in  Ohio,  and  had  a family  of  five 
children,  four  of  whom  still  survive.  Since 
he  went  out  prospecting  with  two  companions 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


he  has  never  been  heard  from,  and  his  relatives 
sii])pose  that  he  was  killed  by  the  Indians. 
William  died  in  1840,  when  26  years  and  21 
days  okl.  Jane  married  John  C.  Hntchison, 
and  they  lived  at  several  different  points  in 
Ohio,  and  then  moved  to  Kansas,  where  she 
died,  April  27,  1856,  at  the  age  of  74  years. 
Her  remains  were  brought  to  riymouth,  Ohio, 
for  burial.  Elizabeth  married  Samuel  Hutch- 
ison and  lives  in  Franklin  County,  Kansas. 
Mary  married,  first,  John  Bickham,  and  after 
his  death  a Mr.  Stockdel,  who  is  a farmer  in 
Guernsey  County.  Joseph  died  December  ii, 
1896,  unmarried,  at  the  age  of  73  years.  He 
had  ahvays  lived  at  the  old  home. 

John  S.  Hutchison,  the  youngest  member  of 
the  above  family,  obtained  his  mental  training 
in  the  district  schools,  and  from  l)oyhood  to 
manhood  assisted  his  father  on  the  farm.  Pre- 
vious to  the  death  of  the  latter,  he  rented  land 
for  cultivation,  ljut  at  that  time  purchased  the 
interests  of  the  other  heirs  in  the  estate,  and 
is  now  the  owner  of  279  acres  of  land.  This  is 
well  improved  and  is  of  great  value  on  account 
of  lieing  underlaid  with  coal  deposits,  the  va- 
riety being  known  as  the  Pittsburg  vein.  No.  8. 
This  coal  Mr.  Hutchison  sold  for  $40  per 
acre.  He  also  owns  a valuable  stone  cjuarry 
on  this  property.  He  now  rents  his  farm. 

In  NovemI)er,  1900,  Mr.  Hutchison  moved 
to  St.  Clairsville,  although  he  has  Ijy  no  means 
lost  his  interest  in  his  fine  land  and  stock.  His 
farm  has  been  an  abundant  producer  of  all 
kinds  of  grain,  and  there  he  has  raised  a great 
deal  of  fine  stock,  particularly  Shropshire  sheep, 
with  which  he  has  been  very  successful.  For 
years  he  has  ranked  among  the  reliable,  judi- 
cious and  successful  agriculturists  of  the 
county.  He  has  been  active  in  favoring  those 
measures  which  his  judgment  convinced  him 
would  be  of  benefit  to  the  locality,  and  served 
for  a long  period  as  presnlent  of  the  turnpike 
road,  which  at  the  time  was  one  of  the  most 
important  and  useful  enterprises  of  the  county. 
His  interest  in  educational  matters  has  been 
shown  by  many  years  of  service  on  the  School 
Board. 

On  December  ii,  1866,  Mr.  Hutchison  was 


married  to  Sarah  J.  Rose,  who  was  born  in 
Guernsey  County,  Ohio,  in  1838,  and  is  a 
daughter  of  William  and  Elizabeth  (Kelsey) 
Rose,  natives  of  Guernsey  County.  Four  chil- 
dren have  l^een  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hutch- 
ison, namely:  Elizabeth  J. ; Mary  R.  (Mrs. 

E.  S.  Morgan),  whose  children  are  John, 
Adda,  Lucille,  and  Russell;  Emma  H.  (Mrs. 
Dr.  Thompson),  a resident  of  tliis  county;  and 
Eva  L.,  who  resides  at  home.  Mr.  Hutchison 
and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  and  contribute  liberally  to  its  support. 
Mr.  Hutchison  belongs  to  no  secret  organiza- 
tions and  cares  not  for  political  preferment. 
Indeed,  he  does  not  consider  himself  a poli- 
tician at  all,  but  votes  the  Prohibition  ticket 
from  conscientious  convictions.  His  greatest 
interest  is  in  promoting  the  usefulness  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  St.  Clairsville.  Dur- 
ing the  erection  of  its  edifice  he  was  a member 
of  the  building  committee,  and  a generous 
donor  to  the  cause.  For  a number  of  years 
he  has  been  a most  successful  teacher  in  the 
Sabbath-school,  and  takes  a genuine  delight  in 
the  work.  In  every  relation  of  life  the  sub- 
ject of  this  sketch  stands  for  what  is  right,  and 
few  men  can  have  higher  praise. 


HENRY  W.  DOUGLASS,  who  passed  Vit 
of  life  in  January,  1896,  was  for  a number  of 
}-ears  one  of  the  most  successful  and  highly 
esteemed  farmer-citizens  of  Warren  township, 
Belmont  County,  Ohio.  A good  neighbor  and 
a husband  and  father  devoted  to  the  welfare 
of  his  family,  he  left  many  to  sorrow  at  his 
death,  while  his  township  lost,  in  him,  one  of 
its  most  honest  and  valued  residents. 

The  birth  of  Mr.  Douglass  took  place  in 
Warren  township,  in  1847,  ^ family  of 

13  children  born  to  George  and  Ellen  (Nu- 
zum)  Douglass.  The  father  died  in  Belmont 
County,  Ohio,  in  1879,  aged  84  years  four 
months,  and  the  mother  died  November  4, 
1 892,  aged  88  years  one  month.  Our  late  sub- 
ject followed  an  agricultural  life,  and  at  his 
death  left  for  the  use  of  his  family  a fine,  well- 
improved  farm  consisting  of  168  acres. 


F.  W.  HIBBARD, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


S97 


In  March,  1874,  Mr.  Douglass  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Sarah  E.  Reed,  who  was  born 
in  Somerset  township,  Belmont  County,  a 
daughter  of  William  L.  Reed.  The  four  chil- 
dren born  to  this  union  were  as  follows : Harry 
C.,  born  on  April  29,  1875 ; Amy  E.,  born  on 
June  15,  1880;  Emmor  R.,  born  June  24,  1882; 
and  Grace  M.,  born  September  20,  1889.  Har- 
ry C.  and  Emmor  superintend  the  farm  and  are 
both  well  educated  and  intelligent  young  men. 
In  July,  1896,  Harry  C.  was  united  in  marriage 
with  Bertie  E.  Woodland,  a daughter  of  John 
C.  Woodland,  one  of  Belmont  County’s  pro- 
gressive citizens.  One  bright  little  daughter, 
Edith,  has  been  born  to  this  union.  Harry  C. 
Douglass,  like  his  father,  affiliates  with  the 
Democratic  party.  The  religious  connection 
of  the  family  is  with  the  Methodist  Church,  in 
which  the  late  Mr.  Douglass  was  most  highly 
valued.  He  was  also  connected  with  the  Ma- 
sonic fraternity.  The  pleasant  farmhouse  is 
the  home  of  the  whole  family,  and  also  of  Adiss 
Maria  C.  Douglass,  a sister  of  the  late  Henry 
\Ah  Douglass.  They  are  all  well  known  in 
Warren  township  and  enjoy  universal  esteem. 


F.  W.  HIBBARD,  who  conducts  the  leading 
furniture  and  undertaking  business  in  Barnes- 
ville,  Ohio,  is  one  of  the  city’s  most  substantial 
men  and  prominent  citizens.  His  family  was 
established  in  the  State  in  1819,  by  his  grand- 
father, Caleb  Hibbard,  who  was  born  in  Ches- 
ter County,  Pennsylvania,  November  19,  1781, 
and  was  a cabinetmaker  and  watchmaker  by 
trade.  He  settled  near  W est  Chester,  Ohio,  and 
also  purchased  property  in  Barnesville,  a por- 
tion of  which  is  still  in  the  possession  of  his 
grandson,  F.  W.  Hibbard. 

The  birth  of  Air.  Hibbard  occurred  in 
Barnesville,  January  26,  1844.  and  he  is  a son 
of  Hiram  and  Sarah  (Hamilton)  Hibbard. 
Hiram  Hibbard  was  born  in  Ohio  in  1821,  and 
his  mother,  Matilda  (Stowe)  Hibbard,  was  a 
relative  of  two  distinguished  Americans,  John 
Quincy  Adams  and  Harriet  Beecher  Stowe. 
Hiram  Hibbard  spent  six  years  at  Cadiz,  Ohio, 


learning  the  cabinetmaker’s  trade,  and  in  1843 
located  in  Barnesville,  where  he  established  a 
business  which  he  later  enlarged  by  the  addi- 
tion of  a furniture  line.  His  death  occurred 
April  5,  1868,  at  which  time  he  held  the  office 
of  township  treasurer,  a position  of  trust  that 
he  had  filled  for  many  years.  Sarah  (Hamil- 
ton) Hibbard  passed  away  in  Alarch,  1888. 

After  graduating  from  the  Hopedale  school, 
in  Harrison  County,  F.  W.  Hibbard  took  a 
preparatory  course,  in  expectation  of  entering 
an  Eastern  college,  but  his  plans  miscarried, 
and  he  left  school  in  1865.  At  this  time,  he  en- 
tered the  freight  department  of  the  Central 
Ohio  Division  of  the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Rail- 
road, at  Bellaire,  where  he  remained  until  Oc- 
tober, 1867.  He  then  returned  to  Barnesville, 
and  entered  into  a partnership  with  his  father. 
For  a short  time  after  the  latter’s  death,  the 
business  was  still  carried  on  under  the  firm 
name  of  Hibbard  & Son,  but  in  late  years  F. 
W.  Hibbard’s  name  only  has  been  in  use.  His 
store  is  the  largest  and  most  complete  in  the 
city  and  his  stock  is  valued  at  about  $10,000. 
His  business  interests  include  many  of  the  most 
important  enterprises  of  Barnesville.  He  is  a 
stockholder  in  the  glass  company,  and  also  in 
the  gas  and  oil  company.  Alany  public  posi- 
tions have  been  offered  for  his  acceptance,  but 
he  has  refused  all  except  a membership  in  the 
City  Council. 

In  1866,  Air.  Hibbard  was  married  to  Delia 
A.  Ogle,  at  Bellaire,  Ohio.  Seven  children 
have  resulted  from  this  union,  as  follows ; 
Alaude  O.  (Airs.  Charles  Heed)  ; Claude  S., 
who  was  associated  with  his  father  in  business, 
died  January  26,  1902:  Gail  H.  (Airs.  J. 

Harry  Lewis)  ; Blanche  P.  (Airs.  George  S. 
Bradfield)  ; Grace  C.  (Airs.  Charles  E.  Lee), 
who  died  January  2,  1896:  Fay  F.,  who  died 
lanuary  2,  1896;  and  Aladge  D.  (Airs.  L.  AI. 
H.  Potter).  Air.  Hibbard  is  a prominent  mem- 
ber of  Barnesville  Lodge,  No.  185,  I.  O.  O.  F. ; 
Warren  Lodge,  No.  76,  K.  of  P. ; and  of  Rob- 
ert Hides  Post,  No.  220,  G.  A.  R., — having 
served  in  the  Civil  War  in  Company  H,  170th 
Reg.,  Ohio  National  Guard. 

Air.  Hibbard  is  one  of  the  liberal  and  public- 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


598 


spirited  citizens  of  Barnesville,  who  in  living 
up  to  the  demands  of  the  day  takes  a deep  inter- 
est in  institutions  which  will  prove  of  benefit 
to  the  city.  The  foundation  stone  of  his  suc- 
cess in  life  has  been  business  integrity,  and 
thus  he  has  won  the  esteem  of  all  who  know 
him. 


JOHN  W.  FOWLER,  one  of  the  most  suc- 
cessful grocers  of  Barnesville,  Ohio,  is  a prod- 
uct of  that  hustling,  thriving  community. 
Born  there  in  February,  1847, 
most  part  S])ent  his  life  in  the  place,  and  dur- 
ing his  mature  years  has  been  prominently 
identified  with  several  of  its  leading  industries. 
He  is  the  son  of  James  and  Mary  A.  (Hol- 
land) Fowler. 

James  Fowler  was  born  in  Maryland,  and 
was  one  of  those  hard-working,  courageous 
tillers  of  the  soil  who  dared  hardship  and  pri- 
\'ation,  early  pushed  westward,  and  became 
possessors  of  the  fertile  districts  of  the  Ohio 
Valley.  Coming  to  this  country  in  1818,  he 
immediately  set  out  for  this  region,  and  after 
some  prospecting  located  gn  a farm  just  north 
of  Barnesville,  in  what  is  now  Warren  town- 
ship. Disdaining  no  labor,  he  did  his  share  of 
the  clearing  and  breaking  of  the  new'  land, 
and  in  time  possessed  one  of  the  most  valu- 
able pieces  of  property  in  the  vicinity.  Being 
a man  of  great  enterprise,  and  seeing  a good 
opening  for  a stone  mason  in  the  place,  he 
learned  that  trade  and  followed  it  wdth  marked 
success  for  many  years.  The  Baltimore  & 
Ohio  Railroad  tunnel  in  Barnesville  is  an  evi- 
dence of  his  skillful  w'orkmanship.  After  tak- 
ing up  the  trade  of  a stone  mason  he  made 
Barnesville  his  home  for  some  time  and  be- 
came e.xceedingly  popular  and  infiuential  in  the 
place.  He  died  January  18,  1894,  and  his  wife, 
Mary  (Holland),  passed  away  in  1848. 

John  W.  Fowler  obtained  a thorough,  prac- 
tical education  in  the  well  conducted  and  pro- 
gressive schools  of  Barnesville.  As  a special 
training  for  his  life  work  he  began  to  assist  his 
father  at  an  early  age,  and  thus  learned  the 
trade  of  a stone  mason,  at  wdiich  he  became 


very  proficient.  Upon  reaching  manhood,  he 
followed  this  business  in  Barnesville,  on  his 
own  account,  for  several  years,  and  always  se- 
cured plenty  of  work  and  made  good  wages. 
During  a part  of  each  year,  however,  he  was 
engaged  in  the  tobacco  packing  industry,  at 
which  he  also  made  considerable  money,  but 
when  the  season  was  over  he  resumed  his  work 
at  masonry.  During  the  raging  of  the  Civil 
War  he  gave  up  his  business  for  a while,  and 
in  1864,  in  response  to  the  President’s  call  for 
soldiers,  enlisted  in  Company  E,  194th  Reg., 
Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  and  under  the  provost  marshal 
w-ent  to  the  front.  He  served  with  distinc- 
tion until  he  received  his  honorable  discharge 
in  November,  1865.  After  returning  to  Barnes- 
ville he  resumed  his  business  as  a stone  mason 
and  tobacco  packer,  wdiich  he  continued  for 
many  years.  Strict  attention  to  business  and 
wise  financial  management  enabled  him,  in  the 
course  of  time,  to  lay  by  something  substan- 
tial for  the  future.  With  this,  in  1895,  he 
opened,  in  Barnesville,  a retail  grocery  store, 
and,  taking  in  a son  as  partner,  established 
the  firm  J.  \Y . Fowler  & Son.  Being  well 
known  in  the  place,  he  had  no  difficulty  in  se- 
curing custom,  and  was  soon  conducting  a 
large  and  flourishing  business.  His  trade  has 
steadily  increased,  and  in  1900  it  became  so 
large  that  he  found  it  advisable  to  take  in  a 
second  son  as  partner,  and  the  firm  has  since 
been  known  as  J.  W.  Fowler  & Sons.  It  car- 
ries a complete  line  of  the  best  grade  of  gro- 
ceries, and  its  stock  of  goods,  which  is  larger 
than  that  of  any  similar  establishment  in 
Barnesville,  is  valued  at  $5,000.  The  busi- 
ness necessitates  the  use  of  three  storage  rooms 
and  one  wareroom,  a substantial  stone  struc- 
ture, 40  by  20  feet  in  dimensions.  The  store 
itself  is  located  in  the  center  of  the  town,  on 
West  Main  street.  The  firm  is  thoroughly 
reliable  and  has  established  for  itself,  far  and 
near,  a reputation  for  honesty  and  fair  dealing. 

In  November,  1872,  Mr.  Fowler  married 
Emma  Barnes,  who  belongs  to  one  of  the  first 
families  of  Barnesville.  She  is  the  daughter 
of  Caleb  Barnes  and  a relative  of  James 
Barnes,  from  whom  the  place  received  its  name. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


599 


By  this  marriage  there  have  been  two  sons, — 
Ross  B.  and  Chester  J. 

Mr.  Fowler,  though  influential  in  his  vicin- 
ity, has  modestly  refrained  from  pushing  him- 
self forward,  politically.  As  a Republican, 
however,  his  word  carries  weight  in  local  af- 
fairs. He  stands  high  fraternally,  as  a mem- 
ber of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.,  and  acts  as  presiding 
officer  in  the  Sharon,  Ohio,  Encampment. 


J.  F.  McCarty,  residing  at  No.  6il 
Broadway,  Martin’s  Ferry,  has  in  the  last  few 
years  attained  considerable  prominence  as  an 
inventor.  His  articles,  including  a milk  can, 
a fruit  jar,  and  the  Uneda  punch  have  all  been 
exceedingly  practical,  and  have  had  a large 
sale.  Mr.  McCarty  is  undoubtedly  talented, 
and  as  he  is  now  scarcely  past  middle  age, 
the  public  has  reason  to  expect  still  greater 
works  of  him.  He  was  born  in  Colerain  town- 
ship, Belmont  County,  November  15,  1858,  and 
is  a son  of  Ezra  and  Emily  (Cope)  McCarty. 

John  McCarty,  grandfather  of  J.  E.,  was  a 
native  of  Scotland.  At  an  early  date  he  came 
to  the  United  States,  and  in  the  course  of  time 
became  one  of  the  pioneers  of  the  new  State 
of  Ohio.  He  married  an  English  woman,  and 
they  both  lived  to  an  advanced  age,  he  being 
over  90  at  the  time  of  his  death.  Both  were 
widely  known  and  highly  respected  through  the 
State. 

Ezra  McCarty,  father  of  J.  F.,  resided  in 
Belmont  County  for  many  years  of  his  life. 
Learning  the  carpenter's  trade  at  an  early  age, 
he  afterward  followed  that  occupation  for 
many  years.  Making  a thorough  success  of 
his  work,  he  finally  rose  to  the  position  of  a 
contractor.  Many  of  the  buildings,  including 
houses  and  barns  in  Belmont  County,  are  the 
results  of  his  handiwork  or  supervision.  He 
lived  to  the  age  of  74,  dying  in  the  spring  of 
1898.  In  early  manhood  he  married  Emily 
Cope,  daughter  of  George  and  Hannah  Cope 
of  Farmington,  Colerain  township.  Mr.  Cope 
was  a teacher  for  some  years.  Later  he  was 
engaged  in  the  grocery  business.  His  wife  was 


a Quaker.  Both  lived  to  advanced  age.  Mrs. 
McCarty  died  in  January,  1879,  at  the  age  of 
45.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  McCarty  were  born 
eight  children ; — George  is  a contractor  in 
Martin’s  Ferry;  Charles,  an  architect  in  Wheel- 
ing; J.  F.  is  mentioned  below;  Edward  is  a 
carpenter  in  Martin’s  Eerry  ; Lizzie,  deceased, 
was  married  to  Louis  Keyser ; Ada  married 
Henry  White  and  resides  on  a farm  in  Cole- 
rain township;  Harry  died  May  15,  1902,  at 
the  age  of  34;  and  William  is  engaged  in  the 
mill  business  in  Martin’s  Eerry. 

J.  F.  McCarty  moved  with  his  parents  to 
Martin’s  Ferry  in  1867  when  but  nine  years 
old.  Here  he  grew  to  manhood,  and  in  the 
public  schools  procured  a thoroughly  practical 
education.  With  a bent  toward  mechanics, 
upon  starting  out  in  life  he  decided  to  learn 
the  blacksmith  trade,  and  took  his  apprentice- 
ship with  Samuel  Heaton,  who  has  the  reputa- 
tion of  being  the  best  blacksmith  in  the  State, 
and  who  is  still  carrying  on  a large  business. 
Results  proved  that  Mr.  McCarty  had  chosen 
the  work  for  which  he  was  fitted,  and  he  fol- 
lowed his  trade  from  the  time  he  was  eighteen 
until  1897,  in  all  about  thirty-one  years.  His 
work  led  to  some  practical  experiments,  and 
about  the  time  he  gave  up  blacksmithing  he 
invented  and  secured  a patent  on  a machine  for 
separating  tin  plate.  This  proved  successful 
and  he  sold  his  patent  outright  to  the  Aetna- 
Standard  Company  for  a large  sum.  His  next 
invention,  a hot  air  heater,  came  a little  too  late 
to  receive  its  merited  deserts.  But  his  milk 
can  and  his  vacuum  fruit  jar  have  met  with  un- 
qualified success.  The  milk  can  is  so  adjusted 
as  to  prevent  a churning  process  during  travel. 
The  fruit  jar  is  constructed  of  rubber  and 
glass,  may  be  handled  by  a child  without  dan- 
ger of  its  breaking,  and  is  one  of  the  most  ex- 
cellent articles  for  preserving  fruit  on  the  mar- 
ket. Among  other  recent  inventions  is  a 
Uneda  punch,  which  costs  only  about  $15  and 
is  guaranteed  to  do  the  work  of  a $95  punch. 
Mr.  McCarty  has  already  sold  a great  many  of 
these,  and  they  are  e^'erywhere  giving  excellent 
satisfaction. 

January  4,  1880,  Mr.  McCarty  married 


6oo 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Sarah  I\.  Lewis,  who  was  born  in  Ohio,  daugh- 
ter of  James  and  Sarah  (Martin)  Lewis.  Mrs. 
Lewis  is  now  living  in  Martin’s  Ferry,  where 
she  is  highly  respected  and  has  many  warm 
friends.  Mr.  Lewis  was  an  engineer  on  the 
ferry  l)oat  for  14  years,  and  was  well  and  fa- 
vorably known  over  the  county.  He  died  in  his 
59th  year.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  McCarty  have  had 
two  children, — Sarah  Emily,  born  October  23, 
1880,  was  a higbly  gifted  girl,  wbo  completed 
ber  course  at  the  Martin’s  Ferry  High  School 
in  1897  and  was  intending  to  continue  her 
studies  during  the  ensuing  year,  but  was  strick- 
en with  consumption  and  died  September  17, 
1897.  Clara  Belle  graduated  from  tbe  Martin’s 
Ferry  High  School  class  of  1902. 

Mr.  McCarty  occupies  a leading  place  among 
the  citizens  of  Martin’s  Ferry.  He  is  a mem- 
her  of  the  K.  of  P.  and  Uniform  Rank,  K.  of 
P.,  and  as  such  has  served  as  chairman  of  the 
executive  board  for  some  years.  As  a Republi- 
can he  e.xerts  a large  influence  in  politics.  He 
and  his  family  belong  to  the  Presbyterian 
Churcb. 

The  Martin  family  of  which  Mrs.  McCarty 
is  a member  has  its  tragedy,  connected  with 
her  maternal  grandfather,  James  W.  Martin. 
He  was  for  some  time  a resident  of  Brooke 
County,  (West)  Virginia;  later,  he  resided  in 
Wdieeling;  and  in  1837  he  moved  to  Martin’s 
Ferry,  where  he  erected  what  was  for  years 
the  Martin  family  residence,  a house  which  is 
still  standing,  on  Fayette  street.  And  it  was 
here  that  all  his  children  were  born.  He  was  a 
shoemaker  by  trade,  and  followed  this  occu- 
pation for  many  years  in  Martin’s  Ferry.  y\s 
a man  of  influence  and  ability  he  also  served 
as  postmaster  of  the  place  for  some  time.  He 
marrried  Nancy  Saunders,  and  they  had  eight 
children,  of  whom  Sarah,  the  mother  of  Mrs. 
McCarty,  is  the  only  one  now  living.  It  was 
in  1848  that  the  sad  event  referred  to  took 
place.  Mr.  Martin,  in  behalf  of  his  wife,  a 
helpless  invalid,  had  started  to  see  a physician 
in  Mdieeling  and  procure  medicine.  When 
sufficient  time  for  his  return  had  ela])sed  he 
failed  to  ai)i:>ear.  Nine  days  passed,  and  still 
he  absented  himself.  The  family,  by  this  time, 


fully  convinced  that  something  very  unusual 
had  happened  to  him,  institued  a search. 
Kind  neighbors  did  tbeir  best,  but  found  no 
trace  of  bim.  On  tbe  tenth  day  the  grief- 
stricken  wife  called  her  children  to  her  bed- 
side and  informed  tbem  that  he  was  dead  and 
that  his  body  was  in  the  river.  She  described 
minutely  the  exact  spot  where  she  believed  he 
could  be  found.  At  her  bidding  kind  friends 
searched  the  place,  and  sure  enough  found  his 
body.  The  medicine,  which  he  had  obtained, 
was  still  in  his  pocket.  There  was  a dent  in 
his  skull,  which  might  have  caused  instant 
death.  Whether  it  was  received  before  or  after 
his  plunge  in  the  river  will  ever  be  a mystery. 
Mrs.  Martin’s  strange  and  accurate  knowledge 
of  his  whereabouts  had  been  revealed  to  her 
in  a dream.  She  was  not  of  a superstitious 
family,  and  this  is  the  only  instance  in  her  life 
of  dreams  having  any  special  meaning. 


Sz'VMLlEL  FOWLER,  whose  prominence 
as  a reliable  contractor  has  been  established,  in 
Barnesville,  Ohio,  was  born  there  July  12, 
1865,  one  of  six  children  of  William  H.  and 
Adeline  (Prior)  Fowler,  four  of  whom  still 
survive.  William  Fowler  and  his  wife  are 
residents  of  Barnesville,  the  former  being  one 
of  the  early  settlers,  and  a contractor  of  note 
in  this  vicinity. 

Samuel  Fowler  attended  school  in  Barnes- 
ville and  since  the  age  of  24  years  has  been 
associated  in  tbe  contracting  business  with  his 
father.  Fie  has  been  very  successful  in  bis 
line  on  account  of  tbe  excellent  work  he  has 
turned  out,  and  the  activity  with  which  he  has 
completed  very  important  contracts.  His  first 
large  contract  was  one  mile  of  brick  paving, 
which  showed  accurate,  careful  work,  and  was 
perfectly  satisfactory  to  the  municipality.  The 
ten  miles  of  graveling  which  he  put  upon  the 
pike  roads  not  only  added  to  the  beauty  of  the 
environs  of  the  city,  but  gained  him  the  com- 
mendation of  all  who  make  use  of  these  high- 
ways. Mr.  Fowler  employs  a force  of  from  25 
to  100  men.  He  has  at  present,  in  course  of 


\ 


I 


V 


. .-•'1  m i 


HEYWARD  LONG. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


603 


erection,  a fine  residence  on  West  ]\Iain  street, 
which  will  be  completed  in  the  fall  of  1902,  at 
a cost  of  about  $3,000.  It  will  be  provided 
with  all  modern  improvements,  and  will  be 
handsome,  convenient  and  comfortable. 

In  1892  Mr.  Fowler  married  Minnie  Youse, 
a daughter  of  George  Youse,  who  is  well 
known  in  Guernsey  County,  where  he  is  a popu- 
lar hotel-keeper.  Two  Ititle  daughters  Avere 
born  to  this  union,  namely  : Helen  and  Louise. 
Mr.  Fowler  is  identified  with  the  Republican 
party.  His  fraternal  relations  are  with  the 
Knights  of  Pythias.  He  is  regarded  as  one 
of  the  progressive  business  men  of  Barnesville, 
and  also  as  a citizen  of  integrity  and  reliability. 


HEYWARD  LONG.  It  has  been  said 
by  many  in  these  later  years  that  a young- 
man  without  capital  cannot  make  his  start 
in  life  and  rise  to  a position  of  affluence  in 
a short  time.  In  reading  the  life  of  Heyward 
Long,  the  gentleman  whose  name  heads  this 
writing,  one  may  easily  see  that  no  greater 
fallacy  exists,  and  that  opportunities  arrive 
each  day  for  those  who  have  the  energy, 
economy  and  industry  to  make  the  most  of 
them.  Heyward  Long  is  now  one  of 
the  most  prominent  business  men  of  Mar- 
tin’s Ferry,  where  he  carries  on  an  extensive 
business  as  hardware  merchant,  at  No.  412 
Hanover  street.  He  is  a native  of  the  city 
and  was  born  March  24,  1871,  a son  of  Con- 
rad and  Kate  (Clark)  Long  and  a great- 
grandson  of  Elizabeth  Zane,  well  known  to 
the  people  of  this  part  of  the  State  as  a girl 
of  great  daring  and  courage,  who  played  her 
part  in  the  history  of  the  county.  It  was 
she  who,  during  a fight  with  the  Indians  in 
defense  of  Eort  Henry,  volunteered  to  run 
to  a near-by  house  before  the  deadly  fire 
from  the  Indians  and  secure  an  apron  full 
of  powder.  She  performed  the  feat  and  re- 
turned in  safety  to  the  fort. 

Conrad  Long  was  born  in  Germany,  at 
Strasburg,  November  21,  183^.  He  was 

left  an  orphan  early  in  life  and  received  his 


education  in  the  German  schools,  under  the 
care  of  an  uncle.  In  1856  he  immigrated  to 
the  United  States,  and  has  since  made  Mar- 
tin’s Feriy  his  home.  While  in  his  native 
country  he  learned  the  trade  of  a tinner,  and 
for  a year  following  his  arrival  in  the  United 
States  he  readily  found  work  at  his  trade. 
However,  he  was  not  satisfied,  and  bought 
a hardware  store,  which  he  conducted  prof- 
itably until  1897,  and  has  since  been  in 
partnership  with  our  subject  in  his  store. 
Conrad  Long  was  united  in  marriage  with 
Kate  Clark,  a native  of  IMartin’s  Eerry,  who 
bore  him  six  children,  our  subject  being  the 
third.  The  others  are:  Capitola,  now  Mrs. 

Harry  Eberling,  of  Bellaire;  Charles  B.,  en- 
gaged as  a tinner  in  the  American  Sheet 
Steel  Company’s  establishment  at  Martin’s 
Ferry;  Eloise,  at  home:  Pattie,  who  married 
William  Anderson,  of  Wheeling:  and  Eliza- 
beth. The  father  is  now  69  years  of  age,  and 
his  wife  is  67. 

Heyward  Long  was  educated  in  the  High 
School  of  iMartin’s  Ferry,  and  after  school 
days  were  over  he  began  his  business  career 
as  a clerk  in  his  father's  store.  Later  he  put 
in  a year’s  time  at  bridge  work,  after  .which 
he  started  to  work  again  as  clerk,  and  in 
1893  embarked  in  business  for  himself  as 
a h^dware  merchant.  The  room  he  occu- 
pies is  85  feet  long  and  i8d  feet  wide,  with 
a basement  under  the  entire  building,  while 
his  wareroom  is  20  by  100  feet  and  is  well 
stocked.  He  handles  farm  implements, 
paints,  cutlery,  stoves,  etc.,  and  all  the  va- 
rious things  found  in  a first-class  hardware 
store  of  today.  The  store  has  electric  lights 
and  all  the  modern  conveniences,  and  is  very 
nicely  located.  The  trade  has  gradually  in- 
creased from  the  time  the  business  was 
started. 

May  9,  1893,  0^1’'  subject  Avas  united  in 
marriage  AAUth  Rosa  Gordon,  a native  of 
Greggs,  West  Virginia,  and  thev  have  tAVO 
children.  Edna  and  Lillian.  Mr.  Long  is 
chief  of  the  fire  department  of  Martin’s 
Ferrv,  and  a member  of  the  “Racing  Team.” 
a description  of  AALich  is  found  in  the  sketch 


604- 


centennial  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


of  Dr.  J.  W.  Darrah,  elsewhere  in  this  book. 
Mr.  Long  is  fleet  of  foot,  and  therefore  is  a 
valued  member  of  this  team.  Before  his 
business  affairs  occupied  all  his  time,  he  was 
given  much  to  wrestling,  that  being  a pas- 
time of  his.  He  is  a very  good  athlete  and 
has  given  much  attention  to  athletics.  He 
was  captain  in  1894  of  the  “Vigilant  Athletic 
Club,”  whose  football  team  won  every  game 
participated  in  by  them  during  that  year 
and  were  considered  the  champions  of  the 
Upper  Ohio  Valley,  from  Pittsburg  to 
Portsmouth. 

In  politics  Mr.  Long  is  an  ardent  Repub- 
lican. Fraternally  he  is  a Mason,  affiliating 
with  the  blue  lodge,  F.  & A.  M.;  Belmont 
Chapter,  No.  140,  R.  A.  M.;  Hope  Com- 
mandery.  No.  26,  K.  T.;  and  Osiris  Temple 
of  the  Mystic  Shrine  of  Wheeling.  Fie  is 
also  a member  of  the  Blair  Lodge,  B.  P.  O. 
E.,  No.  419,  and  the  Junior  Order  of  United 
American  Mechanics,  of  which  he  is  a 
charter  member  and  trustee. 


JAMES  C.  GRAY,  a prominent  attorney 
and  one  of  the  active  and  successful  business 
men  of  Martin’s  Eerry,  Belmont  County,  Ohio, 
was  born  in  Belmont  County  on  June  20,  1851, 
a son  of  James  W.  and  Alison  (Thorburn) 
Gray,  the  former  of  whom  was  a native  of 
Belmont  County,  and  the  latter  of  Scotland. 

James  W.  Gray,  the  father  of  the  subject 
of  this  Ihography,  was  one  of  the  leading  busi- 
ness men  of  the  Eastern  Ohio  Valley.  In  1865 
he  bought  a one-half  interest  in  the  William 
Wiley  foundry  and  machine  works,  and  con- 
tinued to  operate  in  that  connection  until  he 
with  others  bought  the  other  half  interest  and 
the  firm  continued  until  his  retirement,  in 
1872,  as  the  James  W.  Gray  Company,  Mr. 
Gray  being  almost  sole  owner.  The  castings 
made  at  this  foundry  gained  favor  over  a wide 
territory,  were  used  in  Pittsburg,  Wheeling 
and  Cincinnati.  During  the  Civil  War  they 
made  shot,  shells  and  cannon  balls  for  the 
Union  Army.  It  was  one  of  the  pioneer  in- 


dustries of  the  section  and  under  the  vigorous 
control  of  Mr.  Gray  proved  a substantial  finan- 
cial success. 

Eor  a number  of  years  James  W.  Gray  was 
an  elder  in  the  United  Presbyterian  Church. 
He  was  an  Abolitionist  in  political  sentiment 
and  desired  the  prosecution  of  the  war  to  its 
honorable  end.  His  death  occurred  on  June 
23,  1887,  in  his  67th  year.  He  was  sincerely 
mourned  for  he  was  known  to  be  an  upright 
man  and  estimable  citizen.  The  mother  of  our 
subject  was  born  July  21,  1824,  a daughter  of 
Alexander  Thorburn,  who  came  from  Scotland 
in  the  early  days  of  the  century  passed,  and 
settled  at  Scotch  Ridge,  Belmont  County,  but 
after  a number  of  years  moved  to  near  Quin- 
cy, Illinois,  where  he  died.  His  wife  passed 
away  November  6,  1858,  in  this  county.  The 
children  born  to  James  W.  Gray  and  his  wife 
were  four  in  number,  viz. : John  A.,  who  is 

a professor  in  Muskingum  College;  James  C., 
who  is  our  subject;  Ellen,  who  resides  with 
her  brother  just  mentioned;  and  Sarah,  who 
has  charge  of  the  art  department  at  Musking- 
um College. 

The  early  education  of  James  C.  Gray 
was  obtained  in  Martin’s  Eerry,  and  later  he 
completed  his  education  at  Muskingum  Col- 
lege, graduating  with  the  degree  of  B.  L. 
He  followed  this  with,  a law  course  at  Ann  Ar- 
bor, Michigan,  graduating  there  in  the  class 
of  1880.  His  practice  was  begun  at  Martin’s 
Eerry  where  he  has  since  continued.  He  has 
served  the  city  in  several  responsible  positions, 
although  his  inclinations  are  not  in  the  direc- 
tion of  political  honor.  His  leading  ambition 
is  to  rank  well  in  his  profession.  Eor  four 
years  he  served  the  city  as  solicitor,  has 
been  local  attorney  for  several  railroads.  He 
created  a favorable  impression  and  a degree 
of  prominence  for  himself  in  the  famous  case 
of  the  collision  on  the  Ohio  River  between  the 
“John  Lomas”  and  the  steamer  “Scioto,”  on 
July  4,  1882.  He  was  the  senior  counsel  on  the 
“Lomas”  side.  During  the  campaigns  of  1896 
and  1900  he  was  active  in  working  for  the  Re- 
publican candidates  in  the  national  campaigns. 
While  he  seeks  no  office  for  himself,  he  is  ever 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


605 


ready  to  help  his  friends  and  uphold  the  prin-  ] 
ciples  of  his  chosen  party.  Both  of  his  par-  j 
ents  were  devoted  members  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  and  he  has  found  his  religious  home 
within  that  body  for  the  past  18  years,  and 
has  been  the  director  of  the  choir  in  the  Mar- 
tin’s Ferry  church. 

On  December  5,  1883,  Mr.  Gray  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Clara  Bird,  a native  of  Eas- 
ton, Pennsylvania,  horn  June  20,  1861,  a 
daughter  of  Joseph  Bird,  who  was  an  English 
ironmaster  that  came  to  Belmont  County  in 
1879.  Mrs.  Gray  died  on  March  21,  1902, 
deeply  lamented  by  all  who  knew  her.  She 
was  devoted  to  the  church,  was  a member  of 
the  Woman’s  Club  at  Wheeling,  an  exceeding- 
ly popular  personage  in  social  circles  and  a 
blessing  to  her  home  and  family.  The  three 
children  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gray  were : 
Calvin  Bird,  taking  an  electrical  course  at 
the  American  Tin  Plate  company’s  Works; 
James  Paul ; and  William  Shakspeare, 
named  for  the  immortal  bard  on  account  of 
a relationship  existing  through  his  maternal 
grandparents.  Mr.  Gray  as  noted  above  has 
made  an  enviable  record  as  a lawyer  and  is 
equally  fortunate  in  possessing  the  confidence 
and  esteem  of  his  fellow  citizens  who  recog- 
nize in  him  an  honest,  upright  and  public- 
spirited  man. 


FRANK  M.  MELTON,  postmaster  of  Oli- 
vett,  ^Varren  township,  Belmont  County,  Ohio, 
is  also  a leading  merchant,  large  landholder 
and  prominent  and  representative  citizen  of  the 
county.  His  birth  occurred  August  21,  1838, 
in  Kirkwood  township,  Belmont  County,  one 
of  a family  of  ten  children  born  to  Moses  and 
Diana  Melton. 

The  father  of  Frank  kl.  Melton  was  born  in 
North  Carolina  and  the  mother  was  a native 
of  Delaware.  In  his  earlier  life  the  father  was 
a prosperous  farmer,  hut  later  became  a school 
teacher.  His  death  occurred  in  1874,  and  that 
of  his  wife  in  1863.  In  i860  with  his  son,  our 
subject,  he  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business, 
continuing  until  1872. 


Mr.  Melton,  of  this  sketch,  received  an  ex- 
cellent education  in  Kirkwood  township.  In 
i860,  as  noted  abo^•e,  he  entered  into  part- 
nership with  his  father,  in  Warren  township, 
in  the  mercantile  business,  at  the  present  loca- 
tion, the  firm  style  being  Melton  & Son,  until 
he  bought  his  father's  interest  in  1872.  After 
this  several  changes  took  place  in  the  firm  name 
as  klr.  Melton  associated  with  him  various  per- 
sons, the  name  becoming  Melton  & Gibson,  and 
when  Charles  Gibson  withdrew,  Melton  & Knox, 
then  Melton  & Murphy,  J.  J.  Murphy  becom- 
ing a partner.  This  name  continued  until  the 
firm  sold  the  entire  stock  to  J.  Knox,  who  con- 
tinued the  business  until  1884,  when  the  name 
was  changed  to  J.  J.  Murphy  & Co.,  and  still 
later,  Levi  Hutton  purchased  the  business,  and 
in  turn,  sold  it  to  F.  Jones,  who  moved  the  stock 
to  Henrysburg. 

In  1892  our  subject  rebuilt  his  store  and 
completely  restocked  it  with  a varied  and  well 
assorted  lot  of  goods  suited  to  the  demands  of 
his  trade,  which  long  experience  had  made  him 
acquainted  with.  He  carries  a general  line  of 
dry  goods,  notions,  groceries,  a complete  line 
of  hardware,  as  well  as  shoes,  hats  and  caps, 
all  fresh,  clean  and  of  excellent  quality.  In 
every  sense  of  the  word,  Mr.  Melton  is  a suc- 
cessful merchant,  catering  to  every  taste  and 
dealing  justly  with  every  customer.  ]\Ir.  Mel- 
ton also  owns  a large  amount  of  property  in 
Belmont  County,  one  farm  comprising  100 
acres  of  excellent  land  in  Warren  township, 
and  another  of  40  acres,  in  Kirkwood  town- 
ship. Whth  J.  J.  Murphy  he  is  also  interested 
in  25  acres  located  near  Olivett  and  is  also  the 
owner  of  some  improved  lots.  In  addition,  l\Ir. 
Melton  is  a large  stockholder  in  the  Barnes- 
\'ille  Glass  Company,  and  in  many  smaller  en- 
terprises. 

The  marriage  of  ]\Ir.  IMelton  was  to  Mary 
D.  Smith,  a daughter  of  John  N.  Smith,  whose 
father  was  one  of  Noble  County's  presiding 
judges  for  a number  of  years.  This  marriage 
occurred  on  September  30,  1866,  and  three 
children  were  horn  to  this  union,  namelv: 
Mhllard  S„  Clyde  W.,  and  Ada  M.  Clyde  W. 
is  associated  with  his  father  as  clerk.  Ada  M. 


6o6 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY 


married  A.  M.  Boyd,  late  a bookkeeper  in  St.  j 
Louis.  Missouri,  but  now  a clerk  in  our  sub- 
ject’s store. 

b'or  15  years  our  subject’s  father  was  post- 
master at  Henrysburg,  and  the  former  acted 
as  deputy  for  a number  of  years.  Since  its 
first  establishment,  Mr.  Melton  has  been  the 
postmaster  of  the  Olivett  office.  The  name  is  a 
much  respected  as  well  as  old  one,  in  Belmont 
County.  The  grandfather  of  our  subject  lo- 
cated here  in  1800  and  his  son  drove  the  first 
stakes  in  the  building  of  the  town  of  Freeport, 
in  Harrison  County.  Mr.  Melton  was  travel- 
ing salesman  for  20  years,  representing  the 
following  firms  at  different  times:  Frank 

Davis  & Co.,  of  Barnesville,  Ohio;  J.  M.  Lewis 
of  Barnesville,  Ohio,  and  L.  S.  Delaplain  of 
Wheeling,  West  Virginia.  Previous  to  being 
engaged  with  these  companies,  he  represented  a 
wholesale  tobacco  factory. 


DILLWYN  C.  BUNDY,  secretary  and 
treasurer  of  the  Belmont  Insurance  Associa- 
tion, of  Barnesville  , Ohio,  is  one  of  Bel- 
mont County’s  representative,  substantial  and 
])rominent  citizens.  He  bears  a name  which 
is  honored  through  the  county  for  its  estimable 
character  and  is  notable  as  belonging  to  the 
])ioneer  days. 

Dillwyn  C.  Bundy  was  born  in  Belmont 
County,  March  29,  1861,  a son  of  Hon.  Wil- 
liam and  Asenath  (Doudna)  Bundy,  the  for- 
mer of  whom  is  one  of  the  distinguished  citi- 
zens of  this  count}o  now  retired  from  the  activi- 
ties of  public  life.'  He  was  one  of  a family  of  12 
children  born  to  William  and  Sarah  (Overman) 
Bundy,  eleven  of  whom  still  survive.  The  father 
of  FTon.  William  Bundy  was  born  in  North 
Carolina,  in  17S0  and  in  1806  came  to  Belmont 
County,  Ohio,  settling  on  a farm  near  Barnes- 
ville. In  1815  he  located  his  permanent  home 
in  Warren  township,  on  section  4,  and  re- 
mained there  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in 
June.  1828.  His  wife  was  also  a North  Caro- 
linian by  birth.  Both  parents  of  Hon.  William 
Bundy  were  consistent  and  leading  members 


of  the  Society  of  Friends.  They  named  their 
children  as  follows : Mary,  Ezekiel,  Eli,  Char- 
ity, John,  Nathan,  Sarah,  William,  Dempsey, 
Chalkley,  and  Elizabeth,  ten  of  these  being 
deceased. 

Hon.  William  Bundy  was  born  in  Warren 
township,  Belmont  County,  in  1819,  and  grew 
to  manhood  accustomed  to  agricultural  pur- 
suits. His  education  was  acc|uired  in  the 
country  schools.  In  1843  he  married  Prudence 
Wood,  and  one  child,  Allen,  was  born  to  this 
union.  Mrs.  Bundy  died  about  18  months 
after  marriage.  Three  years  later,  Mr.  Bundy 
married  Asenath  Doudna,  daughter  of  Joel 
Doudna,  a native  of  North  Carolina.  Nine 
children  were  born  to  this  union,  as  follows ; 
Prudence,  deceased;  T.  Clarkson;  Joel  P.,  de- 
ceased; Almeda,  deceased;  Evaline,  deceased; 
Charles,  deceased;  Dillwyn.  Rebecca  H.,  and 
an  infant  which  ])assed  away  in  babyhood. 
Mrs.  Bundy  was  a most  estimable  and  dearly 
beloved  Christian  woman,  and  for  42  years 
was  her  husband's  companion,  her  death  oc- 
curring on  September  20,  1889.  Mr.  Bundy 
followed  a farming  life,  occupying  an  estate  of 
365  acres,  but,  tike  Cincinnatus  of  old,  he  was 
called  from  his  plow  to  assume  the  duties  of  a 
statesman,  his  fellow-citizens  electing  him  as 
a Representative  to  the  General  Assembly,  in 
1875.  Although  the  district  was  Democratic, 
and  Mr.  Bundy  was  a Republican  in  politics, 
the  personal  esteem  in  which  he  was  held  re- 
sulted in  his  election.  His  deep  interest  in  the 
growth  and  development  of  Belmont  County 
has  been  constant,  and  although  now  advanced 
in  years  and  out  of  the  rapid  tide,  he  notes  all 
local  improvements  with  pleasure  and  is  gen- 
erous in  his  assistance  of  worthy  enterprises. 

Dillwyn  C.  Bundy  was  reared  in  Warren 
township,  attended  the  common  schools  and 
there  laid  the  foundation  of  an  education  which 
he  later  completed  at  the  Friends’  Boarding 
School  at  Barnesville,  Ohio.  At  manhood  he 
located  on  his  present  fine  farm  of  108  acres 
and  is  acknowledged  to  be  one  of  the  leading 
agriculturists  of  the  county.  Upon  the  organ- 
ization of  the  Belmont  Insurance  Association 
of  Barnesville,  in  1897,  he  became  its  secretary 


t 


r # 


GEORGE  H.  MUTH, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


609 


and  treasurer.  This  company  represents  over 
$2,000,000  of  propei'ty,  and  is  conducted  ex- 
clusively as  an  association  for  the  iirsurance  of 
farm  property.  The  amount  of  insurance  now 
in  force  is  $1,150,000,  and  the  list  of  policy 
holders  in  Belmont  County  reaches  almost  900. 

The  marriage  of  Mr.  Bundy  was  to  Eliza- 
beth Steer,  daughter  of  James  and  Mary 
(Green)  Steer,  prominent  farming  people  of 
Belmont  County,  and  a family  of  five  children 
was  born  to  this  union,  namely:  Charles  E., 

Amie,  Walter  A.,  deceased;  Mary  E.,  and 
Margaret  A.  This  family  and  connections  rep- 
resent many  members  of  the  Society  of  Friends 
in  Belmont  County,  and  is  especially  known  for 
its  public  spirit  and  integrity  of  life  and  char- 
acter. Mr.  Bundy  is  active  in  his  adherence 
to  the  Republican  party,  and  is  widely  known 
and  universally  respected. 


GEORGE  H.  MUTH,  a retired  business 
man  of  Bellaire  and  a large  property  owner, 
has  made  his  money  almost  entirely  in  the 
mercantile  business  of  this  city.  For  many 
years  he  kept  a large  butcher  shop  in  the 
place,  and  afterward  established  the  flourish- 
ing grocery  store  which  his  son  is  so  ably 
conducting.  He  was  born  in  Wheeling,, 
West  Virginia,  in  1837,  and  is  the  son  of 
John  and  Katherine  C.  (Briel)  Muth. 

John  Muth  was  born  in  Hesse  Cassel,  Ger- 
many. In  1832,  after  his  marriage,  he  came 
to  this  country  and  settled  at  Fulton,  near 
Wheeling,  West  Virginia.  There  he  opened 
a butcher  shop,  which  he  conducted  with 
success  until  1848.  Then  moving  to  Bel- 
laire, he  opened  in  the  Second  Ward,  on  the 
river  bank,  a large  general  store,  one  of  the 
first  to  be  established  in  the  place.  It  sup- 
plied one  of  the  evident  needs  of  the  city 
and  was  a success  from  the  start.  From 
year  to  year  he  enlarged  his  stock  of  goods 
to  meet  the  increasing  demands  of  a grow- 
ing population,  and  he  continued  in  the  in- 
dustry until  1863,  when  he  retired.  He  died 
in  1866,  at  the  age  of  57.  He  was  married  in 


Germany  to  Katherine  C.  Briel,  who  was 
born  in  Frankfort,  Germany.  She  died  in 
1876,  at  the  age  of  66.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Muth  were  born  three  children:  George 

H.,  who  is  mentioned  below;  Katherine,  who 
married  a Mr.  Martin,  of  Muncie,  Indiana; 
and  Lizzie,  who  married  a Mr.  Thurber,  and 
died  some  years  ago  in  Bellaire. 

George  H.  Muth,  at  the  early  age  of  18, 
embarked  upon  his  business  career  as  a 
butcher  in  Bellaire.  Previous  experience 
with  his  father  had  initiated  him  in  the  work, 
and  he  was  enabled  in  a short  time  to  put 
the  industry  upon  a solid  foundation.  Mak- 
ing a good  start,  he  had  no  difficulty  in  keep- 
ing the  excellent  reputation  he  soon  won, 
and  for  35  years  he  perseveringly  continued 
in  this  line.  Then,  in  1884,  he  erected  at 
the  corner  of  33rd  and  Belmont  streets  a 
large  and  substantial  grocery  store.  Here 
he  put  in  an  extensive  stock  of  goods  and 
began  business.  Well  known  as  a reliable 
and  accommodating  merchant  in  the  place, 
he  at  once  secured  a large  patronage,  and, 
meeting  with  no  reverses,  he  continued  to 
run  his  store  until  1900,  when  he  was  suc- 
ceeded by  his  son  John.  The  firm  name 
now  is  “Muth  Grocery  Co.”  He  has  been 
very  successful  in  his  different  ventures  and 
he  now  owns,  besides  the  store,  a fine  resi- 
dence and  other  valuable  property. 

Mr.  Muth  married  a Miss  Ambler,  daugh- 
ter of  Isaac  Ambler,  of  Belmont  County, 
and  they  have  had  eight  children,  three  of 
whom  are  now  living:  Katie,  who  married 

Dr.  Maser,  of  Parsons,  Kansas:  Etta,  the 
wife  of  George  Hill,  of  Bellaire:  and  John, 
who  is  now  in  charge  of  the  grocery  store. 
The  other  five  died  young. 

Mr.  Muth  has  long  been  considered  one  of 
the  solid  business  men  of  the  place.  As  a 
man  keenly  interested  in  the  welfare  of  the 
city,  he  has  belonged  to  the  volunteer  fire 
department  for  28  years,  and  has  served  as 
chief  for  13  years.  In  politics  he  affiliates 
with  the  Democrats:  in  religious  sentiment 
he  is  a Lutheran.  His  wife  belongs  to  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 


6io 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY. 


JAMES  P.  GROWL.  There  is  probably 
not  a more  relial)le  employee  in  tbe  Mann  foun- 
dry, or  one  wbo  has  been  in  that  establish- 
ment longer  than  the  foreman,  Mr.  Growl,  who 
resides  at  No.  302  Third  street,  Martin’s 
Ferry.  For  nearly  fifty  years  he  has  been 
engaged  in  this  manufactory,  and  his  fidelity 
to  his  work  has  won  for  him  the  unbounded 
confidence  of  not  only  tbe  proprietor  but  also 
of  tbe  workmen.  Born  in  Ghester  Gounty, 
Pennsylvania,  October  17,  1834,  he  is  a son 
of  Finley  and  Elizabeth  J.  (Greer)  Growl. 

Finley  Growl  was  a man  of  great  integrity 
and  of  much  intellectual  and  physical  strength. 
L^]:)On  reaching  manhood  he  settled  upon  a farm 
in  Pennsylvania,  where  he  followed  agricul- 
ture for  the  rest  of  his  life.  Not  content  with 
ordinary  methods,  he  brought  both  science  and 
skill  to  bear  upon  his  work,  and  won  for  him- 
self an  excellent  reputation  among  agricultur- 
ists. He  made  a specialty  of  grain,  and  was 
thought  to  raise  the  best  of  any  one  in  the 
county.  Having  passed  a long  and  useful  life, 
he  died  at  the  advanced  age  of  86.  During 
his  young  manhood  he  married  Elizabeth  J. 
Greer,  a noble,  refined  woman,  who  proved  a 
W'Onderful  help  and  encouragement  to  him  in 
all  his  undertakings  in  life.  She  died  in  1849 
at  the  age  of  45  years,  ii  months  and  17  days. 
To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Growl  were  born  nine  chil- 
dren,— Alexander,  a welLknown  farmer  of 
Ghester  Gounty,  Pennsylvania:  Alargaret  E., 
who  married  E.  Bye  and  resides  on  a farm  in 
Ghester  Gounty:  James  P.,  who  is  mentioned 
l)elow:  John,  who  died  some  time  ago  in  Far- 
go, North  Dakota:  Amos,  who  is  engaged  in 
Inisiness  in  Dickinson,  North  Dakota:  Eliza- 
l)eth,  who  married  Ralph  Greer  and  resides  in 
Ghester  Gounty,  where  he  is  engaged  in  the  pot- 
tery Inisiness:  Anna  S.,  the  wife  of  Town- 
send Pue,  a farmer  of  Ghester  Gonnt3^  Pennsyl- 
vania : Mary  J.,  who  died  at  the  age  of  five 
years : and  William,  who  keeps  a hotel  in  Wil- 
mington, Delaware.  Mr.  Growl  was  an  in- 
fluential member  of  the  Presbyterian  Ghurch. 

James  P.  Growl  was  reared  in  Pennsyl- 
vania, and  in  the  common  schools  of  his  State 
procured  his  education.  He  was  early  trained 


to  farm  work,  and  as  a youth  worked  at  this 
occupation  until  he  was  18  years  old.  H« 
then,  in  1852,  came  to  Martin’s  Ferry  and 
secured  a position  in  the  foundry,  in  which  he 
has  since  been  engaged.  At  first  he  worked 
at  molding,  and,  exercising  both  care  and  skill 
in  his  work,  was  soon  promoted  to  a higher 
position.  Since  then  he  has  been  regularly 
advanced  whenever  opportunity  occurred  until 
eight  years  ago,  he  was  made  foreman.  This 
position  he  has  occupied  ever  since,  exhibiting 
tact  in  the  management  of  the  men  and  an 
admirable  comprehension  of  the  work.  He  has 
under  him  about  25  men,  tbe  entire  force  in 
the  foundry,  and  the  work  which  he  overlooks 
includes  the  making  of  all  kinds  of  iron  goods. 

November  3,  1861,  Mr.  Growl  married 
Anna  Lawrence,  who  was  born  in  Harrison 
Gounty,  Ohio.  By  this  marriage  there  have 
been  five  children, — Herbert  Lawrence,  who 
was  born  November  15,  1862,  died  April  10, 
1878:  William  W.,  a glass  decorator:  Frank, 
born  November  3,  1866,  died  November  23, 
1882:  Nellie,  born  May  15,  1868,  died  Decem- 
ber 26,  1868:  and  Alma  Edna,  who  married 
John  M.  Turner  and  has  one  child.  Will  Law- 
rence. 

Mr.  Growl  is  both  popular  and  influential  in 
his  city.  In  politics  he  has  always  taken  a 
large  interest,  and  is  an  unwavering  Repub- 
lican. Both  he  and  his  family  are  members  of 
the  Lhiited  Presbyterian  Ghurch  and  he  is 
serving  as  deacon.  In  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  of  which 
he  is  a member  he  occupies  a high  position, 
having  passed  all  the  chairs  of  that  order. 

John  Lawrence,  father  of  Mrs.  Growl,  was 
born  in  Penns\dvania,  in  August,  1795.  Hav- 
ing procured  a thorough  education,  and  being 
a man  of  scholarly  tastes,  in  the  early  period 
of  his  mature  life  he  engaged  in  teaching  and 
won  for  himself  considerable  distinction  in  the 
profession.  Later  he  learned  the  carpenter’s 
trade,  which  he  followed  for  some  years,  and 
finally  he  settled  on  a farm  and  engaged  in  agri- 
culture. He  lived  to  the  advanced  age  of  80, 
dying  in  April,  1876.  During  his  early  man- 
hood he  married  Elizabeth  Kerr,  who  was 
born  in  Pennsylvania,  and  they  had  seven  chil- 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


6ii 


dren, — Susan,  who  married  Alexander  G.  Hol- 
liday, died  in  her  63rd  year  in  Nebraska, 
where  her  husband  also  died.  Margaret  mar- 
ried C.  H.  Turner,  who  served  in  the  Civil  War 
for  three  years.  Both  she  and  her  husband 
died  in  Illinois,  she  at  the  age  of  68.  William 
resides  in  Ottawa,  Franklin  County,  Kansas. 
James  and  Lavina  died  young.  Anna  is  men- 
tioned above.  Elizabeth  is  now  the  widow 
of  William  H.  Bendle,  who  served  for  three 
years  in  the  Civil  War.  Mr.  Lawrence  and  all 
his  family  joined  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church,  of  which  he  was  an  elder  and  liberal 
supporter. 


ELLIS  B. STEELE,  a veteran  of  the  Civil 
War,  is  a prosperous  farmer  residing  on  the 
old  Steele  homestead  in  Pease  township, 
Belmont  County,  Ohio.  He  was  born  on 
this  farm  in  1828,  as  was  his  father,  Joshua, 
who  was  born  in  1804. 

Benajah  Steele,  grandfather  of  our  sub- 
ject, was  born  in  Jones  County,  North  Caro- 
lina, and  came  of  Quaker  ancestry.  His 
father  was  Peter  Steele,  who  never  left  North 
Carolina.  Benajah  Steele  assisted  in  the 
early  survey  of  Ohio  in  1799,  and  moved 
here  in  1800,  locating  in  section  i,  town- 
ship 7,  range  3.  He  died  in  1854,  at  the  age 
of  94  years,  seven  months  and  26  days.  He 
was  one  of  the  “Minute  Men”  of  the  Revo- 
lutionary War,  and  was  a stanch  Whig. 
He  married  a daughter  of  Joshua  Bundy, 
and  she  died  November  18,  1834.  To  them 
were  born  the  following  children:  Peter, 

Mary,  Elijah,  Ruth,  Joshua,  and  Ellis,  all 
of  whom  are  now  deceased. 

Joshua  Steele  resided  on  the  farm  where 
he  was  born  and  followed  farming  through- 
out life.  He  was  a stanch  Whig  and  active 
on  the  line  of  the  “Underground  Railroad.” 
He  married  Abigail  Parker,  who  was  born 
in  Northampton  County,  North  Carolina,  in 
1803,  and  died  in  1855.  Seven  children 
were  born  to  them,  as  follows:  Ellis  B.: 

Mary,  who  died  in  infancy:  Sarah,  who  re- 
sides with  our  subject ; Wesley,  who  died 


xLpril  19,  1900;  Joseph,  who  died  in  1858; 
Jacob,  who  resides  with  our  subject;  and 
Addison,  who  resides  near  by.  Addison 
Steele  married  a daughter  of  Robert  Goff 
and  has  two  children,  xLddison  Winfield  and 
Leah.  Wesley  Steele  served  in  the  Civil 
War  in  Company  G,  170th  Ohio  Vol.  Inf., — 
the  same  company  and  regiment  of  which 
the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  a member. 
He  married  Caroline  Cunningham,  daughter 
of  George  Cunningham,  in  the  fall  of  1865, 
and  lived  near  the  old  home.  At  his  death 
he  left  his  widow  and  one  daughter,  who 
maided  Harry  Brown,  son  of  Albert  Brown, 
of  Upland,  C)hio. 

The  Steeles  were  very  active  in  operating 
the  “Underground  Railroad,”  and  Ellis  B. 
Steele  probably  ran  the  last  train  through 
his  section  of  Belmont  County,  the  route 
being  in  the  southeastern  part,  from  th'e 
river  to  Trenton  or  Emerson,  in  Jefferson 
County. 

Ellis  B.  Steele  has  always  followed  black- 
smithing  and  farming,  having  learned  his 
trade  with  John  Theaker,  on  Short  Creek. 
He  built  his  first  shop  on  the  farm  in  1852, 
and  erected  the  present  one  in  1890,  al- 
though he  has  engaged  but  little  at  his  trade 
during  the  past  15  years.  The  present  home 
was  built  in  1828,  the  year  of  his  birth. 
There  are  1 59  acres  to  the  home  place,  and 
this  is  devoted  to  general  farming  and  stock 
raising.  He  erected  at  Steele’s  Grove  a 
hall  for  amusements  and  picnics.  He  has 
been  active  in  Sabbath-school  work,  but  at- 
tends church  at  different  places,  still  favor- 
ing the  Society  of  Eriends.  He  served  as 
trustee  of  Pease  township  two  or  three 
terms,  and  also  as  land  appraiser.  In  poli- 
tics he  is  a stanch  Republican.  During  the 
Civil  War  he  served  as  corporal  in  Company 
G,  170th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  19th  Army 
Corps,  in  the  lOO-day  service  in  1864.  He 
was  not  wounded,  but  suffered  very  severely 
from  malarial  fever  that  he  contracted. 

Fraternally.  IMr.  Steele  has  been  a mem- 
ber of  the  Odd  Fellows  for  52  years,  being 
the  oldest  continuous  member  of  the  Mount 


6i2 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Pleasant  Lodge,  No.  63,  which  he  joined  in 
Angnst,  1851.  Pie  joined  the  Masons  in 
1865,  Mount  Pleasant  Lodge,  but  is  now  a 
member  of  the  Martin’s  P'erry  lodge.  For 
24  years  he  has  belonged  to  the  Patrons  of 
llnshandry  of  Morning  View.  Pie  is  a mem- 
ber of  J.  T.  Updegraff  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  of 
IMonnt  Pleasant.  Plr.  Steele  has  never  been 
married. 


IlON.  JOHN  W.  LAUGHLIN,  one  of  the 
most  in'fluential  citizens  and  enterprising  and 
successful  farmers  of  Belmont  County,  Ohio, 
is  now  living  a retired  life  at  his  beautiful  coun- 
try home,  about  one  and  a half  miles  west  of 
Barnesville.  Air.  Laughlin  is  an  Ohioan  by 
birth,  being  a native  of  Washington,  Guernsey 
County,  and  his  l)irth  dates  hack  to  Alarch  15- 
1837.  He  is  a son  of  Thomas  W.  and  Jane 
h'.  (Rol)e)  Laughlin,  whose  family  consisted 
of  live  children. 

Our  subject  was  reared  on  a farm  and  re- 
ceived his  early  education  in  the  common 
schools.  Pie  suhsecpiently  attended  Miller 
Academy  in  his  native  county;  at  that  time, 
this  institution  enjoyed  quite  a reputation  for 
thoroughness.  In  1858,  Air.  Laughlin  entered 
Jefferson  College  at  Cannonsburg,  Penn- 
sylvania, where  he  completed  an  extensive 
course,  graduating  from  that  institution  in 
1 86 1 . 

The  following  year  he  took  up  the  cause  of 
the  stars  and  strij^es,  and  it  was  his  pleasure 
to  defend  that  emblem  of  union  and  strength 
for  several  years  thereafter.  January  20th  of 
that  year  he  enlisted  as  a private  in  Company 
B,  1st  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Cavalry.  He  rose  rap- 
idly from  the  ranks  and  became  successively 
second  lieutenant,  first  lieutenant  and  then 
adjutant.  P'or  a brief  period  he  served  as  cap- 
tain of  Company  K,  and  commanded  two  com- 
panies while  acting  as  General  Howard’s  es- 
cort. His  military  record  was  most  praise- 
worthy ; he  served  three  years  and  nine  months, 
and  was  honorably  discharged  from  the  serv- 
ice September  13,  1865,  Hilton  Head,  S.  C. 

Returning  from  the  war  covered  with  hon- 


ors, his  marriage  with  Alaggie  J.  Cowden  was 
chronicled  in  November  of  the  same  year.  Mrs. 
Ixiughlin  is  a daughter  of  David  and  Alargery 
Cnvvden  and  is  one  of  a family  of  four  chil- 
dren. She  was  born  at  the  old  Cowden  home, 
near  Quaker  City,  Ohio.  Pier  parents  were 
both  natives  of  Ireland,  and  but  one  of  their 
children  survive,  our  subject’s  wife’s  brother, 
W.  N.  Cowden.  The  latter  was  at  one  time 
president  of  the  Ohio  State  Board  of  Agricul- 
ture, and  also  served  as  secretary  of  the  Ohio 
Wool  Growers’  Association.  Airs.  Laughlin 
died  December  ii,  1893. 

Ten  children  were  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Laughlin ; namely,  Emma  E.,  Thomas  C.,  Da- 
vid A.  and  Albert  W.  (twins),  Anna,  James 
N.,  John  C.,  Palmer  H.,  Lelia  J.,  and  Lester  M. 
Of  these,  Anna  and  James  N.  are  deceased. 
The  eldest  son,  Thomas  C.,  Ph.  D.,  after  pur- 
suing theological  studies,  became  a minister  of 
the  Gospel.  He  is  a graduate  of  Princeton 
University  and  Princeton  Theological  Semi- 
nary and  in  addition  studied  at  Harvard  Uni- 
versity and  two  years  in  Berlin  and  Paris.  He 
has  recently  been  appointed  professor  in  the 
Pacific  Seminary  at  Berkeley,  California.  Pal- 
mer H.,  another  son,  is  secretarv  of  the  Watt 
Alining  Car  Wheel  Company.  Owing  to  his 
excellent  business  ability,  in  the  spring  of 
1902,  he  was  promoted  and  at  that  time  became 
secretary  of  this  large  manufacturing  estab- 
lishment. 

While  yet  a resident  of  Guernsey  County, 
Mr,  Laughlin  first  became  connected  with  the 
political  history  of  that  county.’  He  was  nomi- 
nated three  times  for  Representative  and  sub- 
sequently had  bestowed  upon  him  the  highest 
honor  of  his  county.  In  the  fall  of  1873,  he 
was  elected  State  Senator  on  the  Democratic 
ticket,  and  served  his  term  to  the  entire  satis- 
faction of  his  constituents.  He  has  also  served 
as  trustee  of  the  Children’s  Home,  being  ap- 
pointed by  the  county  commissioners.  Plis 
ambition  gratified,  he  voluntarily  withdrew 
from  the  political  field,  and  since  that  time  his 
interests  have  been  identified  with  an  agricul- 
tural community.  Pie  owns  a beautiful  and 
well-improved  farm,  a short  distance  from 


/ 


1- 


CALVIN  POLLOCK. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


6iS 


Barnesville,  and  of  late  years  has  not  sought 
publicity  of  any  kind.  Although  his  residence 
is  of  modern  make,  his  home  life  is  simple  and 
unostentatious.  He  carries  on  general  farming 
and  is  quite  an  extensive  stock  raiser. 

The  career  of  John  W.  Laughlin  is  a notable 
one ; he  has  earned  every  honor  bestowed  upon 
him,  by  unremitting  toil  and  painstaking  el¥ort. 
He  ascribes  most  of  the  credit  of  his  success 
to  his  sound  fundamental  schooling,  and  is  con- 
tent to  spend  his  closing  years  in  comfort  upon 
his  farm,  surrounded  by  his  family  and  a mul- 
titude of  friends  and  neighbors,  who  delight 
to  do  him  honor.  He  is  a valued  member  of 
Robert  Hides  Post,  No.  220,  G.  A.  R.,  of 
Barnesville,  of  which  he  is  a past  commander. 
He  holds  a membership  in  the  First  Presb)^- 
terian  Church,  of  which  he  has  been  an  elder 
for  several  years. 


CALVIN  POLLOCK,  one  of  the  promi- 
nent and  highly  esteemed  citizens  of  Bel- 
mont County,  Ohio,  residing  in  section  6, 
in  Union  township,  near  Lafferty,  was  born 
on  the  farm  which  he  now  owns  and  oper- 
ates, on  January  21,  1838. 

The  parents  of  Mr.  Pollock  were  John  and 
Nancy  (Hays)  Pollock,  both  of  whom  were 
born  in  Washington  County,  Pennsylvania, 
where  they  were  married  on  May  20,  1817, 
and  soon  after  started  to  found  a home  in 
the  far  West,  which  was  then  considered  to 
include  the  State  of  Ohio.  They  lived  for  a 
few  years  in  Harrison  County,  Ohio,  and  in 
1820  came  to  Belmont  County,  where  Mr. 
Pollock  bought  the  present  family  estate 
from  its  owner,  John  Marcus.  As  one 
of  the  pioneers  of  the  county  he  was 
well  known,  and  for  more  than  40 
years  was  called  upon  to  fill  various 
responsible  public  offices.  His  political 
principles  made  him  a Whig  in  early 
life,  later  a Republican,  and  he  was  one  of 
the  most  interested  promoters  of  the  “Under- 
ground Railroad,”  his  abolition  views  being 
well  known  in  his  locality.  Hoth  he  and  his 
wife  were  leading  members  of  the  United 


Presbyterian  Church,  in  which  he  was  an 
elder  for  many  years.  Mr.  Pollock  was  a 
man  of  unusual  intellect,  and  during  the; 
latter  days  of  his  life,  when  the  dark  cloud 
of  the  Civil  War  was  hovering  over  the 
country,  he  supported  the  Union  to  the  best 
of  his  ability,  and  kept  well  informed  on  all 
current  matters  of  that  momentous  period. 
He  did  not  live  to  see  the  opening  of  hos- 
tilities, but  he  predicted  them  and  hoped 
for  a vigorous  policy  on  the  part  of  the 
North.  His  death  took  place  February  26, 
1861,  his  birth  having  been  on  March  6, 
1795.  His  widow  was  born  on  March  25, 
1798,  and  she  survived  until  October  7, 
1879,  her  long  life  of  82  years  having  been 
given  to  good  actions  and  kind  deeds. 

Calvin  Pollock,  of  this  sketch,  was  the 
1 2th  member  of  his  parents’  family  of  14 
children,  the  others  being:  Samuel,  who 

was  born  January  ii,  1818,  was  a farmer 
in  Belmont  County,  where  he  died  at  the 
age  of  64  years;  William  H.,  who  was  born 
October  7,  1819,  died  at  about  the  age  of 
65  years;  James  and  Alexander  both  died 
in  infancy;  Robert  J.,  who  was  born  Decem- 
ber 24,  1824,  is  a resident  of  Wheeling  town- 
ship; Hannah  Jane,  who  was  born  November 
21,  1826,  married  Dr.  J.  H.  Crumbacker, 
and  resides  at  Antrim,  Ohio;  Eleanor,  who 
was  born  October  19,  1828.  married  James 
Lynn,  of  Washington  County,  Pennsylvania; 
John,  who  was  born  October  8,  1830,  died 
at  the  age  of  33  years,  from  a wound  re- 
ceived at  the  battle  of  Chickamauga;  James, 
who  was  born  August  8,  1832,  died  at  the 
age  of  18  years;  Margaret,  who  was  born 
April  8,  1834,  married  Alexander  Cook,  and 
resides  in  Cambridge,  Ohio;  klary  H.,  who 
was  born  May  5,  1836,  married  John  Mc- 
Connell, and  resides  in  Washington  County, 
Pennsylvania;  Sarah  R..  who  is  deceased, 
was  born  November  8,  1840,  and  married 
klahlon  Nichol:  and  Agnes,  deceased,  who 
was  born  March  8,  1842,  and  married  Rev. 
J.  A.  Scroggs,  of  Washington  County.  Penn- 
sylvania. 

Calvin  Pollock  was  educated  in  the  public 


6i6 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


schools  in  his  locality,  and  assisted  his  father 
on  the  farm  until  1863,  when  he  took  indi- 
vidual charge  of  the  same,  when  his  brother 
John  entered  the  army.  Mr.  Pollock  has 
spent  his  life  developing  and  improving  the 
property,  it  becoming  his  by  purchase  from 
the  other  heirs.  The  farm  contains  160  acres 
and  Mr.  Pollock  only  cultivates  for  home 
consumption,  raising  grain,  corn  and  hay. 
For  the  past  16  years  he  has  been  engaged 
quite  extensively  in  the  dairy  business,  and 
ships  the  milk  product  of  25  cows  to  Wheel- 
ing, West  Virginia.  The  whole  extent  of 
the  property  is  underlaid  with  coal,  render- 
ing it  one  of  the  most  valuable  tracts  of  land 
in  Union  township. 

On  December  8,  1869,  Mr.  Pollock  was 
married  to  Aggie  J.  Henry,  a native  of  this 
county,  a daughter  of  John  and  Ellen  (Clark) 
Henry,  the  former  of  whom  is  a merchant 
in  Fairview,  Ohio.  Mrs.  Pollock  is  one  of 
a family  of  four  children,  viz.:  Alexander 

C.,  a resident  of  Allegheny:  Mrs.  Pollock; 
Mary  D.,  deceased;  and  Maggie,  deceased. 
Both  Mr.  and  Mrs  Pollock  are  members  of 
the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  in  which 
the  former  has  been  an  elder  for  many  years, 
and  both  have  been  teachers  in  the  Sunday- 
school  for  over  30  years.  Mr.  Pollock  has 
never  been  deeply  interested  in  political  prob- 
lems, but  as  a strict  temperance  man  acts 
with  the  Prohibition  party.  He  is  as  highly 
esteemed  as  any  resident  of  Union  township, 
in  every  relation  of  life,  and  the  solid  air  of 
comfort  which  prevails  about  his  home 
makes  it  a notable  one.  Here  both  he  and 
his  estimable  wife  delight  to  offer  a generous 
hospitality  to  their  many  friends. 


STEWART  & WARD,  wholesale  grocers 
and  millers,  located  at  the  corner  of  28th  and 
Water  streets,  is  an  old  and  reliable  business 
firm  of  Bellaire,  Belmont  County,  Ohio, 
which  was  established  in  1879,  23  years  ago. 
Until  1892  the  business  was  milling,  but  in 
that  year  the  firm  embarked  in  the  whole- 


sale grocery  line,  and  is  the  only  jobbing 
house  in  Bellaire. 

The  mill  was  purchased  from  the  firm  of 
Bent  & Dunlop,  and  has  been  remodeled 
and  equipped  with  modern  machinery  until 
it  is  first-class  and  thoroughly  up-to-date. 
The  main  brands  of  flour  manufactured  are 
the  “Beauty,”  the  “Daisy  Roller”  and  the 
“Anchor.”  This  house  distributes  several 
brands  of  Northwestern  spring  wheat  flour 
to  its  trade.  The  business  requires  15  em- 
ployees, including  traveling  men,  who  cover 
the  regular  Wheeling  jobbing  district.  The 
mill  is  operated  by  steam  power  and  railroad 
facilities  are  of  the  best.  As  the  firm  con- 
trols the  jobbing  trade  in  the  county,  it  oc- 
cupies a leading  and  independent  position. 
Its  managers  are  men  of  ability  and  relia- 
bility and  enjoy  the  confidence  of  the  public 
to  the  fullest  extent. 

A.  T.  Stewart  was  born  and  reared  in 
Jefferson  County,  Ohio,  but  has  resided  at 
Bellaire  ever  since  the  organization  of  the 
present  business.  Prior  to  that  he  had  en- 
gaged in  a mercantile  line,  and  conducted  a 
general  store  at  Toronto,  Ohio,  several 
years.  In  young  manhood  he  went  to  Vicks- 
burg, and  spent  two  years  there  in  a job- 
bing business  just  before  locating  in  Bel- 
laire. His  residence  is  on  Belmont  street. 
His  family  consists  of  three  children,  as  fol- 
lows: A.  Mack,  who  is  storekeeper  for  the 

National  Steel  Company  at  Bellaire;  and 
Roberta  L.  and  William,  who  are  at  home. 
Mrs.  Stewart  is  deceased.  Mr.  Stewart  has 
at  various  times  been  interested  in  business 
enterprises  in  the  city  and  has  been  a mem- 
ber of  the  Board  of  Education.  His  re- 
ligious connection  is  with  the  Presbyterian 
Church. 

D.  A.  Ward  has  been  a resident  of  Bel- 
laire since  1879,  when  he  formed  his  part- 
nership with  Mr.  Stewart.  He  was  born  in 
1850,  near  Steubenville,  Ohio,  and  in  1876 
went  to  Toronto,  Ohio,  and  there  engaged 
in  a milling  business.  He  was  reared  on  a 
farm  and  was  given  a good  common  school 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


617 


education,  which  fitted  him  for  a business 
career  in  which  he  has  been  so  successful. 
He  married  Ella  M.  Stewart,  a sister  of  his 
partner,  and  his  three  children  are:  Frankie, 
bookkeeper  for  the  firm;  Amy  and  Donald. 
Mr.  Ward  built  a handsome  home  in  the 
Fourth  Ward,  and  he  is  a trustee  of  the 
First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bellaire.  In 
politics  he  is  a Republican,  and,  like  his  part- 
ner, is  held  in  esteem  for  his  upright  busi- 
ness methods  as  well  as  his  estimable  per- 
sonal characteristics. 


GEORGE  COOKE,  attorney-at-law,  and 
ex-city  solicitor  of  Martin’s  Ferry,  Belmont 
County,  Ohio,  is  a son  of  James  and  Jane  (Mc- 
Cracken) Cooke,  natives  of  Harrison  County, 
Ohio,  and  residents  of  .New  Athens,  of  the 
same  county. 

James  Cooke  has  followed  the  occupation  of 
a farmer  all  his  life  and  is  today  numbered 
among  the  county's  well-to-do,  substantial  cit- 
izens, who  is  known  throughout  the  surround- 
ing county.  He  has  been  township  trustee 
for  some  twelve  of  fourteen  years,  has  always 
been  alert  in  politics,  and  is  a Democrat.  He 
and  his  family  prefer  the  doctrines  of  the  Unit- 
ed Presbyterian  Church,  of  which  he  is  a prom- 
inent member  and  trustee  also. 

Our  subject  is  the  third  in  a family  of  five 
children:  W.  M.,  who  is  a carpenter  and 

contractor  at  New  Athens,  Ohio;  Agnes  M., 
who  is  now  Mrs.  J.  B.  Patton,  of  New  Athens; 
George,  our  subject;  Margaret  F.,  still  living 
in  the  home  circle ; Rev.  Robert  Parks,  a grad- 
uate of  Franklin  College,  Ohio. 

George  Cooke  was  educated  in  the  common 
schools,  afterward  taking  a course  in  Franklin 
College,  and  completing  it  through  the  junior 
year.  He  read  law  with  George  Duncan  after 
this  and  was  finally  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1894, 
and  began  practice  in  his  own  name.  He  has 
practiced  in  all  the  courts  of  the  State  and  in 
the  Supreme  Court  and  is  considered  one  of  the 
rising  young  attorneys  of  the  county.  In  1899 
he  was  elected  city  solicitor  of  Martin’s  Ferry 
with  a majority  of  three  to  one  in  a locality 


pronounced  Republican,  and  in  the  second 
election  in  1900  he  carried  all  the  wards  of  the 
city,  with  the  exception  of  one.  He  has  served 
in  the  office  for  three  years,  showing  his  fine  of- 
ficial capacity.  He  has  been  deputy  supervisor 
of  elections  in  Belmont  County  for  four  years, 
and  has  also  been  a member  of  the  Republican 
County  Executive  Committee,  taking  a lively 
interest  in  politics. 

April  30, 1902,  Mr.  Cooke  was  united  in  mar- 
riage with  Lena  F.  McKay,  a native  of  Dela- 
ware, Ohio,  and  a daughter  of  John  McKay, 
now  deceased.  They  are  members  of  the  Unit- 
ed Presbyterian  Church,  and  Mr.  Cooke  has 
been  secretary  of  the  congregation  for  years. 
In  fraternal  circles  our  subject  is  a member 
of  the  K.  of  P.  and  has  passed  through  most 
of  the  chairs ; a member  of  the  Bellaire  Lodge 
of  Elks ; and  also  of  the  A.  O.  U.  W.  fraterni- 
ty. Mr.  Cooke  is  one  of  the  stirring  speakers 
on  the  Democratic  side  in  county  and  national 
campaigns ; he  is  a faithful  student,  well  read, 
and  stands  deservedly  high  in  the  estimation  of 
all. 


HON.  JOHN  W.  KENNON.  One  of  the 
well-known  and  honored  names  in  Belmont 
County,  Ohio,  is  that  of  Kennon,  representing 
large  landed  interests  as  well  as  social  and  po- 
litical prominence.  A most  worthy  and  es- 
teemed member  of  this  family  is  found  in  Hon. 
John  W.  Kennon,  who  resides  upon  a fine  es- 
tate within  one  mile  of  the  city  of  Barnesville. 

The  birth  of  Mr.  Kennon  occurred  in  Ire- 
land, in  1812,,  a year  of  historic  interest  in  the 
annals  of  America,  and  was  one  of  a family  of 
seven  children  born  to  Newall  and  Jane  (Wil- 
son) Kennon,  the  latter  of  whom  died  in  her 
native  Ireland,  in  1819.  In  1821,  the  father 
of  our  subject,  with  his  seven  motherless  chil- 
dren, left  his  excellent  farm  in  Ireland,  Avhere 
he  had  prospered  as  long  as  he  had  been 
cheered  and  supported  by  the  presence  of  his 
devoted  wife;  emigrating  to  America,  he  made 
his  first  permanent  settlement  in  Warren  town- 
ship. Belmont  County,  Ohio,  where  he  pur- 
chased 1,000  acres  of  land,  paying  for  this 


6i8 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


large  tract  the  sum  of  $10,000.  In  those  early 
days  the  land  was  yet  covered  with  its  virgin 
growth  of  tiinher.  In  order  to  have  the  land 
quickly  cleared  and  put  under  cultivation,  Mr. 
Kennon  hired  various  parties  to  undertake  this 
business,  leasing  to  each  for  seven  years,  free 
of  charge,  the  contract  being  that  they  were 
to  clear  21  acres.  A man  of  excellent  business 
faculty,  he  lived  to  see  many  changes  wrought 
by  his  plans.  He  died  in  1863,  at  the  advanced 
age  of  91  years. 

John  W.  Kennon  grew'  to  the  age  of  eight 
years  in  his  native  county,  Down,  Ireland,  at 
that  age  accompanying  his  father  to  America. 
His  education  was  obtained  in  an  old  log  school 
house  near  his  home,  in  company  with  the 
children  of  other  pioneer  families,  and  he  was 
reared  to  agricultural  pursuits,  for  which  he 
has  never  lost  a taste.  At  the  beginning  of 
the  Grange  movement,  he  became  interested 
and  during  bis  later  legislative  career  fur- 
thered in  every  way  in  his  power  those  laws 
tending  to  be  of  advantage  to  the  farming  com- 
munity. Successfully  operating  a large  estate, 
he  also  became  a leader  in  public  matters  and 
on  more  than  one  occasion,  on  account  of  the 
reliability  of  his  character,  was  selected  to  serve 
as  a United  States  juror,  at  Cincinnati.  Dur- 
ing the  winters  of  1868  and  1869,  he  served 
as  a Representative  in  the  StateLegislature,  and 
he  was  appointed  one  of  the  committee  to  select 
the  site  of  the  State  Reform  School  for  Girls, 
the  same  being  now  a credit  to  White  Sulphur 
Springs,  Delaware  County,  Ohio. 

On  November  7,  1851,  Mr.  Kennon  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Eliza  DuBois,  and  ten 
children  were  born  to  this  union,  as  follows : 
Jane  W.,  Josephine,  Mary  E.,  J.  Newall,  Ag- 
nes. Thomas  J.,  William  H.,  Anna  E.,  Robert 
R.,  and  George  W..  the  two  last  named  being 
deceased.  Mary  E.  married  Daniel  Crawford, 
wbo  died  in  Eebruary,  1884.  Josephine  mar- 
ried E.  T.  Parker,  who  died  in  February,  1896. 
Agnes  married  John  C.  Buchanan.  Anna  E. 
married  Frank  J.  Beaston,  a manufacturer  of 
Philadelphia.  Thomas  J.  married  Clara  M. 
Beaston  of  Philadelphia  where  they  reside. 
William  H.  married  Zetta  Eccleston,  and  they 


reside  in  Cleveland.  J.  Newall  resides  with  his 
aged  parents.  In  1875,  Mr.  Kennon  erected  a 
handsome  residence  on  his  estate  just  one  mile 
north  of  Barnesville.  A discovery  of  oil  was 
made  on  his  farm,  resulting  in  a productive 
well  and  the  drilling  of  a second,  this  also 
promising  to  be  satisfactory.  Mr.  Kennon  and 
family  belong  to  the  Presbyterian  Church.  He 
is  most  highly  regarded  in  this  vicinity  as  not 
only  one  of  the  most  substantial  but  also  as  one 
of  the  most  upright  and  public-spirited  citizens 
of  Belmont  County. 


BENJAMIN  F.  MUMMA,  one  of  Warren 
township’s  progressive  farmers,  belonging  to 
one  of  the  old  and  honored  families  of  the 
State,  was  born  in  Kirkwood  township,  Bel- 
mont County,  September  9,  1849,  ^ 

family  of  seven  children  born  to  Daniel  and 
Elizabeth  (Sheppard)  Mumma,  five  of  whom 
still  survive. 

Daniel  Mumma  was  also  a native  of  Kirk- 
wood township,  born  there  in  1817,  one  of  a 
family  of  four  children  who  were  born  on  his 
father's  farm.  Through  a long  life  filled  with 
meritorious  deeds,  he  passed  out  of  it  in  Sep- 
tember, 1899. 

Benjamin  F.  Mumma  attended  the  schools 
of  Kirkwood  township,  and  remained  there 
until  1876,  when  he  removed  to  Warren 
township  where  he  purchased  his  present  fine 
farm.  This  comprises  100  acres  in  section  12, 
in  Warren  township,  which  is  now  under  the 
management  o-f  Joseph  W.  Murphy,  our  sub- 
ject's very  capable  son-in-law,  who  was  born 
November  15,  1868,  in  Kirkwood  township, 
one  of  a family  of  ten  children  born  to  his  par- 
ents,- Lafayette  and  Tacy  J.  (Sudduth)  Mur- 
phy. 

Benjamin  F.  Mumma  was  married  January 
I,  1874,  to  Armintha  Taylor,  a daughter  of 
Rev.  Abijah  Taylor,  of  Kirkwood  township. 
Four  children  were  born  to  this  marriage, 
Emsley,  deceased;  Hattie  L.,  who  married  J. 
W.  Murphy,  on  May  10,  1900;  Charles  R.  and 
Linnie.  The  religious  association  of  the  family 


j.  HARiiY  McDonald. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


621 


is  with  the  Methodist  Church.  In  political  sen- 
timent, Mr.  Mumma  is  most  in  sympathy  with 
the  Prohibition  party.  Much  interested  in 
agricultural  development,  he  belongs  to  the 
Grange  and  furthers  all  movements  looking  to 
the  protection  as  well  as  advancement  of  the 
farmers’  interests.  For  three  years  he  served 
as  school  director,  his  excellent  judgment  and 
deep  and  intelligent  interest  making  him  a 
valuable  acquisition  on  the  board.  He  lives 
retired  from  business  activity,  enjoying  the 
fruits  of  his  land,  and  the  companionship  and 
affection  of  his  family. 


J.  HARRY  McDonald,  superintend- 
ent of  the  Bessemer  department  for  the  Na- 
tional Steel  Company  in  their  extensive 
plant  at  Bellaire,  Ohio,  is  one  of  the  best- 
known  and  most  successful  business  men  of 
the  city.  He  efficiently  fills  a position  of 
grave  responsibility.  Since  the  summer  of 
1884  he  has  been  a resident  of  Bellaire,  and 
closely  identified  with  the  great  corporation 
noted  above,  although  he  had  been  con- 
nected with  the  steel  business  in  Braddock, 
Pennsylvania,  since  1876. 

The  birth  of  Mr.  McDonald  took  place  in 
Allegheny  County,  Pennsylvania,  one  of  a 
family  of  15  children  born  to  Patrick  and 
Christiana  McDonald,  the  former  of  whom 
came  to  Bellaire  in  1888,  in  the  steel  in- 
dustry, but  who  now  is  a resident  of  Youngs- 
town, Ohio.  Our  subject’s  sisters  reside 
near  Pittsburg,  Pennsylvania,  while  the  sur- 
viving sons  are  located  as  follows:  Thomas, 
Joseph,  Lewis  and  William  are  all  connected 
with  the  steel  business  in  Youngstown; 
Charles  is  connected  with  the  iron  business 
at  Duquesne,  Pennsylvania;  Isaac  is  in  the 
same  business  at  Homestead;  Samuel  is  con- 
nected with  the  Tennessee  Coal  & Iron 
Company  in  Alabama:  Francis  D.  is  con- 
nected with  the  Republic  Steel  & lion  Com- 
pany at  Youngstown;  and  Robert,  who  lives 
in  Bellaire,  Ohio. 

Our  subject  was  educated  in  the  common 


schools  of  Allegheny  County  and  began  his 
work  in  the  steel  industry  when  about  20 
years  of  age.  His  industrial  schooling  was 
of  the  most  practical  character,  and  its  re- 
sults are  seen  in  the  present  responsible  po- 
sition filled  with  so  much  success.  It  has 
been  by  firm  determination  and  constant, 
painstaking  effort  that  our  subject  has  grad  - 
ually risen  from  his  first  humble  position  to 
the  present  one. 

The  marriage  of  Mr.  McDonald  was  to  a 
daughter  of  Joseph  Wood,  who  was  a former 
resident  of  Ilellaire,  but  now  lives  in  Cam- 
bridge. Mrs.  McDonald  was  reared  and  ed- 
ucated in  Bellaire.  The  two  children  born 
to  this  union  are  J.  Wood  and  Harry  Eu- 
gene. The  family  home  is  located  at  No. 
4139  Harrison  street,  in  a handsome  resi- 
dence erected  in  1902  by  Mr.  McDonald. 
The  fraternal  connections  of  our  subject  are 
with  Bellaire  Lodge,  No.  267,  F.  & A.  M.; 
Chapter  No.  107,  R.  A.  M.;  and  Hope  Com- 
mandery.  No.  26,  of  St.  Clairsville,  Ohio, 
and  Black  Prince  Lodge,  No.  57,  Knights  of 
Pythias,  of  Bellaire,  Ohio.  Mr.  McDonald 
is  one  of  the  trustees  of  the  First  Presby- 
terian Church  of  Bellaire.  His  political 
affiliation  is  with  the  Republican  party. 

By  a former  union  Mr.  McDonald  has  a 
daughter,  Lulu  M.,  who  married  Thomas 
McGowan,  of  Bellaire,  Ohio. 


THOMPSON  M.  WELLS,  M.  D.,  a prom- 
inent physician  and  surgeon  who  has  resided 
in  Bellaire,  Ohio,  since  1886,  was  born  in  1853. 
on  what  is  now  the  site  of  the  Diamond  Mill, 
at  Bridgeport,  and  he  was  reared  at  Martin’s 
Ferry. 

The  parents  of  Dr.  Wells  were  Henry  and 
Margaret  (McConahey)  Wells,  the  former  of 
whom  followed  the  trade  of  blacksmith  until 
i8s9-  after  which  time  he  conducted  a foundry 
at  Martin’s  Ferry.  He  came  to  Belmont  Coun- 
ty in  1822,  from  Philadelphia,  where  he  was 
born,  and  where  his  father  also  was  a black- 
smith. The  McConahey  family  of  which  Dr. 


622 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


W'ells'  mother  was  a member  was  one  of  the 
pioneer  ones  of  Belmont  County.  She  died 
when  our  subject  was  small,  and  he,  with  his 
brothers,  was  reared  by  her  sister,  who  was 
horn  in  Belmont  county  in  1805.  Her  brother. 
Dr.  James  McConahey,  was  younger  than  she, 
and  his  son  George  conducts  a country  store 
on  the  Martin’s  Ferry  & Mount  Pleasant  Pike. 
Dr.  Wells’  father  died  January  2,  1890,  aged 
75  years. 

Dr.  Wells  was  one  of  three  sons  who  were 
so  early  bereft  of  tbeir  motber,  namely : Dr. 

Levi  C.,  PI.  E.  and  our  subject.  Dr.  Levi  C.  is 
a practicing  physician  at  Cambridge,  Ohio.  H. 
E.  was  engaged  in  the  drug  business  for  many 
years  with  a Mr.  Dent,  at  Bridgeport,  Ohio, 
but  on  account  of  failing  health  he  purchased 
a farm  near  by  and  died  May  14,  1893,  his  wife 
having  j)assed  away  the  year  previously. 

Dr.  Wells  had  many  educational  advantages. 
In  the  fall  of  1869  he  entered  Franklin  Col- 
lege and  later  attended  medical  lectures  at 
Pliiladelphia,  graduating  from  Hahnemann 
Medical  College  on  March  10,  1875,  at  the  age 
of  22  years.  He  began  his  practice,  in  the 
school  of  homeopathy,  at  Baresville,  Monroe 
County,  Ohio,  in  1875  and  continued  there  un- 
til his  location  in  Bellaire  in  1886.  His  home 
and  office  are  located  at  No.  3467  Guernsey 
street,  and  he  has  enjoyed  a large  and  lucra- 
tive practice. 

The  marriage  of  Dr.  Wells  was  to  a daugh- 
ter of  R.  B.  Smith,  of  Mount  Pleasant,  Ohio, 
the  latter  being  a l)oyish  comrade  of  Dr.  Wells’ 
father.  Four  children  were  born  to  this  mar- 
riage, namely:  Plelen,  who  died  August  12, 

1895,  aged  19  years  and  six  months;  Mabel, 
now  Mrs.  Way,  whose  husband  is  a messenger 
on  the  Pittsburg,  Fort  Wayne  & Chicago  Rail- 
way, and  a son  of  Dr.  Way,  of  Woodsfield, 
Obio;  Malcolm  M.,  wbo  is  a graduate  of  the 
Elliott  school  and  the  Bellaire  High  .School,  is 
well  known  in  football  circles,  and  although 
but  24  years  old,  is  yardmaster  of  the  tracks 
of  the  United  States  Steel  Corporation’s  mill 
at  Bellaire,  and  lives  at  home ; and  Palma, 
who  is  yet  a student.  For  22  years  Dr.  Wells 
has  been  a Mason  and  both  he  and  his  son 


Malcolm  belong  to  the  Bellaire  blue  lodge 
and  the  chapter.  His  father  was  the  first 
elder  in  the  Bridgeport  Presbyterian  Church, 
away  back  in  1841-42,  and  the  Doctor 
still  adheres  to  the  religious  principles  in  which 
he  was  reared.  Fie  is  a member  of  the  Ohio 
Valley  Homeopathic  Medical  Association.  In 
person  our  subject  is  built  in  generous  mold, 
weighing  some  300  pounds.  It  has  been  said 
by  some  of  his  grateful  patients,  that  a visit 
from  the  jovial,  pleasant  physician,  with  his 
vitality  and  good  cheer,  does  more  good  than 
pills  or  potions.  This  may  be  one  secret  of  the 
Doctor’s  unusual  success  and  popularity. 


DAVID  COSS,  a well-known  business  man 
of  Martin’s  Ferry,  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  has 
his  place  of  business  at  No.  41 1 Walnut  street, 
and  deals  extensively  in  paints,  oils,  varnishes, 
dye  stuffs,  etc.  He  also  buys  powder  by 
the  car  load  and  sells  dynamite  in  both  large 
and  small  quantities.  Fie  is  a native  of  Mar- 
tin's Ferry,  was  born  January  7,  1859,  and  is  a 
son  of  Harrison  and  Mary  J.  (Linn)  Coss. 

Harrison  Coss  was  very  well  known  and  es- 
teemed during  his  life,  and  followed  the  occu- 
pation of  a brick-layer,  taking  contracts,  etc., 
and  doing  work  principally  on  dwellings.  He 
was  united  in  marriage  with  Mary  J.  Linn, 
who  is  still  an  honored  resident  of  Martin’s 
Ferry,  her  home  for  many  years.  She  was 
born  in  1830  and  bore  her  husband  eight  chil- 
dren. Pier  husljand  was  a through-and- 
through  Republican  and  served  as  council- 
man for  several  years  with  much  satisfaction 
to  all.  He  departed  this  life  Novanber  6, 
1900,  on  the  day  on  which  President  McKin- 
ley and  Vice-President  Roosevelt  were  elected 
to  office.  Mrs.  Coss  has  been  a life-long  mem- 
ber of  the  M.  E.  Church,  and  is  a great  worker 
in  religious  movements.  The  names  of  her 
children  are  as  follows:  William  H.,  Rena, 

David,  our  subject;  Addison,  Clara,  Delora, 
Herman,  and  Frank,  who  like  his  father  before 
him  is  a brick-layer,  by  occupation  and  makes 
his  home  in  Martin’s  Ferry.  Herman  is  a 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


623 


blacksmith  in  the  American  Tin  Plate  klill  at 
Martin’s  Ferry;  Delora  married  W.  E. 
Thomas,  a worker  in  the  mill  and  lives  in 
Zanesville,  Ohio;  William  H.  and  Addison  are 
employed  as  blacksmiths  at  the  Laughlin  Mill 
in  Martin’s  Ferry, — the  former  has  been  twice 
married,  having  been  united  with  Sallie  Cham- 
bers, and  later  with  Maggie  Sweeney;  the  lat- 
ter married  l\'Iary  Blakemore. 

David  Coss  was  educated  in  the  schools  of 
his  native  city  and  afterward  found  a posi- 
tion as  clerk  in  a grocery  store  where  he 
worked  until  he  had  mastered  painting,  the 
trade  which  he  subsequently  followed  for 
twelve  or  fifteen  years  until  1893.  At  the  end 
of  that  year  he  embarked  in  business  as  a paint 
and  oil  dealer,  and  by  honesty  and  fair  dealing 
has  built  up  a first  rate  patronage  and  trade, 
and  is  ranked  among  the  foremost  business 
men  of  the  city. 

i\tr.  Coss  has  never  iriarried.  He  is  a Re- 
publican of  decided  opinions  as  was  his  father, 
and  takes  much  interest  in  politics.  In  fra- 
ternal circles  he  is  a member  of  the  Knights  of 
Pythias,  and  has  passed  through  alt  the  chairs ; 
and  also  affiliates  with  the  Junior  Order  of 
United  American  Mechanics. 

From  1896  until  1900.  Mr.  Coss  served  with 
credit  as  city  treasurer,  and  has  gained  the 
confidence  and  trust  of  the  public  by  his  faith- 
fulness to  duty  and  his  prompt  and  active 
methods.  He  is  a stockholder  in  the  German 
Savings  Bank. 


GEORGE  L.  SPENCE,  president  of  the 
Stanton  Heater  Company,  director  in  the  Peo- 
ple’s Savings  Bank,  stockholder  in  the  First  Na- 
tional Bank  of  Bridgeport,  director  and  vice- 
president  of  the  Fidelity  Savings  & Loan 
Company  and  director  in  the  Spence-Baggs 
Stove  Compan3^  of  Martin’s  Ferr\3  is  one  of 
the  leading  business  men  of  the  Ohio  V alley. 

Mr.  Spence  is  an  Ohio  product,  born  in  IMar- 
tin’s  Ferry,  on  November  ii,  1866.  a son  of 
Lavosier  and  Elizabeth  (Dakan)  Spence,  the 
former  of  whom  was  born  in  Jefferson  County 
and  the  latter  in  Belmont  County,  in  the  same 


State.  Lavosier  Spence  was  born  to  parents 
who  lived  in  an  unassuming  way,  in  a cabin 
on  a rented  farm  in  Mount  Pleasant  township, 
Jefferson  Count}',  on  January  14,  1829,  and 
like  the  majority  of  self-made  men  attained  his 
present  position  as  a capitalist,  by  climbing  up 
a hill  of  toil.  His  educational  advantages  were 
meager  indeed  and  he  just  simply  went  to  work 
and  kept  at  it  through  youth  and  manhood ; his 
struggles  developed  his  character  as  well  as 
his  mental  and  physical  being.  From  being  a 
good  carpenter  he  developed  into  an  excellent 
machinist,  and  in  1857  he  began  the  making  of 
threshing  machines  in  Martin’s  Ferry,  and  ten 
years  later  made  engines,  continuing  the  busi- 
ness until  1899.  Mr.  Spence  was  one  of  the 
original  builders  of  the  old  Aetna  and  Standard 
iron  and  steel  companies’  works,  and  was  a di- 
rector in  both  companies  until  they  went  into 
the  combination  in  1899.  1873  he  went  into 

the  manufacture  of  stoves,  continuing  alone 
until  1874,  when  he  admitted  several  gentle- 
men into  partnership,  the  firm  name  thus  be- 
coming Spence,  Baggs  & Co.,  which  oper- 
ated successfully  until  1900  when  the  present 
firm  of  the  Spence-Baggs  Stove  Co.  was 
incorporated.  This  company  is  yearly  expand- 
ing and  growing  more  prosperous. 

In  1899  the  thresher  and  engine  plants  which 
our  subject’s  father  established  were  merged 
into  the  Riverside  Bridge  Company,  Mr. 
Spence  still  retaining  an  interest.  He  is  also 
a director  in  the  Stanton  Heater  Company,  is 
president  of  the  People’s  Savings  Bank  and 
vice-president  of  the  First  National  Bank  of 
Bridgeport,  Ohio. 

Mr.  Spence  is  financially  interested  in  other 
manufacturing  enterprises  in  Martin’s  Ferry. 
For  years  he  has  been  one  of  the  most  enter- 
prising men  of  the  cit}^  ready  to  promote  its 
best  interests.  Mr.  Spence  owns  one  of  the 
handsomest  residences  in  Martin’s  Ferry, 
which  is  situated  on  a bluff  commanding  a fine 
view  of  the  hills  and  the  river.  He  delights  in 
his  home,  in  his  family  and  friends  and  is  proud 
and  hopeful  reeardins:  the  future  of  this  city. 
He  has  been  identified  with  much  of  the  irn- 
provement  in  this  section, 


624 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


On  August  20,  1857,  Mr.  Spence  was  mar- 
ried to  Elizabeth  Dakan  who  came  to  Martin’s 
Ferry  in  1854.  Two  sons  were  born  to  this 
union,  namely : John  D.  and  George  L.  John 
D.  Spence  was  born  on  November  3,  1862,  and 
died  August  6,  1895.  He  married  Texa  Ar- 
nett, who  was  a native  of  Wheeling,  who  died 
in  1889,  at  the  age  of  24  years,  leaving  two 
children,  Elizabeth  D.  and  Grover  L. 

George  L Spence  received  many  educational 
advantages.  Finishing  his  primary  education 
in  the  lower  grades  in  Martin’s  Ferry,  he  en- 
tered the  High  School,  graduating  from  that 
institution  in  1886  and  then  entered  the  Ohio 
State  University  at  Columbus.  In  1887,  when 
in  the  sophomore  year,  he  left  the  college  in 
order  to  enter  into  the  thresher  and  engine 
manufacturing  business  in  which  he  was  made 
a partner  in  1890,  continuing  as  such  until 
1899  when  he  assisted  in  the  incorporation  of 
the  Stanton  Heater  Company  and  raised  the 
funds  to  put  it  on  a safe  basis.  Like  his  fath- 
er, Mr.  Spence  has  an  unusual  degree  of  busi- 
ness ability  and  is  interested  in  many  of  the 
leading  enterprises  in  this  locality  and  is  fore- 
most in  all  public  movements  tending  to  the 
prosperity  and  advancement  of  Martin’s  Ferry. 
He  is  interested  and  still  a director  in  the 
Spence-Baggs  Stove  Company;  he  helped  to 
organize  the  Belmont  Brick  Company  and  was 
a director  in  that  company  for  some  seven 
years;  is  a stockholder  in  the  First  National 
Bank  in  Bridgeport;  and  in  1887  was  one  of 
the  organizers  and  has  been  a director  and  the 
vice-president  of  the  Fidelity  Savings  & Loan 
Company  since.  Mr.  Spence  was  one  of  the 
original  organizers  of  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  and 
serv^ed  for  two  years  as  its  president. 

On  October  12,  1892,  Mr.  Spence  was  mar- 
ried to  Flora  A.  McCord,  a native  of  Martin’s 
Ferry  and  a daughter  of  C.  G.  and  Anna  Mc- 
Cord, residents  of  the  same  city.  For  the 
past  20  years  Mr.  McCord  has  been  in  the  brick 
business  and  is  a member  of  the  brick  firm  of 
McCord  Brothers,  of  Martin’s  Ferry,  Ohio. 
Two  daughters  have  been  born  to  Mr.  and 
jMrs.  Spence,  Emma  A.  and  Gertrude  E.  The 
religious  connection  of  the  family  is  with  the 


Baptist  Church,  in  which  body  Mr.  Spence  has 
efficiently  filled  all  the  positions  accorded  to 
a layman.  His  support  is  liberal  and  both  he 
and  his  wife  find  much  enjoyment  in  further- 
ing its  usefulness.  Politics  do  not  appeal  to 
Mr.  Spence,  and  he  confines  his  activity  to  local 
affairs.  He  is  justly  ranked  high  in  business 
circles  and  his  integrity  and  justice  in  dealing 
with  others  is  only  ecjualed  by  his  display  of 
engaging  qualities  in  private  life. 


HON.  WILLIAM  F.  SMITH,  a citizen 
of  St.  Clairsville,  Ohio,  is  judge  of  the  Pro- 
bate Court  of  Belmont  County,  in  which 
capacity  he  has  served  with  honor  and  credit 
since  1896.  He  was  born  on  a farm  near 
Chester  Hill,  in  Morgan  County,  Ohio,  June 
5,  1854,  and  is  a son  of  David  and  Mary 
(Foulke)  Smith,  who  were  members  of  the 
Society  of  Friends  and  both  natives  of  Ohio. 
His  mother  died  when  he  was  four  years  old. 
His  father,  now  past  75  years  of  age,  is  liv- 
ing on  the  old  home  farm  near  Chester  Hill. 

Judge  Smith  attended  boarding  school  at 
Westtown,  Chester  County,  Pennsylvania, 
graduating  from  there  in  1875.  He  later 
went  to  Haverford  College  in  Pennsylvania, 
from  which  institution  he  graduated  in  the 
summer  of  1877.  He  then  went  to  McCon- 
nelsville,  Ohio,  and  commenced  the  study  of 
law  in  the  office  of  Pond  & Foulke,  and 
was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  the  fall  of  1879. 
He  taught  school  for  a number  of  years 
while  acquiring  his  education. 

He  was  married  June  23,  1880,  to  Mary 
Blanche  Pond,  only  daughter  of  his  former 
preceptor.  Col.  Francis  B.  Pond,  and  Eliza 
A.  (Corner)  Pond.  Colonel  Pond  was 
colonel  of  the  62nd  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf., 
in  the  War  of  the  Rebellion,  and  was  later 
Attorney  General  of  the  State  of  Ohio. 
Judge  Smith  and  his  wife  soon  after  their 
marriage  located  at  Barnesville,  Ohio,  where 
he  commenced  the  practice  of  law,  and  con- 
tinued there  in  successful  practice  until  1896, 
when  he  was  elected  to  the  office  of  Probate 


K 


B 


t:. 

V'  ' 

fe’ 


r, 

: 


1 


JOHN  SCHICK. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


627 


judge  on  the  Republican  ticket,  since  which 
time  he  has  resided  in  St.  Clairsville.  He 
was  re-elected  by  an  increased  majority  in 
1899.  He  has  always  taken  an  active  in- 
terest in  politics  in  support  of  the  principles 
of  the  Republican  party. 

Judge  Smith  and  his  family  are  identified 
with  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  In 
secret  orders  he  is  an  Odd  Fellow,  a Knight 
of  Pythias,  and  a Mason.  Judge  Smith  and 
his  wife  are  the  parents  of  two  children: 
Harold  D.,  who  is  attending  the  public 
school  in  St.  Clairsville,  and  Frances  E.,  a 
daughter,  who  is  now  a junior  in  Fake  Erie 
College  at  Painesville,  Ohio. 


JOHN  SCHICK,  for  many  years  a promi- 
nent coal  operator,  residing  at  Bellaire, 
Ohio,  was  born  in  Germany  in  1845,  is 
a son  of  Martin  Schick. 

Martin  Schick  came  to  the  United  States 
in  1847,  iii'st  locating  in  Baltimore  for  12 
years,  then  in  Wheeling  two  years,  when  he 
came  to  Bellaire.  Pie  was  for  a number  of 
years  immigrant  agent  for  the  B.  & O.  R.  R., 
having  charge  of  immigrants  for  the  West, 
directing  them  across  the  river  and  placing 
them  on  proper  trains  and  routes  for  theif 
destinations.  He  conducted  the  Eagle 
House  for  several  years,  and  also  owned  a 
farm  west  of  Bellaire,  upon  which  the  miners’ 
shanties  are  now  built.  For  two  years  he 
followed  the  coal  business.  He  died  in 
1881.  He  was  a well-known  man  in  this 
vicinity  and  on  the  railroad  between  Balti- 
more and  Columbus.  He  and  his  wife  had 
the  following  children:  Mrs.  Lena  Miller; 

Mrs.  Joseph  Cleaver;  John;  August,  who' 
was  in  partnership  with  John  for  many  years; 
Andrew;  George;  Fred;  Mrs.  Louise  Clouse: 
Anna  Schempf,  deceased;  Mrs.  C.  A.  Smith; 
and  Frances,  deceased.  Those  living  are 
residents  of  Bellaire. 

John  Schick  was  two  years  old  when  his 
parents  moved  to  this  country,  and  received 
his  educational  training  in  the  Fifth  Ward 


School  at  Wheeling,  and  in  a school  in  Bel- 
laire located  where  the  C.  & P.  R.  R.  depot 
now  stands.  In  1858  he  went  to  Richmond, 
Virginia,  where  he  spent  two  years  as  ap- 
prentice at  the  tinners’  trade,  then  returned 
home  and  entered  the  employ  of 

George  W.  Johnson  at  Wheeling,  and 
later  of  Thomas  Medford  at  Bellaire.  Be- 
cause he  was  under  age,  he  ran  away 
from  home  and  enlisted  in  Company  A,  43rd 
Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  serving  from  January 
II,  1862,  until  July  13,  1865,  being  in  Sher- 
man’s army.  He  was  never  sick  a day,  and, 
in  fact,  gained  in  health  during  his  service. 
Returning  to  Bellaire,  he  resumed  the  tin- 
ning trade,  which  he  followed  until  1880, 
since  which  time  he  has  engaged  mainly  in 
looking  after  his  various  properties.  He 
owns  three  business  buildings  and  eight  resi- 
dences in  Bellaire,  besides  having  other  busi- 
ness interests.  He  is  a director  and  stock- 
holder of  the  No'^elty  Stamping  Company, 
which  he  helped  to  promote  and  build;  di- 
rector of  the  Farmer’s  & Merchant’s  Bank; 
stockholder  in  the  Mason.  Heater  Company 
and  the  Imperial  Glass  Company.  In  1877  he 
and  his  brother  August  formed  a partner- 
ship in  the  coal  business,  and  until  recently 
operated  the  mine  one  mile  and  a half  west 
of  Bellaire,  on  the  B.  & O.  R.  R.,  from  which 
mine  coal  has  been  furnished  the  railroad 
since  before  the  Civil  War.  It  is  one  of  the 
oldest  mines  in  the  county  and  was  formerly 
conducted  by  Jacob  Heatherington  and  his 
brother.  At  the  present  time  it  is  operated 
by  John  A.,  a son  of  our  subject,  and  M.  J., 
a son  of  August  Schick,  who  succeeded  their 
fathers  as  partners.  They  employ  about  85 
men  and  produce  from  5,000  to  8,000  bush- 
els daily.  For  the  past  17  years  our  subject 
has  resided  at  No.  3625  Guernsey  street, 
where  he  has  a fine  home,  which  was  built 
by  Alexander  DuBois  and  remodeled  by 
himself. 

December  27,  i860,  Mr.  Schick  married 
Augusta  Bauer,  of  Martinsburg,  and  they 
have  three  children:  Fred  M.,  a druggist 

in  Colorado;  John  A.,  and  Augusta  A.  In 


628 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY ^ 


])olitics  our  subject  is  a Democrat.  In  re- 
ligious attachment  he  is  a member  of  the 
First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bellaire. 


CHARLES  A.  GRELLA,  an  enterprising 
grocer  of  Bellaire,  is  now  conducting  one  of 
the  largest  and  oldest  industries  of  its  kind 
in  the  city,  the  business  having  been  estab- 
lished in  1879  by  his  father.  Since  he  took 
a hand  in  the  management,  however,  he  has 
done  much  to  push  the  business  to  its  present 
prosperous  condition  and  to  make  the  store 
at  4575  Jefferson  street  one  of  the  busiest 
markets  in  the  city. 

Mr.  Grella  has  undoubtedly  inherited  much 
of  his  energy  and  clear-headed  business 
capacity  from  his  good  German  ancestors. 
His  father,  Eouis  Grella,  was  a native  of  Ger- 
many, and  in  1870  came  to  this  country  and 
soon  afterward  settled  in  Bellaire.  Here  at 
its  present  location  in  1878  he  erected  the 
store  where  the  son  is  now  conducting  busi- 
ness, a substantial  structure  80  by  20  feet. 
The  following  year  he  put  in  a good  stock  of 
groceries  and  started  business.  The  indus- 
try proved  a success  from  the  start,  and  from 
year  to  year  he  was  enabled  to  enlarge  his 
stock  and  branch  out  in  other  respects.  In 
1893  received  his  son  as  a partner  and  the 
firm  has  since  been  known  as  L.  Grella  & 
Son.  Mr.  Grella  died  in  June,  1901.  His 
wife  is  now  residing  at  their  pleasant  resi- 
dence at  No.  4565  Jefferson  street.  To  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Grella  were  born  seven  children — 
Louis,  now  in  the  steel  business  in  Pittsburg; 
Charles  A.,  who  is  mentioned  below;  Wil- 
liam, a clerk  in  his  brother’s  grocery  store; 
Minnie,  who  lives  at  home;  Louisa,  who 
married  D.  Riley,  of  Pittsburg,  and  Emma 
and  Ida,  who  are  still  at  home.  Mr.  Grella 
was  a man  who  exerted  an  influence  upon  the 
public  affairs  of  the  city.  In  politics  he  affili- 
ated with  the  Democrats. 

Charles  A.  Grella  was  reared  in  an  atmos- 
phere of  business,  and  upon  reaching  man- 
hood readily  took  to  tlie  industry  his  father 


had  so  firmly  established  in  Bellaire.  As  has 
been  said,  he  became  a partner  in  this  gro- 
cery establishment  in  1893,  and  since  the 
death  of  his  father,  about  a year  ago,  he  has 
taken  full  charge  of  affairs.  He  carries  a full 
line  of  staple  and  fancy  groceries,  has  a large 
retail  trade,  and  is  engaged  to  some  extent 
in  the  wholesale  business.  In  fact,  the  in- 
dustry reciuires  the  employment  of  six  men 
regularly  and  at  times  even  more.  Having 
considerable  surplus  capital,  Mr.  Grella  has 
branched  out  to  some  extent,  and  as  a large 
investor  in  the  enterprises  is  now  director  of 
the  Belmont  Savings  & Loan  Company,  and 
also  of  the  recently  organized  Enameled 
Steel  Tile  Company. 

Mr.  Grella  is  now  residing  at  the  home  of 
his  parents.  Lie  belongs  to  the  I.  O.  O.  E. ; 
E.  & A.  M.,  Ionic  Lodge,  of  Bellaire; 
Hope  Commandery,  K.  T.,  of  St.  Clairsville; 
K.  of  P.,  Black  Prince  Lodge,  and  the 
Junior  O.  U.  A.  M.  Politically  he  affiliates 
with  the  Republicans,  and  in  religious  views 
he  sides  with  the  German  Reformed  Church 


REV.  CHARLES  A.  MULHEARN,  rec- 
tor of  St.  Mary’s  Church  at  Martin’s  Ferry, 
Belmont  County,  Ohio,  has  a large  place  in 
the  hearts  of  his  congregation  and  has  no  lit- 
tle part  to  play  in  the  arena  of  life  and  work. 
He  was  ushered  into  this  life  September  22, 
1861,  and  claims  New  Jersey  as  his  native 
State.  His  parents  were  Michael  and  Mary 
(Conaty)  Mulhearn,  natives  of  County  Gavin, 
Ireland,  and  are  at  present  honored  residents 
of  New  London,  Connecticut. 

Michael  Mulhearn  is  a shoemaker  by  voca- 
tion, and  has  traveled  from  Maine  to  Califor- 
nia in  the  interests  of  his  business.  He  makes 
a specialty  of  manufacturing  shoes  for  crip- 
ples, and  has  given  the  work  much  time  and 
study.  He  immigrated  to  this  country  in  1854 
as  did  also  his  wife,  and  they  were  married 
soon  after  their  arrival.  Several  children 
blessed  their  union:  Charles  A.,  the  oldest  of 

the  three  living;  Frank,  who  is  the  efficient 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


chief  engineer  of  a revenue  cutter  on  the  ocean; 
and  Daniel,  living  at  home. 

The  educational  advantages  of  our  subject 
were  good.  He  obtained  the  rudiments  of  his 
education  in  the  public  schools  of  New  Lon- 
don, Connecticut,  later  entered  the  High  School, 
and  finished  with  honor.  The  next  eight  years 
of  his  life  were  spent  on  a steamer  running 
between  New  London  and  Sag  Harbor,  New 
York,  serving  in  the  capacity  of  clerk.  He 
then  entered  Niagara  University  in  New  York, 
where  he  completed  a classical  course,  and  de- 
termined to  become  a minister.  He  accord- 
ingly went  to  Montreal  and  there  took  a course 
in  theology,  and  was  ordained  for  this  dio- 
cese by  Bishop  Ryan  of  Buffalo,  June  15, 
1889.  He  served  the  following  ten  years  as 
assistant  in  the  Cathedral,  in  Columbus,  Ohio, 
to  Bishop  Watterson,  and  his  residence  in 
Martin’s  Ferry  has  dated  from  November, 
1888.  He  has  charge  of  a church,  situated  in 
one  of  the  nice  locations  of  the  city,  which  has 
a seating  capacity  for  600  and  has  a member- 
ship of  940  people.  The  schools  in  connection 
with  it  have  a course  of  study  similar  ot  that 
of  public  schools  and  there  are  now  about  225 
students  enrolled.  The  parsonage  is  an  ex- 
ceedingly comfortable  place  and  is  fitted  with 
many  of  the  modern  conveniences.  There  is 
always  plenty  to  do  and  plenty  to  plan  for  fu- 
ture work  and  Mr.  Mulhearn  is  ver}^  busy  with 
numerous  duties  depending  upon  him.  As  a 
good,  Christian  gentleman  he  is  spoken  of  in 
the  highest  terms. 


PAUL  MORRISON,  TL  D.,  one  of  the 
leading  young  physicians  of  Martin’s  Ferr}’, 
Belmont  County,  Ohio,  is  a native  of  the 
county,  born  on  May  4,  1869,  a son  of  S.  G.  \Y. 
and  Louise  Mary  (Scott)  Morrison,  the  for- 
mer of  whom  is  a native  of  IMaryland,  and  the 
latter  of  Virginia. 

S.  G.  W.  jMorrison  is  an  iron  broker  and 
has  done  business  in  that  line  under  his  own 
name  as  a firm  style  for  the  past  35  years. 
Prior  to  that  time  he  was  in  the  foundry  busi- 
ness in  Y’heeling.  Although  he  is  over  80 


629 


years  of  age,  his  mind  is  still  alert  and  he  car- 
ries on  his  usual  avocations.  The  mother  of 
our  subject,  at  the  age  of  76  years,  is  also  re- 
markably active,  and  both  are  most  highly  es- 
teemed in  this  community.  Both  are  consist- 
ent members  of  the  Methodist  Church.  Mr. 
Morrison  is  an  ardent  supporter  of  the  Re- 
publican party,  but  he  has  never  desired  politi- 
cal notice.  A family  of  nine  children  was  born 
to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  IMorrjson,  viz. : ]\Irs.  F.  S. 
Watson,  the  widow  of  James  WHtson,  resides 
with  her  parents.  Charles  S.  is  an  attorney  in 
Wheeling.  Mary  A.  is  IMrs.  Charles  H.  Dilley 
and  resides  in  New  York  City.  Dr.  Frank  S. 
is  a dentist  in  IMartin’s  Ferry.  Dr.  Paul  is  the 
subject  of  this  review.  William  was  killed  at 
the  age  of  21  at  the  battle  of  Cedar  Creek, 
being  struck  in  the  temple  with  a spent  ball. 
He  enlisted  as  a private  in  the  Civil  War  and 
was  promoted  for  gallantry  to  be  lieuteirant  in 
the  14th  Reg.,  West  Virginia  Vol.  Inf.  He 
was  a young  man  of  promise.  Scott  died  at  the 
age  of  eight  years.  Dr.  John  AAh,  who  was  a 
practitioner  in  Martin’s  Ferry,  died  in  1891, 
aged  41  years.  Virginia  M.  married  Abraham 
Lash  and  died  in  Martin's  Ferry,  aged  36 
years. 

Dr.  Paul  Morrison  obtained  his  primary 
education  at  the  public  schools  of  Martin’s 
Ferry  and  later  became  a student  at  Kenyon 
College,  of  Gambler,  Ohio,  graduating  in  the 
classical  department  there  in  1892.  He  then 
entered  the  College  of  Physicians  and  Sur- 
geons in  New  York  City,  graduating  from  that 
great  institution  in  1896.  His  hospital  ex- 
perience was  gained  in  the  Sloan  IMaternity 
Hospital  and  the  Chambers  Street  Hospital, 
in  the  former  of  which  he  spent  several  months, 
gaining  knowledge  which  he  could  have  se- 
cured in  no  other  way.  Ydren  he  settled  for 
practice  at  Milwaukee,  V’isconsin,  it  was  as  a 
thoroughly  skilled  surgeon  and  a well  in- 
structed physician,  and  with  the  added  ex- 
perience of  two  years,  he  located  at  IMartin’s 
Ferry,  in  1898.  His  practice  is  of  a general 
nature  and  he  is  examining  physician  for  sev- 
eral insurance  and  fraternal  associations.  His 
relations  with  the  medical  associations  of  Bel- 


630 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


mont  County  and  Eastern  Ohio  are  most  cor- 
dial in  their  nature  and  his  contril)utions  to 
tlieir  literature  are  given  careful  attention. 

Dr.  Morrison  was  married  on  December  26, 
1894,  to  Genevieve  Carpenter,  a native  of  Port 
Jarvis,  New  York,  a daughter  of  William  S. 
and  Emily  (Palmer)  Carpenter,  residents  of 
Port  Jarvis.  The  Doctor  and  wife  are  mem- 
bers of  St.  Paul’s  Episcopal  Church  in  which 
he  is  a member  of  the  vestry.  Eiis  political  in- 
terest is  in  the  success  of  the  Republican  party, 
but  his  profesional  duties  leave  him  little  time 
for  politics.  Dr.  Morrison  is  well  qualified 
and  has  a constantly  increasing  practice. 


DAVID  THORBURN,  a prominent  and 
influential  farmer  of  Pease  township,  Bel- 
mont County,  Ohio,  was  born  December  2, 
1828,  on  his  present  farm  in  section  31,  and 
has  made  his  home  on  it  all  his  life,  with  the 
exception  of  eight  years,  from  1850  to  1858, 
spent  in  Colerain  township.  Idis  home, 
which  is  the  oldest  brick  house  on  Scotch 
Ridge,  is  very  substantial  and  since  it  has 
been  remodeled  presents  a modern  appear- 
ance. 

David  Thorburn  is  a son  of  Alexander  and 
Helen  (Harper)  Thorburn.  His  father  came 
to  this  country  from  Scotland,  where  he 
was  born,  reared  and  married,  being  accom- 
panied by  his  wife  and  two  children,  who 
were  born  in  Dalkeith,  Scotland.  They  ar- 
rived at  Wheeling,  West  A^irginia,  in  Jul)' 
or  August,  1825,  and  there  Mr.  Thorburn 
followed  his  trade  as  a tanner,  woidcing  for 
a time  with  Mr.  Gardner,  of  Wheeling.  He 
moved  to  Pease  township,  Belmont  County, 
Ohio,  in  the  fall  of  1825,  and  purchased  what 
has  since  been  the  home  farm,  it  having  been 
entered  by  the  Alexanders  and  owned  at  the 
time  by  Peter  Alexander.  He  continued 
on  this  farm  until  1857,  when  he  sold  it  to 
the  subject  of  this  biography,  and  moved 
to  the  farm  adjoining  on  the  south,  now 
owned  by  Mr.  McGlenn.  Remaining  there 


until  the  spring  of  1866,  he  moved  to  Adams 
County,  Illinois,  where  he  died  in  the  fall 
of  1866,  at  the  age  of  70  years.  He  was  a 
Whig,  and  later  a Republican,  and  was  a 
strong  Abolitionist.  He  was  always  active 
in  the  United  Presbyterian  Church.  His 
wife  was  born  in  Scotland  and  died  on  the 
home  farm  in  1848,  aged  47  years.  Their 
children  were:  Marion,  Elsie,  Robert, 

David,  Alexander,  Helen,  Bethia  (Jeffers), 
and  Jeanette  (Giddings),  Marion,  born  in 
Scotland,  was  the  wife  of  Robert  Frazier, 
and  died  where  Mozart  Park  is  now  situated, 
in  Ohio  County,  West  Virginia,  in  the  46th 
year  of  her  age.  Elsie,  who  was  born  in 
Scotland  and  died  in  1858,  was  the  wife  of 
J.  W.  Gray.  Robert,  born  on  the  home  farm 
April  26,  1826,  married,  first.  Miss  Moore, 
and  after  her  death  married  Miss  Stringer. 
He  has  five  sons  and  three  daughters.  He 
moved  west  to  Missouri  when  his  children 
were  small.  David,  born  on  the  home  farm, 
was  married  in  1850  to  Sarah  S.  Gray, 
daughter  of  an  early  resident,  John  Gray. 
She  died  in  1854,  and  the  two  children  born 
to  them  died  in  infancy.  He  formed  a sec- 
ond union  in  1856  with  Nancy  Jane  Ed- 
wards, who  was  born  in  Belmont  County 
and  is  a daughter  of  Louis  Edwards,  whose 
father,  Ignatius  Edwards,  came  to  this 
county  from  Virginia.  By  his  second  mar- 
riage David  Thorburn  had  the  following  chil- 
dren: Lizzie  Helen;  Alice  Arabella;  Martha 

Alameda,  wife  of  John  S.  Beatty,  of  Pease 
township,  residing  on  the  old  Finney  farm; 
Ada  Harper,  John  S.,  and  an  infant,  who 
are  deceased;  Lula  Jane,  wife  of  Frank  Per- 
mar,  residing  near  Steubenville;  Katie  M., 
Margaret  W.,  and  Charles  David.  Alexan- 
der, who  served  in  the  98th  Reg.,  Ohio,  Vol. 
Inf.,  died  soon  after  the  conclusion  of  the 
Civil  War.  Helen,  who  is  the  widow  of  J. 
F.  Godfrey,  resides  in  Illinois.  Mrs.  Bethia 
Jeffers,  a widow,  resides  with  her  family  at 
Mount  Pleasant,  Ohio.  Mrs.  Jeanette  Gid- 
dings resides  in  Adams  County,  Illinois. 
Alexander  Thorburn  was  married  a second 
time,  in  1850,  to  Caroline  Godfrey,  and  they 


-y  '''-  ■ 


IION.  GEORGE  W.  HAZEN. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


633 


had  one  son,  John  Godfrey,  who  is  now  de- 
ceased. 

David  Thorburn  owns  about  102  acres  and 
has  finely  improved  the  farm,  which  he  de- 
votes to  general  farming.  During  the  past 
two  years  he  has  engaged  in  the  dairy  busi- 
ness, wholesaling  his  milk  at  the  farm.  Mr. 
Thorburn  has  witnessed  a wonderful  devel- 
opment in  the  towns  of  Belmont  County. 
He  remembers  Martin’s  Ferry  when  there 
were  but  three  business  men  in  town,  name- 
ly: Amos  Jones,  dry  goods  merchant;  Miller, 
the  grocer;  and  Beasle,  the  tavern  keeper. 
He  helped  haul  the  stone  used  in  the  founda- 
tion for  the  barn  built  upon  his  place  when 
he  was  17  years  old.  Politically,  he  is  a Re- 
publican, having  voted  for  Hale,  Free-Soil 
candidate,  and  John  C.  Freemont,  at  one 
time  being  the  only  Republican  in  the  dis- 
trict. He  is  a member  of  the  United  Pres- 
byterian Church. 


JOHN  A.  HAZEN,  a prosperous  farmer 
of  Union  township,  Belmont  County,  Ohio, 
was  born  in  Fayette  County,  Pennsylvania, 
February  3,  1830,  and  is  a son  of  Hon. 
George  W.  and  Nancy  (Bowman)  Hazen, 
natives  of  New  Jersey  and  Pennsylvania,  re- 
spectively. 

Judge  Hazen  was  about  three  years  of  age 
when  taken  by  his  parents  to  live  in  Penn- 
sylvania. Both  his  parents  lived  beyond  the 
age  of  70  years.  He  was  educated  for  the 
legal  profession  and  attained  high  rank 
among  the  lawyers  of  his  section.  He  and 
his  family  came  to  Ohio  in  1833,  and  he 
lived  in  southeast  Ohio  during  the  remain- 
der of  his  life,  dying  in  1861  at  the  age  of 
66  years.  He  served  as  judge  in  Belmont 
County  for  a period  of  seven  years,  and  was 
a most  worthy  man,  who  enjoyed  the  ac- 
quaintance of  many  throughout  the  county. 
Although  reared  in  the  Episcopal  Church, 
his  parents  having  belonged  to  the  Church 
of  England,  he  later  joined  the  Presbyterian 


Church,  of  which  he  was  a devout  member. 
In  politics  he  was  conservative,  but  held 
strenuously  to  his  views.  Although  he  had 
much  political  influence  and  was  the  ruling 
spirit,  in  politics  in  the  county,  the  only  of- 
fice ever  accepted  was  that  of  judge,  declin- 
ing to  run  for  a senatorship.  He  owned  a 
farm  of  270  acres,  most  of  which  still  re- 
mains in  the  possession  of  his  family.  He 
was  a Mason,  and  Hazen  Lodge,  of  Morris- 
town, was  named  in  his  honor.  He  married 
Nancy  Bowman,  a daughter  of  John  and 
Catherine  (Snively)  Bowman,  relatives  of 
the  Bowmans  and  Hoggs  of  Brownsville, 
Pennsylvania.  She  died  in  i888,‘  at  the  ad- 
vanced age  of  86  years.  She  was  a faithful 
member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  and  was 
an  active  church  worker.  Four  children  were 
born  to  them,  as  follows:  David  H.,  at  one 

time  partner  of  Governor  Shannon,  of  St. 
Clairsville,  was  an  attorney-at-law, — he 
moved  to  Pittsburg  and  then  to  Kansas, 
where  he  died;  Dr.  Charles  A.  died  at  the 
age  of  61  years  in  Kansas  City,  where  he  had 
practiced  for  some  years;  Catherine  resides 
with  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  and  John  A. 

John  A.  Hazen  was  educated  in  the  com- 
mon schools  of  this  county  and  at  an  early 
age  engaged  in  farming,  at  which  he  has 
since  continued.  He  follows  diversified  farm- 
ing and  possesses  160  acres,  all  of  which  is 
underlaid  with  coal,  presumably  four  veins. 
He  stands  high  in  the  esteem  of  his  fellow 
citizens  and  has  many  warm  personal  friends. 

Mr.  Hazen  was  united  in  marriage  De- 
cember 24,  1863,  to  Ellen  McKelvey, 

who  was  born  in  Guernsey  County,  Ohio, 
iHav  14,  1842,  and  was  a daughter  of  Wil- 
liam and  klary  (Laughland)  McKelvey,  both 
now  deceased.  She  was  a Presbyterian  and 
was  a zealous  church  worker.  Her  death  oc- 
curred October  14,  i8q4,  at  the  age  of  52 
years,  being'  survived  bv  her  husband  and 
two  children,  namelv:  Florence  C.,  an  artist, 
who  married  Dr.  C.  U.  Patterson,  a practi- 
tioner of  PThrichsville.  by  whom  she  has  two 
children,  Tvlyra  and  Hazen:  and  William  C., 
who  is  a machinist  of  LThrichsville. 


6.34 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


JOSEPH  GIBBONS,  one  of  the  oldest  and 
most  esteemed  citizens  of  Belmont  County, 
whose  }'ears  hut  illustrate  his  wonderful  vitali- 
ty, resides  on  his  fine  farm  in  Warren  town- 
ship, near  Barnesville,  and  is  the  center  of  a 
devoted  family  circle. 

Few  \’enerahle  citizens  remain  whose  hirths 
antedate  the  War  of  1812,  but  Mr.  Gibbons 
is  one  of  these,  his  birth  taking  place  on  Sep- 
tember 27,  1811,  when  the  chief  magistrate  of 
this  great  country  was  James  Madison.  Pie 
has  seen  generations  come  and  go,  and  still  re- 
tains his  active  interest  in  general  affairs  and 
hears  his  91  years  with  the  ease  of  a man  in 
middle  age.-  His  parents  were  Homer  and 
Martha  (South)  Gibbons,  natives  of  Virginia 
and  New  Jersey,  respectively,  the  former  of 
whom  left  his  native  State  in  early  life  and 
settled  in  Jefferson  County,  Ohio.  His  wife 
came  to  this  State  in  1800,  and  her  parents 
also  settled  in  Jefferson  County.  They  became 
the  parents  of  these  children : John,  Mary, 

Plomer,  Enoch,  Jesse,  James  and  Sarah,  de- 
ceased, while  the  living  ones  are:  Joseph, 

Robert,  Samuel  B.,  William  and  Borden. 

Jose]:)h  Gibbons  was  born  in  Belmont  Coun- 
ty, on  his  father’s  farm,  where  he  spent  his 
early  days,  and  attended  the  district  schools 
in  his  locality.  He  grew  to  manhood  engaged 
in  agricultural  pursuits,  and,  having  been  in- 
dustrious and  provident,  had  accumulated  a 
considerable  sum  of  money  by  the  time  he  was 
ready  to  establish  a home  of  his  own.  In  1836 
he  Avas  united  in  marriage  with  Penina  Wil- 
liams, daughter  of  Samuel  and  Sarah  (Ar-^^ 
nold)  Williams,  who  were  natives  of  Seubh  ‘ 
Carolina,  settling  in  Ohio  about  1800.  Mrs. 
Gibbons  wHs  horn  in  1817  and  after  a life  of  71 
years,  filled  with  good  deeds  and  kind  acts,  she 
passed  out  of  life  on  January  16,  1888.  The 
children  horn  to  this  happy  marriage  were  the 
following:  Elam,  born  October  23,  1838; 

Eli  W.,  born  June  27,  1840;  Edmund,  born 
July  28,  1842:  Samuel  and  Homer,  twins,  born 
in  1844;  Sarah,  horn  June  13,  1845,  J^^^y 

10.  1846;  James  S.  and  Mary  PL,  twins,  born 
March  19,  1847:  Joseph  B.,  horn  February  6, 
1850:  Anna  and  Martha,  twins,  born  June  26, 


1852:  Elizabeth,  horn  September  ii,  1854; 
Lavina  H.,  born  August  25,  i860;  and  Ed- 
ward V.,  born  April  15,  1862. 

Mr.  Gibbons  for  some  years  has  lived  free 
from  all  business  care,  altliough  quite  capable 
of  actively  managing  his  former  interests. 
Through  life  he  has  been  an  enterprising  man 
and  at  all  times  has  testified  his  willingness  to 
assist  in  the  developing  of  his  county.  His 
estimable  character  and  long  and  useful  life 
have  attached  many  friends  to  him,  who  take 
pride  in  his  vigor,  in  spite  of  his  advanced  age. 
They  hope  he  may  be  spared  yet  many  years 
to  show  the  results  of  a life  which  has  been 
devoted  to  the  honest  accumulation  of  means 
and  to  the  welfare  of  his  family  and  neighbor- 
hood. Mr.  Gibbons  is  a member  of  the  Society 
of  Friends. 


J.  C.  ROBERTS,  residing  at  No.  419 
Washington  street,  Martin’s  Ferry,  has  for 
20  years  occupied  the  position  of  sheet  roller 
in  the  rolling  mill  of  this  city,  exercising  the 
same  perserverance  and  determination  in 
regular  work  that  he  previously  exhibited  as 
a soldier  in  the  War  of  the  Rebellion.  He 
was  born  in  Pittsburg,  Pennsylvania,  Sep- 
tember 22,  1847,  and  is  a son  of  E.  W.  and 
Emily  (Cook)  Roberts. 

E.  W.  Roberts  was  one  of  the  first  sheet 
rollers  in  this  country,  and  followed  this  oc- 
cupation for  the  most  part  throughout  his 
business  life.  Late  in  years  he  settled  in 
Sharon,  Pennsylvania,  where  he  was  engaged 
at  his  trade  for  the  rest  of  his  life.  He  died 
July  23,  1872,  at  the  age  of  62.  During  his 
young  manhood  he  married  Emily  Cook. 
She  survived  her  husband,  dying  in  1879  in 
her  63rd  year.  A pleasing  woman,  spiritually 
minded,  and  gifted  with  the  most  charming 
feminine  traits,  she  won  the  friendship  of  all 
who  knew  her.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Robert  had  ten 
diildren — the  first  died  in  Pittsburg  at  the 
age  of  13  years:  three  died  young,  Ruth 
Anna  and  Joanna,  who  were  twins,  and  Jos- 
eph: the  fifth  never  married;  Elizabeth,  now 
the  widow  of  Charles  Ulp,  resides  at  No.  116 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


635 


South  Penn  street,  Wheeling  Island.  The 
other  children  are  Louisa,  who  has  never 
married;  John  C.;  William  S.,  an  iron 
worker  for  the  past  1 1 years,  and  Emma,  who 
married  Baldwin  Chew,  and  has  since  died 
at  the  age  of  47.  Mr.  Roberts  was  a liberal 
supporter  of  the  Baptist  Church.  His  wife 
belonged  to  the  Methodist  Church. 

J.  C.  Roberts  procured  his  education  at 
Niles,  Ohio,  where  it  was  his  privilege'  to  be 
a schoolmate  of  William  McKinley,  our  late 
President.  As  boys  they  were  intimately 
associated,  played  mumblety-peg  together 
and  other  childish  games.  Later  in  life  they 
both  served  their  State  as  soldiers  in  the 
Civil  War.  It  was  in  September,  1861,  in 
Company  G,  19th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  that 
Mr.  Roberts  enlisted.  Entering  the  Army 
of  the  Cumberland,  he  with  his  regi- 
ment fought  at  Shiloh,  April  6 and  7,  1862; 
at  Perryville,  Kentucky,  October  8, 
1862;  at  Stone  River,  Tennessee,  January  2, 
1863,  St  Chickamauga,  September  19 
and  20,  1863.  He  also  took  part  in  the 
closing  battles  of  the  war,  was  in  the  At- 
lanta campaign,  and  fought  at  Franklin  and 
Nashville  under  General  Thomas.  His  first 
enlistment  expired  near  the  close  of  1862, 
and  on  January  i,  1863,  he  again  re-enlisted, 
serving  m all  four  years  and  two  months.  He 
was  mustered  out  in  November,  1865.  In 
the  battle  of  Stone  River,  Tennessee,  he  was 
appointed  one  of  a force  to  guard  a train  of 
ammunition  and  provisions,  which  the  Rebels 
were  determined  to  possess  if  possible.  The 
struggle  was  a fierce  one,  and  the  Southern 
cavalry  did  succeed  in  capturing  the  train 
and  taking  prisoners  of  the  guard,  Mr. 
Roberts  among  them;  but  half  an  hour 
later  the  captain  of  the  7th  Pennsylvania 
Regiment,  with  his  cavalry,  retook  both 
the  train  and  the  prisoners.  Mr.  Rob- 
erts was  wounded  with  buckshot  once 
during  the  war,  and  not  having  the 
hurt  attended  to  until  the  next  day,  suffered 
considerable  pain,  but  no  serious  injury  re- 
sulted from  the  mishap.  Considering  the 
severe  fighting  in  which  he  was  engaged,  his 


escape  was  almost  miraculous.  Out  of  loi 
men  who  first  enlisted  in  his  company,  only 
three  returned  from  the  war,  and  he  was  one 
of  the  three.  Since  the  war  Mr.  Roberts  has 
been  engaged  steadily  in  the  rolling-mill 
business.  In  1882  he  took  a position  as  a 
sheet  roller  in  a mill  at  Martin’s  Ferry,  and, 
giving  excellent  satisfaction,  he  has  remained 
here  ever  since. 

Mr.  Roberts  has  never  married,  but  gives 
his  time  mainly  to  his  business  and  to  society. 
He  belongs  to  the  Elks  and  to  the  Amalga- 
mated Association  of  Iron,  Steel  & Tin 
Workers,  and  has  served  as  an  officer  in  each 
society.  As  a Civil  War  veteran  he  belongs 
to  the  G.  A.  R.  He  possesses  much  force  of 
character  and  makes  a success  of  whatever  he 
undertakes. 


WILLIAM  LUTHER  PATTON,  post- 
mascer  of  Fairpoint,  Belmont  County,  Ohio, 
is  also  the  owner  of  a flourishing  mercantile 
business  at  that  place,  and  is  one  of  the  fore- 
most citizens  of  Wheeling  township.  He 
was  born  June  8,  1849,  ^ son  of  William  and 
Anna  (Clark)  Patton,  and  still  resides  on  his 
native  place,  owning  a fine  farm  on  the  out- 
skirts of  the  town,  where  he  and  his  family 
live  very  comfortably. 

William  Patton,  the  father,  was  born  near 
Belfast,  Ireland,  in  County  Down,  in  1799, 
but  immigrated  to  this  country  with  his  par- 
ents. He  was  an  honest,  straightforward 
citizen  and  a man  of  very  firm  opinions.  He 
married  Anna  Clark,  who  was  born  in  1810,  a 
daughter  of  Alexander  Clark  of  Lancaster 
County,  of  the  Keystone  State.  The  early 
education  of  Mr.  Patton  was  exceedingly 
limited,  for  he  attended  school  but  six  weeks 
in  his  life.  However,  he  had  an  apt,  inquiring 
mind,  and  succeeded  in  teaching  himself  so 
well  that  he  prospered  in  his  business  life  and 
accumulated  considerable  wealth.  This 
wealth  he  afterward  divided  among  his  twelve 
children,  nine  of  whom  were  sons, — their 
names  will  be  mentioned  later.  In  his  occu- 
pation as  general  farmer  he  made  a specialty 


636 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


of  raising'  fine  stock,  and  in  this  branch  he 
was  donbly  successful  and  made  the  greater 
part  of  his  wealth.  At  his  death,  which  oc- 
curred in  1872  at  the  age  of  73  years,  each  of 
his  living  sons  was  given  a farm.  The  death 
of  Mrs.  Patton  occurred  in  1885,  when  she 
was  75  years  of  age.  Mr.  Patton  was  a 
Seceder  in  religious  opinions,  but  his  wife 
was  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
and  during  the  greater  part  of  his  married  life 
Mr.  Patton  also  attended  that  church,  hav- 
ing united  with  it  in  later  life,  and  he  served 
faithfully  as  ruling  elder  many  years.  He 
took  no  interest  in  politics,  since  even  in  his 
day  he  considered  them  immoral,  but  from 
the  beginning  of  the  slavery  question  he  was 
an  Abolitionist,  although  he  had  nothing  to 
do  with  the  “Underground  Railroad”  system. 
He  was  a member  of  no  sect  or  order,  as  his 
religious  ideas  forbade  it,  but  he  did  his  part 
as  a citizen  to  assist  in  enterprises  of  worth, 
and  his  fellowmen  found  in  him  a ready  as- 
sistant in  time  of  need. 

Our  subject’s  brothers  and  sisters  were  as 
follows:  Samuel,  born  in  1830,  who  died  in 
1857,  when  pastor  of  the  United  Presby- 
terian Church  of  Detroit,  was  a grad- 
uate of  the  U.  P.  Seminary  at  Canonsburg, 
and  it  is  said  preached  his  first  sermon  when 
20  years  of  age.  He  left  a widow  to  mourn 
for  him,  her  name  having  been  Jennie  Lee  of 
Cadiz,  Ohio,  before  her  marriage.  Margaret, 
born  in  1832,  became  the  wife  of  Rev.  J.  P. 
Robb  of  Sidney,  Ohio,  in  1859,  he  being  pas- 
tor of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  at 
that  place,  and  they  have  a daughter,  who  was 
educated  at  Washington  Seminary  at  Wash- 
ington, Pennsylvania.  John,  who  was  born 
in  1834,  and  lives  at  St.  Clairsville,  Ohio,  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Lauretta  Thompson, 
a daughter  of  Major  Thomas  Thompson,  and 
has  three  children.  His  education  was  ob- 
tained at  Franklin  College,  which  he  left 
when  the  war  broke  out  and  became  a mem- 
ber of  the  98th  Reg.,  O.  V.  I.  Eleanor, 
born  in  1836,  became  the  wife  of  Rev.  Josiah 
Stevenson  of  Bellevue,  Pennsylvania,  a 
United  Presbyterian,  who  recently  went  to 


Ireland  and  gathered  complete  data  of  the 
Patton  family;  they  have  been  blessed 
with  eight  children.  Alexander  C.,  born  in 
1838,  followed  farming  as  a vocation,  and 
when  the  Civil  War  broke  out  enlisted  in 
the  170th  Reg.,  O.  V.  L,  and  became  a cap- 
tain later.  He  married  Agnes  Sharp  of 
Uniontown,  Ohio,  and  they  had  two  children 
and  lived  in  Springfield,  Ohio,  where  the 
father  died  in  1900.  Caroline  was  born  in 
1840  and  married  Addison  Lysle  of  Pitts- 
burg, Pennsylvania,  a prominent  coal  dealer, 
residing  in  Allegheny,  and  they  had  one  child. 
Mrs.  Lysle  was  educated  in  Washington 
Seminary  and  graduated  from  that  institu- 
tion. James,  born  in  1842,  chose  Elizabeth 
Dunbar,  a daughter  of  William  Dunbar,  of 
Uniontown,  Ohio,  for  his  wife,  and  they  had 
three  children  when  she  died.  He  married 
a second  time,  this  time  choosing  Agnes 
Cook,  daughter  of  James  Cook  of  New  Ath- 
ens, Ohio.  George  M.,  born  in  1844,  served 
in  the  war  as  a member  of  the  98th  Reg.,  O. 
V.  I.,  and  married  Louise  M.  Campbell,  a 
daughter  of  Dr.  John  Campbell  of  Union- 
town,  who  bore  him  six  children.  Calvin  W., 
who  was  born  in  1846,  was  a member  of  the 
170th  Reg.,  O.  V.  I.,  during  the  Civil  War, 
and  was  united  in  marriage  with  Harriet 
Dunbar  and  later  with  Dora  Troll,  who  bore 
him  two  children,  John  T.  and  C.  G.  Mrs. 
Patton  formerly  resided  in  St.  Clairsville, 
Ohio.  Sylvanus  was  born  in  1852  and  died 
in  1863,  aged  twelve  years.  Thomas  L., 
born  in  1855,  married  Jennie  McKee  of 
Uniontown,  and  lives  at  Alliance,  Ohio. 
They  have  four  children.  An  only  brother 
of  our  subject’s  father  died  when  but  20 
years  old. 

William  Luther  Patton  led  Maggie  R.  Mc- 
Nary,  daughter  of  John  McNary,  of  Belmont 
County,  to  the  hymeneal  altar  in  1873.  She 
was  born  in  1850  and  had  two  brothers.  Her 
scholastic  training  was  obtained  in  Erank- 
lin  College,  and  she  and  our  subject  have 
four  children,  namely,  Lodalee,  born  Novem- 
ber 2,  1874;  Park,  born  in  December,  1879; 
A.  Van,  born  May  5,  1883,  and  Nellie  Me- 


s 


iw»> 


3 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


639 


Nary,  born  in  1885.  The}^  are  still  residents 
of  the  home  farm  with  their  parents,  and  the 
two  eldest  children  have  attended  college  to 
obtain  the  best  education  possible.  Lodalee 
graduated  at  Franklin  College  in  New  Ath- 
ens, Ohio,  the  third  in  rank  in  her  class.  Park 
graduated  from  the  High  School  at  St. 
Clairsville,  at  Franklin  College  also,  and  took 
a business  course  at  the  business  college  at 
Poughkeepsie,  thus  fitting  himself  thorough- 
ly for  the  position  he  occupies  as  professor  of 
mathematics  in  Curry  College  of  Pittsburg, 
Pennsylvania.  A.  V an  has  graduated  from 
the  High  School  at  St.  Clairsville,  also  is 
clerking  in  his  father’s  store,  but  his  parents 
believe  that  children  should  not  be  sent  to 
school  too  young,  and  he  will  be  given  ample 
opportunity  to  take  a more  advanced  course 
at  some  college  at  a later  date. 

Mr.  Patton  has  had  charge  of  the  duties  at 
the  post  office  since  1886,  except  about  six 
months  during  Cleveland’s  administration, 
and  he  has  proved  a most  valuable  man  for 
the  place,  being  of  an  accommodating,  cheer- 
ful nature.  He  has  built  up  a hustling  busi- 
ness and  has  the  best  patronage  of  the  vil- 
lage, which  speaks  for  his  ability  as  a mer- 
chant and  his  popularity  as  a citizen. 


JOHN  AMRINE,  whose  death  occurred  Au- 
gust 27,  1901,  at  Bridgeport,  Ohio,  was  born  in 
Belmont  County,  Ohio,  January  10,  1820,  and 
he  lived  practically  all  his  life  in  his  native 
county. 

He  was  a son  of  Peter  and  Nancy  Amrine, 
who  were  among  the  hardy  pioneeer  settlers  of 
Ohio.  His  mother  died  in  1832  of  cholera. 
The  family  then  removed  to  Perry  County, 
Ohio.  John  did  not  like  his  new  home,  and, 
with  his  father’s  permission,  returned  to  Bel- 
mont County;  although  only  a boy  of  12,  he 
walked  all  the  way  back,  and  thus  young  John 
Amrine  started  upon  his  own  resources  in  the 
race  of  life. 

For  several  years  he  made  his  home  with 
his  uncle,  Francis  McConnell,  and  worked  at 


farming  on  Scotch  Ridge,  and  elsewhere.  He 
followed  boating  on  the  Ohio  River  for  16 
years. 

At  the  age  of  30  years  he  was  united  in 
marriage  with  Deborah  Enlow,  a daughter  of 
Jacob  and  Rachel  Enlow,  who  were  also  pio- 
neer residents  of  Belmont  County.  From  this 
union  they  had  a family  of  nine  children,  of 
whom  Mary  B.,  the  widow  of  Jeremiah  Stur- 
geon; Virginia  A.,  the  wife  of  Milton  McCon- 
naughy;  Miss  Gertrude  H.  and  Fred  S.  Am- 
rine are  still  living;  and  Frank  H.,  who  died 
in  1895,  leaving  a widow,  Mrs.  Jessie  Bailey 
Amrine,  and  one  child,  Frank. 

Mrs.  John  Amrine  was  born  February  7, 
1826,  and  died  December  13,  1895. 

Peter  Amrine,  the  father  of  our  subject, 
died  April  20,  1864,  aged  74  years. 

Soon  after  his  marriage,  John  Amrine  en- 
gaged in  the  coal  boating  business  with  Hugh 
McNeely  and  others,  and  although  this  busi- 
ness did  not  prove  very  lucrative,  yet  he  gave 
$200  of  his  meager  savings  to  build  the  First 
hlethodist  Episcopal  Church  that  was  built  in 
Bridgeport,  and  in  later  )'ears  proved  his  de- 
votion to  the  cause  of  Christianity  by  giving 
liberally  toward  the  erection  of  the  other  two 
brick  Methodist  Episcopal  Churches  in  Kirk- 
wood. 

For  67  years  Mr.  Amrine  was  a devout 
member  of  the  Methodist  Church,  serving 
mostly  in  some  official  capacity. 

He  was  public  spirited  and  was  the  first  to 
take  stock  in  the  Aetna  hlill  in  1873,  and  was 
later  a charter  member  of  the  re-organized 
Aetna-Standard  Mills. 

In  fraternal  circles,  he  was  an  active  Mason 
for  many  years,  and  was  the  last  of  the  charter 
members  of  the  Bridgeport  blue  lodge. 

John  /\mrine  was  a true  and  earnest  patriot 
during  the  great  war  for  the  Union,  and 
throughout  his  life  he  loved  to  talk  and  read 
of  Lincoln,  Grant,  Garfield,  McKinley  and 
others  of  our  good  and  great.  He  was  an  ar- 
dent Republican. 

The  last  -to  years  of  his  life  he  was  engaged 
in  farming  and  market  gardening,  and  enjoyed 
his  fine  suburban  home  with  his  interestins: 

o 


640 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


family : and  thus  we  see  this  hoy  with  the 
rough  exterior  of  pioneer  life,  without  a moth- 
er's love  to  guide  or  a father’s  hand  to  pro- 
tect, no  parental  roof,  and  with  hut  little  school 
privileg'es,  and  yet  making  life  a success. 

^^'ith  the  practice  of  industry,  economy  and 
sobriety,  and  being  possessed  of  many  of  the 
finer  sterling  cpialities  of  heart  and  mind,  John 
.\mrine  walked  amid  the  rough  environments 
of  a life  on  the  river  and  the  crude  times  of 
his  early  days,  and  yet  he  became  the  honored 
citizen,  the  good  friend  and  the  worthy  Chris- 
tian gentleman. 

He  was  cast  in  a gentle  mold,  and  yet  he 
was  ever  firm  and  steadfast  for  the  right.  He 
loved  fair  dealing,  and  his  genial  manner  made 
and  ke])t  all  who  knew  him  his  friends. 

In  his  last  illness  he  found  delight  in  giving 
Christian  advice  and  counsel  to  all  who  came 
to  his  bedside.  His  last  hours  were  a fit  end- 
ing of  an  upright,  exemplary  life. 

Soothed  and  sustained  by  an  unfaltering- 
trust,  he  “a])proached  the  grave  like  one  who 
wraps  the  drapery  of  his  couch  about  him  and 
lies  down  to  pleasant  dreams.” 

“Calm  and  peaceful  be  thy  sleep,”  good 
friend. 


ELI  S.  MORGAN,  one  of  the  progressive 
agriculturists  of  Wheeling  township,  Bel- 
mont County,  manages  not  only  his  own 
large  and  well-kept  farm,  but  also  a still 
larger  one  for  his  mother.  Possessed  of  a 
large  capacity  for  work,  and  being  one  who 
attends  strictly  to  his  own  business,  he  has 
accumulated  considerable  property,  includ- 
ing some  of  the  best-bred  stock.  He  comes 
of  a family  of  soil  tillers,  and  was  born  on 
the  Belmont  County  homestead  December 
19,  1865,  son  of  Philip  and  Sarah  (Seebirt) 
Morgan. 

George  V.  Morgan,  grandfather  of  Eli  S., 
was  born  in  1775.  In  the  early  days  he 
moved  to  Ohio,  being  one  of  the  pioneers 
of  the  rich  agricultural  districts  of  this  State. 
Here  he  purchased  what  was  known  as  the 
Mintier  farm,  where  he  passed  many  busy 


years  of  his  life,  engaged  in  the  develop- 
ment of  its  resources.  Later  he  moved  to 
the  Morgan  farm,  where  he  spent  the  rest 
of  his  life,  dying  there. 

Philip  Morgan,  son  of  George  V.  and 
father  of  Eli  S.,  was  also  a prominent  agricul- 
turist of  this  section,  purchasing  and  manag- 
ing the  homestead  where  the  son  now  resides. 
Born  in  Uniontown,  Ohio,  in  1819,  he  pro- 
cured his  education  in  the  common  schools 
of  his  vicinity.  Preparatory  to  an  occupa- 
tion in  life,  as  a youth  he  entered  a tannery 
and  there  learned  a trade,  at  which  in  time 
he  became  very  proficient.  During  his 
young  manhood  he  purchased  the  farm  al- 
ready referred  to,  in  Wheeling  township. 
This  place  he  cleared  and  broke,  and  greatly 
improved.  As  he  also  added  to  its  area,  oc- 
casionally, by  large  land  purchases,  it  at  one 
time  embraced  514  acres.  January  5,  1845, 
Mr.  Morgan  married  Sarah  Seebirt,  an  at- 
tractive girl  of  18,  born  in  1825,  daughter 
of  Eli  and  Caroline  Seebirt,  and  grand- 
daughter of  Adam  Seebirt,  who  was  born 
in  Loudoun  County,  Virginia,  resided  there 
for  many  years,  and  later  crossed  the  moun- 
tains and  became  one  of  the  pioneer  settlers 
of  Ohio.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Eli  Seebirt  were 
born  two  children, — Sarah,  and  Eli,  born  in 
1827,  died  in  1898.  Mrs.  Morgan,  now  78, 
has  been  a hard-working  woman  all  her  life, 
also  a faithful  mother  and  devoted  wife.  She 
was  reared  in  this  vicinity,  and  attended  for 
many  years  the  Wheeling  Valley  public 
schools.  In  religious  circles  she  is  especially 
prominent,  and  has  been  a consistent  mem- 
ber of  the  Presbyterian  Church  for  nearly 
40  years.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Morgan  were 
born  nine  children:  Mary  Ellen,  born  Janu- 
ary 24,  1846,  received  a common  school  edu- 
cation, married  Harvey  Rusk,  a farmer,  now 
deceased,  who  resided  on  his  family  home- 
stead in  Richland  township,  near  Fairpoint, 
in  Belmont  County,  and  they  had  six  chil- 
dren,— Addison  E.,  Elmer,  Sadie,  Marshall, 
Ina,  and  Ross.  The  father  died  in  1890,  and 
the  family  still  reside  on  the  homestead. 
Marshall  J.,  second  child  of  Philip  Morgan, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


641 


born  September  26,  1847,  married  Mary 
Close,  daughter  of  John  Close,  who  resides  * 
near  St.  Clairsville,  Belmont  County,  and  they 
had  two  children, — Philip,  and  Leota,  who 
resides  east  of  the  Morgan  farm,  near  the  | 
Valley  Church.  Martha  A.,  born  August  14,  ' 
1849,  married  Samuel  Coleman,  of  Wheeling 
township,  and  they  have  three  children. 
Melissa  J.,  born  October  14,  1851,  married 
Charles  Love,  son  of  Rev.  Mr.  Love,  and  they 
reside  in  Athens.  They  have  two  children. 
John,  born  November  13,  1853,  who  re- 
ceived his  education  in  the  common  schools 
and  Franklin  College,  married  Mary  Lyle, 
of  Wheeling  township,  and  they  live  on 
Athens  Pike,  near  the  toll  gate,  and  are  the 
parents  of  five  children, — Wilbur,  Lyle,  Mar- 
shall, Robert,  and  Linnie.  Milton,  born  No- 
vember 14,  1856,  died  at  the  age  of  six  years. 
Ada,  born  April  24,  1859,  married  William 
P.  Hedges,  and  they  reside  near  Cadiz, 
Ohio.  Linnie  (Euphemia  Ulinda),  born 
June  18,  1861,  married  Rusk  Love,  and  they 
reside  in  Wheeling  township.  They  have 
two  children, — Everett  and  Phil.  Eli  S.  is 
mentioned  below.  Mr.  Morgan  was  a man 
highly  respected  in  his  community,  pos- 
sessed marked  integrity  and  was  especially 
influential  in  religious  circles,  serving  as 
elder  in  the  Presbyterian  Church  at  Valley 
Church  for  25  years.  His  children  were  also 
members  of  this  church. 

Eli  S.  Morgan  received  the  ordinary  rear- 
ing of  a farm  boy,  attending  the  common 
schools  regularly  for  a number  of  years,  and 
taking  a helping  hand  in  the  usual  farm 
duties.  Upon  reaching  manhood  he  began 
farming  on  the  homestead,  and  after  the 
death  of  his  father  assumed  the  entire  man- 
agement of  the  place,  which  now  embraces 
215  acres.  This  place  is  well  improved,  and 
the  buildings,  which  were  erected  about  50 
years  ago,  have  been  kept  in  excellent  con- 
dition and  are  still  intact.  Here  he  engages 
in  general  farming  and  stock  raising  with 
marked  success.  His  land  being  productive 
yields  large  and  valuable  crops,  and  his  stock 
is  among  the  best  put  on  the  market.  In 


addition  to  carrying  on  this  place  he  man- 
ages 76^  acres  of  land,  which  he  purchased 
for  himself.  This  he  has  also  greatly  im- 
proved, and  has  largely  under  cultivation. 
Keeping  abreast  of  the  times,  he  applies’i 
progressive  methods  in  farming  and  at  the 
same  time  is  extremely  practical. 

In  February,  1892,  Mr.  jMorgan  married 
Mary  Hutchison,  daughter  of  John  and 
Sadie  Hutchison,  of  St.  Clairsville,  Ohio. 
Mrs.  iMorgan  is  a highly  cultivated  woman, 
and  received  her  education  in  the  common 
schools  and  Franklin  College.  By  this  mar- 
riage there  have  been  five  children:  John 

Hutchison,  born  IMarch  3,  1894;  Sarah  Ada, 
born  February  16,  1896;  Emma  Lucinda, 
born  March  3,  1898,  who  died  in  the  same 
year  at  the  age  of  six  months;  Lucinda  Rose, 
born  May  27,  1899;  ^.nd  Russell  Seebirt, 
born  December  18,  1901. 

Mr.  Morgan  has  achieved  success  in  life 
by  attending  strictly  to  his  own  duties.  He 
gives  but  little  attention  to  public  affairs, 
and  has  never  sought  office.  Like  his  father, 
however,  he  votes  the  Democratic  ticket. 
He  is  a man  of  firm  religious  convictions 
and  belongs  to  the  Presbyterian  Church. 


HON.  ROSS  J.  ALEXANDER,  a most 
highly  esteemed  resident  of  Bridgeport, 
Ohio,  has  been  a prominent  figure  in  profes- 
sional and  political  life  in  Belmont  County 
for  a number  of  years,  resigning  the  cares  of 
business  in  1894,  after  a successful  and  hon- 
orable career. 

Mr.  Alexander  claims  an  old  and  honored 
ancestry.  The  first  member  of  this  branch 
of  the  Alexander  family  of  which  we  find 
authentic  mention  was  James  Alexander,  the 
great-great-grandfather  of  our  subject,  who 
was  born  in  1706  near  Campbelltown,  Scot- 
land. and  who  came  to  the  United  States  in 
1774,  his  tomb  now  being  found  at  Slate 
Ridge,  Maryland.  His  son,  James,  the  second 
of  the  name,  was  born  in  1733  in  Scotland 
also,  and  came  to  America  in  1771,  dying 


642 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


May  9,  1817,  at  the  age  of  84  years.  He 
served  during  the  Revolutionary  War  with 
the  i’ennsylvania  troops,  his  home  being  in 
the  vicinity  of  York,  in  that  State.  He  was 
buried  in  the  Alexander  Cemetery  at  South 
Ridge,  in  Belmont  County,  Ohio.  James 
Alexander  (2)  was  twice  married,  his  first 
wife,  Margaret  Wilson,  dying  in  Scotland, 
leaving  four  children,  namely,  Andrew, 
James,  Margaret  and  Jane, — the  eldest  of 
these,  James  (3),  being  our  subject’s  grand- 
father. The  second  marriage  was  to  Mar- 
garet Clarke  Ross,  and  seven  children  were 
born  to  this  union. 

James  Alexander  (3),  the  grandfather  of 
Hon.  Ross  J.  Alexander,  was  born  in  Scot- 
land, came  to  the  United  States  in  1766,  and 
died  May  11,  1852,  at  the  age  of  95  years.  He 
married  Isabella  Ross  and  had  a family  of  ten 
children,  namely,  Margaret,  James,  Agnes, 
Jane  W.,  Isabella  R.,  John,  Jenetta,  Peter, 
Robert  Jefferson  and  Lavinia,  all  of  whom 
have  passed  away.  Of  this  family  Agnes, 
born  May  15,  1792,  was  the  first  white  child 
born  in  Belmont  County.  She  died  Feb- 
ruary 20,  1825.  Her  marriage  was  to  Robert 
Gray,  and  of  their  four  children  James  A., 
lately  deceased,  was  a banker  at’  Martin’s 
Ferry,  Ohio. 

Robert  Jefferson  Alexander,  the  father  of 
our  subject,  was  born  October  6,  1806,  and 
died  January  30,  1863.  On  November  l, 
1831,  he  married  Mary  A.  Jennings,  a native 
of  Belmont  County,  and  a daughter  of  David 
Jennings,  for  many  years  prominent  in  politi- 
cal life  as  State  Senator  and  member  of  Con- 
gress, and  for  15  years  county  prosecut- 
ing attorney.  Mrs.  Alexander  was  one  of  a 
family  of  six  children  born  to  her  parents, 
viz.,  Mary  A.,  Rachel  R.,  Jacob  D.,  David 
L.,  Jonathan  G.  and  Margaret  L., — Jonathan 
G.  being  the  only  survivor.  The  Jennings 
family  is  an  honorable  one  in  a number  of  the 
States  of  the  Union.  Jacob  Jennings,  the 
maternal  great-great-grandfather  of  our  sub- 
ject, served  as  a minute  man  in  the  militia 
of  Morris  County,  New  Jersey,  during  the 
Revolutionary  War,  and  his  wife  was  Mary 


Kennedy,  a daughter  of  Rev.  Samuel  Ken- 
nedy. Jacob  Jennings  (2),  our  subject’s  great- 
grandfather, also  participated  in  the  Revo- 
lutionary War,  and  the  document  is  in  the 
family’s  possession  which  tells  that  he  was 
captain  of  the  Jersey  Blues  and  a surgeon  in 
the  Sussex  County  Militia  during  this  period. 
He  was  severely  wounded  at  the  battle  of 
Trenton,  December  26,  1776,  and  bore  the 
marks  of  the  conflict  until  his  death.  At  the 
age  of  40  years  he  was  licensed  to  preach  by 
the  Dutch  Reformed  Church  and  removed  to 
Virginia,  and  in  1802  served  at  Pittsburg  as 
the  first  moderator  of  the  synod.  Mrs.  Alex- 
ander was  a niece  of  the  distinguished  Jona- 
than Jennings,  who  was  the  first  Governor  of 
the  State  of  Indiana  and  for  whom  a county 
in  the  southeastern  part  of  that  State  was 
named,  and  the  State  of  Indiana  has  recently 
erected  a $5,000  monument  to  his  memory. 

Robert  Jefferson  Alexander  was  an  able 
attorney  and  practiced  all  his  life  in  Belmont 
County,  serving  through  two  terms  as  county 
prosecuting  attorney,  and  was  the  first  judge 
of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas  under  the  new 
Constitution  of  1851,  his  term  covering  five 
years  of  service.  His  interest  was  pronounced 
in  the  fostering  of  public  educational  enter- 
prises, and  he  favored  legislation  for  the  ad- 
vancement of  agricultural  opportunities.  Mr. 
Alexander  was  born  on  October  6,  1806,  and 
through  a period  of  57  years  was  one  of  the 
most  useful  citizens  of  Belmont  County.  The 
children  born  to  this  first  marriage  were  as 
follows:  Theresa,  who  is  Mrs.  K.  S.  Bore- 
man.  of  Parkersburg,  West  Virginia;  Ross 
J.,  who  is  the  subject  of  this  sketch.  Robert 
J.,  who  is  a resident  of  the  State  of  Washing- 
ton, and  William  W.,  who  resides  at  Akron, 
Ohio.  The  mother  of  these  children  died  in 
1844  at  the  age  of  33  years.  The  second 
marriage  of  Mr.  Alexander  was  to  a sister  of 
his  first  wife,  Rachel  R.,  who  was  the  widow 
of  William  H.  Talhnan,  the  one  daughter 
born  to  this  union  being  Mary  Ann,  the  wife 
of  James  Murray,  of  Wheeling,  West  Vir- 
ginia. 

The  birth  of  Ross  J.  Alexander  occurred 


^ ; 


WILLIAM  H.  McCartney. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


645 


in  Belmont  County  on  Christmas  Day,  1834. 
He  was  reared  in  a home  of  refinement  and 
intelligence  and  was  offered  excellent  educa- 
tional advantages.  From  Linsly  Institute 
in  Wheeling  he  went  to  Franklin  College, 
Ohio,  and  later  graduated  with  the  highest 
honors  in  the  class  of  1854  from  Washington 
and  Jefferson  College,  in  Pennsylvania. 
Under  his  eminent  father  he  studied  law  and 
was  admitted  to  practice  in  December,  1856, 
locating  in  St.  Clairsville.  For  a period  of 
18  years  Mr.  Alexander  carried  on  a large 
and  absorbing  practice  in  that  place,  remov- 
ing in  1872  to  Bridgeport,  only  to  change 
the  location,  not  the  nature  or  volume,  of 
his  business.  Many  honors  have  been  shown 
our  subject  by  appreciative  fellow  citizens. 
For  12  years  he  was  master  commissioner  of 
the  county  and  for  two  terms  he  was  the 
municipal  head  of  the  city  of  St.  Clairsville. 
He  has  served  as  a member  of  the  Bridgeport 
Council  a number  of  times,  has  been  a mem- 
ber of  and  president  of  the  Bridgeport  School 
Board  for  many  years,  and  has  been  identified 
with  all  public  enterprises  of  lasting  value. 
During  two  years  he  was  an  efficient  member 
of  the  Ohio  Legislature,  rendering  his  party 
yeoman  service  during  the  administration  of 
President  Cleveland.  He  also  served  in  the 
far  West  as  a member  of  the  Puyallup  Indian 
Commission  of  the  State  of  Washington,  in 
all  of  these  varied  responsible  offices  uphold- 
ing the  dignity  of  the  position  and  conscien- 
tiously performing  the  many  duties. 

On  July  14,  1858,  Mr.  Alexander  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Margaretta  Askew, 
a native  of  St.  Clairsville  and  a daughter  of 
Isaac  and  Elizabeth  (McElroy)  Askew,  the 
latter  of  whom  was  a daughter  of  John  Mc- 
Elroy, who  was  a captain  in  the  War  of  1812. 
A family  of  four  children  were  born  to  our 
subject  and  wife,  as  follows:  Marian,  who 
married  William  Alexander,  resides  in  Kan- 
sas City,  Kansas,  and  they  have  two  chil- 
dren. Askew  and  Ross  J. ; Lillian,  who  mar- 
ried Frank  Sigel,  resides  at  Kansas  City,  Mis- 
souri, and  has  two  daughters,  Margaret  and 
Virginia;  Minnie  R.,  who  married  J.  C.  Hein- 


lein,  a prominent  attorney  of  Bridgeport,  and 
their  children  are  klargaret,  George  and 
Dorothy;  and  St.  Clair,  of  Kansas  City,  Mis- 
souri. Both  our  subject  and  wife  are  lead- 
ing members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  He 
is  a well-known  member  of  the  Masonic 
order  and  has  held  the  highest  positions  in 
lodge,  chapter  and  commandery,  and  has 
been  a delegate  many  times  to  all  the  grand 
bodies  in  the  State.  From  his  youth  he  has 
been  interested  in  politics,  and  is  an  ardent 
advocate  of  unadulterated  Jeffersonian 
Democracy. 


WILLIAM  H.  McCartney,  who  dur- 
ing life  was  one  of  the  substantial  and  highly 
esteemed  citizens  of  Belmont  County,  was 
born  at  Linton  IMills,  Coshocton  County, 
Ohio,  June  28,  1840,  a son  of  David  and 
Elizabeth  (Heslop)  McCartney,  the  former 
of  whom  was  born  in  1816.  On  March  21, 
1837,  he  married  Elizabeth  Heslop,  and  they 
reared  a family  of  four  children.  * David 
AlcCartney  was  an  extensive  farmer  and  also 
engaged  in  the  banking  business  at  Eort 
Howard,  Wisconsin.  He  died  at  Thomas- 
ville,  Georgia. 

Eor  a number  of  years  William  H.  Mc- 
Cartney was  associated  with  his  father  in 
business  and  became  well  and  favorably 
known.  He  was  married  to  Martha  Hunt, 
who  was  born  November  30,  1842,  a daugh- 
ter of  Philip  Hunt,  of  IMaryland,  who  was  a 
well-known  stockman  and  extensive  farmer. 
The  union  resulted  in  the  birth  of  the  fol- 
lowing children:  Nellie,  who  married  Dr.  J. 

W.  Wellons,  one  of  the  rising  young  physi- 
cians of  Barnesville,  a son  of  the  distin- 
guished Dr.  G.  S.  Wellons;  and  Jesse  T., 
who  was  born  klay  10,  1873,  and  who  is  at- 
tending the  Ohio  Medical  College.  He  will 
graduate  in  1903.  He  resides  with  his 
mother  on  the  old  homestead,  located  within 
a quarter  of  a mile  of  the  city  of  Barnes- 
ville. This  estate  comprises  47  acres  of 
well-improved  land,  while  the  stately  brick 


646 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


residence  is  one  of  the  handsomest  in  this 
vicinity.  Jesse  T.  McCartney,  like  his  father, 
is  identified  with  the  Republican  party,  and 
is  one  of  the  popular  young  men  of  this  lo- 
cality. The  family  is  one  held  in  high  es- 
teem throughout  Warren  township. 

William  H.  McCartney  was  a member  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church.  He  died  Septem- 
ber 29,  1901.  Mrs.  McCartney  is  a member 
of  the  M.  E.  Church  of  Barnesville,  Ohio. 


JOHN  WATSON,  a representative  farmer 
and  eminent  citizen  of  Wheeling  township, 
Belmont  County,  Ohio,  where  so  many  years 
of  his  life  have  been  spent  upon  a farm,  has 
followed  agricultural  pursuits  to  very  good 
advantage,  having  accumulated  quite  a com- 
petency, and  is  highly  respected  in  his  com- 
munity for  his  many  excellent  c|ualities.  Mr. 
Watson  was  born  January  19,  1829,  in  Wash- 
ington County,  Pennsylvania,  on  a farm  near 
Canonsburg.  He  now  owns  315  acres,  which 
includes  one-fourth  of  the  old  Hammond 
farm,  which  was  acquired  as  a legacy  to  his 
wife,  three-quarters  of  which  was  purchased 
by  our  subject,  and  also  the  farm  upon  which 
our  subject  resides,  which  was  purchased  by 
him  some  time  since.  The  handsome  resi- 
dence and  other  substantial  improvements 
were  all  made  by  Mr.  Watson,  who  carries 
on  general  farming  in  the  most  approved 
manner,  but  makes  a specialty  of  raising  fine 
sheep;  in  fact,  a great  deal  of  his  money  has 
been  made  on  sheep  alone,  but  he  also  raises 
a limited  number  of  horses,  cattle,  hogs,  etc. 

Thomas  Watson,  the  father  of  our  subject, 
was  a blacksmith  by  trade,  and  at  one  time 
resided  in  Canonsburg.  He  subsequently  re- 
moved to  the  farm  near  that  place,  where  our 
subject  was  born,  and  there  continued  in  the 
blacksmith  business  for  several  years.  He 
married  Jane,  the  eldest  daughter  of  William 
Hays,  who  lived  at  Plum  Run,  Washington 
County,  Pennsylvania,  and  who  reared  a 
family  of  seven  children. 

Our  subject’s  parents  had  ten  children. 


viz.,  James,  Eliza  Jane,  Martha,  William 
Hays,  Nancy,  Mary  Ann,  John  (subject), 
Catherine,  James  E.  and  Rachel.  All  are  now 
deceased  except  three  sisters,  who  reside  at 
Canonsburg,  and  one  brother,  James  E.,  is 
a resident  of  Indiana.  James,  the  eldest  son, 
died  at  the  early  age  of  nine  years,  and 
Rachel  at  ten  years.  William  died  in  Bel- 
mont County  in  1889,  and  Nancy  passed  to 
her  rest  the  same  year,  while  Catherine  died 
as  recently  as  1901. 

December  18,  1867,  Mr.  Watson  was 

united  in  marriage  with  Mary  Elizabeth 
Hammond,  the  ceremony  which  bound  them 
for  life  taking  place  at  St.  Clairsville,  Ohio. 
The  first  two  years  of  their  married  life  were 
spent  by  the  young  people  in  Pennsylvania, 
after  which  they  removed  to  the  farm  former- 
ly owned  by  subject’s  father-in-law  and  which 
was  originally  the  property  of  Robert  Ham- 
mond, the  paternal  grandfather  of  Mrs.  Wat- 
son. This  grandfather  was  a member  of  the 
Seceders’  Church,  which  afterward  was  ab- 
sorbed by  the  United  Presbyterian.  He  died 
in  1845,  homestead  passed  to  his 

youngest  son,  James  Hammond,  the  father 
of  Mrs.  Watson,  and  was  later  purchased  by 
our  subject. 

The  elder  Hammonds  were  of  Irish  de- 
scent and  were  natives  of  Washington 
County,  Pennsylvania.  James  Hammond 
followed  farming  during  all  his  active  years. 
After  passing  his  60th  milestone  he  left  the 
farm,  Avhich  was  the  birthplace  of  Mrs.  Wat- 
son, and  removed  to  St.  Clairsville,  where  the 
closing  years -of  his  life  were  spent.  He  at- 
tained the  age  of  72  years  and  left  quite  a 
comfortable  estate  to  his  family.  He  pos- 
sessed but  a common-school  education,  but 
close  application  to  business  brought  its  well- 
earned  freedom  from  toil  during  his  last 
years.  Both  he  and  his  wife  were  members 
of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church.  He  was 
twice  married.  By  his  first  union,  with  Jane 
Caldwell,  three  children'  were  born,  two  of 
whom  still  survive,  Mrs.  Watson  being  the 
eldest  of  the  family.  She  has  one  sister,  re- 
siding in  Waterloo,  Iowa.  By  his  union  with 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


647 


Susan  Finney,  there  were  two  children,  who 
grew  to  maturity,  both  of  them  living  now 
near  St.  Clairsville,  Ohio. 

Mrs.  Watson  was  born  in  1841.  Her  ma- 
ternal grandfather,  John  Caldwell,  emigrated 
to  this  country  from  Ireland.  He  died  in 
Pittsburg  from  a malignant  fever,  and  two  or 
three  of  his  sisters  succumbed  to  the  malady 
also.  The  father  of  Mrs.  Watson  was  brought 
to  Ohio  by  his  parents  at  the  age  of  three 
years.  His  parents  located  at  that  time  on 
the  old  Hammond  farm,  Avhich  the  elder 
Hammond  cleared  from  the  woods.  The 
mother  of  Mrs.  Watson  was  a native  of  Ire- 
land and  accompanied  her  parents  to  this 
country  when  seven  years  old.  She  was  born 
in  1&12  and  died  in  1850.  She  was  reared 
principally  in  Pennsylvania  and  came  to  Bel- 
mont County  when  a young  woman.  Her 
husband  was  born  May  13,  1808,  and  sur- 
vived her  many  years,  1880  marking  the  date 
of  his  death. 

Four  children  blessed  the  union  of  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Watson,  as  follows:  James  Hays,  born 
February  5,  1870;  William  AV.,  born  August 
6,  1871;  Ella  Jane,  born  September  9,  1873, 
and  J.  Walter,  born  November  12,  1878. 
James  H.  married  Amanda  Watson  on  the 
19th  day  of  March,  1896.  His  wife  is  a 
daughter  of  Andrew  Watson  of  Guernsey 
County.  He  has  five  children — Margaret  H., 
born  in  February,  1897;  John  Melvin,  born 
in  1898:  William  G..  born  in  January,  1900, 
and  twins,  born  in  November,  1901,  their 
names  being  Winfield  Hays  and  Mary  Helen. 

William  W.  is  still  unmarried  and  remains 
at  home  on  the  farm.  He  was  liberally  edu- 
cated at  Franklin  College  at  New  Athens, 
Ohio.  Ella  Jane,  the  eldest  daughter,  was 
educated  at  the  same  institution.  January  3, 
1900,  she  married  Jay  B.  Patton,  and  resides 
in  Harrison  County,  Ohio.  J.  Walter,  the 
youngest  son  of  our  subject,  like  his  broth- 
ers and  sister,  was  sent  to  Franklin  College, 
from  which  he  graduated.  For  the  past  two 
years  he  has  attended  the  United  Presby- 
terian Seminarv  at  AlleghenA^  Pennsvlvania, 
where  he  is  taking  a theological  course.  He 


makes  his  home  at  the  seminary  and  has  filled 
the  pulpit  on  several  occasions. 

hlr.  Watson  is  a man  of  broad,  liberal 
ideas.  He  has  spent  a great  deal  of  money  in 
rearing  his  family,  and  his  children  are  all 
the  recipients  of  a liberal  education.  Two  of 
his  sons,  James  and  William  W.,  have  chosen 
the  vocation  of  their  father  and  will  be  farm- 
ers. In  politics  our  subject  was  a faithful 
adherent  of  the  Republican  party  up  to  1884. 
He  was  present  at  a political  meeting  in 
Pittsburg  in  1856,  and  during  the  same  year 
cast  his  vote  for  Fremont.  During  the  cam- 
paign of  1884  he  worked  hard  for  Blaine,  but 
the  latter’s  attitude  on  the  prohibition 
question  in  Alaine  soured  him  on  Blaine  and 
the  Republican  party  also.  Since  then  Mr. 
AVatson  has  used  his  vote  and  influence  with 
the  Prohibitionists.  However,  he  has  never 
been  a politician,  but  has  done  his  drity  as  a 
citizen,  having  served  on  the  election  board, 
as  supervisor  and  in  various  other  capacities. 

In  his  religious  ideas  our  subject  has  been 
a lifelong  member  of  the  United  Presby- 
terian Church.  He  has  been  an  elder  of  the 
same  since  1871.  and  has  served  upon  several 
occasions  as  a delegate  to  the  General  Assem- 
bly, particularly  at  Cambridge  in  1878,  and 
at  Allegheny  in  May,  1902.  Both  he  and 
his  wife  can  remember  attending  church  in 
the  early  days,  listening  to  a sermon  in  the 
forenoon,  and  after  a luncheon  another  ser- 
mon of  more  than  the  average  length  was  de- 
livered in  the  afternoon.  Mr.  AVatson  has 
led  an  exemplary  life,  and  has  always  been 
active  in  church  affairs  and  is  beloved  by  all 
who  know  him.  IMr.  AAHtson  sensed  nearly 
35  years  in  Sabbath-school  work. 


JOHN  DuBOIS,  a noted  lumber  dealer 
and  manufacturer  of  Bellaire,  Ohio,  is  in- 
digenous to  Belmont  County,  his  birth  hav- 
ing taken  place  June  4,  1838,  in  Colerain 
township.  He  is  a son  of  John  and  Elizabeth 
(Douglas')  Du  Bois,  both  natives  of  County 
Antrim,  Ireland,  where  their  marriage  vows 


648 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


were  exchanged.  Five  children  were  born  to 
them  before  they  left  their  native  land.  After 
emigration  they  settled  in  Belmont  County, 
Ohio  and  in  time  four  more  children  were 
born  to  them.  The  father  was  a blacksmith 
by  trade  and  followed  that  occupation  for 
some  years  with  such  success  that  he  pur- 
chased a farm  in  Colerain  township  and  en- 
gaged in  argicultural  pursuits.  Success 
crowned  his  efforts  and  he  acquired  a large 
amount  of  land.  He  died  in  1880,  having 
previously  lost  his  companion  and  helpmeet 
in  1857. 

Mr.  DuBois  has  one  brother  living,  Maj. 
Joseph  M.  DuBois,  of  Dallas,  Texas,  who 
served  during  the  Civil  War  in  the  15th  Ohio 
Regiment  and  rendered  valuable  services  to 
our  country.  The  subject  of  this  narrative 
remained  at  home  upon  his  father’s  farm  until 
he  attained  the  age  of  35  years,  and  he  still 
owns  and  manages  the  homestead  farm  in 
Colerain  township.  He  located  in  Bellaire 
in  1876,  succeeding  in  the  lumber  business 
his  brother,  Alexander,  whose  demise  took 
place  about  that  time.  Mr.  DuBois  has  fol- 
lowed that  line  of  work  constantly  ever  since. 
In  1880  he  built  a planing  mill  on  Central 
avenue  and  Harrison  street.  This  mill  has 
been  operated  for  nearly  a quarter  of  a cen- 
tury under  the  firm  name  of  DuBois  & Mc- 
Coy, and  turns  out  a large  amount  of  work. 
Mr.  DuBois  has  been  twice  married.  In 
early  manhood  he  married  Margaret  Frazier, 
who  died  in  October,  1888,  leaving  seven 
sons,  as  follows:  James  F.,  whose  sketch  ap- 
pears elsewhere  in  this  volume;  John  A.; 
Samuel  L.,  a minister  of  the  United  Presby- 
terian Church;  Joseph  M.,  ex-city  treasurer 
and  at  present  bookkeeper  at  the  mill;  David 
Douglas,  a law  student  at  Columbus;  Charles 
McConkey,  who  died  at  the  earlv  ape  of 
foiir  years,  and  Lawrence  Lorain,  who  is 
also  employed  at  the  mill. 

Some  time  after  the  decease  of  his  first 
wife  our  subject  married  the  present  Mrs. 
DuBois,  whose  maiden  name  was  Sarah  At- 
kinson: she  was  reared  near  Wheeling, 

West  Virginia.  The  family  prefer  the  relig- 


ion of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church.  Po- 
litically, Mr.  DuBois  is  an  ardent  Repub- 
lican, and  although  not  a politician,  he  has 
been  honored  with  the  confidence  of  the  peo- 
ple in  his  community  and  has  served  his 
party  faithfully.  From  1892  to  1894  he 
served  as  mayor  of  Bellaire,  and  his  adminis- 
tration of  city  affairs  duidiig  his  term  was 
commendable.  As  a business  man  he  is 
straightforward  and  upright  in  his  dealings, 
and  he  has  few  equals  in  the  lumber  business. 
Years  of  constant  toil  have  brought  to  him 
a well-deserved  reward,  and  he  has  long  since 
reached  an  enviable  position  financially.  He 
has  a beautiful  home  which  he  built  some 
time  ago  at  No.  4211  Noble  street.  His 
office  is  located  on  Central  avenue. 


THOMAS  D.  FRITTER,  a well-known 
and  prosperous  farmer  of  Belmont  County, 
located  in  section  17,  Union  township,  near 
Lafferty,  was  born  in  Belmont  County  on 
February  22,  1843,  a son  of  Humphrey  and 
Ann  (Perkins)  Fritter,  both  of  whom  were 
natives  of  Belmont  County,  the  former  a 
son  of  Moses  and  Sarah  Fritter,  of  Stafford 
County.  Humphrey  Fritter  was  born  in 
1808  and  died  in  1866,  aged  58  years.  He 
owned  a fine  farm  of  50  acres  in  Goshen 
township  and  there  reared  his  family,  be- 
canne  a prominent  citizen,  and  served  for  a 
long  period  as  one  of  the  school  directors. 
His  wife  was  a daughter  of  Stephen  and 
Catherine  Perkins,  natives  of  Frederick 
County,  Virginia,  making  her  home  in  sec- 
tion 17,  Union  township,  until  her  death, 
September  4,  1902.  Seven  children  were 
born  to  our  subject’s  parents,  he  being  the 
second  in  order  of  birth,  the  others  being 
as  follows:  Sarah  C.,  who  married  J.  W. 

Hartsock,  of  Warren  County,  Ohio;  Cilicia 
A.,  who  married  A.  B.  Phillips,  lives  in  Meade 
County,  South  Dakota;  Stephen  W.,  who 
resides  in  Flu^liing  township,  is  a farmer; 
Francis,  who  is  a farmer  and  resides  in  this 
county,  adjoining  our  subject;  Martha,  who 


MR.  AND  MRS.  DAVID  B.  LONG. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


still  lives  in  the  old  home;  and  Siria,  who  is 
Mrs.  Frank  Spencer,  of  Boulder  Corinty, 
Colorado. 

Thomas  D.  Fritter,  of  this  biography,  at- 
tended school  in  Belmont  County,  and  later 
spent  some  time  at  study  in  Franklin  Col- 
lege. He  has  devoted  his  life  to  farming, 
owning  nine  acres  of  land  individually,  and 
150  acres  in  conjunction  with  his  mother’s 
estate,  all  of  it  being  very  valuable  on  ac- 
count of  its  being  underlaid  with  coal.  This 
has  not  yet  been  developed,  but  the  land  is 
very  fertile,  and  under  Mr.  Fritter’s  excel- 
lent management  yields  generously.  He  is 
no  politician,  but  a man  of  extensive  read- 
ing, owning  and  enjoying  a large  and  well- 
selected  library  and  keeping  in  touch  with 
the  literature  of  the  day.  Fie  is  a member 
of  the  Masonic  order  and  has  filled  all  of 
the  offices  of  Flushing  Lodge,  No.  298,  of 
Flushing,  Ohio,  temporarily.  Several  years 
since  he  accepted  the  office  of  land  appraiser, 
but  cares  little  for  political  honors  or  public 
place.  He  deservedly  stands  well  as  a sub- 
stantial and  worthy  citizen  of  Union  town- 
ship. 


DAVID  B.  LONG,  widely  known  in  Bel- 
mont County  as  a veteran  of  the  late  Civil 
War,  raises  choice  fruits  and  garden  truck, 
etc.,  on  his  well  tilled  farm,  about  one  and  a 
half  miles  west  of  Bellaire.  He  is  a son  of 
John  and  Elizabeth  (Kilgore)  Long,  grandson 
of  Jacob  Long  and  was  born  on  the  present 
site  of  the  city  of  Bellaire,  January  22,  1829. 

Jacob  Long  was  a substantial  Pennsylvania 
Dutchman,  and  was  a native  of  Armstrong 
County,  Pennsylvania.  His  business  career 
was  a success  in  every  way:  he  hauled  salt, 
when  that  commodity  was  worth  $5  per  bushel, 
and  followed  wagoning  across  the  mountains 
to  a great  extent. 

John  Long,  our  subject’s  father,  Avas  born 
and  reared  in  Mead  township,  Belmont  Coun- 
ty, and  became  one  of  the  residents  of  Pult- 
ney  township  previous  to  the  birth  of  our  sub- 
ject. He  was  united  in  marriage  with  Eliza- 


651 


beth  Kilgore,  and  they  had  a family  of  1 1 
children,  whose  names  will  be  given  later.  Mr. 
Long  died  when  73  years  of  age  in  1878,  leav- 
ing his  farm  and  its  interests  to  the  care  of 
his  widow  and  her  children.  Mrs.  Long  sur- 
vived until  1884,  when  she  too  passed  away,  at 
the  age  of  84  years. 

Our  subject’s  brothers  and  sisters  are  as 
follows ; Jacob,  who  is  a dairyman,  living  south 
of  Bellaire ; William,  residing  in  Pultney  town- 
ship, as  does  also  his  brother  Alexander ; 
Nancy  Jane  and  Sybil,  residents  of  Belmont 
County,  one  of  whom  resides  at  Cambridge; 
John,  whose  demise  took  place  in  the  spring 
of  1902;  Joseph,  who  died  in  the  army;  and 
three  sisters,  Martha,  Mackey  and  IMargaret, 
who  are  deceased. 

The  intellectual  training  of  David  B.  Long 
was  derived  from  the  common  schools  of  Pult- 
ney township,  and  his  first  active  employment 
Avas  found  on  the  farm,  Avhere  he  Avorked  until 
the  beginning  of  the  CiAul  War.  At  that  time, 
he,  together  Avith  all  his  brothers  except  Jacob, 
enlisted  to  serve  his  country,  becoming  a mem- 
ber of  Company  H,  6ist  Re^:  Ohio  Vol.  Inf., 
and  sei'A^ed  as  orderly  sergeant  of  the  company. 
He  participated  in  many  battles  of  importance 
and  seiwed,  altogether,  three  years  and  tAvo 
months,  being  mustered  out  of  service  in  the 
spring  of  1865.  On  August  20,  1864,  AAdiile 
in  line  of  battle  under  General  Hooker  at 
Peach  Tree  Creek,  he  Avas  Avounded,  the  ball 
striking  his  right  shoulder  and  causing  the 
amputation  of  his  arm,  on  Avhich  account  he 
has  receiA'ed  a liberal  pension  for  many  years. 
He  Avas  also  in  the  battle  of  Gettysburg  Avith 
the  nth  and  12th  Army  Corps,  Avhich  Avere 
later  sent  to  the  SoutliAvest  and  consolidated 
to  form  the  20th  Array  Corps. 

At  the  close  of  the  Avar,  Mr.  Long  returned 
home  and  entered  into  the  stock  business — 
feeding,  buying  and  selling  Avith  great  profit. 
He  spent  18  years  in  this  manner  on  his  farm, 
three  miles  Avest  of  Bellaire,  and  finally  decid- 
ed to  journey  Avest  to  Kansas.  He  chose  his 
location  in  Labette  County  and  spent  tAvo 
A^ears.  1884-86,  there,  but  the  crops  Avere  not 
Avhat  he  had  expected  and  he  Avas  troubled 


652 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


with  the  ague,  all  of  which  led  to  his  removal 
to  his  native  place.  Arriving  once  more  at  the 
scenes  of  his  boyhood  years,  he  built  his  pres- 
ent home,  about  10  years  ago,  and  has  met 
with  unqualified  success  in  business  affairs 
since. 

Mr.  Long  was  married  to  Cynthia  A.  Sha- 
han,  in  July,  1849.  She  was  born  and  reared 
near  Shadyside,  Belmont  County.  Six  sons 
and  four  daughters  have  been  born  to  this 
union,  namely:  Harmon,  John,  James,  Samuel, 
Edwin,  George,  Sarah  Jane,  Isabelle,  Alice  and 
Cynthia  G.  The  last  three  are  still  residents 
of  Belmont  County.  Sarah  Jane  lives  in  the 
State  of  Washington.  George  is  a carpenter 
and  also  conducts  a store  near  Warwick.  Ed- 
win and  Samuel  are  farmers  and  fruit  growers 
in  Michigan.  Samuel  is  a minister  of  the 
Gospel.  James  farms  in  Belmont  County,  and 
Harmon  follows  agricultural  pursuits  in  Cham- 
j^aign  County,  Ohio.  The  family  are  Metho- 
dists in  their  religious  convictions,  the  father 
having  joined  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
in  1849.  Ii”*  political  affairs  he  is  a true  Re- 
publican and  has  served  as  township  trustee, 
besides  holding  various  other  offices.  He 
was  formerly  a member  of  the  G.  A. 
R.  In  all  affairs  which  he  undertakes  he  pos- 
sesses the  unbounded  confidence  and  well 
wi.shes  of  his  fellow  citizens,  and  he  has  al- 
ways been  a credit  to  his  community. 


WILLIAM  A.  MERRITT,  a representa- 
tive farmer  and  popular  citizen  of  Wheeling 
township,  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  was  born 
on  the  fine  farm  which  he  now  owns  and 
operates,  on  April  23,  1857,  a son  of  James 
E.  Merritt,  who  died  when  William  A.  was 
but  two  years  of  age. 

Daniel  Merritt,  the  great-grandfather  of 
our  subject,  entered  640  acres  of  land  from 
the  government  in  1805,  and  our  subject  has 
in  his  possession  the  patent  deed  for  the 
same,  bearing  the  signatures  of  President 
Jefferson  and  Secretary  of  State  James  Madi  - 
son. Daniel  Merritt  served  as  an  officer 


through  the  Revolutionary  War,  and  left 
his  sword  and  belt  to  his  descendants.  These 
were  in  the  possession  of  our  subject’s  father, 
but  after  his  death,  on  March  18,  1859,  were 
partially  destroyed  by  fire.  The  sword  with 
its  silver  mountings  was  turned  into  a corn- 
cutter  and  into  silver  rings,  both  now  lost. 
Daniel  Merritt  was  born  August  15,  1750, 
and  died  on  this  farm  after  living  upon  it 
some  20  years;  his  brother,  who  was  a sur- 
veyor, platted  it.  He  reared  a family  of 
six  children,  three  sons  and  three  daughters, 
by  his  wife,  Nancy  Merritt,  who  was 
born  Eebruary  2,  1762.  These  children 

were:  Polly,  Betsey,  Plesy,  John,  William, 

and  Josiah. 

John  Merritt,  son  of  Daniel  and  grand- 
father of  our  subject,  was  born  May  7,  1797, 
married  Sarah  Eerguson  and  died  on  this 
farm  on  January  ii,  1841.  Their  children 
were  the  following:  James  E.,  born  Febru- 

ary 18,  1820;  Daniel,  born  November  27, 
1821;  Anna,  born  March  4,  1824;  Nancy, 
born  May  21,  1826;  and  Josiah,  born  August 
31,  1828.  John’s  wife,  Sarah,  died  October 
7,  1834,  and  he  married  Margaret  Arm- 
strong October  15,  1835,  and  these  children 
were  born:  Sarah,  born  July  18,  1836; 

Mary  Jane,  born  March  18,  1840;  and  John. 

James  Merritt,  the  father  of  our  subject, 
married  Christina  Lodge  on  May  14,  1846, 
and  the  children  born  to  this  union  were: 
Tamzen,  born  May  9,  1847,  married  Byron 
Hoge,  of  Wheeling  township,  and  died  Oc- 
tober 15,  1889,  leaving  three  sons,  James  B., 
Arthur  W.,  and  Frank  G.,  all  of  whom  are  in 
business  in  Cleveland;  Sarah  C.,  born  August 
15,  1850,  resides  with  our  subject,  William 
A.,  of  this  sketch. 

William  A.  Merritt  is  one  of  the  best- 
known  and  most  highly  respected  citi- 
zens of  Wheeling  township,  not  only 
on  account  of  his  excellence  as  a 
farmer.  but  also  for  those  qualities 
which  go  to  make  a reliable  and  stable 
man.  one  of  energy,  honesty,  integrity  and 
good-fellowship.  His  home  is  one  of  the 
l^est  improved  in  the  township,  and  he  is 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


653 


justly  proud  of  his  fine  buildings  and  high- 
grade  stock.  In  politics  he  is  a Republican, 
differing  from  his  father,  and  has  held  many 
of  the  county  offices,  has  been  school  di- 
rector for  nine  years  and  is  clerk  of  the 
board;  he  was  also  his  party’s  candidate  for 
director  of  the  County  Infirmary,  and  was 
elected  November  4,  1902,  with  1,700  ma- 
jority. 

On  March  18,  1891,  Mr.  Merritt  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Sarah  Jane  Bentley, 
daughter  of  Solomon  and  Eleanor  Bentley, 
of  Richland  township,  and  the  children  born 
to  this  union  are:  Tamzen  C.,  born  Septem- 
ber 18,  1892;  Anna  E.,  born  May  15,  1894; 
James  B.,  born  October  26,  1898;  and  Wil- 
liam L.,  born  January  31,  1900.  Both  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Merritt  belong  to  the  Presbyterian 
Church.  His  land  is  very  valuable,  being 
underlaid  with  several  veins  of  coal,  while 
the  third  oil  well  of  thfs  section  is  located 
here,  the  derrick  for  its  operation  being  in 
course  of  construction. 


ALEXANDER  Y.  HENDERSON,  a 
progressive  farmer  of  Wheeling  township, 
Belmont  County,  Ohio,  was  born  on  his 
present  farm  July  18,  1844,  and  is  a son  of 
Alexander  and  grandson  of  Andrew  Hender- 
son. 

Andrew  Henderson  was  born  in  Pennsyl- 
vania and  was  of  Scotch-Irish  descent.  He 
was  father  of  the  following  children:  Alex- 

ander, father  of  our  subject;  Andrew,  who 
lived  at  Cambridge;  William,  who  lived  and 
died  in  the  West;  James,  a Lbrited  Presby- 
terian minister,  who  died  in  Iowa,  where  his 
family  still  reside;  Matthew,  born  in  1807, 
lived  in  Wheeling  township, — he  married 
Miranda  A.  Perrian,  who  was  born  in  New 
York  City  in  1811,  and  they  had  ii  children; 
John,  who  lived  in  Belmont  County,  died 
at  St.  Clairsville  in  1897;  klartha,  who  mar- 
ried John  Carnahan,  died  in  Athens.  Ohio; 
Elizabeth,  wife  of  AVilliam  IMcFarland.  died 
in  Athens,  Ohio;  and  Mary,  wife  of  John 
Kerr,  died  in  Belmont  County. 


Alexander  Henderson  was  born  in  Wash- 
intgon  County,  Pennsylvania,  in  1797,  and 
was  a young  man  when  he  came  with  his 
father  to  Ohio  about  1815.  He  settled  and 
cleared  the  land  which  became  known  as 
the  old  family  homestead,  it  at  one  time 
comprising  more  than  500  acres.  He  was 
father  of  the  following  children:  Andrew, 

born  in  Belmont  County,  in  1824,  moved 
to  Missouri  after  the  war,  in  which  he  and 
two  sons,  Samuel  and  William,  fought.  He 
later  went  west,  and  at  the  time  of  his  death 
in  1899  was  living  in  Boonville,  Missouri. 
William,  born  in  1828,  lived  in  Colerain 
township  until  his  death,  and  his  family  still 
reside  there.  James,  born  in  1832,  was  cap- 
tain of  Company  G,  170th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol. 
Inf.,  and  was  wounded  at  Snicker’s  Gap 
July  18,  1864.  He  died  in  Colerain  town- 
ship in  1873.  Alexander  Y.  is  the  subject  of 
this  biography.  J\Iary  Jane,  born  in  1826, 
married  Samuel  Sloan,  by  whom  she  had 
II  children.  Martha,  born  in  1830,  married 
William  Kerr,  who  died  in  1890,  leaving  four 
children.  Elizabeth,  who  lives  in  Kansas,  is 
the  widow  of  John  Baker,  who  died  in  1901. 
Hannah  Ann,  wife  of  James  Coulter,  lives  ^ 
near  Harrisville,  in  Harrison  County,  Ohio. 

Alexander  Y.  Henderson  attended  the 
common  schools  of  his  community,  and  was 
but  20  years  of  age  when  he  enlisted  in  Com- 
pany G,  170th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.  He  par- 
ticipated in  the  engagements  at  Snicker’s 
Gap  and  Winchester,  and  was  with  Sheridan 
in  the  Shenandoah  Valley.  He  has  always 
followed  farming  as  an  occupation,  and  just 
after  his  marriage  settled  on  the  farm  to 
the  south  of  his  present  location.  His  house 
was  destroved  b}"  fire  in  1868,  and  was  re- 
placed by  a handsome  new  brick  home  at  a 
cost  of  $3,200.  He  moved  to  his  present 
farm  in  1900  and  erected  a new  house  and 
barn.  He  has  40  acres  of  the  old  homestead, 
and  follows  general  farming  and  stock  rais- 
ing. He  raises  nothing  but  registered  stock, 
and  makes  a specialty  of  Chester  AVhite  hogs 
and  Scotch  Collie  dogs.  He  is  a fine  pen- 
man, and  in  1900  was  called  upon  to  take  the 


654 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


census  of  the  township.  He  has  been  notary 
public  since  1896,  school  director  seven  or 
eight  years,  and  has  held  other  township 
offices.  He  is  a Repnblican,  and  has  been 
central  committeeman  for  a period  of  12 
years. 

Onr  subject  was  married  October  25,  1866, 
to  Rachel  A.  Coulter,  who  was  born  January 
8,  1844,  and  is  a daughter  of  Thomas  and 
Mary  Ann  Coulter.  Her  father  was  born  in 
Maryland  in  1816  and  died  January  8,  1901; 
her  mother  was  born  in  Belmont  County  in 
1815  and  died  in  1890.  Ten  children  were 
born  to  this  union:  Charles  L.,  September 

13,  1867,  a veterinary  surgeon  of  Flushing; 
Alfred  H.,  born  March  6,  1869,  agent  and 
telegraph  operator  at  Fairpoint,  mar- 
ried Laura  Berry,  of  Bridgeport;  Frank  Wil- 
mer,  born  December  23,  1870,  who  is  cashier 
of  the  First  National  Bank  of  Bridgeport, 
married  Carrie  Branum;  Alonzo  Ross,  born 
December  15,  1872,  is  in  the  employ  of  the 
Crescent  Coal  Company, — he  was  married 
March  30,  1893,  to  Nona  Edwards,  and  has 
three  children;  Fima  Novelta,  born  January 
24,  1875,  married  William  F.  Lemmon  and 
lives  in  Harrison  County,  Ohio;  Human  C., 
born  February  7,  1877,  is  telegraph  operator 
on  the  Lake  Erie  Railroad,  near  Canton. 
Ohio;  Oralena  T.,  born  January  13,  1879, 
is  at  home;  Marion  F.,  born  October  17, 
1882;  Anna  Angelica,  born  December  29, 
1885;  and  Alexander  Y.,  Jr.  Religiously, 
the  family  belongs  to  the  U.  P.  Church. 


CHARLES  E.  POTTS,  night  superin- 
tendent of  the  Aetna  Standard  Mill,  at  No. 
706  West  Washington  street,  Martin’s 
Ferry,  is  a man  who,  as  his  position  indicates, 
carries  the  respect  and  esteem  of  his  employ- 
ers and  is  numbered  among  the  representa- 
tive citizens  of  his  county.  He  is  a son  of 
Nathan  H.  and  Anna  D.  Potts  and  was  born 
in  Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania,  August  7. 
1867. 

Nathan  H.  Potts  followed  farming  pur- 


suits until  the  war  broke  out  between  the 
North  and  South,  and  he  enlisted  in  the  army 
in  April,  1861,  during  the  first  call  of  Presi- 
dent Lincoln  for  75,000  volunteers.  He  was 
wounded  in  the  left  limb  at  Salem,  May  3, 
1863,  and  returned  to  his  home,  where  he 
took  a position  as  chief  of  telegraph  opera- 
tors in  Philadelphia.  During  the  remainder 
of  his  life  he  held  this  position,  and  January 
19,  1884,  he  departed  this  life,  aged  44  years, 
four  months  and  20  days.  He  and  his  wife 
were  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  and  the  latter’s  death  took  place 
September  30,  1874,  at  the  age  of  24  years. 
They  had  only  two  children,  Charles,  our 
subject,  and  Orville,  who  died  in  1872  at  the 
age  of  two  years,  having  contracted  the 
smallpox  when  it  was  epidemic  in  Phila- 
delphia. 

Our  subject  was  reared  by  his  grandpar- 
ents and  sent  to  school  in  Philadelphia,  after 
which  he  learned  the  trade  of  a tanner  and 
currier  for  four  years,  and  went  to  Martin’s 
Ferry  in  1886.  He  found  employment  in  the 
Aetna  Standard  Mill,  where  he  has  ever 
since  been  engaged,  and  he  has  held  his 
present  position  for  nearly  five  years. 

March  12,  1894,  he  was  united  in  marriage 
with  Olive  Carpenter,  a daughter  of  Eugene 
and  Oella  (Farmer)  Carpenter,  and  a native 
of  Martin’s  Ferry.  The  Farmers  and  Car- 
penters were  old  families,  well  known  in  Bel- 
mont County,  who  were  born,  reared  and 
died  with  the  interests  of  its  cities  and  towns 
at  heart.  Mrs.  Potts  is  one  of  a family  of  ten 
children — Leona  V.,  who  died  when  19  years 
of  age;  Olive,  our  subject’s  wife;  Ethel  M., 
who  died  March  6,  1889,  aged  14  years; 
Claud  E.,  a cooper  in  Coraopolis,  Pennsyl- 
vania; Pearl,  who  died  at  the  age  of  six 
weeks;  Pearl,  the  second,  now  Mrs.  Larry 
Broderick,  residing  in  Coraopolis  also; 
Myrtle,  a resident  of  Springdale,  Pennsyl- 
vania; Isaac  C.,  numbered  among  the  resi- 
dents of  Coraopolis,  where  he  is  following 
the  trade  of  a cooper;  Grover  C.,  likewise  a 
cooper  in  Coraopolis;  Una,  who  died  July 


MATTHEW  CLARK  MITCHELL 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


657 


3,  1891,  aged  14  months.  The  parents  were 
devoted  and  active  members  of  the  Metho- 
dist Episcopal  Church. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Potts  have  three  children, 
viz.,  Wilfred  Eugene,  Elton  Gifford  and 
Thelma  Leota.  They  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  The  father  of 
Mrs.  Potts  died  March  16,  1901,  aged  51 
years,  and  his  wife  died  October  9,  1894. 
They  left  an  example  and  record  as  most  ex- 
cellent people,  leading  devout  and  worthy 
lives,  which  afford  a pleasing  memory  to  a 
large  circle  of  acquaintances. 


MATTHEW  CLARK  MITCHELL,  of 
Martin’s  Eerry,  whose  death  occurred  in  Jan- 
uary, 1900,  was  born  on  Scotch  Ridge,  Bel- 
mont County,  Ohio,  July  22,  1840.  He  Avas 
a son  of  Mr.  and  Airs.  John  Porter  Alitchell, 
and  was  one  of  a famil)^  of  five  children. 

Mr.  Mitchell  took  a prominent  part  in  poli- 
tics, and  his  advice  Avas  much  sought  in  party 
councils.  He  filled  many  offices  Avith  credit. 
Prom  1865  lo  1870,  inclusive,  he  Avas  chief 
clerk  in  the  Patent  Office  at  Washington,  D. 
C.  He  Avas  mayor  of  Martin’s  Perry  from 
1882  to  1885,  and^  from  1888  to  1889.  He  Avas 
justice  of  the  peace  for  two  terms.  EolloAving 
the  election  of  President  Harrison,  Air.  Alitch- 
ell  Avas  made  postmaster  of  Alartin’s  Eerry, 
continuing  in  office  during  the  AAdiole  adminis- 
tration. At  the  time  of  Air.  Alitchell’s  death, 
he  was  chairman  of  the  county  board  of  deputy 
state  supervisors  of  election,  and  had  been 
elected  land  appraiser  for  the  city.  In  Air. 
Alitchell’s  death,  the  people  at  large  suffered  a 
loss  only  second  to  that  sustained  by  his  family. 
Upon  many  occasions  his  sound  judgment  and 
keen  insight  Avere  of  incalculable  value  to  the 
public.  EndoAved  Avith  grateful,  genial  man- 
ners, he  made  many  Avarm  friends,  aaIio  great- 
ly regretted  his  untimely  demise. 

In  1877  Alitchell  Avas  united  in  marriage 
Avith  Alary  E.  Kennon.  a member  of  a promi- 
nent family  of  St.  ClairsAdlle,  Ohio.  Lour 
daughters, — Ellen,  Alary,  Sarah  B.  and  Ruth, 
— and  his  AvidoAV  sunuA^ed  him.  Ellen  gradu- 


ated from  the  Alartin’s  Eerry  High  School,  in 
the  class  of  1898  and  also  from  King’s  School 
of  Oratory,  at  Pittsburg,  Pennsylvania.  In 
June,  1901,  she  Avas  married  to  Paul  Bogle, 
son  of  the  Avell-knoAAui  cliA'ine  of  the  Presby- 
terian Church,  ReA".  S.  J.  Bogle,  D.  D.  Alary 
graduated  from  the  Alartin’s  Eerry  High 
School  in  the  class  of  1900.  Sarah  B.  gradu- 
ated from  the  Alartin’s  Eerry  High  School  in 
the  class  of  1902.  It  is  Avorthy  of  remark  that 
all  of  these  talented  young  ladies  graduated 
from  their  home  school,  their  father  having 
faith  in  its  scholarship  and  an  assured  feeling 
that  it  Avas  the  best  in  the  State.  Ruth,  Avho 
is  the  youngest  of  the  family,  is  a student  in 
the  High  School  and  Avill  graduate  in  the  class 
of  1906.  The  mother  of  this  family,  as  noted, 
is  a Avoman  of  great  executive  ability  and  un- 
der all  circumstances  has  proved  herself  equal 
to  the  demands  made  upon  her.  The  home  is 
one  of  education  and  refinement  and  its  mem- 
bers are  prominent  in  the  social  life  of  the  city. 

Wilson  S.  Kennon,  attorney-at-laAv,  Avas 
born  Alay  15,  1826,  at  St.  Clairsville,  a son 
of  William  Kennon.  He  Avas  educated  in  his 
native  toAvn  and  at  Bethany  College,  read  laAV 
Avith  his  father,  Avas  admitted  to  the  bar  and 
practiced  Hav  until  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil 
War.  In  1861  he  Avas  made  the  Union  candi- 
date and  Avas  elected  to  the  Legislature.  In 
1862  he  Avas  appointed  by  Governor  Todd, 
Secretary  of  State.  In  1863,  Secretary  of 
War  Stanton  appointed  him  paymaster  in  the 
army,  in  Avhich  capacity  he  served  four  A^ears. 
E^pon  his  resignation  being  accepted,  he  re- 
moA'ed  to  Cincinnati  and  there  entered  upon 
the  practice  of  Hav  Avith  Judge  Okey  and  Alil- 
ton  Saylor.  Air.  Kennon  remained  in  that  city 
until  1871,  returning  then  to  his  natiA'e  place 
on  account  of  his  father’s  illness.  He  AA^as 
elected  and  served  from  1874  to  1878  as  prose- 
cuting attorney.  His  death  occurred  in  June, 
1897.^ 

Ellis  E.  Kennon,  the  second  son  of  Hon. 
William  Kennon,  Avas  born  in  St.  ClairsAulle, 
in  April,  1830.  Lie  received  a liberal  education 
at  Bethany  College,  Virginia,  studied  Hav  Avith 
his  father  and  completed  his  course  Avith  Hon. 


658 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Hugh  J.  Jewett  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar 
in  1854.  In  November,  1855,  he  married 
Eleanor  M.  Sutton  and  his  one  daughter  is 
Mrs.  Matthew  Clark  Mitchell,  of  Martin’s 
Ferry.  During  the  Civil  War,  he  was  made 
adjutant  of  the  98th  Reg.  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  and 
at  the  battle  of  Perryville,  where  he  was  per- 
forming the  duties  of  acting  adjutant  general, 
he  distinguished  himself  as  a true  and  courage- 
ous soldier.  The  death  of  Ellis  E.  Kennon  oc- 
curred in  June,  1878,  while  he  was  yet  in  the 
prime  of  life.  His  reputation  was  that  of  one 
of  the  leading  lawyers  at  the  bar  of  Belmont 
County. 


JAMES  TAYLOR,  a prominent  farmer 
and  stock  raiser  of  Wheeling  township,  Bel- 
mont County,  Ohio,  is  a representative  of  two 
old  and  highly  regarded  families  of  both 
Pennsylvania  and  Ohio.  He  is  a son  of  Wil- 
liam and  Margaret  (Gillespie)  Taylor,  former- 
ly of  Pennsylvania,  later  of  Guernsey  County, 
Ohio. 

The  Taylors  came  originally  from  Ireland, 
the  great-grandfather  of  James  Taylor  of  this 
sketch  having  been  born  in  that  land  and 
later  becoming  the  founder  of  the  family  in 
Washington  County,  near  Burgettstown, 
Pennsylvania.  The  Gillespies  also  came  from 
Ireland,  Grandfather  James  Gillespie  either 
having  lieen  born  in  that  land  or  upon  the 
ocean  during  the  voyage  to  the  United 
States.  The  Taylor  family  settled  in  Knox 
County,  Ohio,  at  a later  date,  and  there  the 
children  of  Grandfather  John  Taylor  were 
born,  removal  being  made  to  Belmont 
County  in  1824. 

Grandfather  John  Taylor  married  Mary 
McNaught  prior  to  leaving  Pennsylvania, 
and  in  1824  they  came  to  Wheeling  town- 
ship and  in  1825  settled  upon  the  farm  which 
our  subject  now  owns.  This  farm 'was  en- 
tered by  William  McWilliams  under  a patent 
deed  and  was  sold  later  to  John  Taylor,  by 
whom  it  was  cleared  with  the  assistance  of 
his  sons.  At  the  time  of  location,  the  coun- 
try was  still  unsettled,  wild  animals  still  being 


seen  in  the  forests  and  eciually  dangerous  sav- 
ages still  menacing  life  and  property.  Those 
were  days  in  which  men  went  prepared  to 
meet  a foe  in  every  stranger.  A little  inci- 
dent, which  remained  fresh  in  the  mind  of 
Grandfather  Taylor  through  life,  exemplifies 
this  in  a marked  degree.  He  was  a man  of 
powerful  physicjue,  and  was  always  alert  and 
watchful  for  attacks  from  Indians,  which 
were  still  frequent.  One  day  he  sat  in  his 
house  cobbling  a pair  of  shoes,  in  which  busi- 
ness he  was  using  a sharp  leather  knife,  when 
a rap  at  his  cabin  door  was  heard  and  when, 
with  knife  in  hand,  he  unfastened  the  latch 
he  was  confronted  with  a rifle  in  the  hands  of 
an  individual  dressed  in  coon  skins.  Taken 
completely  by  surprise,  when  the  stranger 
lunged  at  him  Mr.  Taylor  sprang  upon  the 
supposed  Indian  and  slashed  his  coat  from 
one  side  to  the  other,  barely  escaping  making 
a serious  wound.  However,  no  copper-skin 
appeared  under  the  clothing,  and  he  was  hor- 
rified to  find  that  he  had  almost  killed  a 
cousin,  Thomas  Raiffe,  who  had  played  a 
rather  dangerous  practical  joke.  He  lived  to 
see  the  savages  disappear  from  his  lands  and 
to  see  a part  of  the  wonderful  development  of 
this  garden  spot  of  Belmont  County.  John 
Taylor  was  born  October  i,  1783)  died 
in  1861.  His  children  were  these:  Thomas, 
born  April  21,  1807;  Elizabeth,  born  Jan- 
uary 20,  1809;  John,  born  October  5,  1810, 
died  March  30,  1896;  Margaret,  born  Janu- 
ary 26,  1813;  Nathaniel,  born  December  15, 
1814,  died  September  3,  1889;  William,  born 
August  I,  1817;  Henry,  born  April  5,  1822, 
ancl  Sarah  Jane,  born  October  7,  1825. 

William  Taylor,  tbe  father  of  our  subject, 
was  a man  of  high  moral  character  and  was 
well  educated  for  his  time  and  locality.  On 
March  ii,  1840,  he  married  Margaret  Gilles- 
pie, and  they  had  three  children  born  to 
them,  namely,  John,  who  died  at  the  age  of 
six  years;  James,  the  subject  of  this  review, 
and  Henry,  born  May  16,  1845.  Both  he  and 
wife  were  members  of  the  Associate  Re- 
form Church  in  which  he  was  an  elder,  as 
his  father  had  been  before  him,  later  becom- 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


659 


ing  attached  to  the  United  Brethren  relig- 
ions body.  The  farm  of  160  acres  which  had 
been  the  property  of  John  Taylor  is  now 
owned  by  Henry  and  James  Taylor.  The 
father  and  his  two  sons  lived  on  and  oper- 
ated the  old  farm  of  nearly  300  acres,  Henry 
remaining  at  home  after  marriage.  William 
Taylor  died  August  28,  1893,  wife  dying 
many  years  previously,  on  February  18,  1882. 

James  Taylor  was  born  on  January  4,  1843, 
and  on  Septembre  i,  1864,  at  the  age  of  21 
years,  he  married  Sarah  Louisa  Thompson, 
daughter  of  Samuel  L.  Thompson,  of  Mor- 
gan County,  Ohio.  The  four  children  born 
to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Taylor  are;  Emmet  xA.., 
born  August  24,  1865,  married  May  14, 
1899,  to  Nellie  Coleman,  and  resides  near 
his  father,  engaged  in  farming;  William, 
born  October  6,  1868,  on  March  18,  1896, 
married  Maggie  I.  Walker,  and  has  three 
children;  Mary,  born  December  25,  1875, 
died  June  5,  1883;  and  Nannie  L.,  born  No- 
vember 23,  1879,  who  resides  at  home.  Mr. 
Taylor’s  farm  is  located  in  the  coal  and  oil 
belt  and  is  regarded  as  one  of  the  most  de- 
sirable in  Wheeling  township.  He  engages 
in  farming  and  stock  raising  and  has  been 
very  successful  in  both  lines.  The  family  is 
one  which  has  commanded  respect  and 
esteem  for  many  years,  and  Wheeling  town- 
ship has  no  more  useful  citizen  than  James 
Taylor. 


CHARLES  B.  WRIGHT,  who  is  well 
known  as  proprietor  of  the  Horner  House, 
of  Morristown,  Ohio,  was  born  in  Goshen 
township,  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  Septem- 
ber 29,  1863,  and  is  a son  of  Chattam  B.  and 
Margaret  Jane  (Kinney)  Wright,  both  natives 
of  Goshen  township,  where  they  now  reside 
on  a farm  of  80  acres. 

Chattam  Wright,  father  of  our  subject, 
served  as  Infirmar}'  director  for  two  terms 
during  the  “nineties.”  xAs  a result  of  his 
union  with  Margaret  Jane  Kinney,  he  had 
nine  children,  two  of  whom,  Martha  and 
Josiah,  died  at  the  age  of  three  years.  The 


seven  who  grew  up  to  maturity  are:  John 
W.,  a stock  dealer  of  Belmont;  Clinton  K., 
who  resides  on  a farm  in  Goshen  township; 
George  H.,  who  resides  on  a farm  in  Goshen 
township;  Charles  B.,  whose  name  heads  this 
sketch;  Fred  I.,  a farmer  of  Goshen  town- 
ship; Abbie,  wife  of  Samuel  Boroff,  of  St. 
Clairsville;  and  Alice  J.,  wife  of  William  F. 
Bentley,  a farmer  of  Goshen  township. 

Charles  B.  Wright  was  educated  in  the 
common  schools  of  Goshen  township,  and 
assisted  in  the  work  on  the  farm  until  he 
attained  his  majority,  when  he  was  married 
and  began  life  for  himself.  He  engaged  in 
the  huckstering  business  and  conducted  a 
store  in  his  township,  also  in  Wheeling, 
West  Virginia.  He  served  as  township  trus- 
tee for  a period  of  three  years,  but  refused 
to  run  for  another  term.  He  removed  to 
Morristown  in  1894,  and  here  conducted  a 
store  very  successfully  until  1897,  when  he 
established  his  present  hotel  business.  He 
has  attained  great  popularity  with  the  trav- 
eling public,  his  table  being  supplied  with 
the  best  the  market  affords.  Mr.  Wright 
looks  carefully  to  the  comfort  of  his  guests 
and  sees  that  they  receive  the  best  of  service, 
and  his  untiring  efforts  have  been  crowned 
with  success. 

On  October  15,  1885,  Mr.  Wright  was 
joined  in  marriage  with  Carrie  Dermott,  who 
was  born  December  7,  1866,  in  Belmont 
County,  and  is  a daughter  of  William  and 
Sarah  (Kinney)  Dermott.  Her  father  was 
a native  of  Ireland,  coming  therefrom  with 
his  parents  when  a small  boy.  He  was  a son 
of  John  and  IMargaret  Dermott,  who  located 
on  a farm  in  Belmont  County.  William 
Dermott  resides  on  a farm  south  of  Belmont, 
Belmont  County,  Ohio.  He  is  a member  of 
the  IMasonic  order.  His  wife’s  maiden  name 
was  Sarah  Kinney  and  she  first  married 
Cyrus  Ewers,  by  whom  she  had  four  chil- 
dren: IMary,  wife  of  Jonah  Gildon,  of 

^yaynesburg,  Pennsylvania;  Henry  Clay, 
who  is  in  the  hardware  business  in  Bagley, 
Iowa;  Cyrus  D.,  who  is  a partner  of  his 
brother,  Henry  Clay;  and  John,  who  died 


66o 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


in  childhood.  As  a result  of  her  union  with 
Mr.  Dermott  she  had  three  children:  the 
wife  of  our  subject;  Herman,  who  resides  at 
the  home  of  his  father,  married  Alta  Russell 
and  has  one  son,  Sewell;  and  Edwin,  who 
died  at  the  age  of  22.  Mr.  Dermott  was  a 
soldier  in  the  Civil  War  and  served  in  the 
98th  Reg'.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  until  the  close  of 
the  war.  He  accompanied  General  Sherman 
in  his  famous  march  to  the  sea  and  was  at 
the  siege  of  Atlanta. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wright  have  five  children: 
Clyde,  Mabel,  Hazel,  Harry,  and  George. 
Our  subject  is  a Republican  in  politics.  Fra- 
ternally he  is  a member  of  Hazen  Lodge, 
F.  & A.  M.,  No.  251,  also  a member  of 
the  Knights  of  Pythias. 


D.  T.  PHILLIPS,  M.  D.,  physician  and 
surgeon,  and  mayor  of  the  town  of  Morris- 
town, Ohio,  has  had  a uniformly  successful 
career  both  in  his  profession  and  as  a po- 
litical leader.  He  was  born  in  Belmont 
County,  Ohio,  on  March  31,  1868,  a son  of 
Elijah  and  Delilah  (Keadle)  Phillips,  both 
of  whom  are  natives  of  the  same  county. 

The  family  is  of  Welsh  origin,  Evan  Phil- 
lips, the  grandfather  of  Dr.  Phillips,  being 
born  in  Maryland  of  Welsh  parents.  Elijah 
Phillips  was  born  in  1828  and  has  followed 
an  agricultural  life  in  Belmont  County  until 
the  present  date,  and  has  been  identified 
with  township  affairs,  serving  as  trustee  and 
for  the  two  past  consecutive  terms  as  town- 
ship land  appraiser.  The  mother  of  Dr. 
Phillips  was  born  in  1836  and  married  in 
1854.  With  her  husband,  she  is  active  and 
valued  in  the  Presbyterian  Church.  Dr. 
Phillips  is  one  of  a family  of  13  children  born 
to  his  parents,  the  eighth  in  order  of  birth, 
the  others  being  the  following:  James  L.,  a 
cabinetmaker,  carpenter  and  contractor  at 
Beallsville,  Ohio;  John  M.,  a farmer  of  this 
county,  died  in  January,  1892,  about  34 
years  of  age;  Melissa  E.,  solicitor  for  the 
Singer  Sewing  Machine  Company  in  Cleave- 


land,  Ohio;  William  D.,  formerly  in  the  ex- 
press business,  now  in  the  postal  service, 
since  1892  on  the  route  between  Cleveland 
and  Indianapolis;  Minnie,  the  wife  of  Wil- 
liam Deaver,  residents  on  a part  of  the  home 
farm;  Elijah  B.,  chief  of  police  at  Platts- 
mouth.  State  of  Nebraska;  Martha  J.,  de- 
ceased; Rodney  A.,  a professional  musician 
and  stage  performer;  Almeda  E.,  the  wife 
of  Giffen  Null,  a farmer  in  this  county,;Wal- 
ter  S.,  a contracting  plumber,  was  smothered 
in  a trench  he  was  inspecting,  at  Carroll, 
Iowa;  and  Addie  L.  and  Jennie  Florence, 
both  at  home,  highly  educated  young  ladies, 
quite  capable  as  teachers.  The  whole  family 
is  musical,  and  while  only  one  brother  has 
turned  his  talent  into  a business,  when  ail 
are  at  home  an  orchestra  is  formed  which 
could  command  a high  price  from  an  opera 
or  concert  manager.  All  have  been  thor- 
oughly educated  and  represent  one,  of  the 
most  intellectual  as  well  as  physically  perfect 
families  in  the  community.  The  five  surviv- 
ing brothers  have  the  unique  distinction  of 
being  of  the  same  height,  over  six  feet,  and 
are  equally  proportioned,  and  all  are  men  of 
dignified  bearing  and  affable  manner. 

Dr.  Phillips  was  fortunate  in  his  birth  and 
environments,  coming  into  a family  where 
culture,  education  and  refinement  occupied 
proper  positions  in  the  scheme  of  life.  After 
completing  his  common  school  course,  he 
was  given  advantages  in  the  Beallsville  Nor- 
mal school,  and  then  took  up  the  profes- 
sion of  teaching,  and  succeeded  so  well 
that  if  he  had  not  been  still  more  strongly 
influenced  in  the  direction  of  medicine,  he 
would  doubtless  have  become  one  of  the 
State’s  leading  educators.  For  52  months 
he  continued  a teacher,  in  the  meantime  read- 
ing medicine  under  Dr.  G.  W.  Steward,  of 
Jerusalem,  Ohio,  and  so  thoroughly  pre- 
pared himself  in  the  details  that  his  gradua- 
tion from  Starling  Medical  College,  of  Co- 
lumbus, followed  in  1897.  Dr.  Phillips  grad- 
uated at  the  head  of  his  class  and  was 
awarded  the  gold  medal  for  excellent  schol- 
arship. On  account  of  this  brilliancy,  be 


r 


MR.  AND  MRS.  GEORGE  CROZIER. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


663 


was  in  demand  as  hospital  interne,  but  re- 
fused several  very  flattering  offers  in  order 
to  locate  at  Morristown  and  enter  upon  reg- 
ular practice.  Since  April,  1897,  he  has 
been  a successful  practitioner  in  this  town, 
being  especially  skilled  in  surgery.  He  is 
a member  of  the  American  Medical  Associa- 
tion, is  examiner  for  the  John  Hancock 
Mutual  Life  Insurance  Company,  and  is 
lodge  physician  for  both  the  Odd 
Fellows  and  the  Knights  of  Pythias.  The 
most  cordial  relations  exist  between  him  and 
brother  practitioners,  and  he  is  a valued 
member  of  fraternal  and  social  organizations. 

Dr.  Phillips  acts  politically  with  the  Dem- 
ocratic party  in  State  and  national  affairs, 
but  independently  in  local  matters.  In  1899 
he  was  appointed  mayor  of  Morristown  to 
fill  the  unexpired  term  of  Hon.  A.  M. 
Majors,  and  so  well  were  municipal  affairs 
managed  and  adjusted  by  him  that  at  the 
election  in  the  spring  of  1902  he  was  the 
candidate  of  both  parties,  who  were  glad  to 
testify  to  his  efficiency  and  to  enjoy  a clean, 
conservative  and  effective  administration. 
Dr.  Phillips  is  yet  a young  man  and  his  past 
and  present  popularity  point  to  still  higher 
honors,  both  in  professional  and  political  life. 
Dr.  Phillips  is  a member  of  Hazen  Lodge, 
No.  251,  F.  & A.  M.,  and  Chapter  No.  69. 
R.  A.  M.,  of  Barnesville,  Ohio. 


GEORGE  CROZIER.  Among  the  well- 
known  and  highly  respected  farmer  citizens  of 
Mead  township,  George  Crozier  is  prominent, 
as  one  who  has  acquired  a competency  through 
his  own  industry,  and  who  has  identified  him- 
self with  the  measures  which  have  tended  to 
the  prosperity  and  advancement  of  the  inter- 
ests of  this  community.  Mr.  Crozier  owns  and 
resides  upon  the  farm  on  which  he  was  born, 
Eebruary  7,  1830,  a son  of  James  and  Chris- 
tina (Armstrong)  Crozier.  the  latter  of  whom 
died  when  he  was  but  a child  of  six  years. 

James  Crozier  was  born  in  County  Armagh, 
Ireland,  and  accompanied  his  father  to  Amer- 


ica at  the  age  of  16  years.  They  loacted  first 
in  Carroll  County,  Ohio,  later  came  to  Bel- 
mont, and,  in  1825,  James  Crozier  married 
Christina  Armstrong.  The  farm,  which 
Grandfather  George  Crozier  bought  in  Mead 
township,  descended  to  his  son,  James,  and 
later  to  our  subject,  who  bought  the  interests 
of  the  other  heirs,  becoming  thus  heavily  in 
debt  before  he  was  21  years  of  age. 

In  1851  our  subject  was  married  to  Marga- 
ret Boyd,  daughter  of  William  Boyd,  of  Rich- 
land township,  and  a large  and  most  estima- 
ble family  has  been  born  to  them,  as  follows : 
James,  who  is  unmarried,  is  engaged  in  a 
mining  business  in  Colorada;  Jemima  Jane, 
who  married  Thomas  J.  Watt,  a farmer  of 
Smith  township,  has  two  children,  William 
and  Martha ; William  Boyd,  who  was 
drowned  at  the  age  of  22  years,  at  Cedar  Creek, 
Illinois;  Robert  L.,  who  has  recently  married, 
resides  in  California,  having  engaged  in  min- 
ing in  the  Cripple  Creek  district  in  Colorado; 
Emma  Catherine,  who  is  the  wife  of  Albert 
McKelvey;  A.  M.  E.,  who  is  a practicing  phy- 
sician in  Hocking  County,  in  the  mining  dis- 
trict, graduated  from  the  medical  department 
of  the  State  University  at  Columbus,  six  years 
ago ; Margaret  Ann,  who  is  the  wife  of  Perry 
B.  Myers  of  Pultney  township,  has  one  son, 
George;  Joseph  Presley,  who  married  Jennie 
Eddington,  of  Bellville,  Ohio,  resides  on  the 
home  farm,  and  has  two  sons,  George  Edding- 
ton and  Stanley;  Nenna  B.,  who  married  Sam- 
uel Kirkland,  resides  near  her  father ; Mary 
Luella,  who  married  Ellis  Myers,  resides  in 
York  township ; Samuel  Bruce,  who  is  a den- 
tal student  at  Columbus;  and  a daughter,  who 
died  in  infancy. 

When  the  call  came  in  1864  for  lOO-day  re- 
cruits to  repel  the  invaders  from  the  State,  Mr. 
Crozier  was  one  to  respond,  although  he  left 
a wife  and  six  little  children  to  do  so.  He  was 
a member  of  Company  C,  170th  Reg.,  Ohio 
National  Guard,  the  regiment  being  in  the  ist 
Brigade,  ist  Division,  8th  Army  Corps.  Soon 
after  enlistment  he  was  made -sergeant  of  his 
company.  His  duty  was  mainly  confined  to 
guard  and  garrison,  although  he  took  part  in 


664 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT XOUNTY, 


the  troubles  at  Harper’s  Ferry  and  at  Snicker’s 
Ford,  on  July  24,  1864,  when  his  regiment 
lost  135  men.  He  returned  home  in  Septem- 
ber, 1864,  and  resumed  his  ordinary  occupa- 
tions. When  Mr.  Crozier  started  out  in  life 
he  owned,  or  rather  was  in  debt  for,  1 18  acres, 
which  has  been  increased  to  325  acres,  all  his 
own  property.  In  the  autumn  of  1901  he  re- 
tired from  its  active  management.  At  this 
time  he  and  his  estimable  wife  celebrated  their 
golden  wedding,  all  of  the  children  being  pres- 
ent, except  one.  It  is  the  pleasant  custom  of 
this  united  family  to  have  an  annual  reunion 
on  the  home  farm,  north  of  Businessburg.  He 
belongs  to  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of 
Belmont.  In  political  belief  he  is  a stanch  Re- 
])ublican,  and  was  a member  of  the  Farmers’ 
Alliance.  Few  men  in  Mead  township  are 
more  highly  regarded  or  considered  more 
thoroughly  representative. 


N.  J.  HATCFIER,  one  of  the  substantial 
and  representative  farmers  and  popular  citi- 
zens of  Belmont  County,  residing  on  his 
farm  in  section  2,  Union  township,  near 
Loydsville,  was  born  August  3,  1828,  in 

Union  township,  a son  of  Elijah  and  Jane 
(Craig)  Hatcher,  both  of  whom  were  natives 
of  Loudoun  County. 

Elijah  Hatcher,  the  father,  was  born 
August  15,  1796,  in  Loudoun  County,  Vir- 
ginia, a son  of  Quaker  parents,  Noah  and 
Rachel  (Beans)  Flatcher,  the  former  of 
whom  died  of  old  age  in  Virginia,  the  latter, 
coming  to  Ohio  at  an  early  day,  died  at  the 
age  of  86  years.  Of  the  children  of  Noah 
and  Rachel  Flatcher,  Edward  died  in  Vir- 
ginia. John,  the  youngest,  lived  for  many 
years  near  Portland,  Oregon,  having  been 
a pilot  and  teamster  for  General  Eremont, 
and  a noted  trader  with  the  Indians.  The 
others  were  Elijah  and  Mary,  the  former  of 
whom  was  the  father  of  the  subject  of  this 
biography. 

In  1822  Elijah  Hatcher  was  married  in 
Loudoun  County,  Virginia,  to  Jane  Craig, 


who  was  born  on  August  15,  1806,  on  the 
same  day  of  the  month  as  her  husband,  but 
10  years  later.  Erom  early  girlhood  she  was 
a member  of  the  Methodist  Church  and  was 
a woman  of  noble  character,  devoted  to  her 
home  and  church.  She  passed  away  on  Jan- 
uary 16,  1889,  at  the  age  of  82  years  and  five 
months.  In  1827  Elijah  Hatcher  and  wife 
came  to  Ohio  and  engaged  in  farming  in 
Belmont  County,  and  held  many  of  the 
township  offices.  Although  a birthright 
member  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  prior  to 
decease  he  united  with  the  Methodist 
Church,  of  which  his  wife  was  so  consistent 
a member.  These  most  estimable  people 
had  a family  of  seven  children,  namely:  N. 

J.,  of  this  sketch;  Rebecca,  who  resides  near 
the  toll  gate,  on  the  National  Road,  in  this 
county;  Rachel,  who  married  Joseph  Pan- 
coast, is  deceased,  as  is  also  her  husband; 
Eliza,  who  married  James  B.  Hogue,  the 
first  white  child  born  in  Grundy  County, 
Illinois,  is  deceased;  Sarah,  who  married 
Leander  Moore,  resides  in  Lucas  County, 
Iowa;  John,  who  also  is  a resident  of 
Iowa;  and  Cecilia,  who  married  Charles  Pick- 
ering, of  Richland  township,  Belmont 
County. 

N.  J.  Flatcher  obtained  his  education  in 
the  country  schools  and  in  the  advanced 
school  at  Loydsville,  and  grew  to  manhood  as 
his  father’s  assistant  on  the  farm.  At  the  age 
of  21  he  began  operating  for  himself,  and 
for  many  years  has  taken  a prominent  posi- 
tion among  the  leading  agriculturists  and 
large  land  owners  of  the  county.  Mr. 
Hatcher  owns  very  valuable  land,  the  Pitts- 
burg vein  underlying  all  of  it,  while  its  fer- 
tility makes  it  desirable  for  farming  pur- 
poses. He  owns  218  acres  in  section  2 and 
a farm  of  77  acres  in  Richland  township,  ad- 
joining the  former  tract  in  Union  township. 

On  May  7,  1856,  Mr.  Hatcher  was  married 
to  Mary  E.  Gregg,  a native  of  Virginia,  who 
came  to  Ohio  with  her  parents  when  two 
years  of  age.  She  was  the  eldest  of  the 
family  of  eight  children  born  to  her  parents, 
Henclley  and  Amy  Gregg,  the  others  being: 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


665 


Joshua,  who  is  a farmer  .in  Pottawattamie 
County,  Iowa;  Samuel,  deceased,  who  lived 
in  Warren  County,  Iowa;  Hendley,  who 
resides  on  the  home  place,  in  Goshen 
township,  this  county;  Frances  and 
Henrietta,  unmarried,  who  live  in 
Barnesville;  William,  deceased,  who  lived 
in  Iowa;  and  Victoria,  who  is  Mrs. 
Thomas  Rogers,  of  Barnesville.  IMrs. 
Hatcher  died  May  i,  1891,  a consistent  mem- 
ber of  the  Methodist  Church,  a woman  of 
lovely  life  and  character,  possessing  a dispo- 
sition of  cheerfulness,  disposed  to  contribute 
to  the  happiness  of  all  about  her,  valued  in 
her  church  and  beloved  in  her  family.  Her 
five  children  were  the  following;  Rosa  M., 
still  at  home;  Amy  J.,  the  wife  of  J.  W.  Wil- 
kinson, county  commissioner,  more  ex- 
tended mention  of  whom  will  be  found  else- 
where; John  William,  born  June  7,  1861, 
died  June  7,  1863,  at  the  age  of  two  years; 
Elijah  Clyde,  who  is  in  the  wholesale  gro- 
cery business  at  Allegheny  City,  married 
Orpha  Sidebottom  and  has  two  children,, 
Emmett  and  Ellen;  Grace,  who  is  Mrs.  Rob- 
ert Hood,  resides  at  Cambridge,  Ohio,  and 
has  one  child,  Mary;  and  Ida  J\L,  who  is  at 
home. 

Mr.  Hatcher  has  long  been  well  known 
as  a capitalist,  and  has  been  a director  in 
the  Second  National  Bank  of  St.  Clairsville; 
has  been  a capable  member  of  the  School 
Board  for  years,  and  has  acceptably  filled 
other  local  positions. 


WILLIAM  A.  GIEFEN,  a prominent 
farmer  of  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  who  owns 
and  operates  one  of  the  large  and  productive 
farms  in  Colerain  township,  near  St.  Clairs- 
ville, was  born  not  far  from  Martin’s  Eerry, 
in  this  county,  on  Glenn’s  Run,  a son  of  Sam- 
uel and  Margaret  (Kerr)  Giffen,  the  former 
of  whom  was  a native  of  Ohio  County,  West 
Virginia,  and  the  latter  of  Belmont  County. 

In  1825  the  parents  of  Samuel  Giffen  set- 
tled on  the  farm  now  owned  by  our  subject, 


William  A.  Giffen,  all  of  this  land  probably 
being  underlaid  with  rich  coal  veins.  Samuel 
resided  at  Glenn’s  Run  for  15  years,  but  in 
1861  located  on  this  property,  where  he  im- 
mediately began  improvements,  erecting  a 
comfortable  residence  and  building  a com- 
modious barn.  He  was  a straightforward, 
public-spirited  citizen,  actively  in  sympathy 
with  the  Republican  party,  and  prominent 
I in  the  religious  and  educational  advance- 
ment of  the  county.  He  was  an  elder  in 
I the  United  Presbyterian  Church  and  reared 
I his  family  in  that  faith.  Samuel  Giffen  was 
born  June  6,  1810,  and  died  October  5,  1884, 
his  wife  being  some  years  younger,  born  on 
November  i,  1823,  and  died  on  January  27, 
1898,  very  generally  regretted  on  account 
of  her  active  interest  in  church  work  and 
her  kindness  to  neighbors  and  devotion  to 
family  and  friends.  She  belonged  to  one 
of  the  old  and  honorable  families  of  the^ 
county,  Robert  and  Sarah  (Taggart)  Kerr 
being  her  parents,  the  former  of  whom  came 
to  America  from  Scotland,  and  the  latter, 
born  in  1802,  from  Ireland. 

On  the  paternal  side.  Grandfather  John 
Giffen,  with  his  wife,  Elizabeth  (Morrison) 
Giffen,  with  his  ten  children  also,  came  to 
Belmont  County  in  1825,  from  Ohio  County, 
(West)  Virginia.  These  children  were:  Mary, 
Mrs.  David  Coats,  born  July  17,  1799;  Rob- 
ert, born  November  28,  1801,  was  county 
recorder  of  Belmont  County,  and  died  un- 
married; William,  born  Alarch  21,  1804,  mar- 
ried, first,  a Miss  Graham,  and,  second, 
IMary  Morrison;  John,  born  Eebruary  28, 
1806;  Joseph,  born  March  i,  1808;  Samuel, 
born  June  6,  1810;  Elizabeth,  Mrs.  John 
Denham,  was  born  April  2,  1813,  and  is  the 
last  survivor  of  the  family;  Jane,  born  May 
8,  1815,  was  Mrs.  James  Erazier;  IMorrison, 
born  September  22,  1817;  and  Sarah  A., 
born  February  5.  1820,  married  William 

Grimes,  and  both  have  long  since  passed 
away.  The  maternal  family  was  also  large 
and  became  well  known  through  the  county, 
the  eldest  of  the  family  being  the  mother 
of  our  subject;  the  others  as  follows: 


666 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


James  Kerr,  born  in  1824,  resides  at  Martin’s 
Ferry;  Catherine  married  John  Porterfield, 
and  botli  are  deceased;  Sarah  J.  married 
Samuel  Thompson  and  resides  in  St.  Clairs- 
ville;  Robert,  deceased,  was  a farmer  in  this 
county;  Isaac  and  Peter,  twins,  are  both  de- 
ceased; Peter  (2)  studied  for  the  ministry, 
but  enlisted  in  the  army  in  the  Civil  War, 
and  died  while  on  a furloug'h  from  disease 
contracted  in  the  service;  Louisa  died  at 
the  age  of  five  years;  and  Mary,  born  July 
17,  1844,  died  Uecember  9,  1898.  Thus 
passed  away  members  of  two  prominent 
families  of  the  county,  but  they  left  behind 
them  records  of  worthy  lives  and  representa- 
tives who  inherited  their  most  admirable 
traits  of  character. 

A family  of  J2  children  was  born  to  Sam- 
uel and  Margaret  Giffen,  namely;  John, 
Sarah  E.,  Robert  K.,  Isaac,  James  P.,  Wil- 
liam A.,  Morrison  E.,  Samuel  R.,  Mary  L., 
Laura,  James,  and  Margaret  B.  John  Giffen 
is  a distinguished  clergyman  of  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church.  He  graduated  at 
Westminster  College  in  1871,  and  at  Alle- 
gheny Seminary  in  1875,  immediately 

accepted  work  in  the  missionary  field  in 
Egypt,  and  has  been  located  at  various 
points,  during  the  greater  part  of  the  time 
being  assistant  at  the  church  in  Cairo.  There 
he  has  been  instructor  in  Associate  College 
and  Cairo  Theological  Seminary,  and  is  a 
man  of  great  learning.  His  first  marriage 
was  to  Mary  Galoway,  of  Due  West,  South 
Carolina,  who  died  in  October,  1881.  His 
second  marriage  was  to  Elizabeth  Newlin, 
in  1883.  Sarah  E.  married  William  Hinkle, 
a farmer  and  fruit  grower,  and  they  live  near 
Cameron,  West  Virginia.  Robert  K.  is  a 
traveling  salesman.  He  first  married  Emma 
Brown,  and  later  her  sister  Ella,  and  resides 
in  Wheeling.  Isaac'  married  Margaret  Pax- 
ton, now  deceased,  and  resides  on  a farm 
near  Martin’s  Ferry.  Jane  C.  died  at  the 
age  of  20  months.  Morrison  E.  graduated 
from  Muskingum  College  in  the  class  of 
1886,  and  from  Allegheny  Seminary  in  the 
spring  of  1889,  and  in  the  fall  of  the  latter 


year  went  as  a missionary  to  Egypt,  where 
he  has  since  been  occupied,  • having  charge 
of  the  distribution  of  books  and  village  work 
as  minister  and  missionary.  He  married 
Miss  Franc  Martin  in  1886.  Samuel  R., 
born  in  i860,  was  a farmer,  and  died  Febru- 
ary 2,  1900.  James  P.  is  a graduate  of 
Muskingum  College  of  1891,  and  of  Xenia 
Theological  Seminary  of  1894,  and  is  a min- 
ister of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  lo- 
cated at  Edgerton,  Kansas.  He  married 
Libbia  Sleeth.  All  of  the  daughters  were 
also  given  collegiate  advantages. 

William  A.  Giffen  is  a graduate  of  Musk- 
ingum College,  and  has  been  identified  with 
agricultural  interests  during  the  greater  part 
of  his  life.  After  the  death  of  his  father,  he 
attended  to  the  settling  of  the  estate,  and 
has  charge  of  the  home  farm,  consisting  of 
about  300  acres,  the  greater  part  of  which  is 
still  undivided.  His  personal  estate  comprises 
200  acres  or  more,  all  of  which  is  very  valu- 
able, both  for  farming  purposes  and  also  for 
its  coal  deposits. 

Mr.  Giffen  is  an  active  Republican  and  a 
substantial  and  representative  citizen.  Like 
his  father,  he  has  ever  been  held  in  high  es- 
teem in  Colerain  township. 


JOHN  W.  WILKINSON,  very  favorably 
known  through  Belmont  County,  on  ac- 
count of  efficient  service  as  county  commis- 
sioner and  as  a useful  and  representative  citi- 
zen, resides  upon  his  valuable  farm,  com- 
prising 170  acres  in  section  3,  Union  town- 
ship, was  born  in  Smith  township,  near 
Lewis’  Mills,  on  July  24,  1854,  a son  of  Wil- 
liam and  Mary  Ann  (Leckletter)  Wilkinson, 
both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Ohio. 

William  Wilkinson  also  followed  farming 
as  his  chief  occupation  through  life,  owning 
large  tracts  of  valuable  land,  and  for  six 
years  was  county  commissioner.  His  death 
took  place  in  May,  1878,  at  the  age 
of  65  years.  As  a man  of  business  and 
integrity  he  probably  stood  second  to  none 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


669 


in  the  county,  and  both  he  and  wife  were 
as  highly  respected  as  they  were  widely 
known.  The  latter  died  at  the  age  of  61 
years,  a devoted  member  of  the  Christian 
Church.  These  parents  had  a family  of  1 1 
children  born  to  them,  as  follows:  Milo, 

who  served  three  years  in  the  Civil  War,  a 
member  of  the  43rd  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf., 
re-enlisted,  was  wounded,  and  died  in  the 
hospital;  Sadie,  who  first  married  Solomon 
Spencer,  and,  second.  Dr.  McMaster,  is  now 
a widow  and  resides  in  Smith  township; 
Clark,  a soldier,  who  served  in  the  Civil  War 
in  the  98th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  was 
wounded  at  Perryville,  Kentucky,  later  be- 
came editor  of  the  “Belmont  Chronicle,”  re- 
sides in  Spokane,  Washington,  actively  en- 
gaged in  literary  work,  a man  of  unusual 
mentality;  Isaac,  who  owns  a fine 
estate  of  over  800  acres  in  Mitchell 
County,  Kansas;  Carrie,  who  married 
A.  P.  White,  resides  on  a farm  near 
the  old  homestead;  Alice,  who  married 
Alfred  H.  Mitchell,  a prominent  attorney  of 
St.  Clairsville,  and  more  extended  mention  of 
him  may  be  found  on  another  page;  Emily, 
who  died  at  the  age  of  16  years;  John  W., 
who  is  our  subject;  Frank,  who  resides  in 
Kansas,  was  the  founder  of  a glass  works 
in  Indiana,  and  was  treasurer  of  the  com- 
pany; Julia,  who  was  a bright  and  promis- 
ing student  at  the  Wesleyan  University,  at 
Delaware,  Ohio,  died  of  quick  consumption; 
and  Elizabeth,  who  married  James  Hinney, 
is  also  deceased. 

John  W.  Wilkinson  was  given  educational 
advantages  both  in  the  local  schools  and  at 
college,  later  entering  upon  an  agricultural 
life. which  he  has  followed  ever  since  with 
great  success.  His  farm  is  well  located,  his 
Inuldings  combine  comfort,  beauty  and  util- 
ity, and  all  of  his  surroundings  display  the 
air  of  prosperity  which  proclaims  the  careful 
manager  and  excellent  farmer.  In  1896  he 
was  elected  county  commissioner,  on  the 
same  ticket  which  carried  the  names  of  the 
lamented  President  McKinley  and  Vice- 


President  Hobart,  and  served  until  the  end 
of  his  term. 

On  May  19,  1881,  our  subject  was  married 
to  Jennie  A.  Hatcher,  a native  of  Warren 
township,  Belmont  County,  and  a daughter 
of  James  and  Amy  Hatcher,  of  this  town- 
ship. The  four  children  born  to  this  union 
were:  Fred  C.,  a student  of  Lebanon,  Ohio, 
is  a teacher  in  Belmont  County;  Walter, 
educated  at  Morristown;  James  died  at  the 
age  of  ten  months;  and  Clark  died  at  the 
age  of  five  months.  The  religious  associa- 
tion of  the  family  is  with  the  Methodist 
Church,  in  which  Mr.  Wilkinson  is  a trustee, 
and  all  are  most  highly  esteemed  members 
of  society. 


GEORGE  W.  REECE,  who  is  engaged  in 
a real  estate  and  loan  business  at  Martin’s 
Ferry,  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  is  one  of  the 
active  and  enterprising  citizens  to  which  this 
section  owes  much  of  its  recent  wonderful 
growth. 

The  birth  of  Mr.  Reece  took  place  on  July 
27,  1847,  a son  of  George  W.  and  Sarah 
(Hill)  Reece,  the  latter  of  whom  was  the  thir- 
teenth child  horn  to  Thomas  and  Sarah  Hill, 
her  advent  into  the  world  being  in  mid-ocean, 
on  a sailing  vessel,  between  England  and 
America,  this  vessel  being  90  days  overdue  on 
account  of  adverse  winds.  George  W.  Reece, 
the  father  of  our  subject,  was  a blacksmith  by 
trade  and  was  emplo)^ed  at  the  Barnes  Glass 
Works  at  what  was  then  known  as  “Ritchie- 
town,”  but  which  is  now  included  in  the  cor- 
porate limits  of  Wheeling.  Later  he  located 
at  the  point  now  known  as  Benwood  and  there 
started  into  business  for  himself.  He  was 
known  over  a wide  extent  of  country  as  an  ex- 
pert in  his  trade,  and  owners  of  horses  would 
come  long  distances  in  order  that  he  should 
shoe  their  valuable  animals.  Mr.  Reece  was 
also  known  for  his  genial  manner  and  his 
place  of  business  was  a favorite  resort  for  the 
better  class,  who  there  discussed  matters  of 
general  interest  while  they  were  confident  that 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


670 


he  was  doing  work  in  his  line  in  the  most 
skilled  manner.  After  Mr.  Reece  gave  up  his 
business  at  this  place  and  went  to  Wheeling, 
his  many  friends  were  distressed  to  learn  that 
he  there  snccnmbed  to  the  cholera,  in  1849. 
His  w'as  one  of  the  most  virulent  cases,  being 
fatal  in  a few  hours.  This  was  remarkable,  as 
he  was  a man  of  such  strength  and  agility,  that 
he  could  run  and  jump  over  a horse  or  seat 
himself  so  nimbly  beside  a rider  that  he  would 
not  be  noticed  for  some  time.  He  was  regard- 
ed as  the  leader  of  athletic  sports  in  his  locality, 
which  were  then  of  the  most  innocent  nature, 
consisting  princi])ally  of  tests  of  skill  for  the 
enjoyment  of  others,  no  speculation  being  at- 
tached to  the  contests.  Although  he  was  not 
a church  member,  he  was  a man  who  lived  an 
exemplary  life.  He  accompanied  his  wife  to 
the  Methodist  Church,  with  which  she  was 
connected.  His  wife  died  of  cholera  two  days 
prior  to  his  death. 

Our  subject  was  not  much  over  two  years 
of  age  when  his  father  died  and  he  was  the 
youngest  member  of  a family  of  five  children, 
named  as  follows : John  E.,  Eliza  J.,  Mary  F., 
an  infant,  deceased,  and  George  W.  John  E., 
who  resides  at  Lazearville,  West  Virginia, 
where  he  is  postmaster,  served  three  years  as 
a drummer  in  the  ist  Reg.  Virginia  Vol.  Inf., 
was  captured  at  Moorefield,  Virginia,  kept  in 
Libby  Prison  over  90  days  and  then  returned 
home;  Eliza  J.,  who  is  the  widow  of  Mitchell 
Reagan,  is  a trained  nurse;  Mary  F.,  who  died 
at  the  age  of  43  years,  was  the  wdfe  of  Rev.  F. 
Byrnes,  of  the  Disciples’  Church. 

George  W.  Reece  acquired  his  education  in 
the  schools  in  his  neighborhood  and  worked 
around  the  coal  mines  in  West  Virginia  until 
1882  and  then  worked  in  a grocery  which  was 
known  as  the  “Drovers’  Home,”  located  at 
North  Benwood.  He  later  became  interested 
in  it.  In  the  flood  of  February,  8,  1884,  all 
be  bad  accumulated  was  swept  away,  and  he 
then  came  to  Martin’s  Ferry.  For  a few  years 
he  worked  at  the  carpenter  trade,  then  em- 
barked in  the  confectionery  business  and  in 
1892  became  interested  in  real  estate  and  loans, 
a business  he  has  followed  ever  since.  For 


over  a year  he  dealt  exclusively  in  Ohio  and 
West  Virginia  coal  and  timber  lands.  He  is 
now  the  president  and  director  of  the  Uneeda 
Tool  & Machine  Works,  of  Martin’s  Ferry,  and 
has  done  much  in  the  interest  of  this  and  other 
city  industries. 

The  marriage  of  Mr.  Reece  took  place  on 
October  24,  1872,  to  Grizzella  J.  Riggle,  a 
native  of  West  Virginia,  a daughter  of  Amos 
Riggle.  Both  of  her  parents  are  deceased. 
The  brothers  and  sisters  of  Mrs.  Reece  are; 
Jacob,  who  resides  at  Zanesville,  Ohio;  Eliz- 
abeth (Mrs.  Rev.  Ravenscroft) , who  resides 
in  Missouri;  David,  wdio  resides  in  Colorado; 
Lavina,  who  is  Mrs.  Harry  Patterson,  of  Mc- 
Mechen,  West  Virginia;  Emma  (Mrs.  Dalby 
Marple),  wbo  died  in  1900;  Florence  (Mrs. 
Charles  Kirby),  wbo  died  about  1890;  and 
Margaret  (Mrs.  James  Tbomas),  who  resides 
in  Wheeling.  Mrs.  Reece  is  a very  useful 
member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  belongs 
to  tbe  religious  order  of  that  body  known  as 
the  King’s  Daughters,  is  a member  of  the 
Plome  Missionary  Society  and  is  active  in  the 
ladies’  social  ancl  church  organizations  in  the 
city.  Mr.  Reece  is  an  elder  in  the  Presbyterian 
Church  and  a liberal  supporter  of  its  benevo- 
lent and  missionary  enterprises.  His  frater- 
nal connection  is  with  the  American  Order  of 
United  Workmen,  in  which  he  has  passed  all 
the  chairs.  He  takes  no  active  interest  in 
politics,  beyond  voting  the  Republican  ticket, 
but  in  all  other  matters  pertaining  to  civic  life 
he  is  interested  and  ever  ready  with  his  efforts. 


EDWARD  M.  SIMPSON.  Among  the 
prominent  and  influential  citizens  of  Cole- 
rain  township,  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  there 
is  none  who  stands  higher  in  the  esteem  of 
his  fellow  citizens  than  the  gentleman  whose 
name  appears  above.  He  is  a native  of  Ohio, 
haviiip'  been  born  in  Canton,  November  24, 
1840,  and  is  a son  of  Francis  and  Isabella 
(Laird)  Simpson. 

Francis  Simpson,  father  of  our  subject, 
was  born  in  Loudoun  County,  Virginia,  in 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


671 


1800.  After  the  death  of  his  father  and  the 
remarriage  of  his  mother,  Francis  was  bound 
out  to  John  Dillon,  a Quaker  of  Zanesville, 
Ohio,  when  he  was  but  seven  years  old. 
There  he  learned  the  iron  trade,  and  when 
21  years  of  age  was  offered  $1,000  a year  to 
manage  the  work,  a position  which  he  ac- 
cepted. He  was  manager  of  the  Dillon  Iron 
Foundry  for  years,  and  then  with  his  brother- 
in-law,  James  Hazlett,  bought  the  iron 
works  at  Sandyville,  Ohio,  which  they  con- 
ducted for  some  years.  He  moved  to  Bel- 
mont County  in  1841,  and  lived  near  Mor- 
ristown until  his  death  in  1876,  at  the  age 
of  76  years.  Religiously,  he  was  a member 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  For  a period 
of  20  years  he  satisfactorily  discharged  the 
duties  of  clerk  of  Union  township.  He  was 
three  times  married,  his  first  union  being 
with  Isabella  Laird,  by  whom  he  had  four 
children,  namely:  Mary,  widow  of  John 

Smurr,  residing  in  Topeka,  Kansas;  William, 
a resident  of  Cambridge,  Ohio;  Edward  M.. 
subject  of  this  sketch;  and  Isabella,  wife  of 
Eugene  Dillon.  After  the  death  of  his  first 
wife  at  the  age  of  35  years,  Mr.  Simpson 
formed  a second  union  with  Margaret  Gor- 
don, now  deceased,  by  whom  he  had  a son, 
Robert.  He  formed  a third  matrimonial  al- 
liance with  Elizabeth  Duncan,  and  she  died 
without  issue. 

Edward  M.  Simpson  attended  the  com- 
mon schools,  and  as  a boy  assisted  his  father 
on  the  farm.  He  began  farming  for  himself 
at  the  age  of  21  years,  and  has  always  con- 
tinued at  that  vocation.  He  came  to  Cole- 
rain  township  in  1870,  purchasing  one  quar- 
ter section  of  land  in  section  26,  all  of  which 
is  underlaid  with  coal.  He  has  sold  some 
acres  of  this,  one  vein  of  the  coal  recently 
selling  for  $?8  an  acre.  He  is  an  energetic 
and  enterprising  man,  deeply  interested  in 
the  welfare  of  his  township  and  county,  and 
has  friends  beyond  number  who  admire  him 
for  his  sterling  worth  and  high  character. 

Mr.  Simpson  was  united  in  marriage  De- 
cember 25,  i86i,  to  Miss  Catherine  Harris, 
a native  of  this  county  and  a daughter  of 


Daniel  and  Hannah  Harris,  both  of  whom 
are  deceased.  She  has  two  younger  sisters: 
Erances,  widow  of  John  Crymble,  of  Pasco: 
and  Ella,  deceased,  who  was  wife  of  Louis 
Neiswanger.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Simpson  have 
five  children,  as  follows:  Eanny,  wife  of 

John  Crawford,  of  Pasco,  by  whom  sffe  has 
seven  children,  as  follows, — Karl,  Gertrude, 
Harriet,  Ray,  Eugene,  Erances,  and  Waneta; 
Adda,  wife  of  Dr.  O.  M.  Keesor,  of  Bealls- 
ville,  Monroe  County,  has  two  children. 
Ward  and  Catherine;  Emma,  wife  of  U.  E. 
Duff,  residing  in  Deming,  New  Mexico,  has 
two  children,  Lorella  and  Dorothy;  Robert 
M.,  a farmer  of  Colerain  township,  resides 
at  home, — he  has  18  acres  of  land,  contain- 
ing some  2,000  fruit  trees,  mostly  plums, 
pears  and  cherries;  and  Lizzie,  wife  of  Ross 
Hawthorne,  of  Harrisville,  has  one  son, 
Ralph.  Religiously,  Mrs.  Simpson  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  M.  P.  Church.  He  is  not  inter- 
ested greatly  in  politics  and  votes  the  Union 
Reform  ticket. 


SYLVANUS  C.  DYSART,  a Civil  War 
veteran  and  retired  agriculturist,  now  re- 
siding with  his  tenant,  Wayne  A.  Wharton 
and  family,  on  the  Dysart  homestead  in 
Wheeling,  township,  is  a man  of  considerable 
means,  has  traveled  extensively  and  is  well 
informed  on  all  general  subjects.  He  was 
born  on  the  farm  on  which  he  now  resides 
April  23,  1832,  and  is  the  son  of  John  and 
Maria  Cook  (Grimes)  Dysart. 

William  Dysart,  grandfather  of  Sylvanus 
C.,  born  in  Ireland,  came  to  this  country  in 
1802,  and  after  a short  residence  in  Pennsyl- 
vania moved  to  Ohio,  where,  purchasing 
land  of  the  government,  he  made  a perma- 
nent home  for  himself.  A man  of  great  en- 
erg}'-  and  power,  he  cleared  the  new  land  and 
made  it  in  time  a valuable  piece  of  property. 
To  Mr.  Dysart  and  wife  were  born  four 
children — John,  who  is  mentioned  below; 
William,  born  in  1805,  married  Lucinda  Hen- 
derson, and  they  had  eight  children,  two 


672 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY. 


boys  and  six  girls, — he  owned  for  some  time 
a farm  near  Fairpoint,  later  one  of  200  acres 
in  Champaign  County,  where  he  died;  Boyd, 
born  in  1807,  who  lived  in  Morristown  and 
died  there,  married  Jane  Ffenderson,  a cousin 
of  Lucinda  Henderson,  and  they  had  thiee 
sons, — Mrs.  Jdysart  married  for  her  second 
husband  James  Twinem;  Jane,  born  in  1809, 
died  in  1855,  married  John  Neal  of  Guernsey 
County,  Ohio,  and  they  had  nine  children, 
four  boys  and  five  girls.  Mr.  Dysart  taught 
school  before  coming  to  this  country. 

John  Dysart,  father  of  Sylvanus,  was  born 
while  the  parents  were  on  board  ship  coming 
from  Ireland  to  America  in  1802.  He  made 
his  home  for  the  most  part  in  Wheeling 
township,  Belmont  County,  Ohio.  After 
the  death  of  his  parents  he  purchased  his 
brothers’  interests  in  the  family  homestead 
and  there  lived  and  carried  on  farming  for 
the  rest  of  his  life.  In  1841  he  put  up  a new 
barn,  which  is  still  intact,  and  in  1853  he 
erected  the  house  in  which  Sylvanus  now  re- 
sides. He  died  August  20,  1890,  and  his 
wife  October  31,  1894.  Both  are  interred  in 
the  cemetery  at  St.  Clairsville.  About  1830 
he  married  Maria  Cook  Grimes,  daughter  of 
William  Grimes,  who  was  born  in  Pennsyl- 
vania, settled  in  Richland  township,  Belmont 
County,  Ohio,  about  1775,  and  there  spent 
the  rest  of  his  life.  His  house  and  its  con- 
tents were  destroyed  by  fire  in  1844  and  his 
wife  suffered  severe  burns,  from  the  effects 
of  which  she  died.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dysart 
were  born  six  children — Sylvanus  C.,  who  is 
mentioned  below;  AVilliam,  born  in  1834, 
died  December  10,  1895;  Thomas,  born  in 
1836,  became  a United  Presljyterian  minis- 
ter and  officiated  for  some  time  in  Mansfield, 
Ohio,  where  he  died  in  1882;  Boyd  W., 
born  in  1839,  now  resides  in  Greene 
County,  Missouri;  John  B.,  born  in  1841,  met 
his  death  from  the  effects  of  a wound  re- 
ceived in  the  Civil  War;  Mary  Jane,  born  in 
1853,  married  Renoldo  Runyan  of  Jefferson 
County,  Ohio,  and  died  in  1888. 

Sylvanus  C.  Dysart  procured  his  education 
in  the  district  schools  of  Wheeling  township. 


Upon  reaching  manhood  he  assisted  in  the 
management  of  the  home  farm  for  a number 
of  years.  Here  he  remained  until  the  Civil 
War  broke  out,  and  then  in  the  spring  of 
1864  enlisted  in  the  170th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol. 
Inf.,  and  going  to  the  front  put  in  100  days 
of  hard  service,  and  was  in  five  different  bat- 
tles, including  Winchester,  Snicker’s  Gap  and 
Cedar  Creek.  Returning  by  the  way  of 
Pittsburg,  he  was  there  elaborately  enter- 
tained, soon  after  which  he  received  his  dis- 
charge at  Columbus.  After  the  war  he  re- 
mained with  his  parents  on  the  home  farm 
until  their  death.  Then,  in  January,  1895,  he 
purchased  the  place  of  his  brother,  J.  B. 
Dysart,  who  administered  the  estate.  He 
has  since  let  the  farm,  Wayne  A.  Wharton 
being  the  present  tenant,  and  has  spent  con- 
siderable time  in  the  West,  returning  occa- 
sionally to  look  after  his  property. 

Mr.  Dysart  has  never  married,  a fact 
which  he  now  somewhat  regrets.  He  has 
spent  much 'of  his  time  in  travel,  taking  in 
the  World’s  Fair  in  1893,  going  on  an  ex- 
cursion trip  in  1882  and  1883,  and  at  differ- 
ent times  visiting  Canada  and  its  points  of 
interest,  including  Niagara  Falls  and  To- 
ronto. He  belongs  to  the  United  Presby- 
terian Church  of  Harrisville,  Ohio,  and  is  a 
consistent  member.  In  politics  he  is  an 
ardent  Republican. 


THOMAS  J.  McKELVEY,  a prominent 
and  successful  farmer  and  a highly  esteemed 
and  representative  citizen  of  Belmont 
County,  is  located  on  a fine  farm  in  section 
27,  Mead  township.  He  was  born  in  Rich- 
land township  on  October  i,  1847,  a son  of 
Joseph  and  Ann  Jane  (Boyd)  McKelvey,  the 
latter  of  whom  was  born  73  years  ago  in  Bel- 
mont County,  and  is  now  a resident  of  Cam- 
bridge, Guernsey  County.  Her  father  was 
William  Boyd,  who  came  as  a pioneer  to  the 
county  and  who  settled  and  cleared  up  a farm 
near  Franklin  station,  where  he  resided  until 
his  death  some  12  years  ago  in  advanced  age. 

Joseph  McKelvey  was  born  in  Ireland  in 


I 


DR.  J.  N.  McMASTER  AND  FAMILY. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


675 


1821  and  died  in  this  county  in  February, 
1891.  When  but  a lad  of  17  years  in  1838  he 
came  to  the  United  States,  locating  in  Rich- 
land township,  Belmont  County,  on  land  near 
our  subject’s  present  home,  and  there  he 
lived  until  within  two  years  of  his  death,  this 
occurring  in  Bellaire,  where  he  lived  retired. 
A Republican  from  principle,  he  always  vig- 
orously supported  the  party.  His  brothers 
were:  James,  who  removed  from  Belmont 
to  Monroe  County  and  died  there;  Robert, 
who  resided  on  Pipe  Creek,  near  Business- 
burg,  has  a son,  Thomas,  who  lives  near  Bel- 
mont; Thomas,  for  whom  our  subject  was 
named,  never  married,  but  accumulated  a 
large  amount  of  land  in  Mead  township  and 
was  a wealthy  man  at  time  of  death;  David 
was  drowned  in  the  Ohio  River  in  young- 
manhood;  George,  who  removed  to  Monroe 
County,  his  son  George  C.  being  the  present 
Democratic  candidate  for  sheriff  of  Belmont 
County;  Samuel;  Joseph;  and  Weir,  who  re- 
sided in  both  Belmont  and  Monroe  counties, 
finally  settling  at  Bellaire,  where  he  died  and 
where  his  sons  are  prominent  citizens. 

A family  of  nine  children  were  born  to 
Joseph  and  Ann  Jane  McKelvey,  as  follows: 
Thomas  J.,  the  eldest;  Margaret  Ann  mar- 
ried Ross  Hritchison  and  died  in  Kansas; 
Lizzie  married  A.  D.  King  and  resides  near 
Glencoe;  William  resides  in  Smith  township, 
near  Glencoe;  Mary  Bell  married  Clarence 
W.  Neff  and  they  reside  near  Neff’s  siding; 
Sarah  Jane,  who  married  James  Johnson,  and 
lives  in  Arkansas;  Mattie  married  Joseph 
Duncan,  a business  man  of  Cleveland,  Ohio; 
Robert  was  accidentally  killed  while  follow- 
ing his  busines  as  mine  inspector  in  Colorado, 
leaving  his  widow,  a daughter  of  Isaiah  Neff; 
and  Eva,  who  died  young. 

Mr.  A'IcKelvey  of  this  record  was  reared  in 
Richland  township,  where  he  was  educated 
and  lived  until  his  marriage,  when  he  re- 
moved to  Mead  and  purchased  his  present 
fine  farm,  located  but  a short  distance  north 
of  Key  station.  Here  he  has  a farm  of  lod 
acres  of  the  best  kind  of  land,  well  adapted 
to  general  farming  and  stock  raising,  and 


here  Mr.  McKelvey  has  just  completed  a 
handsome  new  residence,  fitted  with  every 
comfort  for  modern  living.  In  1876  he  mar- 
ried Ada  L.,  a daughter  of  Peter  Neff,  and 
the  two  children  born  to  this  union  are  Clar- 
ence Neff,  a druggist  engaged  with  Charles 
Arnold  in  Bellaire,  who  was  but  recently 
married  to  Maggie  Knox,  of  this  county;  and 
Roberta  Ma}^  a young  lady  at  home.  The 
religious  membership  of  the  family  is  in  the 
United  Presbyterian  Church.  Mr.  McKel- 
vey is  an  active  Republican.  He  was  former- 
ly connected  with  the  Farmers’  Alliance 
movement.  As  a first-class  citizen,  awake  to 
the  requirements  of  modern  times,  he  is  held 
in  general  esteem,  and  is  respected  and  be- 
loved in  his  locality  as  a good  neighbor  and 
exemplary  member  of  society. 


DR.  J.  N.  McMASTER.  A prominent 
member  of  an  old  Belmont  County  family  is 
found  in  Dr.  J.  N.  McMaster,  who,  since  the 
fall  of  1871,  has  been  engaged  in  the  practice 
of  medicine  and  surgery  at  Centreville,  Ohio, 
where  he  is  also  a leading  and  representative 
citizen. 

Dr."  McMaster  was  born  December  30,  1844, 
on  his  father’s  farm  in  Mead  township,  being 
a son  of  Samuel  and  Sarah  Ann  (Gregory) 
McMaster,  and  a grandson  of  Robert  McMas- 
ter, a pioneer  from  Pennsylvania,  in  1817. 
The  father  was  born  in  1813,  and  the  mother 
in  1817;  the  former  still  survives,  but  the  latter 
passed  away  in  1901. 

Our  subject  was  reared  on  his  father’s  es- 
tate and  secured  his  education  in  the  local 
schools,  deciding  early  in  life  upon  his  intended 
career.  The  outbreak  of  the  Civil  War 
changed,  for  a time,  the  current  of  his  life,  as 
on  October  7,  1862,  he  enlisted  for  service, 
entering  the  9th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Cav.,  partici- 
pating in  the  campaign  through  the  South 
under  Generals  Burnsides,  Rauseau  and  the 
gallent  Kilpatrick,  who  was  his  last  comman- 
der. His  term  of  service  ended  July  16,  1865. 
Returning  home,  he  began  the  study  of  medi- 
cine in  earnest,  teaching  school  in  order  to  pro- 


6y6 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


\ i(le  the  means,  attending  one  term  at  West 
Alexander  Academy  during  this  time  and  in 
the  winter  of  1868-69  took  his  first  lectures  at 
Starling  INledical  College.  The  winter  of  1869- 
70  was  spent  at  the  Ohio  Medical  College  at 
Cincinnati,  Avhere  he  graduated  in  Alarch, 
1870.  His  first  practice  was  in  association 
with  Dr.  William  Piper  for  18  months,  but  in 
October,  1871,  he  located  at  Centreville,  and 
this  village  has  been  his  home  during  all  the 
succeeding  busy  years.  At  dilfierent  times  dur- 
ing this  ]ieriod,  he  has  admitted  partners,  at 
one  time  Dr.  G.  L.  Ramsey,  and  at  another 
the  late  Dr.  Wilkinson,  as  the  demands  upon 
his  strength  and  time  have  been  too  onerous. 
Dr.  McMaster  built  bis  comfortable  home  in 
1876  and  has  his  office  located  in  the  same 
building. 

On  November  27,  1871,  our  subject  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Susan  E.  Neff,  daugh- 
ter of  Henry  and  Matilda  A.  (Hall)  Neff,  the 
latter  of  whom  died  at  the  age  of  49  years,  in 
1865,  and  the  former  of  whom  resides,  aged 
92  years,  near  Glencoe,  where  Mrs.  McMaster 
was  born  July  i8,  1846.  She  is  one  of  seven 
children  born  to  her  parents,  namely : George 
Hall,  born  September  10,  1845,  the 

age  of  nine  days;  Susan  Elizabeth,  Mrs.  Mc- 
Master ;Dorcas  Ann, bornMay  2,  1848,  the  wife 
of  John  A.  Thompson,  of  St.  Clairsville;  Jane 
L.,  born  March  17,  18.S0,  became  Mrs.  Help- 
bringer,  and  died  recently  near  Glencoe;  Va- 
chel  Singleton,  born  August  14,  1832,  died  at 
the  age  of  three  years;  Margaret  M.  G.,  born 
May  9,  1855,  married  Rev.  T.  H.  Armstrong; 
and  Henry  Allen,  born  July  21,  1859,  who  re- 
sides on  his  -farm  in  Smith  township.  Mrs. 
iMcMaster  is  a cultivated  lady  and  was  edu- 
cated at  Steubenville.  Three  children  were 
born  to  the  Doctor  and  his  wife,  namely : Elva 
Leonora,  born  April  24,  1873,  married  Rev.  A. 
A.  Browm,  a Methodist  minister  of  Beverly, 
Ohio,  and  they  have  three  children,  Chase  Mc- 
Master, Edna  Elizabeth  and  Stowell  Nelson. 
Rev.  William  Henry  McMaster  was  born  Sep- 
tember 17,  1873,  and  is  one  of  the  most  brill- 
iant young  men  this  locality  has  ever  pro- 
duced. On  July  27,  1899,  he  graduated  at 


Mount  Union,  and  graduated  also  at  Drew 
University,  where  he  took  the  fellowship  prize 
of  $230  in  gold,  which  was  to  be  used  for 
higher  education.  On  June  24,  1902,  he  grad- 
uated at  the  ETniversity  of  New  York,  having 
spent  two  3^ears  in  teaching  at  Drew  Theolog- 
ical School,  and  was  ordained  a deacon,  Sep- 
tember 17,  1899,  at  the  Eastern  Ohio  Confer- 
ence and  preached  his  first  sermon  on  his  i8th 
birthday.  Eor  the  past  eight  years  he  has  been 
in  the  ministry  and  is  now  stationed  at  Elm- 
hurst, New  York.  The  youngest  son,  Sam- 
uel Emerson  McMaster,  was  born  September 
22,  1881,  taught  school  one  year,  graduated  at 
Lebanon  College  in  1900,  spent  1901  at  the 
Ohio  State  University,  and  is  now  attending 
the  Ohio  Medical  College  at  Columbus. 

The  religious  connection  of  the  whole  fam- 
ily is  with  the  Methodist  Church.  Dr.  Mc- 
Master has  served  six  terms  as  notary  public, 
being  first  appointed  by  Governor  Hoadly.  He 
is  a member  of  Hess  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  No.  393, 
at  Armstrong's  Mills,  and  was  one  of  the  char- 
ter members  of  Weyer  Lodge,  E.  & A.  M.,  at 
Centreville, serving  for  10  years  as  its  secretary. 
He  belongs  also  to  the  Belmont  County  Med- 
ical Society  and  keeps  abreast  of  the  times  in 
his  profession.  Dr.  McMaster  is  the  accred- 
ited examiner  for  these  insurance  companies : 
The  Mutual  Benefit,  of  New  Jersey;  the  Home, 
of  New  York;  the  Michigan  Mutual,  of  De- 
troit; the  New  York  Life;  and  the  Prudential. 


WILLIAM  HARRISON  WARREN,  a 
prominent  farmer  of  Mead  township,  Bel- 
mont County,  and  a worthy  representative 
of  old  pioneer  families  of  the  county  which 
have  been  conspicuous  through  generations 
both  in  agricultural  and  military  life,  was 
born  in  his  present  home  in  Mead  township 
in  1840,  a son  of  Daniel  and  Sarah  (Har- 
desty) AVarren. 

On  the  maternal  side  of  the  family,  Mr. 
Warren  comes  of  Revolutionary  stock,  his 
grandfather,  Obadiah  Hardesty,  serving  in 
the  Continental  Army.  Mrs.  Warren  was 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


677 


born  in  Glencoe,  Richland  township,  Bel- 
mont County,  where  her  father  located  on  a 
farm  soon  after  the  close  of  the  Revolution- 
ary War,  and  died  in  1877,  aged  about  77 
years.  On  the  paternal  side  the  early  an- 
cestors belonged  to  the  State  of  J\Iaryland, 
and  there  Daniel  Warren  was  born  in  1790, 
a son  of  Haddick  Warren,  who  first  located 
at  Middletown,  Washington  County,  Penn- 
sylvania, and  from  there  came  to  Belmont 
County,  Ohio,  in  1804,  all  of  the  following- 
children  having  been  born  prior  to  this  time 
— Daniel,  John,  Caleb,  James.  William,  Polly, 
Catherine  and  Sarah.  Haddick  Warren  was 
one  of  the  first  settlers  to  locate  in  the  east- 
ern part  of  Belmont  County,  buying  a farm 
near  Neff’s  siding,  where  he  spent  the  re- 
mainder of  his  life  and  where  his  tomb  may 
be  found.  He  also  was  a soldier  in  the  Revo- 
lutionary War. 

It  is  a subject  of  comment  that  when  the 
country  needed  help  in  the  various  struggles 
from  which  has  come  American  independ- 
ence, the  Warren  family  always  had  a loyal 
member  to  offer  service.  Thus  in  the  War 
of  1812  Daniel  MCrren  participated  with 
gallantry.  After  his  marriage  he  came  to 
Mead  township  and  located  on  a farm  in  sec- 
tion 30,  the  same  property  now  owned  by  his 
son,  our  subject.  He  engaged  in  agricul- 
tural pursuits  through  the  whole  of  his  life, 
attaining  very  substantial  results.  His  politi- 
cal views  made  him  in  early  life  an  old  line 
Whig,  and  an  active  supporter  of  the  Repub- 
lican party  after  its  formation. 

On  December  21,  1815,  Daniel  Warren 
and  Sarah  Hardesty  were  united  in  marriage, 
and  a family  of  14  children  were  born  to 
them  in  the  old  home  on  the  farm.  Nancy, 
the  eldest,  was  born  February  21,  1817,  and 
died  in  the  old  home  at  the  age  of  55  }^ears; 
John,  born  October  4.  1818,  died  unmarried 
in  St.  Joseph.  Missouri,  aged  about  33  years; 
Eliza,  born  April  4,  1820,  married  James 

Shipman,  and  they  moved  first  to  Kansas, 
then  to  Illinois  and  later  to  IMissouri,  Avhere 
she  died  about  1897,  their  three  children  also 
being  deceased;  Noah  V.,  born  November 


17,  1821,  died  at  Pomeroy,  Meigs  County, 
Ohio,  aged  21  years;  IMorgan,  born  Novem- 
ber 4,  1823,  married  Jane  Thornberr}!, 

moved  to  Iowa  and  was  drowned  in  the  Ot- 
tawa River  in  1876, — he  had  been  a soldier 
in  the  Civil  War  in  the  29th  Reg.,  Iowa  Vol. 
Inf.,  and  left  a large  family,  five  sons  residing 
in  Kansas;  I\Iary  Ann,  born  November  4, 
1823,  died  in  1877,  the  wife  of  Joseph  Carle; 
Charity,  born  October  14,  1825,  died  at 

the  age  of  nine  years;  Susan,  born  Feb- 
ruary 10,  1829,  married  William  Graham,  and 
both  died  at  their  home  at  Captina  Creek, 
one  of  their  daughters  and  two  of  the  sons 
residing  in  Belmont  County,  one  in  West 
Virginia  and  one  in  Nebraska;  Sarah,  the 
twin  sister  of  Susan,  married  William  Wiley, 
and  at  death  left  a son  and  daughter,  resi- 
dents of  Jackson  County,  Indiana;  Haddick 
L.,  born  January  17,  1831,  resides  at  Alma, 
Ross  County,  Ohio,  was  a brave  soldier  in 
the  Civil  War  from  IMeigs  County,  and  mar- 
ried Elizabeth  IMoore;  Rebecca,  born  April 
21,  1833,  is  the  widow  of  James  AVhley,  and 
resides  at  Ella,  Marshall  County,  West  Vir- 
ginia; Rhoda,  born  October  20,  1834.  mar- 
ried Prince  Green,  and  resides  in  Spraytown, 
Jackson  County,  Indiana;  Ebenezer,  born 
July  4.  1838,  died  unmarried  in  1871. 

The  youngest  member  of  this  family  was 
the  subject  of  this  record,  William  Harrison 
Wrren,  who  was  born  on  December  16, 
1840.  He  was  reared  to  farm  work,  and  the 
principal  business  interests  of  his  life  have 
been  centered  in  agricultural  developments. 
His  fine  farm  of  218J  acres  is  well  cultivated 
and  finelv  improved,  and  he  has  here  engasred 
in  general  farming,  combined  with  dairying, 
his  general  prosperity  being  the  result  of  ex- 
cellent management  and  the  intellisrent  use 
of  modern  methods  and  improved  machinery. 

On  April  16,  1866,  j\Ir.  Warren  married 
Harriet  Eliza  Berry,  who  was  born  Septem- 
ber 30,  1843.  in  Mead  township,  a daughter 
of  William  C.  and  Mary  fHaughtengohow) 
Berrv,  the  former  of  whom  was  born  at 
Wellsburg,  Virginia,  now  West  Virginia,  and 
died  in  1879,  aged  68  years.  He  was  a son 


678 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


of  Jolin  and  Mary  Ann  (Clark)  Berry,  an  old 
Virginia  family  of  i)rominence.  The  mother 
was  also  l)orn  at  Wellsburg  and  died  in  1862, 
aged  51  years.  Mrs.  WTrren  is  one  of  a fam- 
ily of  ten  children  l)orn  to  her  parents,  these 
l)cing:  James,  deceased;  Jacob,  a resident  of 
klead  township;  Clark  died  at  the  age  of  six 
months;  klary  Ann  married  Ira  Kidder, 
lived  at  Moundsville,  West  Virginia,  and  died 
in  1898;  Rachel  Ellen  died  nnmarried  in 
J869,  aged  27  years;  Harriet  E.,  the  wife  of 
kfr.  Warren;  Augusta  J.  is  the  widow  of 
James  White  of  Moundsville;  William  J.,  a 
resident  of  Mead  township;  John  W.,  a resi- 
dent of  iMoundsville,  married  Lizzie  Lash, 
and  James  Albert,  a resident  of  Moundsville, 
married  Lizzie  Schrimp. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Warren  has  been  born  a 
family  of  eight  children,  namely, — William 
S.,  born  April  2,  1867,  is  a physician  in  prac- 
tice at  Businessburg,  Ohio,  graduating  from 
Bryant  & Stratton’s  Business  College  and 
Starling  Medical  College.  He  married  Anna 
C.  Boyd,  and  their  four  children  are:  Mary 
Elizabeth,  aged  seven  years;  Dulcie  E., 
aged  five  years;  Harriet  Isabel,  aged 

two  years,  and  William  Boyd,  an  in- 
fant, deceased.  Myrta  I.,  born  March 

29,  1869,  married  George  H.  Ramsey 

of  Mead  township,  and  they  have  five 
children  — Forrest,  born  in  1891;  Clar- 
ence E.,  born  in  1893;  Harriet  Mildred,  born 
June  b,  1896;  Harry  Warren,  born  February 
15,  1898,  and  Loring  Fulton,  born  Septem- 
ber 3,  1901.  Carrie  B.,  born  March  3,  1871, 
married  William  A.  Craig,  and  they  reside  in 
Businessburg,  their  children  being  Loring 
Day,  born  August  5,  1894,  Harriet  Eliza, 
born  July  29,  1897,  and  an  infant, 

born  May  2,  1899,  deceased.  Daniel 

H.,  born  July  5,  1873.  a graduate  of  the 
Western  Pennsylvania  University  and  for  the 
past  year  has  been  practicing  his  profession 
of  dentistry  at  Allegheny  City.  He  is  also 
a graduate  in  pharmacy,  graduating  from 
Scio  College  July  26.  1900.  Otta  L.,  born 
October  6,  1875,  married  George  McCom- 
mon,  a professor  in  a school  at  Windsor,  Ash- 


tabula County,  Ohio.  V.  Josephine,  born 
July  14,  1877,  is  a young  lady  at  home. 
Charles  Foster,  born  October  10,  1879,  is  a 
teacher  at  Neff’s  siding.  On  April  18, 
1902,  he  married  Ada  L.  Neff,  of  Neff’s  sid- 
ing. The  youngest  son,  Harrison  Edwin, 
was  born  November  i,  1882,  and  remains  at 
home  assisting  his  father. 

During  the  stormy  period  offfhe  Civil  War 
Mr.  Warren,  true  to  family  tradition,  offered 
his  services  in  defense  of  his  country,  belong- 
ing during  nine  months  at  the  close  of  the 
war  to  Company  I,  5th  Ohio  Vol.  Cav., 
under  the  brave  Kilpatrick,  and  escaped 
any  serious  injury.  In  political  senti- 
ment he  has  always  adhered  to  the 
Republican  party,  supporting  its  candi- 
dates and  promoting  its  influence.  In 
fraternal  connection  he  is  associated  with 
the  Masonic  body,  belonging  to  Weyer 
Lodge,  No.  541,  of  Centreville,  Ohio,  as  are 
also  his  sons,  and  he  also  belongs  to  Spang- 
ler Post,  G.  A.  R.,  of  Bellaire.  The  religious 
connection  of  the  family  is  with  the  Metho- 
dist Church  at  Pleasant  Hill. 

Mr.  Warren  and  family  are  well  and  favora- 
bly known  in  Businessburg  and  vicinity  and 
enjoy  a wide  and  pleasant  social  prominence. 


JOHN  AT  WILKINS,  who  is  numbered 
among  the  influential  farmers  of  Belmont 
County,  Ohio,  is  a general  farmer,  owning 
about  149  acres  of  cultivated  land  in  Rich- 
land township.  He  was  born  on  the  home 
place  in  1846  and  resides  there  today. 

Air.  Wilkins  is  a son  of  Robert  and  Mar- 
garet (Murray)  Wilkins,  both  natives  of 
Richland  township,  and  now  deceased.  Rob- 
ert Wilkins  l)ecame  an  agriculturist  and  also 
raised  stock  to  some  extent,  becoming  quite 
successful  in  his  occupation.  He  married 
Margaret  Murray,  whose  father  was  bridge 
contractor  on  the  old  National  Road.  She 
died  in  1893,  when  76  years  of  age,  leaving 
as  mourners  her  husband  and  several  chil- 
dren. She  was  the  mother  of  six  children. 


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CAPT.  ALBERT  W.  LEE. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


68i 


namely:  Augusta,  Lydia,  James,  John  M., 

Robert  and  Ellen;  but  Robert,  James  and 
Augusta  are  now  passed  away.  Lydia  and 
our  subject  are  still  single  and  live  on  the 
home  place.  Ella  is  the  widow  of  Dr.  George 
Close  and  now  makes  her  home  with  our 
subject  also,  the  farm  being  near  St.  Clairs- 
ville,  on  the  north. 

Our  subject’s  parents  were  devoted  in 
their  membership  in  the  M.  E.  Church,  and 
reared  their  children  in  this  faith  also.  In 
politics  Mr.  Wilkins  was  a Republican  and 
an  earnest  worker  for  party  welfare.  So- 
cially he  was  a member  of  St.  Clairsville 
Lodge  of  the  I.  O.  O.  E.  At  his  death  in 
June,  1899,  he  was  81  years  old,  and  in  los- 
ing him,  the  county  lost  one  of  its  truest  and 
best  citizens. 

John  M.  Wilkins  fully  understands  the 
management  of  his  acres,  and  his  home  sur- 
roundings show  that  he  is  both  prosperous 
and  progressive.  He  is  liberal  in  both  re- 
ligious and  political  views  and  takes  much 
interest  in  the  work  of  either  class.  As  a 
well-meaning  citizen  he  has  the  honor  and 
respect  of  all  his  fellow  men. 


CART.  ALBERT  W.  LEE,  postmaster  at 
Uniontown,  Belmont  County,  and  one  of  the 
county’s  representative  citizens,  is  a native  of 
the  Buckeye  State,  born  on  Eebruary  i,  1840, 
in  New  Athens,  Harrison  County.  He  is  a 
son  of  William  Lee,  a grandson  of  James  Lee, 
Jr.,  and  a great-grandson  of  James  and  Isa- 
bella (Bascowan)  Lee,  the  latter  a daughter 
of  Lord  Bascowan,  of  the  north  of  Ireland. 

James  Lee,  Sr.,  was  evidently  a man  of 
wealth  and  social  prominence,  indicated  by  his 
being  received  as  a son-in-law  by  a member  of 
the  Irish  nobility,  but,  beyond  the  fact  of  the 
alliance,  little  is  known  of  his  movements  ex- 
cept of  his  unfortunate  start  for  America. 
The  family  records  show  that  in  1785,  James 
Lee,  Sr.,  in  company  with  his  family,  including 
his  son  James,  three  brothers,  two  sisters,  three 
uncles,  with  their  families,  one  sister-in-law 


and  33  cousins,  embarked  on  a vessel  named 
“The  Eaithful  Steward,”  which  so  far  falsi- 
fied its  cognomen  as  to  go  to  pieces  on  the 
shores  of  Delaware  Bay,  on  its  passage  from 
London  to  Philadelphia,  and  all  the  trusting 
passengers  were  drowned  except  James  Lee, 
Jr.,  his  brother’s  wife,  and  four  cousins,  who 
finally  reached  land  on  pieces  of  wreckage,  the 
ship  being  scuttled  by  sailors,  as  there  was  a 
heavy  insurance  on  the  ship  and  cargo. 

James  Lee,  Jr.,  the  grandfather  of  Captain 
Lee,  was  born  January  14,  1759,  in  County 
Donegal,  Ireland,  and  on  March  15,  1792, 
married  Elizabeth  Rankin,  who  was  of  Scotch- 
Irish  origin,  and  a native  of  Fayette  County, 
Pennsylvania.  Mr.  Eee  settled  in  Chartier’s 
Valley,  three  miles  northeast  of  Washington, 
Washington  County,  Pennsylvania,  near  the 
station  which  now  bears  the  appropriate  name 
of  jMeadowlands,  there  rearing  his  family  and 
living  until  the  time  of  his  death,  December  21, 
1843,  8511”^  year.  His  son  James  inherited 

his  farm.  The  children  of  James  and  Elizabeth 
Lee  were  nine  in  number,  namely : Thomas, 

William,  Elizabeth,  Hugh,  Mary,  George, 
Rachel,  Samuel  and  James.  Of  these, — 
Thomas  came  to  Ohio  at  an  early  day,  settled 
near  Cadiz,  became  a man  of  affairs,  and  was 
made  judge  of  the  County  Court.  He  owned 
a large  farm  northeast  of  Cadiz  and  at  first 
conducted  a tannery,  but  later  engaged  ex- 
clusively in  farming.  He  reared  a family  of 
three  boys  and  five  girls,  two  of  the  former  be- 
coming ministers.  His  death  occurred  in  1855. 
Elizabeth  married  a IMr.  Buchanan  and  re- 
moved to  Illinois,  where  she  reared  a family 
and  died  some  years  ago.  Hugh  married  and 
moved  to  Oregon,  in  1853,  settled  in  the  Will- 
amette Valley,  where  he  died  in  1884.  Mary 
became  Mrs.  Heuston  and  lived  and  died  in 
Illinois.  George  married,  located  in  Pomeroy, 
Ohio,  in  the  jewelry  business,  and  died  there. 
Rachel  married  Rev.  David  Thompson  and 
with  her  husband  started  west  as  a missionar\% 
dying  at  Fort  Earamie,  on  the  way  to  Oregon, 
in  1853.  Samuel  married  Mary  Russell  of 
Wshington  County  and  lived  and  died  in  Con- 
cord, Muskingaun  County,  Ohio : they  had  one 


682 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


son  and  five  dang'hters.  James  lived  and  died 
on  the  old  farm  in  Washington  County,  Ohio. 

Other  members  of  the  Lee  family  were  three 
l>rothers  of  great-grandfather  James,  one  of 
whom  settled  in  Carroll  County,  Ohio;  an- 
other, Hugh,  settled  near  Cross  Creek,  Penn- 
sylvania; and  a third,  James,  who  settled  near 
Hickory,  in  Washington  County,  Pennsyl- 
vania. A distinguished  member  of  another 
branch  of  the  family  of  Captain  Lee  was  Gen. 
Robert  E.  Lee,  who  was  a descendant  of  a fam- 
ily of  Lees  that  came  from  the  north  of  Eng- 
land and  settled  in  Virginia,  having  gone  there 
al)Out  the  same  time  our  subject’s  ancestry 
went  from  England  to  Ireland,  thence  to 
America. 

William  Lee,  the  father  of  Captain  Lee,  was 
horn  December  25,  1798,  in  Washington  Coun- 
ty, Pennsylvania,  and  lived  there  until  20 
years  of  age,  learned  the  tailor’s  trade,  and 
then  went  to  St.  Louis,  Missouri,  soon  after 
locating  at  Cadiz,  Ohio,  where  he  married 
Maria  Pritchard,  daughter  of  Jesse  Pritchard, 
on  March  22,  1824,  and  worked  for  a short 
lime  at  his  trade,  but  later  engaged  in  a mer- 
cantile business  in  Cadiz  and  New  Athens  un- 
til 1854,  when  he  sold  his  store  and  moved  to 
a farm.  He  remained  on  this  farm,  near 
Lo3'dsville  until  1875,  when  he  removed  to  St. 
Clairsville  and  resided  in  that  place  until  his 
death  on  January  8,  1886.  Mr.  Lee  was  a 
man  of  limited  education,  but  was  industrious 
and  energetic  and  was  successful  in  business. 
-\  family  of  six  sons  and  four  daughters  was 
l)orn  to  William  and  Maria  Lee,  as  follows : 
James,  horn  Eebruary  27,  1825,  never  married, 
lived  in  New  Athens,  but  died  in  August,  1899, 
at  the  home  of  his  brother,  Albert  W. ; John  P., 
born  June  10,  1827,  died  of  scarlet  fever  on 
January  19,  1831  ; Mary,  born  August  15, 
1829,  died  Eebruary  7,  1831,  of  scarlet  fever; 
Sarah  I.,  born  January  7,  1832,  died  January 
25,  1841,  of  fever;  John  R.,  born  September 
14,  1834,  died  February  15,  1841,  of  fever; 
Jesse,  born  April  26,  1837,  died  February  28, 
1856,  being  drowned  in  Duck  Creek,  Wash- 
ington County,  Ohio:  Albert  W.,  of  this  biog- 
raph)^;  Elizabeth  M.,  born  December  18,  1842, 


and  died  in  1900,  married  Samuel  Hilles,  who 
at  different  times  was  sheriff  of  Belmont  Coun- 
ty and  member  of  the  Legislature, — their  chil- 
dren consisted  of  two  boys  and  three  girls,  one 
of  the  former  being  superintendent  of  the 
Juvenile  School  on  the  Hudson  (New  York)  ; 
Emma  N.,  born  September  16,  1845,  married 
Henry  N.  Moore,  of  Red  Oak,  Iowa,  where 
she  still  resides,  having  two  children  living, 
three  l)eing  dead ; and  William  Howard,  born 
September  20,  1848,  who  has  iDeen  twice  mar- 
ried, his  first  wife  being  Clara  Vickers;  he  lives 
near  Tacoma,  State  of  Washington,  and  has 
six  children. 

Albert  W.  Lee,  the  immediate  subject  of  this 
sketch,  was  educated  primarily  in  the  common 
schools  in  his  native  county  and  then  attended 
Franklin  College,  leaving  his  studies  in  order 
to  enlist,  as  a private,  for  service  in  the  Civil 
War,  under  Capt.  Peter  Tallman,  in  Company 
K,  17th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  for  three  months 
and  was  in  the  West  Virginia  campaign  during 
this  term.  He  re-enlisted  in  Company  E,  15th 
Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  for  three  years,  under 
Capt.  Frank  Askew,  again  entering  as  a pri- 
vate, and  saw  service  in  the  Army  of  the  Cum- 
berland, under  General  Buell,  in  Kentucky, 
Tennessee,  Mississippi  and  Alabama,  taking 
sick  at  luka  and  Florence  and,  after  one  year 
of  service,  was  discharged  at  Nashville.  On 
recovering  from  the  fever  which  had  prostrated 
him  and  shortened  his  second  term  of  service, 
our  subject  raised  a company  of  his  own, 
through  Wheeling  and  Union  townships,  which 
was  accepted  and  mustered  into  the  service  as 
Company  E,  170th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  of 
which  Mr.  Lee  was  elected  captain. 

In  the  meantime,  after  his  discharge  at 
Nashville,  Captain  Lee  attended  Duff’s  Busi- 
ness College,  at  Pittsburg,  and  graduated  in 
March,  1864,  taking  his  company  after  this 
to  Washington,  D.  C.  The  company  was  as- 
signed to  the  Valley  of  Virginia  in  the  sum- 
mer of  1864,  and  took  part  in  several  battles 
and  skirmishes.  Captain  Lee’s  company  was 
engaged  in  skirmishes  with  General  Early’s 
men  at  Harper’s  Ferry,  July  6,  1864,  and  also 
at  Snicker’s  Gap,  in  July,  1864,  at  Winchester, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


683 


in  July,  1864,  where  General  Mulligan  was 
killed  and  where  our  subject  barely  escaped 
capture,  and  in  all  these  engagements  bore  off 
honors  for  gallant  conduct.  After  a service  of 
about  two  years,  the  company  was  mustered 
out,  in  September,  1864. 

After  the  close  of  his  service,  Captain  Lee 
went  to  Johnson’s  Island,  in  the  bay,  at  San- 
dusky, and  took  charge  of  a military  store  for 
his  cousin,  Fulton  Moffett,  who  had  the  ap- 
pointment from  the  government  as  storekeeper 
for  the  military  post  located  there;  several 
thousand  Confederate  prisoners  were  con- 
fined there,  the  greater  number  of  these  being 
commissioned  officers  of  the  Confederate 
Army.  Captain  Lee  remained  there  until  May, 
1865,  and  then  came  to  his  father’s  farm  at 
Loydsville,  soon  after  being  appointed  assistant 
revenue  collector  for  the  eight  western  town- 
ships of  Belmont  County,  filling  the  position 
until  November  23,  1865.  This  was  the  date 
of  his  marriage  to  Sarah  Lee,  daughter  of 
William  Lee,  who  resided  near  Uniontown,  a 
second  cousin  of  Captain  Lee’s  father.  With 
his  wife  he  settled  on  a farm  two  miles  north 
of  Uniontown  and  there  engaged  in  farming 
and  extensive  stock  raising,  making  a spe- 
cialty of  sheep,  and  figuratively  changing  his 
sword  into  a ploughshare.  In  January,  1898, 
Captain  Lee  bought  two  stores  in  Uniontown 
and  also  purchased  the  Dunbar  corner-lot 
property,  consolidating  the  stores,  and  operated 
the  business  until  1901,  when  he  sold  it  to  his 
son  Charles  P.  Lee,  who  later  sold  to  Everett 

C.  Taylor,  who  conducts  the  business,  al- 
though the  property  still  belongs  to  Charles  P. 
Lee. 

The  children  born  to  Captain  and  Mrs.  Lee 
numbered  four,  namely:  William  D.,  Annie 

Marie,  Charles  P.  and  Robert  Vance.  William 

D.  Lee  was  born  April  3,  1867,  and  married 
Bessie  Dunbar,  their  two  children,  Marjory 
and  Frances,  being  born  respectively  in  1898 
and  1900.  Mr.  Lee  was  thoroughly  educated 
at  Franklin  College,  at  New  Athens,  and  now 
resides  on  a farm  within  one  and  one-half 
miles  of  Uniontown.  Annie  Marie  Lee  was 
born  August  ii,  1869,  was  educated  at  Frank- 


lin College,  and  died  February  18,  1897. 
Charles  P.  Lee  was  born  April  8,  1871,  mar- 
ried Birdie  Taylor  and  they  have  one  little 
daughter  of  four  years,  named  Martha,  and 
reside  at  Bannock.  Robert  Vance  Lee  was 
born  January  2,  1875,  married  Lucy 

Perry,  a daughter  of  O.  H.  Perry,  of  Cadiz, 
Ohio,  a descendant  of  Commodore  Perry.  Mr. 
Lee  resides  in  Meadville,  Pennsylvania,  a jew- 
eler by  trade,  and  his  one  child,  Mary  Enita, 
was  born  in  Eebruary,  1891,  in  Durango,  Col- 
orado. 

Although  a Republican  in  his  political  sym- 
pathy, a son  of  a father  who  was  an  Abolition- 
ist or  Eree-Soiler,  Captain  Lee  has  not  taken 
of  late  years  a very  deep  interest  in  public  mat- 
ters, aside  from  local  affairs.  He  has  faith- 
fully served  his  locality  in  a number  of  offices, 
has  been  justice  of  the  peace  and  has  been  fre- 
quently urged  to  accept  political  positions,  but 
since  1892  has  never  consented  to  become  a 
candidate.  Since  May  19,  1898,  he  has  been 
postmaster  at  Uniontown,  appointed  through 
Charles  Emory  Smith  under  the  administra- 
tion of  the  late  President  McKinley,  and  has 
made  one  of  the  best  officials  the  people  of  this 
section  have  ever  had.  Since  taking  charge, 
the  office  has  been  raised  to  a money  order 
office  and  business  has  increased  five  per  cent. 
Eor  many  years  he  has  shown  his  interest  in 
educational  matters  by  serving  on  the  School 
Board.  In  religious  life.  Captain  Lee  has 
always  been  identified  with  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  was  reared  in  its  teachings,  his  father 
being  one  of  the  elders,  and  nearly  all  of  his 
family  are  still  in  active  membership  in  the 
Bannock  Presbyterian  Church,  although  our 
subject  has  practically,  in  late  years,  with- 
drawn on  account  of  difference  of  opinion. 
He  has  been  superintendent  of  this  Sunday- 
school  and  taught  the  Young  Ladies’  Bible 
Class  for  a long  period  and  has  taken  an  active 
interest  in  the  Young  People’s  meetings.  His 
present  attitude  is  that  of  a firm  believer  in 
the  essentiahtruths  of  Christianity,  but  he  does 
not  feel  that  he  can  hold  with  some  of  the 
Leliefs  which  have  crept  into  the  church.  Eew 
men  know  the  Bible  more  thoroughly  or  follow 


684 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY.. 


its  |)rccq)ts  more  conscientiously,  and  his 
\'ie\vs  on  life  and  its  religious  duties  and  priv- 
ileges are  held  my  many  other  thoughtful 
persons. 


SAMUEL  McM ASTER.  Very  many  of 
the  leading  old  families  of  Belmont  County 
were  founded  in  this  locality  hy  sturdy  pio- 
neers from  Pennsylvania,  who  came  hither 
in  the  early  days  of  its  settlement  to  secure 
homes  for  their  large  number  of  children, 
and  such  was  .the  case  with  the  McMaster 
family,  so  well  and  favorably  known. 

Robert  IMcMaster  was  born  in  Adams 
County,  Pennsylvania,  and  married  Sarah 
Meeks,  who  was  born  across  the  line,  in 
Washington  County,  in  the  same  State,  and 
with  their  children,  in  1817,  they  migrated 
to  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  where  Robert 
purchased  a tract  of  80  acres  from  Frazier 
* Taylor,  in  Mead  township,  near  Jacobsburg. 
it  was  probably  somewhat  improved  at  the 
time,  as  it  had  been  originally  the  property 
of  the  well-known  Thomas  Miles.  Later, 
Robert  McMaster  secured  70  acres  in  Smith 
township,  near  Jacobsburg,  and  here  both 
he  and  wife  died,  the  latter  in  February, 
1850,  at  the  age  of  52  years,  and  the  former 
in  1874,  at  the  age  of  84  years.  They  had  a 
family  of  five  sons  and  four  daughters  born 
to  them,  all  of  whom  grew  to  maturity  and 
some  of  wdiom  have  shown  a remarkable 
longevity,  as  is  notable  in  the  case  of  the 
sul)ject  of  this  sketch,  Samuel  McMaster, 
the  eldest  of  the  family,  who  was  born  in 
Wshington  County,  PennsyRania,  on  De- 
cember f),  1813.  The  others  were  as  fol- 
lows; Frances,  now  Mrs.  Weyer,  of  Pow- 
hatan, Belmont  County,  Avas  born  in  181S, 
also  in  Pennsylvania;  Nancy  was  born  in 
1817  and  has  been  deceased  many  years; 
Andrew,  born  in  1818,  has  also  been  de- 
ceased for  a long  period;  Dr.  William  was 
born  in  1820,  and  for  some  20  *years  prac- 
ticed medicine  and  conducted  a drug  store 
at  Bellaire,  where  he  died;  George  was  born 
in  1822,  learned  the  trade  of  saddler  at  St. 


Clairsville,  and  practiced  the  same  at  Bel- 
laire and  Wheeling,  where  he  died;  Marga- 
ret was  born  in  1824,  married  Harvey  Por- 
terfield, and  died  in  1852,  of  cholera,  at  Bel- 
laire; Mary  Ann  was  born  in  1826,  married, 
first,  Thomas  Fulton,  second,  William  Allen, 
and,  third,  William  Hoskinson,  and  resides, 
a widow,  with  her  daughter  at  Moundsville; 
and  Henry,  born  in  1829,  wdio  follows  a 
tailorino-  business  at  Bellaire. 

o 

Our  venerable  subject  has  been  an  active 
man  through  many  years  of  his  life,  engaged 
in  coopering,  cobbling,  but  mainly  in  farm- 
ing, and  owned  the  farm  where  A.-W.  Mc- 
Master now  resides.  The  old  home  in  which 
he  and  wife  went  to  housekeeping,  in  1835, 
was  destroyed  by  fire,  in  1900,  together  with 
contents  greatly  valued  by  the  family. 
Mr.  Mcjvlaster  was  married  November  5, 
1835,  Jacobsburg,  to  Sarah  Ann  Gregory, 
wdio  was  born  near  St.  Clairsville  in  1817, 
and  died  January  24,  1901,  after  a happy 
married  life  of  65  years.  The  children  of 
this  union  were:  Robert  Clark,  born  Sep- 

tember 8,  1836,  married  Angeline  Simpson 
on  January  27,  1859,  and  died  March  24, 
1859;  William  W.,  born  March  22,  1838, 
married  Isabel  McNiece  and  they  live  near 
Glencoe  on  a farm,  with  children, — Lizzie, 
Sadie,  Margaret,  Annie,  Carrie,  and  Susan, 
Bertie  May  being  deceased;  John  W.,  born 
July  16,  1841,  married  Margaret  Porterfield 
and  resides  in  Kansas,  their  children  being 
Ella.  Addie,  Emma.  Samuel,  Minnie,  James, 
and  Alice;  Dr.  James  N.,  born  December 
30,  1844;  Thomas  J.,  born  November  13, 
1846;  Samuel  A.,  born  May  12,  1851,  died 
November  17,  1852;  Alexander  W.  was  born 
September  30,  1853;  and  Sarah  E.,  born  Oc- 
tober 19,  i860,  married  September  8,  1881, 
Atwell  D.  Creamer,  born  in  Mead  township 
May  9,  1861,  and  they  reside  on  a farm  in 
Smith  township,  near  Jacobsburg,  and  have 
children, — Everett,  Ernest  N.,  Ila  Gail, 
Susan,  and  Ethel.  In  politics  Mr.  McMaster 
has  ahvays  supported  the  Democratic  party 
and  has  been  called  upon  to  fill  many  of  the 
township  offices,  having  been  supervisor  and 


EDWARD  L.  MEAD 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


687 


township  clerk,  and  for  27  years  justice  of 
the  peace,  administering  this  office  continu- 
ously for  21  years.  His  Masonic  connection 
dates  back  to  1843,  when  he  was  received 
into  Moriah  Lodge,  now  of  Powhatan,  but 
then  of  Jacobsburg,  and  he  was  a charter 
member  of  Weyer  Lodge  at  Centreville,  in 
Smith  township.  Mr.  IMclMaster  has  never 
attached  himself  to  any  religious  body,  al- 
though his  attendance  has  always  been  upon 
Presbyterian  services,  with  his  wife.  He  has 
contributed  to  the  building  of  both  Presby- 
terian and  Methodist  churches,  and  has  al- 
ways supported  reformatory  and  moral  laws. 


EDWARD  L.  MEAD,  a highly  respected 
resident  of  Goshen  township,  where  he  is  en- 
gaged in  farming,  was  born  in  Goshen  town- 
ship, Belmont  County,  in  1859,  ^ 

of  Enfield  S.  and  Lucy  (Dearborn)  Mead,  the 
former  of  whom  was  born  in  Loudoun  County, 
Virginia,  in  April,  1817,  and  died  August  13, 
1898. 

Samuel  Mead,  the  grandfather  of  Edward 
L.,  was  born  July  3,  1779,  and  was  a son  of 
Benjamin  and  Hannah  Mead.  In  his  early 
years,  he  was  a school  teacher.  Eor  many 
years  he  resided  at  Olivett,  near  which  he  owned 
a large  tract  of  land,  a portion  of  which  is  still 
owned  by  one  of  his  grandsons.  He  married 
Hannah  Whittaker,  who  died  at  the  old  home 
near  Olivett.  He  died  December  29,  1861,  aged 
83  years,  five  months  and  26  days.  Samuel 
Mead  and  wife  were  the  parents  of  nine  chil- 
dren, as  follows:  Asenath,  born  January  il, 

1808,  married  Asa  Hoge,  and  died  but  recent- 
ly; Benjamin  L.,  born  March  25,  1811,  was  a 
tanner  by  trade  and  lived  at  Quaker  City, 
Guernsey  Count}3  for  many  years,  moved  then 
to  Minneapolis,  and  there  owns  property  and 
now  lives  in  California ; Phineas,  born  Novem- 
ber 9,  1812,  resides  at  Olivett,  on  a part  of  the 
old  homestead,  and  died  some  18  years  ago; 
Clementine,  born  June  24,  1814,  died  in  the 
winter  of  1901-02,  in  Morgan  County,  leaving 
her  husband,  William  Spencer ; Enfield  Samuel, 


born  April  22,  1817;  Amanda  Jane,  born  May 
27,  1819,  married  Jeptha  Cowgill,  resided  in 
Iowa  andxlied  about  five  years  ago  at  Colorado 
Springs  at  the  home  of  a daughter;  Louisa 
Maria,  born  November  2,  1820,  married  Dr. 
Clark  Schooley  of  Mount  Pleasant,  and  died 
several  years  ago;  Lamina  Letitia,  born  Au- 
gust 9,  1823,  is  the  widow  of  Edward  Loyd, 
and  resides  at  Columbus,  Ohio ; and  hlilo  Mil- 
ton,  born  Eebruary  25,  1827,  a physician  in 
Minneapolis,  who  was  a surgeon  in  the  army 
during  the  Civil  War. 

Enfield  Samuel  JMead,  the  father  of  the  sub- 
ject of  this  biography,  spent  his  boyhood  near 
Olivett  and  obtained  the  best  schooling  afforded 
at  the  time  in  the  locality.  December  7,  1848, 
he  married  Lucy  Dearborn,  who  was  born  No- 
vember 18,  1824,  in  jMorgan  County,  a daugh- 
ter of  Nathan  and  Lucy  Dearborn,  one  of  the 
pioneer  families,  and  she  survived  until  January 
9,  1901.  In  1861  they  settled  on  the  farm  now 
owned  by  Edward  L.  and  resided  there  for  38 
years,  hir.  hlead  was  a fine  representative  of 
the  farming  community,  a man  of  industry, 
high  principles  and  strict  integrity.  He  was 
a Republican  in  his  political  attachment  and 
served  with  credit  as  trustee  of  his  township. 
The  eight  children  born  to  him  and  wife  were : 
Corwin  D.,  born  November  13,  1849,  resides 
at  Pierre,  South  Dakota, — he  married  Ida 
Whcks,  of  Granville,  and  has  three  daughters; 
Clarkson  O.,  born  June  23,  1851,  is  a farmer 
near  Champion,  Nebraska,  - and  married  first 
Mary  hlartin,  who  died  March  23,  1880,  and 
married  second  a hliss  Pine  of  Iowa ; Anson  G., 
born  August  22,  1853,  who  is  an  attorney  at 
Beloit,  Kansas,  married  Phoebe  Elma  Lee,  who 
lived  near  Somerton;  Ida  S.,  born  September 
25,  1855,  married  Thomas  T.  Colpitts,  a stone 
contractor  of  Toledo,  Ohio  ; Annie  E.,  born  Oc- 
tober 19,  1857,  married  H.  C.  Ewers,  a hard- 
ware merchant  of  Bagley,  Iowa,  and  died  at 
Minneapolis,  Eebruary  3,  1885  ; Edward  L.,  of 
this  sketch;  Virginia  L.,  born  April  9,  1862, 
married  Vh  K.  Burns,  a farmer  residing  near 
Bagley,  Iowa;  and  Amanda  B.,  born  October 
21,  1864,  who  married  her  brother-in-law,  H. 
C.  Ewers,  at  Bagley,  Iowa. 


688 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


The  pleasant  old  home  in  Goshen  township 
is  donhly  dear  to  our  subject  on  account  of 
having  been  his  home  ever  since  he  was  four 
years  of  age.  It  contains  i6o^  acres,  located 
in  section  21,  and  he  has  followed  general  farm- 
ing all  his  life,  taking  a just  pride  in  his  fertile 
acres  and  sleek,  well-conditioned  stock  and  cat- 
tle. His  methods  have  insured  him  a good 
measure  of  success  and  jMr.  Mead  has  been  able 
to  establish  himself  among  the  most  substantial 
men  of  the  township.  His  tastes  have  been 
entirely  in  the  direction  of  agriculture,  al- 
though his  two  brothers,  Corwin  and  A.  G., 
are  equally  devoted  to  the  law,  the  former  hav- 
ing been  l’rol)ate  judge  in  South  Dakota  and 
the  latter  a member  of  the  Kansas  State  Sen- 
ate. /V  quieter  life  has  satisfieed  our  subject 
and  he  is  well  and  widely  known  as  a thorough- 
ly representative  farmer  and  a most  highly  es- 
teemed citizen. 

In  1888  Mr.  Mead  was  married  to  Emma  S. 
McEndree,  who  was  born  on  an  adjoining 
farm,  January  15,  1867,  and  is  a daughter  of 
H.  E.  and  Erances  J.  (Talbei't)  McEndree,  the 
former  of  whom  was  born  October  14,  1843, 
in  Belmont  County,  being  a son  of  H.  E.  and 
Sophia  McEndree.  He  grew  to  manhood  in 
his  native  county,  preparing  for  the  active  du- 
ties of  life,  hut  the  whole  current  was  changed 
for  years,  hy  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  War. 
With  loyalty  and  enthusiasm,  he  enrolled  his 
name  as  one  of  his  country’s  defenders,  in 
Company  I,  69th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  on  Feb- 
ruary 3,  1862,  for  a service  of  three  years  or 
through  the  war.  On  February  18,  1864,  he 
was  honorably  discharged,  at  Chattanooga, 
Tennessee,  by  reason  of  re-enlistment  as  a vet- 
eran volunteer.  Mr.  McEndree  gave  his  ser- 
vice until  the  close  of  the  struggle,  and  after 
participating  in  some  of  the  most  serious  en- 
gagements of  the  war  was  finally  discharged  on 
July  14,  1865,  at  Louisville,  Kentucky.  Among 
the  battles  which  can  never  be  forgotten  by  the 
people  of  the  United  States  on  account  of  their 
fearful  havoc  and  carnage,  were  those  of  Mur- 
fresboro,  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and 
Jonesboro,  and  also  the  great  march  of  Sher- 
man to  the  sea,  and  in  all  these  Mr.  McEndree 


took  the  part  of  a brave  and  valiant  soldier. 
Upon  his  return,  he  married,  on  March  8,  1866, 
Frances  J.  Talbert,  a daughter  of  William  and 
Emily  Talbert,  of  Morristown,  Ohio.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Talbert  have  resided  in  Belmont  County 
many  years,  where  a family  of  six  children  was 
born  to  them,  namely : Emma,  who  became 

Mrs.  Mead,  in  1888;  Clarkson,  who  in  1892 
married  Clara  A.  Palmer,  resides  in  Speidel; 
Charles,  who  in  1896  married  Ida  Burns,  re- 
sides in  Belmont;  Albert,  who  is  engaged  with 
the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad;  and  Jessie 
Beatrice,  who  is  at  home  with  her  parents.  Mr. 
McEndree  is  a member  of  Hides  Post,  G.  A. 
R.,  No.  220,  of  Barnesville.  Both  he  and  wife 
are  consistent  and  worthy  members  of  the  Bap- 
tist Church  at  Bethesda. 

A family  of  two  children  has  been  born  to 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Mead,  viz. : Enfield  S.,  born  Au- 
gust 29,  1891,  and  George  A.,  born  February  8, 
] 902.  In  politics  Mr.  Mead  stands  on  the  Re- 
publican platform  and  actively  supports  the 
principles  of  that  party.  With  his  estimable 
wife,  he  belongs  to  Ebenezer  Baptist  Church. 


WILLIAM  RAMSEY,  one  of  the  promi- 
nent and  substantial  farmers  of  Mead  town- 
ship, Belmont  County,  Ohio,  belongs  to 
an  old-established  family  of  State  and 
county,  whose  members  are  known  through 
their  several  communities  as  leading  and 
representative  citizens.  The  birth  of  Wil- 
liam Ramsey  took  place  December  24, 
1844,  in  Washington  township,  Belmont 
County,  and  his  parents  were  Allen  and 
Mary  (Thornborough)  Ramsey,  the  latter 
of  whom  was  born  in  England  about 
1816,  a daughter  of  William  and  Ma- 
tilda (Lazenby)  Thornborough.  The  Thorn- 
borough  family  came  to  America  and  set- 
tled in  Belmont  County  about  1818,  entered 
land  in  Washington  township,  and  resided 
there  the  balance  of  their  lives,  Mr.  Thorn- 
borough dying  about  1845,  his  widow  sur- 
viving until  1882. 

The  founder  of  the  Ramsey  family  in  Bel- 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


689 


mont  County  was  Thomas  Ramsey,  a native 
of  County  Tyrone,  Ireland,  who  immigrated 
to  Washington  County,  Pennsylvania,  about 
1790,  at  the  age  of  18  years,  married  there  a 
member  of  the  Falconer  family,  and  moved 
with  his  children  to  Smith  township, 
Belmont  County,  Ohio,  in  1818,  and  there 
lived  for  the  rest  of  his  life,  leaving  these 
sons:  David,  John,  Samuel,  Abram,  Allen, 

and  Aaron  F. 

Allen  Ramsey,  the  fifth  son  of  Thomas 
Ramsey,  was  born  May  28,  1811,  in  Wash- 
ington County,  Pennsylvania,  and  was 
brought  by  his  father  to  Belmont  County 
in  1818.  Flis  marriag'e  to  Mary  Thorn- 
borough  took  place  in  Washington  town- 
ship, Belmont  County,  where  he  resided  a 
number  of  years,  his  last  days,  however,  be- 
ing spent  in  Mead  township,  where  he  died 
July  19,  1887.  His  venerable  widow  still 
survives,  at  the  age  of  86  years,  a resident 
of  Key  station.  Mead  township.  The  chil- 
dren of  Allen  Ramsey  and  wife  were:  Eliza- 

beth, who  married  William  Thompson,  re- 
sides in  Mead  township  and  has  a large  fam- 
ily; Thomas  H.,  who  is  a farmer  near  our 
subject;  Louisa,  who  died  young;  Nancy 
Jane,  who  is  Mrs.  Devol,  resides  in  York 
township;  William,  who  is  the  subject  of  this 
biography;  George,  who  was  a resident  of 
Mead  township,  died  at  the  age  of  19  years; 
Eleanor,  who  died  at  the  age  of  18  years; 
Matilda  A.,  who  married  David  Little,  re- 
sides at  Glencoe;  Louisa,  who  married  John 
Harvey,  resides  at  Bellaire;  and  John  A., 
who  is  a farmer  and  also  a merchant  resid- 
ing at  Key  station. 

William  Ramsey  was  mainly  reared  in 
Mead  township,  where  his  schooling  was  ob- 
tained, and  he  remained  on  the  home  farm 
until  he  was  26  years  old.  After  marriage 
he  located  in  the  southwestern  part  of  Mead 
township,  purchasing  the  Taylor,  farm,  and 
has  devoted  his  attention  to  general  farming 
and  the  raising  of  standard  sheep  and  cattle. 
His  herd  of  Shorthorn  cattle  ranks  with  the 
best  in  the  State.  Mr.  Ramsey  operates  266 
acres  and  has  what  may  well  be  termed  a 


model  farm.  In  1892  he  erected  his  hand- 
some residence,  and  all  of  the  surroundings 
have  an  air  of  thrift  and  prosperity. 

On  September  5,  1870,  Mr.  Ramsey  was 
married  to  Amanda  Helpbringer,  who  was 
born  in  Smith  township  in  1850,  and  a family 
of  nine  children  has  been  born  to  them: 
Dr.  George  L.,  a prominent  physician  of 
Powhatan  Point;  Lura  V.,  who  died  Sep- 
tember I,  1898,  aged  23  years;  Glara,  who 
died  at  the  age  of  three  years;  William  John, 
born  in  1878,  resides  at  home;  Arthur  Allen, 
who  died  at  the  age  of  three  years;  Mary  L., 
who  married  John  W.  Muster,  resides  with 
her  father,  her  two  children  being  Lura 
Beatrice  and  Eugene  Ralph;  Ellis  E.,  born 
March  29,  1886,  and  Newell  M.,  aged  12 
years,  and  Eva  A.,  aged  10  years,  are  at 
home.  All  of  these  children  have  been  given 
excellent  educational  advantages  and  have 
been  well  fitted  for  the  responsibilities  of 
life. 

Mr.  Ramsey  is  a Republican  in  his  po- 
litical adherence,  and  has  capably  and  fre- 
quently served  in  many  of  the  township  of- 
fices, at  present  being  a member  of  the 
School  Board.  The  family  belong  to  the . 
Methodist  Ghurch  at  Jacobsburg,  a pleasant 
town  reached  by  a short  drive.  IMr.  Ramsey 
lives  near  enough  to  thus  enjoy  both  town 
and  country  benefits.  In  addition  to  being 
a man  of  known  integrity,  Mr.  Ramsey  also' 
has  the  reputation  of  being  a most  genial 
and  hospitable  host.  Although  now  one  of 
the  substantial  men  of  the  township,  he  be- 
gan far  down  the  ladder,  his  success  being 
almost  entirely  due  to  his  own  efforts. 


ELLIOTT  W.  GROVES,  a successful 
farmer  and  intelligent  and  esteemed  citizen 
of  Elushing  township,  Belmont  County, 
Ohio,  was  born  in  Kirkwood  township,  in 
the  same  county,  July  i,  1855,  a son  of  Sam- 
uel and  Charlotte  (Douglass)  Groves,  the 
latter  a daughter  of  Hugh  Douglass,  of  the 
same  township.  The  Groves  family  is  an 


690 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


old  and  respected  one,  noted  for  its  devo- 
tion to  the  Methodist  Church,  and  for  its 
adherence  to  the  principles  of  Democracy. 
The  Doug'lasses  originated  in  Scotland,  im- 
migrated to  Maryland,  where  Hugh  Doug- 
lass was  born. 

Samuel  Groves,  the  father  of  our  subject, 
was  born  in  Kirkwood  township,  Belmont 
County,  in  1825,  and  died  August  26,  1900, 
aged  65  years,  six  months  and  14  days.  In 
1854  he  married  Charlotte  Douglass,  and 
they  had  born  to  them  a family  of  six  chil- 
dren, namely:  Elliott  W. ; Iona  I.,  who  mar- 
ried A.  Ferguson  Hunter,  lives  near  Barnes- 
ville;  Cyrus  died  when  but  10  years  of  age; 
Savina,  Eliza,  and  Ida.  Samuel  Groves  fol- 
lowed farming  all  his  life,  residing  on  a farm 
adjoining  the  farm  where  he  was  born.  He 
was  a man  of  exemplary  character,  devoted 
to  his  home  and  family,  and  highly  respected 
in  his  neighborhood.  He  was  of  Holland 
descent  on  the  paternal  side  and  German 
on  the  maternal,  and  inherited  admirable 
traits  from  both  parents. 

Elliott  W.  Groves  acquired  a good  com- 
mon school  education,  which  wide  reading 
and  much  travel  has  ripened  into  a vast  fund 
of  useful  knowledge.  On  September  ii, 
1879,  he  married  Laura  Howell,  a daughter 
of  Hiram,  a granddaughter  of  John,  and  a 
great-granddaughter  of  Benjamin  Howell, 
kir.  and  Mrs.  Groves  reside  on  the  Howell 
homestead,  her  mother  still  surviving,  an 
honored  member  of  the  family.  They  have 
one  son,  Murry,  who  was  born  September 
20,  1886. 

Mr.  Groves  has  taken  an  active  and  inter- 
ested part  in  political  matters,  although  he 
has  never  consented  to  accept  political  fa- 
vors. During  the  continuance  of  the  Green- 
back party  he  supported  it,  but  now  votes 
independently,  favoring  the  principles  of  the 
Populists  and  believing  in  the  free  coinage  of 
silver.  He  is  connected  with  the  order  of 
Odd  Fellows,  and  was  an  honorary  member 
of  the  Order  of  United  American  Mechanics 
for  a season.  It  is  his  desire  to  locate  in 
business  in  the  neighborhood  of  Pueblo,  Col- 


orado, in  the  near  future,  his  health  not  be- 
ing robust  enough  for  an  agricultural  life. 
In  person  Mr.  Groves  impresses  one  pleas- 
antly, his  erect  figure  and  fine  countenance 
being  notable,  while  intelligence  is  denoted 
by  his  clear  eye  and  careful,  well-modulated 
voice.  His  interests  are  centered  in  the 
welfare  of  his  family,  and  believes  the  Great 
West,  through  which  he  has  extensively 
traveled,  is  the  place  for  the  young  men  of 
the  future  to  find  their  opportunities. 


THOMAS  J.  McMASTER,  a well-known 
farmer  and  prominent  and  representative 
citizen  of  Belmont  County,  as  well  as  a 
member  of  one  of  its  oldest  families,  was 
born  November  13,  1846,  in  Mead  township, 
a son  of  Samuel  and  Sarah  Ann  (Gregory) 
McMaster,  the  former  of  whom  still  sur- 
vives at  the  age  of  89  years,  coming  from  a 
sturdy  stock  noted  for  its  longevity. 

The  boyhood  of  Mr.  McMaster  was  spent 
in  Mead  township,  where  he  attended  school 
and  remained  until  the  age  of  24  years,  serv- 
ing in  the  meantime,  during  the  Civil  War, 
in  Battery  A,  ist  West  Virginia  Light  Artil- 
lery, from  1864  until  the  close  of  hostilities. 
In  1870  he  removed  to  Monroe  County, 
buying  a farm  near  Newcastle,  in  Green 
township,  and  remained  engaged  there  until 
the  fall  of  1900,  when  he  returned  to  Bel- 
mont County  and  purchased  his  present  fine 
land  in  the  southwestern  part  of  Mead  town- 
ship, from  the  Dollar  Savings  Bank  Com- 
pany of  St.  Clairsville.  This  was  originally 
a part  of  the  old  T.  H.  Ramsey  estate.  Mr. 
McMaster-  owns  190  acres,  which  is  well 
adapted  to  farming,  and  which  he  has  placed 
in  the  finest  possible  condition. 

In  1868  Mr . McMaster  was  married  to 
Maggie  Griffith,  born  in  1846,  a daughter  of 
William  and  Christina  (Gray)  Griffith,  who 
came  from  Pennsylvania  to  Belmont  County 
55  years  ago  and  located  in  Smith  township, 
near  Jacobsburg.  A family  of  eight  children 
has  been  born  to  our  subject  and  his  wife. 


r i - 


CHALKLEY  DAWSON. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


693 


as  follows:  Robert  A.,  who  died  in  1900,  at 
the  age  of  30  years;  William  S.  is  a farmer 
near  Jacobsburg,  married  Miss  McKelvey; 
James  A.  resides  in  Mead  township;  Mary  is 
the  wife  of  George  Taylor  and  they  reside 
at  Banksville,  near  Pittsburg;  and  Charles 
A.,  Alice  R.,  Homer  Eugene,  and  Maud,  at 
home. 

Politically  Mr.  McMaster  has  always  been 
identified  with  the  Democratic  party.  He 
has  been  one  of  the  solid,  reliable  men  who 
are  always  called  upon  in  a community  to 
accept  public  trusts,  and  has  served  two 
terms  of  six  years  as  justice  of  the  peace  and 
three  terms  as  trustee  of  Monroe  County. 
In  fraternal  life  he  has  always  been  promi- 
nent, belonging  to  Monroe  Lodge,  No.  189, 
F.  & A.  M.,  of  Woodsfield,  and  the  I.  O. 
O.  F.  lodge  at  the  same  place.  Mrs.  Mc- 
Master is  a member  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  and  Mr.  McMaster  inclines  in  the 
same  direction,  liberally  giving  support.  He 
belongs  to  the  G.  A.  R.  Mr.  McMas- 
ter is  held  in  very  high  esteem  in  his  neigh- 
borhood and  is  justly  regarded  one  of  the 
representative  citizens.  His  home  is  one  of 
the  most  attractive  in  Mead  township,  and 
his  hospitality  is  extended  to  a wide  circle 
of  friends. 


CHALKLEY  DAWSON,  president  of  the 
Farmers’  & Merchants’  Bank,  at  Bellaire,  Ohio, 
is  one  of  the  prominent  and  highly  esteemed 
residents  of  the  city.  Almost  his  whole  life  has 
been  spent  in  his  native  State.  His  business 
interests  are  centered  in  the  city  of  Bellaire  and 
vicinity. 

Mr.  Dawson  was  born  in  Barnesville,  Bel- 
mont County,  February  2,  1836,  where  he  re- 
ceived his  primary  education,  finishing  at  the 
Friends’  School  at  West  Chester,  Chester 
County,  Pennsylvania,  as  he  came  of  Friend 
parentage,  and  was  reared  in  the  simple  faith 
from  which  he  has  never  altogether  separated 
himself.  After  leaving  school  he  passed  sev- 
eral years  as  a farmer  during  the  summers 
and  as  a teacher  during  the  winters,  and  dur- 


ing this  time,  in  1859,  he  married  Martha  Gar- 
retson.  In  1863  he  moved  to  Iowa  and  re- 
mained there  until  1868,  engaged  in  farming 
and  surveying,  but  returned  then  to  Barnes- 
ville, his  wife  having  died  in  the  previous  year. 
Mr.  Dawson  soon  made  his  ability  as  an  engin- 
eer so  apparent  that  he  was  made  engineer 
and  superintendent  of  the  turnpike  roads,  and 
continued  in  this  capacity  for  seven  years.  In 
1875  he  sunk  the  coal  shaft  at  the  Barnesvillle 
coal  works,  but  this  did  not  prove  a success  and 
resulted  in  considerable  personal  loss.  In  1878 
he  was  elected  county  surveyor,  on  the  fusion 
ticket,  although  politically  he  has  always  been 
a stanch  Republican.  His  father  was  a Free- 
Soiler,  and  our  subject  was  active  in  the  Fre- 
mont campaign,  and  cast  his  first  presidential 
vote  for  Abraham  Lincoln.  Mr.  Dawson  has 
been  a resident  of  Bellaire  since  1882;  prior  to 
that  time  he  lived  in  St.  Clairsville.  In  1886 
he  erected  his  beautiful  home  at  No.  4337 
Jefferson  street. 

The  second  marriage  of  Mr.  Dawson  was  to 
Anna  Branson,  who  died  in  i8/7>  leaving  one 
child,  who  is  now  deceased.  The  present  Mrs. 
Dawson  was  formerly  Margaret  T.  Happer,  of 
Barnesville.  Since  its  organization,  Mr.  Daw- 
son has  been  the  able  president  of  the  Farmers’ 
& hlerchants’  Bank,  of  Bellaire,  one  of  the 
sound,  conservative  financial  institutions  of 
Eastern  Ohio.  Mr.  Dawson  is  a man  of  so- 
cial instincts  and  his  fraternal  relations  include 
membership  in  the  klasonic  order,  being  a 
member  of  Bellaire  Lodge.  F.  & A.  M. ; Bel- 
laire Chapter,  R.  A.  M. ; Bellaire  Council ; 
Hope  Commandery,  No.  26,  K.  T.,  of  St. 
Clairsville;  Ohio  Consistory  of  Scottish  Rites, 
of  Columbus;  and  Osiris  Temple,  of  the  Mystic 
Shrine,  of  Wheeling,  West  Virginia. 

For  the  past  15  years  our  subject  has  given 
the  most  of  his  energies  to  mine  engineering, 
being  an  expert  in  the  profession,  thoroughly 
technical  in  his  knowledge  and  perfectly  prac- 
tical in  his  methods.  However,  this  profession 
shows  but  one  side  of  Mr.  Dawson’s  character, 
for  he  is  also  a man  of  affairs,  a politician  of 
fixed  conviction,  a financier  of  ability  and  a 
genial,  hospitable  member  of  social  life. 


694 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


A.  W.  COLLINS,  who  is  known  through 
Kirkwood  township,  Belmont  County,  as 
one  of  its  leading  farmers  and  stock  raisers, 
has  the  distinction  of  having  been  born  upon 
the  memorable  day  in  i86i  when  the  Stars 
and  Stripes  were  fired  upon  as  they  floated 
over  Fort  Sumter. 

The  parents  of  Mr.  Collins  were  John  A. 
and  Janetta  (Bartow)  Collins,  both  of  whom 
were  natives  of  Ohio.  John  A.  Collins  was 
one  of  the  early  victims  of  the  Civil  War. 
In  1861,  at  the  call  of  his  country,  he  left 
his  farm,  his  wife  and  his  two  little  ones 
and  offered  his  services  as  a loyal,  patriotic 
citizen,  enlisting  as  a private  in  C.ompany 
F,  25th  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  served  through  10 
months,  during  which  time  he  took  part  in 
several  battles,  and  then  was  discharged  on 
account  of  disability,  exposure  during  an  at- 
tack of  measles  producing  serious  results, 
klr.  Collins  lived  but  a short  time  after  his 
return  home,  dying  in  February,  1862,  at 
the  age  of  31  years,  as  truly  a sacrifice  on 
the  altar  of  his  country  as  if  his  end  had 
come  at  the  cannon’s  mouth.  The  children 
of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Collins  were:  Demetrius, 

who  died  when  four  years  of  age;  a babe, 
who  died  in  infancy;  Austin  A.,  a resident 
of  Flushing  township,  unmarried;  and  A. 
W.,  of  this  sketch.  The  second  marriage  of 
Mrs.  Collins  was  to  John  R.  Wilson,  a na- 
tive of  Loudoun  County,  Virginia,  who  died 
March  19,  1884,  at  the  age  of  84  years.  Mrs. 
Wilson  resides  at  Holloway,  Ohio,  a most 
highly  esteemed  member  of  the  Methodist 
Church. 

A W.  Collins  obtained  his  education  in 
the  commoti  schools  and  Denison  Univer- 
sity at  Granville,  Ohio,  where  he  remained 
through  his  sophomore  year.  Prior  to  his 
entrance  at  college,  Mr.  Collins  w^as  licensed 
to  preach  by  the  Stillwater  Baptist  Church, 
in  which  church  he  has  held  membership 
for  22  years.  After  returning  from  the  uni- 
versity, Mr.  Collins  followed  a very  busy 
life  for  three  years,  working  on  the  railroad 
and  at  farming,  gaining  the  esteem  and  re- 
spect of  all  who  knew  him,  and  at  the  same 


time  accumulating  property  and  in  every 
way  fitting  himself  for  good  citizenship. 

On  May  28,  1891,  Mr.  Collins  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Laura  D.  Groves,  a native 
of  this  county  and  a daughter  of  William 
J.  and  Mary  R.  (Ridgeway)  (Sheppard) 
Groves,  the  former  of  whom  died  August 
20,  1902,  at  the  age  of  79  years.  Mrs.  Col- 
lins was  born  August  13,  1868,  and  has  been 
a lifelong  member  of  the  Methodist  Church, 
and  is  active  in  missionary  and  benevolent 
work.  The  four  children  born  to  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Collins  are:  Myra  B.,  Ross  M.,  Marga- 
ret L.,  and  Flenry  S. 

In  politics  Mr.  Collins  is  a Republican, 
and  still  holds  membership  with  his  college 
fraternity.  Sigma  Chi.  Both  he  and  wife 
are  active  and  enthusiastic  workers  in  mis- 
sionary fields,  and  not  only  read  the  best 
of  literature,  but  encourage  others  to  do  the 
same. 


J.  M.  HENSLEY,  M.  D.,  a leading  and 
successful  physician  of  Bellaire,  Ohio,  with 
convenient  offices  on  Union  street  in  this 
city,  is  also  an  esteemed  and  public  spirited 
citizen.  He  was  born  in  Rockingham 
County,  Virginia,  in  1857,  and  is  a son  of 
Rev.  James  L.  Hensley,  M.  D.,  who  is  now 
a resident  of  Marion,  Ohio. 

Rev.  James  L.  Hensley,  M.  D.,  who  is 
widely  known  as  a popular  minister  in  the 
United  Brethren  Church,  is  also  noted  as 
a physician  of  skill  and  learning,  as  a lawyer 
of  ability  and  force,  and,  in  addition,  a states- 
man whose  wise  legislation  has  given  him 
prominence.  At  the  age  of  yo  years  he  is 
still  at  home  in  either  profession.  Flis  birth 
took  place  in  1832,  in  Rockingham  County, 
Virginia,  and  his  early  educational  oppor- 
tunities were  limited.  Reading  and  study 
later  in  life  simply  developed  inherent  facul- 
ties, making  of  him  the  brilliant  man  he  has 
long  been.  In  October,  1856,  he  engaged 
in  the  ministry  of  the  United  Brethren 
Church,  and  has  never  severed  these  rela- 
tions. During  the  Civil  War  he  was  made 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


695 


commissary-general  on  the  staff  of  General 
Boyer,  serving  in  the  96th  Regiment,  West 
Virginia  Militia.  His  collegiate  and  medi- 
cal course  was  pursued  at  the  Eclectic  Medi- 
cal Institute,  at  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  from 
which  he  graduated- February  17,  1865.  He 
was  admitted  to  practice  as  an  attorney  be- 
fore the  pension  and  treasury  departments 
of  the  United  States,  and  in  1876  he  was 
elected  by  the  Republicans  of  Mason  County, 
West  Virginia,  to  the  State  Legislature,  by 
a majority  of  335  votes,  serving  through  two 
terms.  In  1877  he  removed  to  Ohio  and 
was  elected  by  the  Republican  voters  to  the 
72nd  General  Assembly,  by  the  Marion- 
Morrow  district,  over  Judge  Asa  A.  Gardi- 
ner, by  a plurality  of  648  votes.  He  belongs 
to  the  Northern  Ohio,  the  Ohio  State,  and 
the  American  Medical  associations.  In  ad- 
dition to  our  subject,  Rev.  Mr.  Hensley  has 
these  children:  Dr.  G.  B.,  who  was  at  one 

time  located  in  Bellaire,  but  is  now  practic- 
ing at  Chester,  Meigs  County,  Ohio;  David 
M.,  who  is  a jeweler  and  optician  at  Decatur, 
Indiana;  Mrs.  Mary  J.  Wetzell,  who  resides 
at  Middleport,  Meigs  County;  and  Elizabeth 
F.,  the  wife  of  George  W.  Smith,  who  is 
engao;ed  in  the  steel  works  at  Martin’s 
Ferry,  Ohio. 

Dr.  J.  M.  Hensley,  the  immediate  subject 
of  this  sketch,  was  primarily  educated  in 
West  Virginia,  later  entering  Carleton  Col- 
lege, at  Syracuse,  Ohio,  from  which  he  grad- 
uated in  1876.  His  medical  reading  occu- 
pied three  years,  including  a course  at  Star- 
ling Medical  College,  at  Columbus,  and  in 
1882  he  began  his  practice  in  his  native 
State  for  10  years.  He  then  graduated  at 
the  Eclectic  Medical  Institute  at  Cincinnati 
in  1892,  and  took  up  practice  in  that  school 
in  Meigs  County,  Ohio.  In  1897  he  came 
to  Belmont  County  and  resided  in  Martin’s 
Ferry  during  the  two  following  years,  and 
then  moved  to  Bellaire,  where  his  time  has 
been  fully  occupied  ever  since. 

The  marriage  of  Dr.  Hensley  was  to 
Marinda  Douglas,  of  Jackson  County,  West 
Virginia,  and  the  six  children  born  to  this 


union  are  as  follows:  Susan  E. ; Michael  L., 
married,  has  one  child  and  resides  at  West 
Wheeling;  Mary  F.,  at  home;  Essie  M.,  now 
Mrs.  Davis,  resides  at  Bellaire;  and  Alfred 
and  Cora  Ellen,  who  are  both  at  home.  Dr. 
Hensley  entertains  cordial  relations  with  the 
Harrison  County  Medical  Association,  the 
West  Virginia  State  Eclectic  Medical  Asso- 
ciation, the  Ohio  State  Medical  Association, 
and  the  American  IMedical  Association.  He 
bears  fraternal  relations  to  the  Odd  Fellow 
order  in  West  Virginia,  the  Knights  of 
Pythias  of  Meigs  County,  the  F.  & A.  M. 
of  Bellaire,  and  the  Tribe  of  Ben  Hur  of 
Bellaire,  being  examining  physician  for  this 
order. 


OLIVER  S.  NEGUS,  a prominent  farmer 
residing  two  miles  northwest  of  Colerain,  in 
Colerain  township,  Belmont  County,  Ohio, 
was  born  in  Jefferson  County,  Ohio,  Octo- 
ber 30,  1847,  is  a son  of  Caleb  B.  and 
Eliza- J.  (Branson)  Negus. 

Caleb  B.  Negus  was  born  in  Pennsylvania, 
December  5,  1819,  and  came  to  Ohio,  where 
he  successfully  engaged  in  agricultural  piir- 
suits,  becoming  widely  known  over  Jefferson 
and  Belmont  counties.  He  was  an  enthusi- 
astic Abolitionist  and  earnestly  advocated 
the  cause.  His  death  occurred  December  13, 
1853.  He  was  married  March  9,  1843,  to 
Eliza  J.  Branson,  who  was  born  in  Loudoun 
County,  Virginia,  December  i,  1812,  and 
they  had  five  children,  as  follows:  Rachel 
E.,  who  died  at  the  age  of  35  years;  Amasa 
L.,  who  also  died  at  the  age  of  35;  Oliver  S. ; 
Anna  B.,  who  died  at  the  age  of  22,  and 
Plummer  B.,  who  died  at  the  age  of  five 
years.  After  the  death  of  her  husband  Mrs. 
Negus  formed  a second  union  with  Jonathan 
Fawcett  of  Columbiana  County,  Ohio,  and 
after  their  marriage  they  lived  in  Colerain 
township,  this  county.  Mrs.  Fawcett,  who 
lived  for  some  years  at  the  home  of  our  sub- 
ject, died  at  Martin’s  Ferry  while  on  a visit 
August  10,  1889. 

Oliver  S.  Negus  Avas  educated  at  the 


696 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Friends’  Boarding  School  at  Mount  Pleas- 
ant, Ohio,  and  after  his  school  days  were 
over  took  to  farming,  an  occupation  he  has 
followed  throughout  life.  He  has  one  of  the 
most  beautiful  homes  on  the  Cadiz  Pike,  two 
miles  northwest  of  Colerain,  being  located  on 
the  old  Archie  Majors  estate.  He  owns  94 
acres,  all  of  which  is  underlaid  with  coal.  He 
also  engages  in  dairying  to  some  extent.  He 
was  at  one  time  trustee  of  Colerain  township 
and  was  commissioner  of  the  Colerain  & 
Martin’s  Ferry  Pike  from  its  inception  until 
he  resigned.  He  is  one  of  the  reliable  and 
substantial  citizens  of  the  county,  and  is 
everywhere  held  in  the  highest  esteem. 

Novembei  i,  1876,  Mr.  Negus  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Deborah  Steer,  who 
comes  of  one  of  the  most  respected  fanulies 
of  this  section.  She  is  a daughter  of  Israel 
and  Rebecca  (Bracken)  Steer,  granddaughter 
of  James  and  Ruth  (Wilson)  Steer,  and  great- 
granddaughter  of  James  and  Abigail 
(Edgerton)  Steer.  James,  the  great-grand- 
father, came  from  Virginia  in  1812  with  his 
family  and  located  in  Colerain  township,  Bel- 
mont County,  Ohio,  where  he  died  in  1819. 
James  Steer,  grandfather  of  Mrs.  Negus,  ac- 
companied his  father  to  Ohio  in  1812  and  lo- 
cated in  section  12,  range  3.  He  was  mar- 
ried in  1819  and  lived  on  his  home  farm  until 
his  death,  in  1874,  at  the  advanced  age  of 
93  years.  He  was  one  of  the  early  type  of  pio- 
neers who  settled  in  the  then  new  State  and 
suffered  untold  hardships  and  deprivations  in 
converting  a wilderness  into  improved  farm- 
ing land.  He  and  his  wife  were  parents  of 
seven  children,  as  follows:  Israel;  Abigail, 
who  died  at  the  age  of  73  years,  was  the  wife 
of  Jonathan  Scofield:  Martha,  wife  of  Jehu 
Bailey,  died  at  the  age  of  70  years;  Rachel, 
wife  of  Joseph  P.  Lupton,  is  deceased;  James, 
of  Barnesville,  Ohio;  Nathan,  of  Colerain, 
and  Joseph,  who  died  at  the  age  of  three 
years.  Israel  Steer  was  educated  in 
the  common  school  and  at  Mount 
Pleasant  Friends’  Boarding  School,  and 
has  been  a farmer  all  his  life.  He  has  been  an 
extensive  land  owner  at  different  times,  and 


at  present  owns  150  acres,  which  is  un- 
derlaid with  coal.  October  31,  1844,  he  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Rebecca  Bracken, 
who  was  born  in  Ohio,  April  10,  1825,  and 
died  September  3,  1901.  To  them  were  born 
seven  children,  as  follows;  Lindley  B.,  who 
married  Hannah  Penrose,  resides  in  Colerain 
township;  Deborah,  wife  of  our  subject; 
Elisha,  who  married  Ellen  Gilbert,  is  a pros- 
perous farmer;  Phoebe  died  at  the  age  of  47 
years;  Sina,  wife  of  James  Walton,  of  War- 
ren township;  Wilson  J.,  who  resides  on  the 
old  home  farm  in  Colerain  township,  and 
Sarah,  who  was  a teacher  for  several  years 
in  the  seminary  of  the  church.  Mr.  Steer  is 
a broad-minded  and  liberal  thinking  man  and 
is  wide  awake  to  the  interests  of  the  com- 
munity. 

Six  children  have  been  born  to  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Negus,  namely;  Anna  B.;  Albert,  a 
graduate  of  Wheeling  Business  College; 
Mary  R.,  a graduate  of  the  Friends’  Board- 
ing School  at  Barnesville;  Laura  E.,  Sarah 
D.  and  Wilson  A.  The  parents  and  children 
are  all  members  of  Short  Creek  Monthly 
Meeting,  of  which  their  parents  were  also 
members.  • 


JACOB  PARKINSON  is  one  of  the  promi- 
nent farmer-citizens  of  Richland  township, 
and  owns  and  operates  a fine  farm  of  204 
acres,  located  within  a few  miles  of  St.  Clairs- 
ville,  Belmont  County.  He  was  born  Oc- 
tober 5!  1834,  in  the  township  which  is  still 
his  home. 

William  Parkinson,  the  father  of  Jacob, 
was  born  in  Jefferson  County,  Ohio,  in  1827, 
came  to  Belmont  County  in  1831  and  died  here 
in  1899.  He  was  a farmer  through  life  in 
Richland  township  and  was  prominent  in 
Democratic  political  circles.  He  held  the  posi- 
tion of  Infirmary  director  during  a number 
of  terms  and  his  wise  administration  of  af- 
fairs resulted  in  more  comforts  for  the  in- 
mates and  less  needless  expenditure  to  the 
county.  The  mother  of  Mr.  Parkinson  was 
Mary  I.ynn,  a daughter  of  James  and  Isabel 


ROBERT  McKELVEY. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


699 


(Sheppard)  Lynn,  and  was  born  in  Union 
township,  and  still  survives,  at  the  age  of  72 
years,  a resident  of  Richland  township.  The 
four  children  born  to  our  subject’s  parents 
were:  Jacob;  James  L.,  a resident  of  Richland 
township;  Mary  Bell,  the  wife  of  Frank  S. 
Waddell,  of  Richland  township;  and  Daniel 
K.,  who  is  farming  on  the  old  homestead. 

Jacob  Parkinson  grew  up  on  his  father’s 
farm  and  obtained  his  education  in  the  com- 
mon schools.  In  1883  he  married  Sarah 
Brown,  a daughter  of  James  and  Mary  Brown, 
who  was  born  in  Cincinnati,  in  1861,  and  was 
a teacher  in  Logan  County.  The  five  children 
born  to  this  union  were:  Jessie  Lynn,  born 

in  1884;  Louie  May,  born  in  1886;  William 
B.,  born  in  1889;  Mary  Isabel,  born  in  1896, 
deceased;  and  Frank  H.,  born  in  1901.  The 
religious  connection  of  Mr.  Parkinson  and 
family  is  with  the  Methodist  Church.  His 
large  farm  is  devoted  both  to  farming  and 
stock  raising  and  is  most  pleasantly  situated, 
within  seven  miles  of  St.  Clairsville.  In  poli- 
tics, our  subject  affiliates  with  the  Democratic 
party.  He  is  known  to  be  an  upright,  honest 
man,  a fine  farmer,  good  neighbor  and  devoted 
to  the  welfare  of  his  home  and  family,  and  is 
a worthy  representative  of  the  best  citizenship 
of  his  township. 


ROBERT  McKELVEY,  a substantial 
farmer  of  Mead  township,  Belmont  County, 
Ohio,  and  also  a leading  business  citizen  of 
Bellaire,  was  born  in  hleacl  township,  in  1845. 
being  a son  of  Samuel  and  Lucinda  (Creamer) 
McKelvey.  The  family  is  of  Irish  extraction ; 
the  grandfather,  Robert  McKelvey,  died  in 
Ireland,  leaving  a widow.  They  resided  near 
Omah,  County  Tyrone.  The  maiden  name  of 
the  grandmother  was  Boyd.  After  the  death 
of  her  husband,  she  came  to  America  with  one 
of  her  sons,  Thomas  McKelvey,  who  later 
made  his  home  in  Richland  and  hlead  town- 
ships, Belmont  County,  and  died,  unmarried, 
in  the  latter  township  at  the  home  of  his 
brother  Joseph.  The  grandmother  of  our 


subject  died  when  the  latter  was  about  12 
years  old  and  was  interred  in  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church  Cemetery  at  Belmont. 
The  sons  of  Robert  McKelvey  were:  James, 
who  died  in  Monroe  County,  although  form- 
erly a resident  of  Belmont ; Thomas ; Robert ; 
Samuel;  George;  Joseph  and  AVeir.  David 
Creamer,  the  maternal  grandfather,  was  a very 
early  settler  in  Belmont  County,  driving  across 
the  mountains  from  Maryland  and  locating  in 
Mead  township,  where  his  children  were  born. 

Robert  hlcKelvey  was  well  educated,  sup- 
plementing what  he  learned  in  the  local  schools 
with  what  could  be  gained  through  attend- 
ance at  college  at  Athens,  and  also  received 
instruction  at  a select  school  at  the  Bethel 
Church.  Eor  a period  of  52  months  prior  to 
his  marriage,  he  engaged  in  teaching  and  then 
located  on  his  present  farm,  in  1873.  This 
property  was  purchased  by  Thomas  hlcKelvey 
from  a hlr.  AA^elsh,  during  the  Civil  AA^ar.  In 
1873  our  subject  married  hlary  J.  Neff,  daugh- 
ter of  Conrad  Neff;  she  was  born  in  1856, 
in  York  township,  this  county.  The  four  chil- 
dren of  this  union  are : Icy  Della,  who  is  the 

wife  of  Dr.  J.  C.  Archer,  of  Neff’s  siding, 
Pultne)^  township ; Hova  Emerson,  who  will 
complete  his  course  in  dentistry,  at  Columbus, 
Ohio,  in  March,  1903 : Lawrence  Earl,  who 
is  the  very  capable  manager  of  his  father’s 
farm;  and  Samuel  Neff,  who  has  become  an 
expert  electrician,  and  has  done  much  work 
on  telephone  lines. 

klr.  IMcKelvey  has  not  been  so  engrossed 
in  agricultural  pursuits  as  to  put  aside  busi- 
ness opportunities  of  considerable  magnitude, 
and  is  very  well  known  for  his  capacity  in 
many  lines  of  activity.  He  is  president  of  the 
Enterprise  Telephone  Company,  a director  in 
the  People’s  Telephone  Company  and  director 
in  the  Dollar  Savings  Bank  of  Bellaire.  look- 
ing at  all  times  carefully  after  the  interests  of 
these  concerns.  His  prominence  in  politics  has 
made  him  a successful  candidate  for  many  lo- 
cal offices ; for  nine  years  he  has  served  as 
justice  of  the  peace,  he  has  been  assessor  and 
land  appraiser,  and  was  holding  the  responsi- 
ble position  of  township  treasurer,  at  the  time 


700 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


he  cast  his  first  vote,  for  a Democratic  admin- 
istration. II  is  fine  farm  of  210  acres  reflects 
credit  upon  its  excellent  management  while  its 
substantial  and  comfortable  buildings  make  an 
ideal  home.  Formerly  he  was  connected  with 
the  Farmers’  Alliance  movement.  With  his 
wife  and  family,  he  attends  the  United  Pres- 
byterian Church,  and  few  men  in  klead  town- 
ship stand  higher  in  public  esteem. 


JAMES  EDGERTON,  one  of  the  most  suc- 
cessful fruit  growers  and  largest  shippers,  in 
Belmont  County,  Ohio,  is  also  one  of  the  most 
prominent  and  esteemed  citizens  of  Warren 
township.  Our  subject  was  born  in  this  coun- 
ty, in  1828,  one  of  a family  of  13  children 
horn  to  Joseph  and  Charity  (Doudna)  Edger- 
ton,  lioth  of  whom  were  natives  of  North  Car- 
olina. 

Joseph  Edgerton  was  born  in  1797,  in 
Wayne  County,  North  Carolina,  and  remained 
there  until  1804,  when  he  came  with  his  parents 
to  Ohio,  settling  on  Captina  Creek.  There 
his  father  erected  a flouring  mill  and  operated 
the  same  until  his  death.  Joseph  Edgerton 
died  in  Iowa,  in  1865.  The  mother  of  our 
subject  was  a daughter  of  John  and  Miriam 
Doudna,  natives  of  North  Carolina,  who  set- 
tled in  Ohio,  about  1804.  She  passed  out  of 
life  in  Belmont  County,  in  1855.  Both  parents 
were  consistent  and  worthy  members  of  the 
Society  of  Friends,  and  were  well  known  and 
most  highly  respected  throughout  the  county. 

James  Edgerton  was  reared  on  his  father’s 
farm  and  acquired  his  education  in  the  sub- 
scription schools  until  the  age  of  17,  when  he 
was  placed  in  the  excellent  school  conducted  by 
Friends,  located  at  Mount  Pleasant,  Ohio, 
where  he  completed  his  education.  In  1852  he 
jnirchased  a farm  located  about  two  miles  from 
the  city  of  Barnesville,  which  was  devoted  to 
the  nursery  business,  and  in  1879  purchased  his 
present  farm,  consisting  of  28  acres,  and  here 
he  has  brought  to  perfection  many  varieties  of 
fruit,  making  a specialty  of  raspberries  and 
strawberries.  He  is  one  of  the  largest  shippers 
in  this  locality,  to  Philadelphia,  Chicago  and 


other  points.  He  shipped  the  first  bushel  of 
strawberries  ever  shipped  from  Belmont  Coun- 
ty to  Chicago,  establishing  a market  for  the 
fruit  in  that  city.  His  methods  have  been  in- 
vestigated by  other  growers  and  in  many  cases 
have  been  adopted.  There  are  few  facts  about 
the  growing  of  fruit  in  this  section  that  remain 
secrets  to  Mr.  Edgerton,  and  he  is  justly  con- 
sidered an  authority. 

Mr.  Edgerton  was  the  first  person  who  bred 
Jersey  cattle  west  of  the  Alleghany  Mountains 
and  brought  his  first  Jersey  cattle  to  Belmont 
County  from  Rhode  Island  in  1867.  He  still 
owns  some  fine  milch  cows  of  that  breed. 

In  1852  Mr.  Edgerton  was  married  to  Mary 
Ann  Williams,  a daughter  of  William  C.  and 
Rebecca  Williams,  tbe  former  of  whom  was 
born  in  Bucks  County,  Pennsylvania,  in  1810, 
and  settled  in  Belmont  County  in  1819,  and 
lived  here  until  his  death  in  1879.  The  death 
of  his  wife  occurred  in  1874,  her  birth  having 
been  in  1814.  Tbe  ten  children  born  to  our 
subject  and  wife  were  named  as  follows:  Will- 
iam D.,  Rebecca,  Joseph  S.,  Thomas  D.,  Caro- 
line, Mary  J.,  Sarah  T.,  Walter  J.,  James  W. 
and  Anna  E.  Rebecca  died  October  23,  1891. 
Thomas  D.  was  drowned  in  1885.  James  W. 
married  Edith  Conrow,  daughter  of  Thomas 
Conrow,  of  Flushing,  Ohio,  and  she  died  No- 
vember 4,  1898,  leaving  a babe  of  five  months. 
Rebecca  also  left  one  child  at  death.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Edgerton  have  12.  grandchildren,  in  whom 
they  take  much  comfort. 


JOSEPH  A.  ORR,  a well-known  agricul- 
turist of  Richland  township,  Belmont  County, 
Ohio,  lives  on  his  farm  of  100  acres  four  miles 
south  of  St.  Clairsville.  His  birth  occurred 
in  1851,  and  he  is  a native  of  the  farm  which 
he  now  calls  his  own. 

The  Orr  family  is  of  Scotch-Irish  descent. 
Our  subject’s  grandfather,  Charles  Orr,  was  a 
native  of  Pennsylvania  and  was  a soldier  of 
the  Revolution.  His  father,  William  Orr, 
emigrated  to  the  United  States  from  Scotland. 

James  Orr,  father  of  Joseph  A.,  was  born 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


701 


July  22,  1796,  in  Westmoreland  County,  Penn- 
sylvania, and  followed  farming  as  a voca- 
tion. His  residence  in  Belmont  County  dated 
from  1830  when  he  came  here  and  settled  on 
the  farm  now  owned  by  our  subject  in  Rich- 
land township.  He  was  a wheelwright  by 
trade,  and  was  considered  an  expert  at  the 
business,  making  Belmont  County  the  center  of 
his  operations  for  a number  of  years  previous 
to  engaging  in  farming.  At  the  time  of  his 
death,  in  September,  1887,  he  had  accumulated 
considerable  property  and  was  looked  upon  as 
a representative  citizen  of  the  county.  He 
was  a Democrat  until  1856,  and  then  became 
a Republican,  being  at  all  times  strongly  in 
favor  of  abolition  of  slavery.  He  was  mar- 
ried May  19,  1835,  to  Jane  Stitt,  who  was  born 
in  Jefferson  County,  Ohio,  May  8,  1806,  being 
a daughter  of  John  and  Mary  (Chambers) 
Stitt.  John  Stitt  was  born  in  Cumberland 
County,  Pennsylvania,  January  17,  1778,  and 
came  to  the  Northwest  Territory  in  1798.  He 
was  a son  of  John  and  Jane  (McElroy)  Stitt, 
both  natives  of  Ireland.  He  was  married 
March  2,  1805,  to  Mary  Chambers,  and  came 
with  his  family  to  Belmont  County,  March  17, 
1818,  where  he  lived  until  his  death,  April  14, 
1863.  Mary  (Chambers)  Stitt  was  born  in 
Ireland  in  1780,  and  with  her  parents,  Alex- 
ander and  Rachel  (Mays)  Chambers,  came 
to  this  country  in  1708,  settling  in  Jefferson 
County,  Ohio.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Orr  were 
United  Presbyterians  in  religious  faith  and 
were  members  of  the  United  Presb)derian 
Church  at  St.  Clairsville  during  their  lifetime. 
James  Orr’s  death  took  place  September  22, 
1887,  but  his  widow  survived  him  until  De- 
cember II,  1896.  The  names  of  their  seven 
children  are  as  follows : Mary  A.,  John, 

Eliza  J.,  all  deceased;  and  William  S.,  Rachel 
C.,  James  N.,  and  Joseph.  John  served  in  the 
Civil  War  as  a member  of  Company  E,  15th 
Reg.,  Ohio  V0I.  Inf.,  and  died  Jul}^  2,  1863, 
at  Murfreesboi'o.  Tennessee,  having  been  in 
the  hospital  a short  time  previous  to  his  death ; 
he  now  lies  buried  in  the  National  Cemeterv 
at  Murfreesboro.  James  N.  married  Sarah  M. 
Gordon,  a daughter  of  David  and  Jane  (Dick- 


ey) Gordon,  the  former  of  whom  was  a min- 
ister of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  and 
lived  in  Virginia,  and  they  have  a family  of 
five  children,  namely : Harry  G.,  Charles  W., 
deceased;  Frank  L.,  Mary  E.,  and  Thomas  T. 
James  N.  Orr  is  a carpenter  by  trade  and  a 
good  workman.  He  is  a member  of  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Church  and  lives  in  New 
Philadelphia. 

Joseph  A.  and  his  brother,  William  S.,  who 
live  together,  are  Republicans  in  their  political 
views.  Mr.  Orr  has  a well-tilled  farm  and 
thoroughly  understands  farming  in  all  its  de- 
tails. In  religion  he  is  a member  of  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church.  With  the  other  mem- 
bers of  the  family,  he  attends  services  at  St. 
Clairsville  regularly. 


W.  G.  SIMPSON,  assistant  cashier  of  the 
Farmer’s  & Merchant’s  Bank  of  Bellaire, 
Belmont  County,  Ohio,  is  a gentleman  of 
ability  and  has  many  excellent  qualifications 
which  make  his  services  of  great  value  to  the 
company  by  which  he  is  employed.  He  is 
a son  of  AVilliam  and  Elizabeth  (Burns) 
Simpson,  and  was  born  in  Alead  township. 

William  Simpson  was  a native  of  Pultney 
township  and  died  in  1863,  when  our  subject 
was  still  quite  small.  He  followed  steam- 
boating for  some  time  and  subsequently  be- 
came a tiller  of  the  soil,  being  especially  suc- 
cessful in  the  latter  pursuit.  He  shipped 
boats  of  produce  down  the  Ohio  and  Missis- 
sippi ri\-ers  to  New  Orleans,  where  they 
were  disposed  of  with  profit.  His  father  was 
originally  from  the  Keystone  State. 

AVilliam  Simpson  married  a Miss  Burns, 
whose  demise  occurred  in  1879.  They  reared 
a fa  nilv  of  12  children,  of  whom  AA^.  G.  is 
the  youngest.  One  son.  \N.  B.,  manages 
the  home  farm  in  Mead  township;  one  lives 
in  Mansfield,  and  another  in  Delaware,  Ohio; 
and  one  daughter  makes  her  home  in  St. 
Clairsville,  Ohio,  while  another  lives  in  Mis-' 
souri.  These  children  are  all  that  survive 
of  the  once  large  family.  IMr.  Simpson  was 
an  early  Republican,  being  originally  a mem- 


702 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


ber  of  the  Know-Nothing  or  American 
party,  ami  was  decided  in  his  opinions. 

Onr  subject  is  a native  of  Belmont  County 
and  was  reared  on  the  farm,  remaining  there 
until  he  attained  the  age  of  17  years,  at 
which  time  he  entered  Galey’s  Seminary  at 
Lexington,  Ohio,  and  completed  the  course 
there.  He  embarked  in  the  coal  business 
on  his  own  interests  after  this  and  opened 
the  Glenn  mine  in  Belmont  County,  which 
he  conducted  with  the  best  results  for  12 
or  15  years.  He  disposed  of  it  to  the  com- 
bine just  previous  to  taking  his  present  po- 
sition in  the  bank  as  assistant  cashier.  He 
is  prompt  and  active  in  performing  his  duties 
and  has  the  entire  confidence  of  his  employ- 
ers in  the  various  business  duties  which 
claim  his  attention. 

Miss  Mary  M.  McMannis,  of  Belmont 
County,  became  the  wife  of  our  subject  and 
they  have  now  two  children,  namely:  Earl 
E.  and  Pearl  L.,  and  reside  in  their  comfort- 
able, convenient  home  at  No.  3564  Belmont 
street.  In  religious  opinions  they  are  mem- 
bers of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of 
Bellaire. 

Politically,  Mr.  Simpson  is  always  a Re- 
publican. He  affiliates  with  Wier  Lodge  at 
Demos  in  fraternal  circles,  and  is  also  a 
member  of  the  A.  E.  & A.  M.  and  Hope 
Commandery,  No.  26,  of  St.  Clairsville, 
Ohio.  To  various  enterprises  of  the  city  he 
cives  his  attention.  Having  the  welfare  of 
Bellaire  at  heart,  he  also  has  the  respect  of 
her  citizens  and  his  fellow  men. 


SILAS  BAILEY,  one  of  the  large  farm- 
ers and  successful  stock  raisers  of  Belmont 
County,  Ohio,  belongs  to  one  of  the  old-set- 
tled families  of  the  county,  one  whose  mem- 
bers have  been  among  the  prominent  citi- 
zens for  many  years. 

Silas  Bailey  was  born  in  1839  in  Warren 
township,  Belmont  County,  a son  of  Jesse, 
who  was  born  in  1814  in  Warren  township 
and  died  in  i8q8,  aged  84  years.  He  was  a 
son  of  Jesse  Bailey,  who  came  as  a pioneer 


from  North  Carolina  and  located  in  Warren 
township,  taking  up  land  on  which  both  he 
and  his  son  Jesse  followed  farming.  The 
mother  of  our  subject  was  Asenath  Patter- 
son, born  in  1818  in  Warren  township,  a 
daughter  of  Silas  and  Rachel  (Starbuck)  Pat- 
terson, who  had  migrated  to  Belmont  County 
at  an  early  day  from  Loudoun  County,  Vir- 
ginia, and  settled  in  Goshen  township.  The 
names  of  the  brothers  and  sisters  of  the  father 
were:  Edmund,  Uriah,  Mary  and  Matilda, 
and  on  the  maternal  side  they  were:  George, 
Nathan  and  Elizabeth,  the  last  named  dying 
at  the  age  of  87  years  in  1901.  Silas  is  the 
eldest  of  his  parents’  children,  the  others 
being:  John,  deceased;  L.  P.;  Sarah  Eliza- 
beth, who  died  in  young  womanhood;  Allen; 
Jane,  who  died  young,  and  an  infant  de- 
ceased. 

At  the  age  of  12  years  Mr.  Bailey  left  War- 
ren township  and  ever  since  has  lived  in 
Goshen  township,  securing  his  education  in 
the  public  schools.  When  he  reached  ma- 
turity he  located  on  a farm  near  his  present 
home  and  for  15  years  was  very  actively  and 
successfully  engaged  in  the  buying,  selling 
and  raising  of  stock,  handling  a very  large 
amount  annually.  His  well-improved  farm 
of  240  acres  is  located  three  and  one-half 
miles  southeast  of  Barnesville,  and  he  de- 
votes it  principally  to  stock  and  he  has  much 
more  than  a local  reputation  for  fine  speci- 
mens. 

Mr.  Bailey  is  a stanch  Republican  and  has 
been  quite  prominent  in  the  political  move- 
ments of  his  party  in  Belmont  County,  and 
has  been  the  efficient  holder  of  a number  of 
the  responsible  offices.  In  1890  he  was  made 
land  appraiser,  and  in  January,  1891,  he  was 
elected  county  commissioner,  receiving  2,750 
majoritv  in  the  election,  the  largest  ever  re- 
ceived by  any  candidate.  He  held  the  office 
for  six  years  and  nine  months,  until  Septem- 
ber 20,  1898,  giving  his  undivided  attention 
to  it  during  this  time. 

In  1863  Mr.  Bailey  was  married  to  Ann 
Elizabeth  Bolon,  born  in  T843  Belmont 
County,  a daughter  of  Stephen  G.  Bolon,  one 


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GEORGE  E.  SMITH, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


705 


of  the  early  settlers.  The  children  born  to 
this  union  were:  Sarah  Olive  married  William 
Boyd,  a farmer  in  Warren  township;  Cora 
married  F.  D.  Howell,  of  Barnesville,  mail 
agent  between  Wheeling  and  Chicago,  and 
they  have  two  children,  Doris  and  Raymond; 
Lemuel  L.,  a resident  of  Warren  township, 
married  Barbara  Emerson  and  they  have 
children, — Willard  and  James;  Delbert  as- 
sists his  father  and  resides  at  home;  Ross  re- 
sides on  the  old  homestead  of  Jesse  Bailey, 
in  Goshen  township,  married  Hattie  . Bing- 
ham, and  they  have  children, — Helen  and 
Mildred;  Campsie  has  been  a teacher  for  the 
past  five  years  and  is  now  teaching  in  Barnes- 
ville, Ohio;  Nora  has  been  a teacher  for  the 
past  three  years;  Dallas  S.,  who  is  a 
student  in  telegraphy  at  Oberlin  College: 
and  Agnes  and  Franklin,  who  are  deceased. 

Mr.  Bailey  is  liberal  in  his  religious  views, 
but  was  reared  a Friend.  He  is  a man  of 
most  genial  presence,  frank  and  hospitable, 
and  enjoys  public  esteem. 


GEORGE  E.  SMITH,  located  in  section  5, 
Kirkwood  township,  Belmont  Gounty,  is  a 
prominent  farmer  and  an  extensive  dealer  in 
hard  lumber.  He  was  born  in  this  county 
April  25,  1845,  is  a son  of  Nathan  S.  and 
Sarah  (Taylor)  Smith,  and  grandson  of 
Charles  Smith. 

Nathan  S.  Smith  was  born  in  Harrison 
County,  Ohio,  January  22,  1807,  and  died 
March  3,  1867.  He  married  Sarah  Taylor,  a 
daughter  of  Noble  and  Elizabeth  (Lockwood) 
Taylor.  She  was  born  July  19,  1813,  and  died 
April  22,  1857.  Both  were  members  of  the 
IMethodist  Episcopal  Church.  To  them  were 
born  the  following  children : Charles  T.,  a 

carpenter,  who  Avent  south  in  1858  and  served 
in  the  militia  there  for  a time.  Returning 
north  to  Washington,  D.  C.,  in  1861,  he  built 
a government  bridge  over  Aqua  Creek.  He 
later  took  a post-graduate  course  in  Duff’s 
Business  College,  and  then  Avas  superintend- 
ent of  construction  Avork  on  the  DenA^er  & Rio 


Grande  Railroad  until  his  death,  Avhich  re- 
sulted from  an  accident  in  1883.  Noble,  the 
second  son,  died  in  infancy.  Oliver  P.,  who 
Avas  born  November  15,  1842,  served  in  the 
98th  Ohio  Regiment  from  August,  1862,  until 
the  close  of  the  Avar.  He  Avas  graduated  from 
Rush  Medical  College,  practiced  for  several 
years  in  Charleston,  Kansas,  then  at  Fall 
River,  Kansas,  Avhere  he  died  June  13,  1880. 
Elizabeth  E.,  AvidoAV  of  John  Buchanan,  resides 
in  this  county.  George  E.  is  the  subject  of 
this  biography.  William  C.,  born  March  9, 
1848,  died  in  1882.  Laura  J.  is  the  Avife  of 
Cahdn  S.  TraAUS,  and  resides  in  KeAV  Martins- 
ville, West  Virginia.  Isaac  H.,  born  July  22, 
1854,  resides  in  this  county.  Nathan  L.  re- 
sides in  Boise  City,  Idaho. 

George  E.  Smith  received  his  education  in 
the  common  schools  and  as  a boy  assisted  in 
the  Avork  about  the  farm.  He  entered  business 
for  himself  Avhen  about  16  years  old  as  a 
farmer  and  lumberman  and  has  since  con- 
tinued. He  deals  heavily  in  hard  lumber,  ex- 
porting extensively.  He  buys  Avherever  he 
can  and  ships  mainly  to  GlasgoAV,  Scotland, 
and  to  Hamburg,  Germany.  He  finds  it  a A^ery 
profitable  business  as  Avell  as  a pleasant  one, 
as  it  acquaints  him  Avith  prominent  business 
men  of  this  and  foreign  countries.  He  also 
engages  in  general  farming  and  stock  raising, 
and  has  a farm  of  300  acres,  all  improA^ed  and 
underlaid  Avith  coal.  He  is  located  along 
Scott’s  Run,  Avhich  stream  gets  its  name  from 
a Mr.  Scott  Avho  Avas  murdered  by  the  Indians 
on  the  quarter  section  on  Avhich  our  subject’s 
house  is  noAv  located,  near  the  present  residence 
of  Oscar  White. 

Mr.  Smith  Avas  united  in  marriage  March 
24,  1867,  to  Sarah  E.  Perkins,  a natiA'e  of  this 
county.  Her  father,  ReAV  Jonathan  Perkins, 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  Avas  born 
in  this  county,  and  Avas  a son  of  Samuel  Per- 
kins, Avho  served  as  a prir-ate  in  the  War  of 
7 812.  Samuel  Perkins  Avas  a son  of  Thomas 
Perkins,  Avho  entered  the  land  in  section  17, 
on  Avhich  his  great-great-grandson,  Samuel 
AV.,  is  noAv  located,  the  latter  also  possessing 
the  patent  for  the  land  signed  by  Thomas  Jef- 


7o6 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


ferson.  Eleven  children  were  born  to  bless 
the  union  of  j\Ir.  and  Mrs.  Smith,  namely: 
I.etha  L.,  who  graduated  from  Winfield  (Kan- 
sas) College  in  1893  in  the  class  with  E.  O. 
Creighton,  who  afterward  became  her  hus- 
hand, — they  live  in  Roswell,  New  Mexico, 
where  Mr.  Creighton  is  superintendent  of 
schools;  Charles  S.,  of  Bridgeport,  married 
Mary  B.  Kirk  and  has  three  children, — Floyd, 
Leslie  and  Reha;  Philetus  M.,  who  graduated 
from  Franklin  College,  and  is  a member  of  the 
class  of  1903  in  the  law  department  of  the 
Ohio  State  University;  Sarah  R. ; Mabel,  wife 
of  George  C.  Douglas,  a farmer  at  Otto,  Okla- 
homa; George  T.,  a student  at  the  Ohio  State 
University ; Laura  E. ; J.  Olney ; Esther  L. ; 
Ada  D. ; and  one  deceased.  Religiously  they 
are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  of  which  our  subject  is  trustee.  He 
is  a Republican  in  politics. 


ALFRED  E.  MASSIE,  a well-known  citi- 
zen of  York  township,  Belmont  County,  has 
been  for  some  time  one  of  the  township’s  most 
successful  farmers  and  has  taken  an  active  in- 
terest in  its  development  and  good  govern- 
ment. 

Mr.  Massie  was  born  in  1854,  in  York  town- 
shi]x  being  a son  of  Harrison  and  Rebecca 
(Carle)  Massie,  the  latter  of  whom  died 
March,  1889,  at  the  age  of  72  )^ears.  Harrison 
Massie  was  horn  in  Virginia,  in  1810,  and 
crossed  the  mountains  into  Ohio,  in  company 
with  his  father,  “Bud”  Massie,  who  located 
in  1815  on  a branch  of  Little  McMechen’s 
Creek,  in  Belmont  County.  Harrison  'Massie 
explored  much  of  the  country  during  his  earlier 
years  and  at  one  time  lived  in  Missouri,  where 
he  lost  his  wife  and  three  children.  When  he 
later  settled  in  Belmont  County,  he  engaged  in 
teaching  school  and  continued  in  the  profes- 
sion for  17  consecutive  years,  serving  also  as 
a justice  of  the  peace  and  taking  a prominent 
part  in  political  life.  For-several  years  he  en- 
gaged in  a mercantile  business  in  Dover,  or 
Captina,  and  later  moved  to  Powhatan,  con- 


templating the  erection  of  a large  store  in  that 
village.  His  plans  were  discouraged  by  his 
physician,  who  advised  an  agricultural  life, 
this  resulting  in  the  purchase  of  a farm  on 
Pleasant  Ridge,  which  is  now  owned  by  Mrs. 
Belle  Massie,  the  widow  of  Franklin  Massie. 
There  Harrison  Massie  erected  a $2,500  house, 
which  was  later  destroyed  by  fire,  but  which  ' 
was  rebuilt  in  1866.  There  Mr.  Massie  passed 
his  last  days,  dying  in  July,  1889.  He  was 
a man  of  many  virtues,  entirely  self-made,  and 
one  who  looked  carefully  after  the  welfare  of 
his  family  and  educated  his  children,  his  sons 
all  becoming  teachers  for  a short  period.  Mr. 
Massie  was  thrice  married,  the  mother  of  our 
subject  being  his  last  wife  and  the  mother  of 
these  children:  William  A.,  of  Oregon; 

George  A.,  of  Washington;  Alfred  E.,  of 
York  township;  Harrison  O. ; Franklin  D., 
deceased,  his  three  children  being, — Zella, 
Edith  and  Hudson,  the  death  of  the  latter  be- 
ing in  1891 ; and  Mary  L.,  the  wife  of  Aaron 
F.  Ramsey,  of  York  township. 

As  stated,  Alfred  E.  Massie  obtained  an  ex- 
cellent education  and  is  one  of  the  most  in- 
telligent and  well-informed  men  of  York  town- 
ship, one  in  whom  his  fellow  citizens  have 
placed  implicit  confidence  on  many  occasions, 
making  him  for  many  years  a school  director 
and  one  of  the  township  trustees.  Until  1890 
he  resided  at  the  home  farm  and  then  pur- 
chased his  present  estate,  which  he  operates  in 
connection  with  an  adjoining  farm  which  he 
rents.  His  methods  are  practical  and  have 
given  him  very  satisfactory  returns  for  his  in- 
dustry, his  home  farm  near  Captina  as  well  as 
his  rented  land  showing  the  results  of  careful 
rotation  of  crops  and  extensive  fertilizing. 

In  1880  Mr.  Massie  was  married  to  Alice 
M.  Owens,  daughter  of  John  G.  Owens,  who 
came  to  this  county  soon  after  the  close  of  the 
Civil  War.  Mrs.  Massie  was  born  in  1861, 
in  Monroe  County,  Ohio,  and  her  immediate 
kindred  comprise  three  half-brothers,  one  sis- 
ter and  three  brothers.  Of  these,  two  brothers 
and  two  half-brothers  are  also  residents  of  Bel-' 
mont  County.  An  interesting  family  of  six 
children,  three  sons  and  three  daughters,  has 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


707 


been  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Massie,  all  of 
whom  are  being  prepared  for  useful  places  in 
life,  and  who  bear  these  names : Edward  O., 

born  in  November,  1880;  Olive  L,  born  in 
1882;  Cleveland  E.,  born  in  1883;  Leila  V., 
born  in  1886;  Cyril,  born  in  1890;  and  Beryl, 
born  in  1898.  In  political  sentiment,  Mr. 
Massie  is  a Democrat  and  he  is  well  known  in 
the  councils  of  his  party  in  his  locality.  Both 
he  and  his  estimable  wife  are  consistent  mem- 
bers of  the  Methodist  Church,  for  the  past  15 
years  being  members  of  the  congregation  of 
Amity  Church. 


ELDRIDGE  D.  SCATTERDAY,  a well- 
known  resident  and  farmer  near  Kelsey  sta- 
tion, in  Smith  township,  Belmont  County,  was 
born  January  i,  1830,  in  Richland  township, 
near  St.  Clairsville,  and  is  a son  of  Euclid  and 
Deborah  (Pond)  Scatterday. 

John  Scatterday,  grandfather  of  our  sub- 
ject, was  born  in  1766  and  came  to  St.  Clairs- 
ville about  1803.  He  was  justice  of  the  peace 
for  a period  of  24  years,  and  resided  on  his 
farm  during  the  summer  months  and  at  St. 
Clairsville  in  the  winter.  He  also  served  in 
the  State  Legislature  of  Ohio.  He  was  a 
great  student  of  history  and  was  a broad  and 
liberal  minded  man.  His  death  occurred  on 
his  farm  near  St.  Clairsville,  December  4, 
1844.  In  1794  he  was  married  to  Rebecca 
Ewers,  who  was  born  in  1766  and  died  in 
1842.  She  was  of  Welsh  descent,  and  the 
Scatterdays  are  of  English-German  descent. 

Euclid  Scatterday  was  born  in  Loudoun 
County,  Virginia,  in  1795,  and  came  to  Bel- 
mont County  with  his  parents.  He  located  in 
Smith  township  about  1840,  purchasing  the 
farm  of  150  acres,  of  which  25  acres  are  now 
owned  by  his  son,  E.  E.  Scatterday,  and  the 
remainder  by  our  subject.  He  was  originally 
a Whig  in  politics  and  later  supported  the 
Democratic  ticket.  He  served  for  many  years 
as  justice  of  the  peace  in  Smith  township.  He 
died  July  31,  1871.  His  wife,  who  was  born 
in  1805,  died  at  the  age  of  82  years.  To  them 
were  born  the  following  children : Adeline, 


who  died  at  the  age  of  30  years ; Eldridge  D. ; 
Elizabeth  A.,  widow  of  James  Gladden,  re- 
sides m Smith  township ; Rebecca,  deceased ; 
Mary,  wife  of  Erancis  McMillen;  John  L., 
who  resides  on  a farm  in  Illinois;  Henry  H., 
who  is  a farmer  and  manufacturer  of  soft 
drinks,  resides  in  Illinois;  George  R.,  who 
resides  at  Wheeling,  West  Virginia;  Alonzo 
P.,  a farmer  residing  in  Ohio. 

Eldridge  D.  Scatterday  has  resided  at  his 
present  home  since  he  was  10  years  of  age. 
He  received  a good  common  school  education 
and  has  always  followed  the  vocation  of  farm- 
ing. He  purchased  the  interests  of  the  other 
heirs  to  the  home  farm,  and  his  mother  resided 
with  him  for  a period  of  18  years.  He  has 
engaged  in  general  farming,  but  in  earlier 
years  was  extensively  engaged  in  sheep  rais- 
ing. 

Mr.  Scatterday  was  united  in  marriage  with 
Elizabeth  Phillips,  a daughter  of  William 
Phillips,  and  granddaughter  of  Jacob  Aidt, 
one  of  the  pioneers  of  Belmont  County.  She 
was  born  in  Richland  township  January  i, 
1834,  and  it  is  a remarkable  fact  that  she  and 
her  husband  were  both  born  on  New  Year’s 
Day.  To  this  union  were  born  nine  children : 
Catherine  E.  is  the  wife  of  Thomas  McGaughy 
of  Smith  township.  David  M.,  who  resides  on 
a farm  adjoining  that  of  his  father,  is  one  of 
the  township  trustees.  He  is  in  partnership 
with  his  brother,  Euclid  E.,  under  the  firm 
name  of  E.  E.  & D.  M.  Scatterday;  and  for 
the  past  15  years  they  have  engaged  in  the 
implement  and  plumbing  business,  also  doing 
well  drilling.  David  M.  first  married  Mar- 
garet Stonebraker,  who  died  leaving  a daugh- 
ter, Zillah,  who  married  Andrew  Ault  of 
Smith  township,  by  whom  she  has  one  child. 
Meek  Gladden,  our  subject’s  only  great- 
grandchild. David  M.  formed  a second  union 
with  Artie  Timberlake,  and  they  have  two 
sons,  L}de  Eldridge  and  Chester.  Euclid  E., 
a member  of  the  firm  of  E.  E.  & D.  kl.  Scat- 
terday, resides  near  his  father  in  a new  home 
which  he  recently  built.  He  married  IMelissa 
Brown,  and  has  three  children : Elva  Adelia, 

and  Russell  B.  and  Lettie  Irene  (twins).  AVil- 


7o8 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Ham  Francis  is  a practicing  physical!  and 
surgeon,  being  a graclnate  of  Starling  Medi- 
cal College  of  Columbus,  Ohio.  He  married 
Lelia  Worley  of  Columbus.  Albert  W.,  a 
well-known  merchant  of  Centreville,  married 
Olive  Fitch,  and  has  five  sons:  Leland, 

Harry,  Flerbert,  Carl  and  Chase.  Henry  Lin- 
coln, who  resides  on  the  farm  of  Mrs.  James 
Gladden  and  operates  it  for  her,  married  An- 
nie Barrett,  a daughter  of  William  Barrett, 
and  sister  of  Rev.  William  Barrett,  and  they 
have  two  children : Mabel  and  Mary.  Em- 

mett A.,  who  resides  near  his  father  and  con- 
ducts the  latter’s  farm,  married  Lorena  Wil- 
son and  has  two  children:  Verna  F.  and 

Harold  W.  Mary,  wife  of  Crawford  Neff, 
resides  in  Smith  township  and  has  two  chil- 
dren: Ernest  Emerson  and  Newell  Leslie. 

Clinton  McLain,  the  youngest  of  the  family, 
is  now  attending  the  dental  department  of 
Ohio  State  University.  In  politics  our  sub- 
ject is  a Republican.  Fraternally  he  is,  as  is 
his  son,  Euclid  E.,  a memebr  of  Weyer  Lodge 
No.  541,  F.  & A.  M.  He  has  filled  all  the 
chairs  but  master,  and  was  first  made  a Mason 
in  Moriah  Lodge,  No.  105,  under  Dr.  John 
A.  Weyer  as  master.  Religiously,  he  is  a 
member  of  Concord  Presbyterian  Church  near 
Centreville. 


JACOB  SCHNEGG,  a well-known  and  rep- 
resentative farmer  of  Belmont  County,  Ohio, 
resides  on  his  valuable  farm  of  160  acres,  lo- 
cated on  Cat's  Creek,  York  township,  where 
he  has  l)een  settled  since  February  ii,  1879. 

Mr.  Schnegg  is  a native  of  Ohio,  born  in 
Switzer  township,  Monroe  County,  very  near 
the  Belmont  County  line,  and  within  a few 
miles  of  his  present  comfortable  home,  on 
March  15,  1830,  being  a son  of  Bernhart 
Christian  Schnegg,  who  brought  his  family 
from  Bern,  Switzerland,  in  1828,  and  located 
in  Monroe  County,  Ohio.  The  parents  of  Mr. 
Schnegg  resided  in  that  locality  through  life, 
rearing  a large  family,  and  there  the  father 
died  in  1881.  Our  subject  was  thp  first  mem- 
ber of  the  family  to  be  born  in  America,  a 


brother  having  died  in  Switzerland  prior  to 
the  family  exodus,  and  another  brother,  Levi 
Daniel  Christian,  died  in  Ohio,  in  1886. 

In  1852  Mr.  Schnegg  located  on  a farm  just 
south  of  his  present  one,  and  remained  there 
until  1879,  when  he  bought  his  present  home 
farm,  where  he  has  resided  ever  since.  This 
property  was  secured  from  Robert  Gates  and 
it  formerly  belonged  to  Henry  Gates,  this 
family  being  one  of  the  pioneer  settlers  on  the 
rich  lands  skirting  Cat’s  Creek.  In  addition 
to  this  farm  of  160  acres,  Mr.  Schnegg  owns 
109  acres  in  a farm  directly  south.  He  is  a 
practical,  well-informed  agriculturist,  and  the 
fine  state  of  cultivation  shown  by  his  land 
gives  evidence  of  his  close  attention  and  thor- 
ough understanding  of  modern  methods  and 
the  use  of  modern  machinery.  His  buildings 
are  attractive  and  substantial,  and  a coal  shaft, 
sunk  on  the  farm  and  actively  operated  by  his 
son  John  Schnegg,  demonstrates  a fine  vein  of 
“black  diamonds”  underneath  the  fertile  soil. 

The  marriage  of  Mr.  Schnegg  took  place  in 
Monroe  County,  to  Mary  Ann  Zwigart,  who 
was  born  in  York  township,  Belmont  County, 
in  January,  1832,  of  Swiss  parentage.  Since 
their  marriage,  their  home  has  been  continu- 
ously in  Belmont  County.  They  have  become 
the  parents  of  1 1 children,  namely : Christian 
J.,  who  resides  on  a farm  just  south  of  his 
parents’  home,  is  married  and  has  a family; 
Elizabeth,  who  married  John  Koher,  also  re- 
sides near  her  father;  Caroline,  who  married 
Charles  Rock,  lives  in  Washington  township; 
John,  who  resides  at  home,  has  charge  of  the 
coal  bank ; Mary,  deceased,  married  Wood 
Ruble;  William,  who  resides  at  home;  Char- 
lotte, who  married  A.  G.  Boner,  who  is  a 
prominent  citizen  and  large  land  owner  near 
Captina,  Belmont  County;  Mrs.  Amelia 
Steiner,  who  resides  near  her  parents;  Lewis 
W esley,  who  is  a farmer  in  Mead  township ; 
and  Katie  and  Louella,  both  of  whom  died 
young. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Schnegg  have  the  satisfaction 
of  having  their  children  settled  near  them,  all 
well  placed  and  prospering. 

In  his  earlier  years,  our  subject  was  quite  a 


WILLIAM  H.  W’HITE. 


AND  REPR'ESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


skillful  carpenter  and  understood  the  cabinet- 
making trade  sufficiently  to  construct  the  ta- 
bles, chairs  and  other  ordinary  pieces  of  fur- 
niture for  himself  and  family.  In  politics,  he 
has  been  a lifelong  Democrat.  All  the  family 
belong  to  St.  John’s  Evangelical  Church,  lo- 
cated in  Switzer  township,  Monroe  County, 
the  present  able  pastor  being  Rev.  Charles  G. 
Kittlehut.  The  church  edifice  was  probably 
erected  75  years  ago.  A disastrous  fire  de- 
stroyed the  old  parsonage  some  years  since, 
entailing  the  loss  of  all  the  old  records.  Mr. 
Schnegg  was  very  liberal  iiAhis  assistance  to- 
ward the  erection  of  a new  building.  He  is 
one  of  the  most  highly  esteemed  citizens  of 
his  neighborhood. 


WILLIAM  H.  WHITE.  In  noting  the 
representative  men  of  Belmont  County,  Will- 
iam H.  White  must  take  a prominent  position, 
not  only  as  an  honored  survivor  of  'the  great 
Civil'  War,  but  as  the  oldest  continuous  resi- 
dent and  the  first  mayor  of  the  town  of  Bel- 
mont, Ohio,  in  whose  growth  and  development 
he  has  been  an  important  factor. 

Mr.  White  was  born  in  Belmont  County, 
Ohio,  September  6,  1841,  and  is  a’*son  of  Ben- 
jamin and  Margaret  E.  (Phipps)  White,  the 
former  of  whom  was  a native  of  Pennsylvania 
and  the  latter  of  Ohio.  Early  in  the  “thirties,” 
Benjamin  White  came  to  Belmont  County  from 
Mount  Pleasant,  Jefferson  County,  and  en- 
gaged in  a tanning  business  in  which  he  was 
later  associated  with  his  sons.  For  65  years  he 
followed  this  occupation,  which  at  that  time 
was  a very  necessary,  and  common  one,  and, 
although  he  amassed  no  great  fortune,  heJived 
in  comfort  and  reared  a large  family.  He 
was  born  April  6,  1806,  and  died  May  10, 
1894.  Mr.  White  was  thrice  married,  the  first 
time  to  Rebecca  Sidwell,  who  died  in  1837. 
The  second  marriage  was  to  Margaret  E. 
Phipps,  who  died  at  the  age  of  45  years,  on 
Christmas  Day,  1865.  His  third  marriage 
Avas  to  the  Widow  Stonebraker.  The  mother 
of  our  subject,  whose  memory  inspires  many 
tender  reminiscences,  was  a model  woilian  in 


711 


every  situation  in  life, — a perfect  Christian,  a 
kind  and  sympathizing  and  helpful  neighbor, 
a faithful  wife  and  a most  devoted  mother. 

Our  subject  is  one  of  a family  of  nine  chil- 
dren, which  are  herewith  mentioned  in  order  of 
birth:  Albert  P.,  William  H.,  Mary  P.,  Rosa- 
bella, Ann  Eliza,  Lydia  A.,  Regina,  Alice,  and 
Seward.  The  survivors  are:  Albert  P.,  who 
is  a resident  of  Lamira,  Ohio,  and  was  former- 
ly principal  of  the  Bellaire  public  schools; 
William  H.,  who  is  the  subject  of  this  sketch; 
Lydia  A.  (Mrs.  Simon  Garber),  who  resides 
in  Los  Angeles,  California;  Regina  (Mrs. 
Christian  W.  Tillett),  who  resides  in  Barnes- 
ville;  and  Seward,  who  is  a merchant  at  Los 
Angeles,  California.  The  record  of  those  de- 
ceased is  as  follows : Mary  P.,  born  April  3, 

1843,  died  December  22,  1851 ; Rosabella,  born 
in  April,  1845,  married  William  Heskett,  and 
died  November  23,  1880;  Ann  Eliza,  born 
April  17,  1846,  died  September  20,  1848;  and 
Alice,  born  April  17,  1856,  died  February  26, 
1861.  The  children  of  the  first  marriage  of 
our  subject’s  father  rvere : John  S.,  who  re- 

sides in  Brighton,  Iowa;  Jacob  M.,  who  was 
born  January  13,  1830,  and  died  in  1859;  and 
Rebecca,  who  was  born  September  30,  1837, 
married  Isaac  Drummond  and  resides  in  Kan- 
sas. 

Our  subject  received  a good  common-school 
education  and  was  becoming  of  great  assistance 
to  his  father  in  the  tanning  business  when  the 
outbreak  of  the  Civil  War  gave  a new  trend 
to  his  life,  turning  the  tanyard  boy  into  a 
manly  defender  of  his  country’s  honor  and 
bringing  in  its  train  experiences  which  have 
influenced  his  whole  later  life.  On  June  5, 
1861,  he  enlisted  at  St.  Clairsville  in  Company 
A,  25th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  under  Capt. 
James  F.  Charlesworth,  and  has  the  decided 
honor  of  being  in  the  first  company  enlisted 
for  three  years  in  Belmont  County.  The  first 
battle  in  which  the  young  soldier  took  part  was 
in  1861  at  Cheat  Mountain,  where  the  Union 
forces  were  victorious.  Then  at  Greenbrier 
River,  Camp  BaldAvin,  and  then  McDowell, 
our  subject  kept  learning  the  great  game  of 
war,  and  later,  when  General  Milroy  joined 


712 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


forces  with  General  Fremont,  engaged  with 
the  latter's  command  in  the  campaign  in  the 
Shenandoah  Valley.  On  June  8,  1862,  he  took 
part  in  the  battle  of  Cross  Keys,  where  Colonel 
Charlesworth  was  wounded,  and  then  with  the 
command  crossed  the  Blue  Ridge  Mountains 
and  took  part  in  the  battle  of  Cedar  Mountain, 
where  General  Banks  was  defeated  by  General 
Jackson.  The  next  l)attle  was  the  Second  Bull 
Run,  under  General  Pope,  and  immediately 
after,  Mr.  White  was  taken  sick  and  was  sent 
to  the  Manion  House  hospital,  where  he  was 
kept  until  the  spring  of  1863.  Rejoining  his 
command  at  Aqua  Creek  Landing,  he  was  in 
time  to  take  part  in  the  battle  of  Chancellors- 
ville.  May  2-3,  1863,  followed  by  the  slaughter 
at  Gettysburg,  and  in  the  ii  days’  engagement 
in  the  vicinity  our  subject  received  a wound  in 
the  knee.  He  was  taken  prisoner  and  placed 
in  what  was  called  a hospital,  but  received  no 
surgical  attention  and  after  the  battle  was  over 
was  retaken  by  the  Union  forces.  As  a sam- 
ple of  some  of  the  experiences  gone  through 
with  by  that  band  which  each  year  is  “growing 
a little  grayer,  a little  slower,  a little  fewer,” 
it  is  meet  that  the  younger  generation  should 
read  and  remember  such  incidents  as  the  fol- 
lowing ; Mr.  White  relates  that  while  he  was 
lying  in  agony  in  the  hospital,  with  his  leg 
swollen  to  twice  its  size,  a Federal  surgeon 
came  to  him  and,  after  probing  the  wound, 
said:  “No  remedy  Imt  to  have  the  limb  am- 

putated,” and  the  reply  given  by  our  subject 
was  worthy  that  of  a hero, — “If  it  must  be 
done,  you  can’t  get  the  knife  into  it  too  soon 
for  me.”  The  surgeon  replied  to  this : “I  am 
worn  out,  have  had  no  time  for  either  dinner 
or  supper  and  have  had  no  rest  all  day  and  am 
going  to  find  a farm  house  and  try  to  sleep, 
and  will  return  in  the  morning  and  make  the 
amputation.”  The  agony  of  mind  and  body 
of  our  subject  can  scarcely  be  imagined,  al- 
though an  amputation,  especially  at  an  army 
hospital  in  those  days  before  the  successful  use 
of  anaesthetics  and  prior  to  the  discoveries  of 
Pasteur  and  Lister  for  protection  of  wounded 
surfaces,  was  something  which  filled  the  mind 
with  horror,  it  seemed  preferable  to  Mr.  White 


than  to  endure  the  pain  which  then  distracted 
him.  The  morning  came,  but  it  brought  no 
surgeon,  and  consec|uently  Mr.  White  still  has 
the  use  of  his  two  limbs,  c|uite  recovered.  The 
father  of  our  subject  came  to  the  hospital  to 
take  him  home,  but  could  only  succeed  in  trans- 
porting him  as  far  as  Harrisburg,  Pennsyl- 
vania, no  permit  being  given  to  take  him  far- 
ther. Flere  our  subject  was  placed  in  the  Cot- 
ton Factory  hospital  and  remained  there  until 
October,  1863,  when  the  order  was  given  to 
transfer  all  Ohio  patients  to  Columbus  and  in 
the  hospital  there  he  was  kept  until  December, 
when  a surgical  examination  placed  him  in  the 
invalid  corps  and  he  was  sent  to  Indianapolis, 
where  he  was  employed  in  guard  duty  over 
prisoners  until  June,  1864,  when,  at  the  close 
of  his  three  years,  he  was  honorably  dis- 
charged. 

Upon  his  return  from  the  army,  Mr.  White 
again  worked  at  the  tanning  business  and  in 
1866  engaged  in  a livery  business  at  Belmont. 
Following  this,  he  was  employed  in  various 
enterprises,  did  mason  work  and  plastering  for 
some  years  and  in  1888  resumed  tanning,  add- 
ing a harness  and  saddle  department  to  his 
other  lines.  Selling  out  in  1895,  Mr.  White 
then  bought  property  in  Belmont  and  remodeled 
it,  making  a town  hall,  which  he  later  sold  to 
the  Odd  Fellows,  and  since  that  time  has  been 
most  successful  in  his  handling  of  property. 
He  is  a man  of  excellent  business  ability,  quick 
to  seize  opportunities  and  possesses  an  energy 
and  industry,  which  has  brought  its  reward  in 
ihe  accumulation  of  a large  amount  of  real  es- 
tate of  great  value.  Llis  home  farm  consists 
of  six  acres,  which  makes  22  town  lots,  with 
one  acre  of  ground  surrounding  his  comfort- 
able and  homelike  residence,  which  has  one  of 
the  most  beautiful  locations  in  Belmont,  on  a 
bluff  overlooking  the  town,  and  the  house  is 
surrounded  with  choice  and  well-selected  shade 
and  fruit  trees,  truly  a home  which  combines 
all  that  is  best  in  both  town  and  country. 

Mr.  White  was  married  January  2,  1868,  to 
Laura  J.  Widdoes,  a native  of  Belmont  Coun- 
ty, and  a daughter  of  Isaac  and  Louisa  Wid- 
does, the  former  of  whom  was  born  in  Penn- 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


713 


sylvania  and  the  latter  in  Flushing,  Ohio.  The 
father  of  Mrs.  White  came  to  Ohio  in  the 
“forties,”  a shoemaker  by  trade,  but  later  be- 
came a seaman.  The  mother  of  Mrs.  White 
died  September  20,  1858,  aged  31  years.  She 
was  a daughter  of  John  and  Hannah  Fisher,  of 
Loudoun  County,  Virginia.  Mrs.  White  is 
one  of  two  children  born  to  her  parents,  her 
sister  being  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Justice,  wife  of 
James  Justice,  of  New  Athens,  Ohio.  The 
five  children  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  White  were 
named  as  follows:  Clayton  L.,  Anna  L.,  Liz- 
zie J.,  Dora  M.,  and  Walter  G.  Clayton  L. 
White  is  a barber  in  Belmont  and  is  well  and 
favorably  known.  He  married  Ora  Myers 
and  they  have  one  son,  William  L.  Beal,  born  on 
May  14,  1902,  the  same  day  that  the  Beal  law 
was  adopted,  making  Belmont  a prohibition 
town,  hence  the  addition  of  Beal  to  the  babe’s 
name.  Anna  L.  married  L.  R.  Carmen,  a mer- 
chant of  Belmont,  and  they  have  two  chil- 
dren,— Enoch  W.  and  an  infant  daughter. 
Lizzie  J.  married  John  B.  Colley  and  they  re- 
side at  Coshocton,  Ohio,  where  Mr.  Colley 
owns  a cigar  store.  Dora  M.  married  Samuel 
Riemenschneider,  of  Bethesda,  Ohio,  and  they 
have  one  daughter, — Bernice.  Walter  G. 

White,  who  is  employed  on  the  railroad,  mar- 
ried Ollie  Surprize  of  this  county,  and  they 
have  one  child,  Vivian.  Both  our  subject  and 
his  wife  are  members  of  the  Christian  Church. 
Mrs.  White  is  a lady  of  most  engaging  per- 
sonality and  much  esteemed  by  all  who  know 
her.  Mr.  White  was  made  the  first  ma}^or  of 
Belmont  and  has  never  ceased  his  public-spir- 
ited endeavors,  and  has  favored  and  fostered 
all  her  worthy  enterprises. 


DR.  C.  C.  WHITSITT,  a prominent  phy- 
sician and  surgeon  of  Hendrysburg,  Belmont 
County,  was  born  in  Eayette  County,  Penn- 
sylvania, Eebruary  19,  i860,  and  is  a son  of 
Dr.  J.  E.  and  Clara  B.  (Martin)  Whitsitt, 
both  natives  of  Pennsylvania. 

Dr.  J.  E.  Whitsitt  was  born  in  May,  1826, 
prepared  for  the  medical  profession  at  the  Ohio 


University,  and  began  practice  in  1852.  He 
became  a partner  of  Dr.  John  Keys  at  Bells- 
ville,  Washington  County,  Pennsylvania.  Dr. 
Keys  served  as  surgeon  in  the  army,  leaving 
the  practice  at  home  in  charge  of  Dr.  Whitsitt. 
The  latter  practiced  from  1852  until  1880, 
since  which  time  he  has  lived  in  retirement  at 
Bethany,  West  Virginia.  He  practiced  there 
some  years  and  was  examiner  for  numerous 
insurance  companies.  He  recruited  a company 
for  service  during  the  Civil  War  in  Ballsville, 
and  has  been  a trustee  of  Bethany  College  for 
a number  of  years.  He  is  a member  and  trus- 
tee in  the  Christian  Church.  He  was  always 
a member  of  the  Republican  party  after  its 
organization.  He  married  Clara  B.  Martin, 
who  was  born  June  i,  1836,  and  is  a daughter 
of  John  and  Jane  (Vail)  Martin.  She  is  also 
a devout  member  and  a very  active  worker  of 
the  Christian  Church.  Seven  children  blessed 
this  union : Emma  J.,  who  died  in  December, 

1894,  aged  42  years,  was  the  wife  of  M.  M. 
Cochran,  of  Pennsylvania;  C.  C.,  subject  of 
this  sketch ; Anna,  who  died  at  the  age  of  three 
years ; Ollie,  who  died  at  the  age  of  three  years ; 
Kitty,  who  died  at  the  age  of  10  years;  Ralph, 
who  died  at  the  age  of  two  years ; and  John  W., 
who  resides  in  Bethany,  West  Virginia,  a mem- 
ber of  the  class  of  1903  in  the  Pittsburg  Med- 
ical College. 

Dr.  C.  C.  Whitsitt  received  his  literary  edu- 
cation at  Bethany  College  and  then  entered  the 
Ohio  Medical  College  at  Cincinnati  in  1879, 
graduating  therefrom  with  the  class  of  1882. 
He  began  practice  at  once  and  was  in  part- 
nership with  his  father  for  two  years.  He 
practiced  at  Bethany  until  1884,  then  removed 
to  Hendrysburg,  Ohio,  where  he  has  since  con- 
tinued with  the  exception  of  two  years  spent 
in  New  Philadelphia.  He  is  a general  prac- 
titioner and  examiner  for  numerous  insurance 
companies.  He  is  a man  of  sterling  qualities, 
a close  student  and  is  abreast  of  the  times  in 
every  branch  of  medical  science.  He  has  the 
esteem  of  the  community,  and  has  been  a med- 
ical examiner  for  the  Lk  S.  pension  board. 

In  1884.  Dr.  Whitsitt  was  united  in  mar- 
riage with  Rosa  L.  Jones,  a native  of  Hendrys- 


714 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


l)urg,  and  a daughter  of  Dr.  William  and 
Betsy  Ann  (Goodman)  Jones.  Her  mother 
still  resides  in  Bethesda,  Ohio.  Four  children 
were  horn  to  them : William  E.,  who  was 

I'orn  January  i6,  1885,  and  died  August  6, 
1885 ; Bercy  B.,  born  August  8,  1886,  and  died 
October  12,  1886;  Emma  E.,  horn  October  27, 
1889,  and  died  October  3,  1890;  and  Bessie  L., 
horn  May  2,  1892,  who  is  attending  school  at 
Bethesda.  The  mother  of  these  children,  born 
November  27,  1863,  died  June  10,  1892.  Dr. 
Whitsitt  formed  a second  union  on  April  18, 
1899,  with  Lena  L.  McLaughlin,  a native  of 
Belmont  County,  ami  a daughter  of  John  Mc- 
Laughlin. The  latter  was  born  August  27, 
1832,  and  died  September  27,  1892;  Mrs. 

McLaughlin  now  resides  in  Hendrysburg,  and 
has  been  mother  of  the  following  children : 
William,  who  died  at  the  age  of  three  years; 
John,  who  died  at  the  age  of  one  year;  Louisa, 
wife  of  Stanton  White,  lives  in  Llendryshurg ; 
James  A.  resides  in  Wheeling;  Clement  L.  re- 
sides in  Oklahoma  Territory;  Albert  G.,  who 
resides  in  Bridgeport,  Ohio;  Everett,  who  lives 
in  Hendrysburg;  and  Lena  L.,  wife  of  our  sub- 
ject. Dr.  Whitsitt  is  a member  of  Kirkwood 
Lodge,  No.  446,  F.  & A.  M. 


JOHN  IRA  LEWIS,  of  Lamira,  Goshen 
township,  Belmont  County,  is  employed  in  the 
double  occupation  of  farming  and  milling,  in 
which  he  has  met  with  profit  and  prosperity. 
He  was  horn  October  10,  1845,  in  Monroe 
County,  Ohio,  and  is  a son  of  Charles  W.  and 
Lydia  A.  (Gregg)  Lewis. 

Charles  W.  Lewis  was  born  in  the  Keystone 
State  August  13.  1818,  and  was  a son  of  Isaac 
and  Mary  Lewis;  the  former  -was  born  in  1774 
and  died  in  1843.  Charles  W.  Lewis  followed 
farming  all  his  life,  except  a few  years  when 
he  was  engaged  in  mercantile  pursuits  in  Mon- 
roe County,  Ohio.  During  his  youthful  days 
he  wagoned  over  the  mountains,  and  was  a 
resident  of  his  native  county  until  1844;  in 
that  year  he  removed  to  Monroe  County,  Ohio, 
and  thence  to  Belmont  County  in  1850,  where 


he  purchased  his  farm  in  Goshen,  Smith  and 
Richland  townships,  and  resided  upon  it  until 
his  death.  He  owns  75  acres  in  both  Goshen 
and  Smith  townships  and  57  acres  in  Richland 
township,  all  of  which  he  improved  to  the  best 
of  his  ability.  On  February  14,  1840,  Mr. 
Lewis  was  united  in  marriage  at  Plainfield 
Friends’  Meeting  with  Lydia  A.  Gregg,  who 
was  born  in  Belmont  County  in  August,  1819, 
and  their  union  was  blessed  with  eight  chil- 
dren, six  of  whom  are  living  at  the  present 
time.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lewis  were  mem- 
bers of  the  Society  of  Friends.  Mr.  Lewis  was 
school  director  for  a number  of  years,  but  de- 
clined any  other  office.  His  death  took  place 
November  27,  1888;  his  wife’s  demise  occurred 
a few  years  later.  Both  were  people  of  iri- 
iegrity  and  industry,  widely  known  and  well- 
to-do,  and  at  their  deaths  they  left  very  few, 
if  any,  who  entertained  anything  but  the  best  of 
feeling  toward  them. 

Our  subject's  brothers  and  sisters  are  as 
follows : John  G.  and  Mary,  both  of  whom 

died  when  but  two  years  of  age;  Isaac  W.,  who 
is  a merchant  of  Logan  County,  Ohio,  born 
June  20,  1841,  married  Ella  Stewart  and  has 
three  children, — Frank,  Roy  and  May;  John 
Ira  is  the  subject  of  this  sketch  and  his  record 
appears  below;  William  H.,  born  December  24, 
1851,  is  a resident  of  Philadelphia,  where  he 
has  l)een  engaged  in  business  as  a wool  com- 
mission merchant  for  25  years ; Mary  A.  mar- 
ried David  Cratty,  a glass  manufacturer  of 
Findlay,  Ohio,  and  has  a daughter,  Nellie, 
born  January  16,  1886;  Julia  E.,  born  May  10, 
1857,  married  Frank  B.  Wilkinson,  who  re- 
sides in  Logansport,  Indiana,  and  has  two  chil- 
dren, Charles  AV.  and  Grace  A. ; and  Charles 
Sherman,  born  August  12,  1864,  who  mar- 
ried Miss  M.  Wengt,  has  one  son,  C.  W., 
born  in  1899,  and  resides  in  Findlay,  Ohio, 
where  he  is  engaged  in  the  glass  business. 

John  Ira  Lewis  received  his  education  in 
the  common  schools  of  Belmont  County  and 
worked  on  the  farm  until  he  was  16  years  of 
age.  At  this  time  the  Civil  War  commenced 
to  threaten  the  Union,  and  in  May,  1862,  he 
enlisted  in  the  three-months’  service  as  a mem- 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


715 


her  of  Company  A,  85th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf., 
and  was  sent  to  guard  Rebel  prisoners  at  Camp 
Chase,  where  he  remained  until  the  expiration 
of  his  term  of  service.  While  he  was  serving 
as  a guard  during  this  three-months’  service,  a 
call  was  made  for  volunteers  from  the  ranks  to 
go  to  Kentucky  to  take  care  of  John  Morgan 
and  his  marauding  band.  Mr.  Lewis,  with  a 
number  of  his  comrades,  responded.  At  an- 
other time  a call  was  made  for  volunteers  to 
go  to  Covington,  Kentucky,  to  hold  the  place 
against  Gen.  Kirby  Smith.  INIr.  Lewis  again 
responded,  and  after  his  duty  was  over  there 
and  he  returned  to  Camp  Chase,  he  found  that 
the  other  members  of  the  company  had  been 
mustered  out  quite  a while  before  and  had  gone 
home.  He  also  returned  home,  after  serving 
15  days  over  his  term  of  enlistment.  This  did 
not  finish  his  war  experience,  however,  for  in 
February,  1864,  he  re-enlisted  as  a member  of 
Company  D,  43d  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  and  con- 
tinued in  the  service  until  the  close  of  the  con- 
flict. His  first  battle  was  experienced  May 
13  to  15,  1864,  in  the  conflict  before  Resaca, 
Georgia,  the  starting  of  the  Atlanta  campaign. 
He  also  participated  in  all  of  the  battles  of  the 
campaign  until  the  surrender  of  Atlanta,  and 
then  marched  with  General  Sherman  to  the 
sea,  then  through  the  Carolinas  on  to  Peters- 
burg, thence  to  Richmond  and  to  Washington 
City,  where  in  the  grand  review  that  followed 
he  spent  the  happiest  days  of  his  life.  From 
Washington  he  proceeded  to  Louisville,  Ken- 
tucky, where  he  was  on  guard  duty  for  a time 
and  afterward  was  ordered  to  Columbus,  Ohio, 
and  was  mustered  out  of  service  on  July  17th, 
just  in  time  to  return  to  his  home  by  July  19th, 
where  his  parents,  his  paternal  grandmother 
and  his  maternal  grandparents  were  all  waiting 
to  welcome  him. 

Mr.  Lewis  began  life  as  a farmer  in  the 
summer  and  a teacher  in  the  winter  months, 
and  he  continued  agricultural  pursuits  from 
1870  until  November,  1900,  the  latter  year 
being  the  date  of  his  purchase  of  the  Belmont 
Roller  Mills,  which  he  has  since  operated  in 
connection  with  the  farm  work.  The  farm 
consists  of  150  acres,  from  which  the  coal  has 


been  sold,  so  it  is  devoted  to  general  farm- 
ing. The  mill  is  one  of  the  latest  and  most  im- 
proved model  roller  mills,  is  80  by  90  feet  and 
four  stories  high.  Mr.  Lewis  buys  and  grinds 
the  grain  and  feed  and  his  mill  is  as  neat  and 
clean  as  any  place  of  its  kind  in  the  county. 
The  capacity  is  about  60  barrels  in  24  hours, 
and  most  of  the  flour  is  shipped  to  the  East. 

March  3,  1870,  hlr.  Lewis  was  united  in 
marriage  with  Mary  J.  Parks,  a daughter  of 
AVilliam  and  Maria  (Campbell)  Parks,  and 
a great-granddaughter  of  John  Nichol,  whose 
history  is  given  in  another  part  of  this  work. 
The  union  has  been  blessed  with  eight  children, 
three  dying  in  infancy.  The  others  are : Harry 
W.,  born  April  3.  1871,  who  runs  the  farm 
with  his  father  ; Della  M.,  born  September  30, 
1874,  now  Mrs.  George  K.  Phillips,  who  has 
two  children,  Nellie  M.  and  William;  and 
Charles  W.,  born  February  19,  1880;  Anna 
B.,  born  October  23,  1881,  and  William 

Parks,  born  August  13,  1885,  who  are  living 
at  home.  Mr.  and  hlrs.  Lewis  are  members 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  In  fraternal  cir- 
cles the  husband  is  a member  of  the  Grand 
Army  of  the  Republic.  In  politics  he  takes  an 
active  interest,  and  is  now  trustee  of  his  town- 
ship, to  which  office  he  was  elected  two  years 
ago  by  his  party.  All  the  citizens  of  Lamira 
have  the  highest  opinion  and  friendship  for  Mr. 
Lewis  and  his  worthy  wife. 


M.  SHEETS,  one  of  the  hustling  business 
men  of  Martin’s  Ferry,  Belmont  County, 
Ohio,  is  in  the  coal  business  and  has  the  best 
and  most  complete  equipment  in  the  county 
for  a merchant  mine.  He  owns  about  150 
acres  of  coal  land  that  reaches  back  into  the 
neighboring  hills,  and  near  his  home  place  he 
has  opened  up  a mine  within  the  city  limits, 
and  in  the  near  future  expects  to  operate  it  on 
a lease. 

Our  subject  was  born  in  jMeigs  County, 
Ohio,  June  22,  1839,  and  attended  West  Lib- 
erty Academy  of  West  Virginia  to  secure  his 
education.  Following  the  completion  of  his 
studies  there  he  embarked  in  the  mercantile 
business  in  his  own  interest  and  for  some 


7i6 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


years  continued  the  same  with  good  results. 
Subsequently  he  sold  this  business,  and  was 
then  in  the  glass  business  for  the  next  twenty- 
six  years. 

'The  tipple  shed,  with  scales,  etc.,  all  com- 
plete, is  built  in  close  proximity  to  the  mine 
in  the  side  of  a hill.  It  is  circular  in  shape, 
having  a diameter  of  sixty  feet,  rounded  out 
and  leveled  and  walled  with  stone.  In  the 
circle  are  the  ljuildings,  scales,  etc.,  and 
everything  needed  in  the  work.  The  working 
force  employed  consists  of  about  twenty-five 
miners,  and  they  supply  all  local  demancls  for 
bituminous  coal.  In  short  it  is  one  of  the  best 
enterprises  of  the  kind  in  the  county  or  State 
and  the  duties  of  its  superintendent  are  by  no 
means  light  or  small,  and  require  the  best  of 
judgment. 

Mary  Newland,  a daughter  of  John  K. 
Newland  of  Martin’s  Ferry,  became  the  wife 
of  our  sul)ject  November  i8,  1869,  and  fur- 
ther mention  of  her  is  made  in  the  biography 
of  IMayor  Isaac  Newland,  given  in  another 
part  of  this  volume.  They,  and  later  their 
two  daughters,  were  all  married  in  the  same 
room  of  the  old  Newland  homestead,  this 
having  become  the  property  of  Mrs.  Sheets 
upon  the  division  of  her  father’s  estate.  To 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sheets  were  born  three  daugh- 
ters, Mary  J.,  J.  Beatrice,  and  Clara,  who  is 
still  a meml)er  of  the  home  circle.  Mary  J. 
became  the  wife  of  James  W.  Ralston,  a ma- 
chinist at  the  Laughlin  Mill,  in  June,  1892, 
and  they  have  one  child,  Rolland  Sheets  Ral- 
ston. J.  Beatrice  married  Edward  Exley, 
who  was  a descendant  of  one  of  the  old  fami- 
lies of  Wheeling.  They  were  married  in  1896 
and  now  live  in  Toledo,  Ohio. 

For  the  past  twenty-five  years  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Sheets  have  lived  upon  their  old  homestead, 
formerly  the  property  of  Mrs.  Sheets’  father. 
It  was  built  by  Noah  Zane  in  1844,  who  owned 
the  property  at  that  time,  but  sold  it  to  Mr. 
Newland  in  1857,  and  it  will  be  remembered 
by  many  who  in  years  past  called  it  “Noah’s 
Ark.’’  This  title  was  given  for  two  reasons; 
first,  because  it  was  built  by  Noah,  and  second, 
because,  although  it  does  not  stand  upon 


Mt.  Ararat,  it  nevertheless  surmounts  a high 
hill.  It  is  surrounded  by  many  trees,  of  elm 
and  hickory,  etc.,  which  make  a beautiful  shade, 
and  also  give  it  the  appearance  of  one  of  the 
most  sightly  homes  in  the  county.  The  house, 
itself,  is  built  of  brick,  and  contains  fourteen 
rooms,  large  and  commodious,  all  in  an  ex- 
cellent state  of  preservation.  The  dining  room, 
especially,  is  roomy,  being  made  so  as  to  seat 
sixty  persons  at  the  table.  The  house  is  very 
well  planned  and  is  one  of  the  old  landmarks. 
With  the  Woodses,  the  Martins,  and  the  Millers 
places,  it  was  a place  of  rendezvous  for  people 
of  Wheeling  and  other  near-by  cities,  who 
wanted  a few  days  rest,  or  a country  outing, 
with  a general  good  time,  spent  in  games  or 
dancing. 

But  these  days  are  now  past  and  the  old 
homesteads  are  inhabited  by  different  people 
who  in  many  respects  have  other  manners  and 
customs ; however,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sheets  pre- 
fer to  keep  up  the  long  established  customs 
of  Kentucky  and  Virginia,  whose  hospitality, 
entertainment,  and  courtesy  reign  supreme, 
and  in  this  respect  they  have  surely  succeeded 
for  the  latch  string  is  always  out. 


DR.  WILLIAM  N.  ROGERS  enjoys  a 
lucrative  practice  in  his  chosen  profession,  in 
the  city  of  Bellaire,  Belmont  County,  Ohio. 
Elis  success  is  due  to  his  own  qualifications 
and  determination.  His  birth  occurred  at  Con- 
cord, Delaware  County,  Pennsylvania,  October 
2,  1871.  He  did  not  reside  in  that  place  many 
years,  but  removed  to  Media,  Delaware  Coun- 
ty, Pa.,  and  remained  there  until  1900. 

William  N.  Rogers  became  a student  of  the 
common  schools  of  Media,  Pennsylvania,  and 
graduated  from  the  High  School  there  iit 
1889,  standing  well  to  the  front  in  his  class. 
His  best  efforts  were  spent  in  learning  the 
printer’s  trade  for  the  next  few  years,  and  he 
worked  at  this  until  September,  of  the  year 
1894,  economising  in  every  way  as  he  had  de- 
termined to  become  a physician  and  surgeon. 
He  accordingly  became  enrolled  among  the 


— *1 


^ I 


0 


■■ 


RICHARD  SHEPHERD. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


719 


students  at  Hahnemann  Medical  College,  a 
homeopathic  institution  of  Philadelphia,  and 
finished  his  course  in  good  time,  graduating 
May  12,  1898,  well  equipped  for  his  chosen 
work. 

However,  the  Spanish-American  War  then 
occupied  the  attention  of  many  of  the  best 
citizens  and  the  month  following  his  gradua- 
tion in  1898  he  entered  the  ist  U.  S.  Volunteer 
Engineers  and  served  in  the  Porto  Rican  cam- 
paign till  late  in  the  fall,  when  he  again  re- 
turned to  his  profession.  From, July,  1899, 
until  February  i,  1900,  he  was  employed  as 
junior  surgeon  of  the  visiting  staff  of  the  out- 
patient department  of  Hahnemann  Hospital, 
receiving  a vei")^  fine  surgical  training  in  this 
way  after  which  he  removed  to  Bellaire,  Ohio, 
and  has  both  office  and  residence  located  at 
No.  1923  Belmont  street.  He  has  met  with 
most  pleasing  success  since  his  residence  there, 
has  identified  himself  with  the  interests  of 
township  and  county  and  now  numbers  his 
friends  by  the  score.  He  is  examiner  for  the 
Western  & Southern  Life  Insurance  Company 
of  this  district,  is  secretary  of  the  Ohio  Valley 
Homeopathic  Medical  Society,  and  is  vice- 
president  of  the  West  Virginia  State  Home- 
opathic Medical  Society. 

In  fraternal  circles  Dr.  Rogers  is  a past  of- 
ficer of  Garfield  Lodge,  No.  94,  Knights  of 
Pythias,  of  Pennsylvania. 


RICHARD  SHEPHERD,  one  of  the  sub- 
stantial farmers  and  upright  and  representa- 
tive citizens  of  Belmont  Count}",  was  born  on 
the  fine  farm  which  he  now  owns  and  operates, 
in  1840.  He  is  a son  of  Thomas  and  IMary 
(Lazenby)  Shepherd,  natives  of  England,  who 
came  to  America  in  1820,  coming  directly  to 
Belmont  County,  where  Thomas  Shepherd  en- 
tered 80  acres  of  government  land  in  Wash- 
ington township,  and  lived  upon  his  farm  until 
his  death  in  1850,  at  the  age  of  52  years.  Mrs. 
Mary  (Lazenby)  Shepherd  passed  away  in 
1863,  at  the  age  of  68  years,  while  our  sub- 
ject was  serving  in  the  army. 


The  13  children  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Thomas  Shepherd  were  as  follows : Elizabeth 
(Mrs.  Dayton),  who  resides  in  Wetzel 
County,  West  Virginia;  Edward,  who  died  at 
the  age  of  48  years;  John,  who  died  about 
1870,  aged  47  years,  having  resided  on  the 
home  farm  and  having  for  some  20  years  con- 
ducted a grocery  boat  on  the  Ohio  River ; Will- 
iam, who  removed  to  Brown  County,  Indiana, 
prior  to  the  Civil  War, — he  served  in  the  25th 
Indiana  Regiment  and  was  wounded  and  died 
in  that  State;  Mary  Ann  (Mrs.  Dawson),  who 
died  in  1900,  in  Beallsville,  Monroe  County, 
her  husband  having  died  in  the  army;  Jacob, 
who  resides  on  a farm  in  Jackson  County, 

est  Virginia,  near  Ravenswood ; Thomas, 
who  served  in  Company  D,  43rd  Reg.,  Ohio 
Vol.  Inf.,  in  the  Civil  War,  and  lives  in  Brown 
County,  Indiana;  Isaac,  who  died  in  1898  in 
Belmont  County;  Isaiah,  who  died  in  the  Civil 
War,  having  been  a member  of  Company  D, 
43rd  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.;  Nancy  (iNIrs.  Mc- 
Avoy),  who  removed  to  Iowa  and  later  to 
Nebraska;  Clarissa  (Mrs.  Thomas  Harlan), 
who  resides  in  Wetzel  County,  West  Virginia; 
Richard : and  Georg^e,  who  died  at  the  age  of 
15  years. 

Richard  Shepherd  was  reared  on  the  old 
farm  which  he  first  left  to  shoulder  a musket 
in  the  Civil  War,  enlisting  December  17, 
1861,  in  Company  D,  43rd  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol. 
Inf.,  and  gallantly  did  his  duty  in  the  ranks, 
participating  in  all  the  most  serious  battles, 
but  escaped  injury  and  was  discharged  in 
July,  1865.  With  the  exception  of  four  years 
during  which  time  he  leased  his  farm  and  re- 
sided at  Beallsville,  this  old  homstead  has  been 
his  residence  all  his  life.  The  property  is  his 
own  and  compidses  235  acres  of  some  of  the 
best  land  in  Washington  township.  Mr.  Shep- 
herd has  it  under  a fine  state  of  improvement, 
and  in  July,  1895,  built  a fine  home  in  the  at- 
tractive locality  of  Armstrong’s  IMills. 

In  February,  1867,  Mr.  Shepherd  married 
Martha  Jane  Sherwood,  who  was  born  near 
Centreville  in  Smith  township,  a daughter  of 
the  late  George  Sherwood,  who  came  at  an 
early  day  from  Pennsylvania.  In  political  sen- 


720 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


tinient.  Mr.  Shepherd  is  a stanch  Republican, 
lie  l)elongs  to  Hess  Post,G- A.R.,No.595,  and 
has  been  an  official  in  the  Odd  Fellows’  lodge. 
Both  he  and  wife  are  consistent  members  of 
the  Armstrong’s  Mills  Methodist  Church.  He 
is  a man  of  property  and  prominence,  worthily 
represents  a well-known  family,  and  is  a first- 
class  citizen  in  every  respect. 


TYSON  C.  ROWLES,  well  known  as  one 
of  the  successful  farmers  and  leading  citizens 
of  Somerset  township,  Belmont  County,  was 
born  in  1832,  in  Colerain  township,  and  has 
been  a resident  of  the  former  township  since 
1882. 

The  father  of  our  subject  was  Azariah 
Rowles,  who  was  born  in  1796,  in  Maryland, 
and  died  in  Belmont  County,  in  1846.  In  1822 
be  came  to  Belmont  County  and  settled  in 
Colerain  township,  and  his  death  occurred  in 
Smith  township.  By  trade  he  was  a cooper, 
but  he  engaged  also  in  farming.  He  was 
drafted  into  the  service  during  the  War  of 
i8i2  and  was  a soldier  for  a time  at  Baltimore. 
In  politics  he  was  a Whig.  Mr.  Rowles  was 
reared  a Friend,  but  he  lost  his  birthright  by 
marrying  outside  the  Society  without  making 
proper  acknowledgment.  The  mother  of  our 
subject  was  Sarah  Hendrickson,  who  was  born 
in  New  Jersey,  and  who  died  at  the  age  of  61 
years,  in  1868.  She  was  a consistent  member 
of  the  Methodist  Church  and  a woman  of  most 
admirable  equalities.  A family  of  eight  children 
was  horn  to  Azariah  and  Sarah  (Hendrickson) 
Ivowles,  as  follows : Hezekiah,  who  lives  in 

Knox  County,  Illinois:  Mary,  who  died  young; 
Elizabeth,  who  is  the  widow  of  William  Work- 
man; Thomas  J.,  deceased,  who  was  a soldier 
during  the  Civil  War,  from  Belmont  County; 
Nathan  H.,  of  Bellaire,  who  was  an  officer, 
with  rank  of  captain,  in  the  170th  Reg.,  Ohio 
National  Guard,  during  the  Civil  War;  Tyson 
C.,  of  this  sketch;  Elihu  B.,  who  was  a mem- 
her  of  the  15th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  during 
the  Civil  War  and  lost  his  life  for  his  country, 
in  the  battle  of  Altoona,  in  Sherman’s  cam- 


qjaign,  in  1864;  and  Nancy  E.,  who  is  the 
widow  of  Elmer  Clifford,  of  Wheeling. 

Tyson  C.  Rowles  was  educated  in  the  pub- 
lic schools  and  for  a considerable  period,  in 
young  manbood,  was  engaged  in  teaching  in 
Belmont  County,  teaching  for  six  years  in 
Barnesville.  He  afterwards  engaged  in  the 
tanning  business  at  Barnesville,  conducting  this 
industry  for  10  years.  In  1882  he  removed  to 
Somerset  township  and  located  in  section  19, 
where  he  most  successfully  operates  a farm  of 
160  acres.  In  qwlitics  he  is  a Democrat.  Mr. 
Rowles  has  most  efficiently  filled  the  offices  of 
trustee  and  land  appraiser  and  enjoys  the  repu- 
tation of  being  one  of  the  township’s  most  up- 
right officials. 

In  1861  Mr.  Rowles  was  married  to  Eliza 
B.  Mackall,  who  was  born  in  Barnesville  in 
1837,  and  is  a daughter  of  Benjamin  and 
Mary  Mackall.  She  is  a lady  of  Christian  vir- 
tues and  a most  consistent  member  of  the 
Methodist  Church.  Fraternally,  Mr.  Rowles 
is  a Mason,  belonging  to  the  local  lodge.  As 
a citizen  and  as  a neighbor,  he  is  held  in  high 
esteem  in  Somerset  township. 


M.  E.  MOORE  is  one  of  the  best  known 
farmers  and  most  highly  esteemed  citizens  of 
Wayne  township,  Belmont  County,  whose  long 
and  honorable  record  during  tbe  Civil  War 
also  entitles  him  to  the  respect  and  admiration 
of  his  fellow  citizens. 

Mr.  Moore  was  born  March  _ j,  1841,  in 
Washington  township,  on  a farm  in  the  vicinity 
of  his  present  home,  and  he  is  a son  of  Michael 
and  Priscilla  (Deaver)  Moore. 

Michael  Moore  was  born  on  Captina  Creek, 
in  Washington  townshiq^,  and  died  at  the  age 
of  32  years,  March  17,  1841,  when  our  sub- 
ject was  an  infant  of  two  weeks.  He  was  a 
son  of  Jacob  Moore,  who  came  to  Ohio  from 
Westmoreland  County,  Pennsylvania,  the  fam- 
ily having  been  founded  there  by  Michael 
Moore,  an  early  emigrant  from  Germany.  The 
latter  was  one  of  the  earliest  pioneers  in  Bel- 
mont County,  where  he  died  at  the  age  of  106 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


721 


years.  Jacob  Moore,  the  grandfather  of  our 
subject,  owned  several  farms  in  Washington 
and  Wayne  townships,  and  was  the  father  of 
these  children:  John,  Henry,  Amster,  Alfred, 
Michael,  Rachel  and  TVhigail. 

The  mother  of  our  subject  was  born  in 
Maryland,  of  an  old  and  much  respected  fam- 
ily. She  contracted  a second  marriage,  with 
Eli  Alantle,  and  died  some  20  years  ago.  The 
children  of  her  first  marriage  were  four  in 
number,  namely:  Erastus,  Adam  T.,  Eliza- 

beth and  our  subject.  Erastus  Moore  was 
born  in  1833  and  in  1859  married  Nancy 
Mechem.  In  the  spring  of  i860  he  removed  to 
his  present  fine  farm  in  section  2,  W ayne  town- 
ship. His  six  children  were : Rev.  Melanc- 

thon,  who  is  the  pastor  of  the  Christian  Church 
at  Garnett,  Kansas;  Amanda  J.,  who  is  Mrs. 
Thornberry,  of  Washington,  Pennsylvania; 
Rev.  Zuinglius,  who  is  pastor  of  the  Christian 
Church  at  Milford,  Illinois ; Laura,  who  is  the 
wife  of  J.  J.  Phillips,  of  Washington  township; 
Rev.  Luther,  who  is  pastor  of  the  Third  Chris- 
tian Church  at  Akron,  Ohio ; Vietta,  who  is 
deceased;  and  Edison  L.,  who  lives  at  Akron, 
Ohio.  Adam  T.  Aloore  served  during  the  Civil 
War  as  a member  of  the  179th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol. 
Inf.  He  resides  on  the  old  home  place  in  Wash- 
ington township.  Elizabeth  became  Mrs. 
Stukey  and  died  in  Indiana.  The  three  chil- 
dren of  the  second  marriage  are:  Ellen  J..  the 
wife  of  H.  J.  Danford,  of  California ; and 
Hiram  Mantle,  of  Wayne  township ; and  Alex- 
ander C.  Mantle,  of  Washington  township. 

Reared  on  the  farm  and  educated  in  the  pub- 
lic schools,  Mr.  Moore  grew  to  young  man- 
hood, a representative  young  farmer.  The  out- 
break of  the  Civil  War  completely  changed  the 
current  of  his  life,  turning  it  from  the  peace- 
ful paths  of  agriculture  into  the  stress  and' 
strife  of  warfare.  Eor  almost  five  years  his 
services  were  devoted  to  his  country.  With 
loyal  enthusiasm  he  answered  the  first  call  for 
three-year  volunteers,  entering  Company  E, 
2nd  Reg.,  West  Virginia  Vol.  Inf.;  veteraned 
in  Company  E,  5th  Reg.,  West  Virginia  Vol. 
Cav.,  and  again  veteraned  in  Company  K,  6th 
Reg.,  West  Virginia  Vol.  Cav.  Although  he 


saw  much  hard  service  and  participated  in  some 
of  the  most  terrible  battles  of  the  war,  Mr. 
Moore  miraculously  escaped  serious  injury. 
He  was  a member  of  the  famous  Averill’s  cav- 
alry, in  West  Virginia  and  was  captured  by  the 
enemy,  spending  four  months  as  a prisoner, 
after  the  battle  of  Piedmont.  He  was  left  at 
campaign  until  the  surrender  of  Atlanta,  and 
Stanton  Hospital  and,  being  detailed  there  as 
nurse,  took  such  excellent  care  of  13  wounded 
Union  prisoners,  that  all  but  one  regained 
health.  Live  days  were  spent  in  a hospital, 
from  an  attack  of  measles,  and  that  about  cov- 
ered actual  illness.  In  the  fall  of  1865,  he 
was  sent  with  his  vete'ran  regiment  to  Kansas 
and  Colorado  against  the  Indians,  and  was 
mustered  out  at  Port  Leavenworth,  Kansas, 
May  22,  1866,  was  discharged  at  Wheeling 
and  arrived  home,  in  Belmont  County,  June  i, 
1866,  after  a wearisome  but  honorable  service 
oi  four  years,  ii  months  and  22  days.  He 
was  in  Washington  City  in  1865  and  was  one 
of  Gen.  O.  O.  Howard’s  body  guard  during  the 
trial  of  the  Lincoln  conspirators.  He  partici- 
pated in  the  grand  review  in  1865,  and  boasts 
of  again  marching  down  Pennsylvania  avenue 
in  1902  at  the  G.  A.  R.  National  Encampment. 
He  has  worthily  filled  all  the  chairs,  includ- 
ing that  of  commander  of  G.  A.  R.,  Danford 
Post.  No.  525.  of  Beallsville,  Ohio.  He  was 
most  highly  honored  on  July  i.  1889.  by  being 
commissioned  lieutenant-colonel  by  Command- 
er Samuel  H.  Hurst,  of  the  Department  of 
Ohio,  G.  A.  R.,  the  commission  being  given  at 
the  headquarters  at  Chillicothe,  Ohio. 

After  his  return  from  the  army,  Mr.  Moore 
soon  married  and  purchased  the  old  Phillip 
King  farm,  on  Piney  Creek,  making  the  same 
his  home  until  1891,  when  he  bought  his  pres- 
ent home  farm,  comprising  231  acres,  a part  of 
which,  40  acres  each,  was  settled  by  Samuel 
and  Israel  IMoore.  This  is  one  of  the  well 
developed  farms  of  the  locality  and  has  been 
made  still  more  valuable  and  attractive  by  the 
recent  completion  of  a handsome,  modern 
residence. 

Mr.  Moore  was  married  in  the  fall  ofi866. 
to  Annis  Danford,  who  was  born  in  1845 


722 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Noble  County,  Ohio,  and  is  a daughter  of  Em- 
mor  Danfoial  of  Belmont  County.  The  mem- 
hers  of  Mrs.  Moore’s  family  are  scattered : 
Hiram  J.,  who  served  in  the  Civil  War,  a mem- 
ber of  the  27th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  married 
Ellen  J.  Mantle,  the  half-sister  of  our  subject, 
and  they  reside  at  San  Diego,  California; 
Thomas,  who  served  in  the  Civil  War  also  in 
an  Ohio  regiment,  married  Marsha  Barkus 
and  is  in  the  mining"  lousiness  at  Boulder,  Col- 
orado; Nancy  Ellen  married  A.  M.  Caldwell 
and  lives  at  New  Martinsville,  West  Virginia; 
Cynthia  married  T.  H.  Blenus,  a native  of 
Nova  Scotia,  and  they  reside  at  Jacksonville, 
Elorida;  and  another  brother,  E.  O.,  has  been 
lost  in  the  West  since  1880. 

A family  of  four  children  was  born  to  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Moore,  namely:  Solon  A.,  born  July 
22,  1867,  who  is  a teacher  of  14  years’  experi- 
ence in  Belmont  County,  a graduate  of  the  Val- 
paraiso Business  College  and  the  Elliott  School 
of  Shorthand  and  Typewriting,  at  Wheeling, 
and  resides  with  his  parents;  Hiram  C.,  born 
September  24,  1868,  who  died  November  25, 
1891  ; Walton  E.,  born  March  6,  1874,  who  is 
his  father’s  capable  assistant  at  home;  and 
Adam  V.,  horn  December  2,  1882,  who  died 
November  26,  1890. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Moore  are  valued  mem- 
bers of  the  Belmont  Ridge  Christian  Church. 
No  one  is  ever  left  in  doubt  as  to  Mr.  Moore’s 
])olitics,  and  he  is  justly  proud  of  the  fact  that 
he  cast  his  first  vote  for  Abraham  Lincoln  and 
has  consistently  supported  the  same  party  ever 
since.  An  honest,  upright,  straightforward 
man,  hi.  E.  Moore  enjoys  public  esteem  for  his 
])resent  position  as  neighbor  and  citizen,  and 
for  his  past  record  as  a brave,  faithful  and  gal- 
lant soldier. 


M.  L.  BLACKBURN,  president  of  the 
Novelty  Stamping  Company,  of  Bellaire,  Ohio, 
is  a native  of  this  State,  born  in  Belmont 
County,  and  for  the  past  34  years  has  practi- 
cally l)een  a resident  of  Bellaire.  though  the 
greater  part  of  his  active  life  has  been  promi- 
nently identified  with  the  industrial  develop- 


ment of  Eastern  Ohio.  Erom  1876  to  1892 
he  was  interested  in  the  glass  business.  Since 
1892  he  has  held  the  position  of  president  of 
the  Novelty  company,  for  which  his  years  of 
business  experience  have  eminently  C[ualified 
him. 

The  Novelty  Stamping  Company  was  estab- 
lished in  the  summer  of  1892,  for  the  manu- 
facture of  stamped  ware,  from  sheet  metals, 
the  product  including  all  culinary  household 
utensils.  The  officers  of  this  company  are 
men  whose  names  carry  with  them  reliability, 
viz.:  M.  L.  Blackburn,  president;  A.  Klotz, 
vice-president ; and  L.  G.  Battelle,  secretary 
and  treasurer.  The  board  of  directors  include 
the  above  officers  and  also  George  Walters, 
E.  B.  Archer,  John  Schick  and  Clarence  Baur. 

This  business  was  incorporated  in  the  fall  of 
1892  and  began  operating  in  Eebruary,  1893, 
at  34th  and  Monroe  streets.  The  building 
was  erected  by  the  company  on  the  site  of  the 
Belmont  Glass  Works  plant,  which  had  been 
torn  down,  and  covers  an  area  of  about  half  a 
block.  About  250  employees  are  kept  in  the 
various,  departments,  under  a capable  foreman. 


JOSEPH  O.  McKELVEY,  a well-known 
farmer  and  prominent  business  man,  residing 
in  Mead  township,  Belmont  County,  was  born 
February  ii,  1854,  in  this  township,  being  a 
son  of  Samuel  and  Lucinda  (Creamer)  Mc- 
Kelvey,  extended  mentioned  of  whom  will  be 
found  in  another  part  of  this  volume. 

Mr.  McKelvey  grew  up  on  the  farm,  obtain- 
ing a good  common-school  education,  and  re- 
mained at  home  until  1885,  when  he  purchased 
his  present  farm  in  section  14,  near  Vallonia, 
in  Mead  township,  this  fine  property  being 
locally  known  as  the  old  Beach  farm.  It  was 
purchased  from  Samuel  Day  and  contains  157 
acres,  which  has  undergone  wonderful  im- 
provements under  the  practical  and  energetic 
methods  of  Mr.  McKelvey.  The  buildings  are 
of  a very  substantial  character,  the  residence 
being  large  and  convenient  and  all  the  sur- 
roundings testifying  to  thrift  and  excellent 
management.  Mr.  McKelvey  is  a first-class 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


723 


farmer,  understanding  all  agricultural  sub- 
jects very  thoroughly,  and  belongs  to  a family 
which  has  made  Mead  township  noted  for  its 
fine  farms. 

In  1885  Mr.  McKelvey  was  married  to  Ida 
B.  King,  who  was  born  in  1861  in  Richland 
township,  being  a daughter  of  the  late  James 
King,  and  a family  of  five  children  has  been 
born  to  this  union,  namely:  James  Curtis, 

aged  16  years;  George  Embra,  aged  14;  Lu- 
cille, aged  12;  Florence  B.,  aged  10 ; and  Mor- 
ris K.,  a little  lad  of  two  years.  The  religious 
membership  of  the  family  is  with  the  Bethel 
Presbyterian  Church. 

In  addition  to  his  farming  interests,  Mr. 
McKelvey  has  been  largely  engaged  in  coal 
optioning,  and  during  the  past  two  years  has 
optioned  16,000  acres,  in  Mead,  Smith  and 
Washington  townships.  He  has  been  a life- 
long Democrat  and  has  been  township  treas- 
urer and  township  trustee,  being  eminently 
qualified  to  bold  public  office.  Formerly  he 
was  a member  of  the  Order  of  United  Amer- 
ican Mechanics.  His  time  is  absorbed  in  bis 
different  lines  of  activity  and  he  is  regarded  as 
one  of  the  very  active  and  successful  business 
men  of  his  section  of  Belmont  County. 


SAMUEL  CARPENTER,  ESQ.,  a well- 
known  farmer  residing  in  the  southwest  part  of 
York  township,  Belmont  County,  was  born  in 
this  township  in  1846,  and  is  a son  of  Robert 
and  Sevilla  (Gates)  Carpenter. 

Robert  Carpenter,  grandfather  of  our  sub- 
ject, was  one  of  the  pioneers  of  this  section  of 
the  country  and  experienced  all  the  hardships 
of  the  early  days  and  the  excitement  of  life 
among  hostile  Indians.  At  one  time  when  he 
was  riding  a pony,  bringing  in  the  stock  to 
the  fort,  he  was  waylaid  by  two  Indians,  whose 
purpose  was  to  steal  some  horses.  They  shot 
young  Carpenter  through  the  arm,  breaking 
it  near  the  shoulder.  He  fell  from  his  pony, 
which  broke  away.  The  pony  did  not  again 
return  to  the  fort  until  about  a year  later.  The 
Indians  ordered  Mr.  Carpenter  to  catch  the 


horses,  but  he  did  not  succeed,  as  the  animals 
probably  scented  the  blood  from  his  wounded 
shoulder,  else  he  rvould  have  mounted  one  and 
made  a dash  for  liberty.  He  was  made  a pris- 
oner and  held  captive  for  some  time,  but  finally 
made  his  escape  by  taking  off  his  moccasins 
and  running  for  his  life. 

Robert  Carpenter,  father  of  our  subject, 
came  to  Belmont  County  in  1832  from  Noble 
County,  Ohio,  locating  on  the  farm  now  occu- 
pied by  bis  son  Robert.  He  took  up  consider- 
able land  and  at  one  time  owned  about  650 
acres  in  Belmont  County,  and  some  500  acres 
in  Indiana.  He  was  largely  engaged  in  sheep 
raising,  and  was  a very  prosperous  man.  He 
lived  to  reach  the  age  of  almost  80  years,  dy- 
ing in  1879.  His  wife,  Sevilla  Gates,  was  born 
in  1800  on  Cat’s  Run  in  York  township,  and 
died  in  December,  1898.  The  folowing  chil- 
dren were  born  to  Robert  and  Sevilla  (Gates) 
Carpenter:  Elizabeth,  born  January  29,  1823; 
Sevilla,  October  24,  1824:  Hannah,  August  30, 
1826;  Maria,  March  5,  1829;  George,  January 
23.  1831;  David,  May  ii,  1833;  Robert  (i), 
April  29,  1835:  Albert,  October  3,  1837:  Rob- 
ert (2),  June  3.  1840:  Mary  A.,  May  13, 
1843;  and  Samuel,  October  8,  1846.  Robert 
Carpenter,  the  ninth  child,  and  older  brother  of 
our  subject,  enlisted  in  Company  F,  52nd  Reg,, 
Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  serving  in  the  14th  Army  Corps 
with  Sherman  at  Perryville,  Tucker's  Ford,  and 
Winchester.  After  serving  eight  months  in 
that  regiment,  he  re-enlisted  in  Company  C, 
170th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  in  1864,  in  the 
1 00-day  service.  He  married  Catherine  Koher, 
Avho  was  born  and  reared  in  Belmont  County 
and  is  a daughter  of  Jacob  Koher,  and  to 
them  were  born  10  children,  as  follows  : Maria, 
Mary,  Edward,  Jacob,  Lottie,  Warner  W.,  Ar- 
minta,  Amos,  Ross,  and  Chalmer  F.,  who  died 
at  the  age  of  five  months.  Robert  Carpenter 
has  been  a member  of  Armstrong  Post  No.  595, 
G.  A.  R.,  for  more  than  20  years,  and  belongs 
to  the  Grand  View  Christian  Church. 

Samuel  Caiq^enter  was  reared  in  York  town- 
ship and  all  his  life  has  resided  near  his  pres- 
ent home,  t5  which  he  moved  in  1892.  He 
owns  240  acres  and  follows  general  farming. 


724 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


He  was  formerly  extensively  engaged  in  sheep 
raising.  February  24,  1872,  he  married 

Jemima  Pugh,  who  died  in  1884,  leaving  four 
children;  L’rsula  S.,  wife  of  John  F.  Fraley, 
residing  on  a part  of  her  father’s  farm ; Alice 
]\F,  wife  of  VVesley  Durrigg,  of  Washington 
townshi]) ; Mertie  M. ; and  Sarah  L.  Four  are 
deceased,  namely:  Harriet  E. ; yVrnold  W. ; 

y\.rdella  M. : and  Irena.  Our  subject  was  again 
married  in  1886  to  Mary  C.  Hall,  a daughter  of 
Job  Flail  of  Washington  township,  and  they 
liave  three  children  : Stella  G. ; Omar  R. ; and 
Pessie  E.  Politically,  Mr.  Carpenter  is  a Dem- 
ocrat, and  has  served  as  justice  of  the  peace 
and  as  land  appraiser.  He  was  formerly  a 
member  of  the  Farmers’  Alliance.  Religious- 
ly, he  and  his  family  are  members  of  the  Church 
of  Christ. 


WINFIELD  S.  MECHEM,  ex-county 
commissioner,  who  served  Belmont  County  in 
this  capacity  for  a period  of  seven  years,  and 
one  of  the  best  farmers  and  reliable  business 
men  of  Washington  township,  was  born  in 
1 847  on  the  line  farm  which  he  now  owns  near 
Alledonia,  being  a son  of  Lewis  and  Bathsheba 
(Danford)  Mechem,  the  latter  of  whom  was 
horn  at  Ten  Mile,  Greene  County,  Pennsyl- 
vania, in  r8o8  and  died  in  1890. 

Lewis  Mechem,  the  father  of  our  subiect, 
was  I)orn  in  1804,  in  Chester  County,  Pennsyl- 
vania, a son  of  John  Mechem,  who  migrated 
in  the  year  i8o8  to  this  county,  locating  first  in 
Colerain  township,  later  removing  to  Barnes- 
ville  and  then  to  Malaga,  Monroe  County,  in 
1812.  With  the  assistance  of  his  brother  and 
a hired  assistant,  he  cut  a path  through  the 
dense  woods  between  Barnesville  and  Monroe 
County.  In  1816  the  family  returned  to  Bel- 
mc)nt  County  and  settled  in  Washington  town- 
ship  on  Captina  Creek.  Grandfather  Mechem 
followed  a mercantile  business  during  the 
greater  part  of  his  life.  He  was  horn  about 
1770  and  died  in  1858.  His  wife,  formerly  a 
Miss  Evans,  born  in  1776,  died  iiri874,  in  her 
99th  year  at  the  home  of  Samuel  Danford. 


In  1830  Lewis  Mechem  purchased  160  acres 
of  the  land  which  now  constitutes  our  subject’s 
home,  80  acres  each  of  the  tract  having  been 
entered  by  Isaac  Moore  and  a Mr.  Brownfield, 
who  received  patents  from  President  Andrew 
Jackson.  Lewis  Mechem  was  a stanch  Whig 
and  later  a Republican,  and  an  influential  and 
representative  man  of  his  time  and  locality.  He 
was  an  active  member  and  an  elder  in  the  Bel- 
mont Ridge  Christian  Church,  the  first  services 
of  which  were  held  in  his  home  in  1856.  He 
was  one  of  13  children,  the  others  being  Mary, 
John,  Rachel,  Jane,  Ellen,  Edward  and  Edwin, 
twins,  Della  Jane,  Jesse,  Naomi,  Sarah  and 
Nancy,  and  of  these  Edward  resides  in  Iowa 
and  Naomi  in  Indiana.  Lewis  Mechem  and 
his  wife  had  10  children,  as  follows:  William, 
deceased;  Sinie,  deceased;  Huldah  (Mrs. 
Wright),  of  Kansas;  John  G.,  of  Wright 
County,  Iowa;  Nancy  E.  (Mrs.  Moore),  of 
Belmont  County;  Amanda  (Mrs.  Stewart) 
died  in  Oregon;  L.  C.,  an  attorney  at  Center- 
ville, Iowa;  Sarah  J.  (Mrs.  Boyer),  of  Mis- 
souri; Winfield  S.,  of  this  sketch;  and  Louisa 
J.  (Mrs.  McEarland),  of  Belmont  County. 

Our  subject  was  reared  and  educated  in  Bel- 
mont County  and  while  still  a young  man  com- 
pleted his  reading  of  law  and  was  admitted  to 
the  bar  in  1876.  He  then  went  as  far  west  as 
Des  Moines,  Iowa,  to  grow  up  with  the  country 
in  his  profession,  hut  failing  health  compelled 
him,  nine  months  later,  to  return  and  seek  ex- 
ercise again  in  an  agricultural  life.  This  is  a 
very  valuable  property  and,  aside  from  public 
duties,  Mr.  Mechem  operates  his  farm  success- 
fully and  during  the  past  couple  of  years  has 
also  optioned  some  2,200  acres  of  coal  land.  In 
1890  he  was  elected  county  commissioner  and, 
after  serving  seven  years,  is  now  giving  his 
attention  to  farming. 

Mr.  Mechem  married  Elvira  Thornberry, 
the  daughter  of  Lewds  Thornberry,  a native  of 
Pennsylvania,  but  an  old  resident  here,  wdiere 
she  was  horn  and  the  children  of  this  union  are  ; 
Udell,  who  married  a Miss  Lucas,  resides  at 
home  and  they  have  one  daughter,  Thelma ; 
William,  who  is  em]iloyed  at  Mount  Pleasant 
with  the  LTpsil  Coal  Company ; and  Ross,  who 


>\V-  ; ^ 


V 


: 


HENRY  M.  ROTHERMUND, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


is  at  home.  Mr.  Mechem  is  a Republican,  and 
in  1880  he  served  as  land  appraiser.  The  relig- 
ious connection  of  the  family  is  -with  the  Bel- 
mont Ridge  Christian  Church. 


HENRY  M.  ROTHERMUND,  a well- 
known  contractor  and  builder  of  Martin’s 
Eerry,  Ohio,  is  located  at  No.  239  6th  street, 
was  born  at  Warnock’s  station,  Belmont  Coun- 
ty, Ohio,  December  17,  1857,  being  a son  of 
Augustus  and  Hannah  (Specht)  Rothermund. 

Augustus  Rothermund,  the  father  of  our 
subject, was  born  in  Germany  and  there  learned 
the  building  trade.  In  1852  he  came  to  Amer- 
ica, and  joined  his  brother,  Erederick,  who 
was  already  located  at  Wheeling,  (West)  Vir- 
ginia. There  he  followed  his  trade  and  did 
much  of  his  building  and  contracting  in 
Bridgeport  and  IMartin’s  Eerry.  His  work  was 
of  a character  that  advertised  him  and  he 
became  well  known  through  the  county.  His 
death  occurred  at  the  age  of  69  years,  his  wife 
having  passed  away  previously  in  her  48th 
year.  Both  parents  of  our  subject  were  consis- 
tent and  worthy  members  of/che  German  Lu- 
theran Chuixh.  A family  of  nine  children 
was  born  to  them,  as  follows : William,  who 

died  when  40  years  of  age;  Henry  M. ; Charles, 
who  is  a partner  with  Henry  M.,  and  resides 
in  Martin's  Ferry;  Lewis,  deceased,  lived  but 
26  years,  but  was  a prominent  man  in  Martin’s 
Ferry,  being  a leading  grocer,  and  president 
of  the  City  Council  at  the  time  of  his  death ; 
Hannah  (Mrs.  Moore)  lives  in  Martin’s  Ferry; 
August  ( I ) , deceased : August,  who  does  the 
plastering  for  his  brothers’  contract  buildings ; 
Caroline,  who  is  deceased;  and  Louisa,  who 
died  at  the  age  of  six  years  from  lockjaw. 

Our  subject  obtained  his  education  in  the 
public  schools  at  Martin’s  Ferry,  beginning  at 
the  age  of  16  years  to  learn  his  trade  with  his 
father,  working  thus  until  23  years  old,  and 
then  .started  independently  in  the  same  business. 
Mr.  Rothermund  has  a skill  in  his  work  not 
possessed  by  all  contractors  and  builders.  He 
acts  so  honestly  with  the  public  that  he  has 


727 


gained  the  full  confidence  of  the  people  of  Mar- 
tin’s Ferry  and  Bridgeport.  He  has  done  much 
of  the  work  in  both  cities  and  has  plastered  as 
many  as  78  buildings  in  one  year.  There  is 
one  peculiarity  about  our  subject,  and  that  is 
that  if  he  thinks  he  cannot  finish  work  in  the 
specified  time  he  will  not  undertake  the  job, 
and  in  this  way  the  public  has  grown  to  trust 
his  word  and  to  secure  his  services  if  possible. 
He  carries  all  the  best  trade  in  his  locality,  and 
takes  a just  pride  in  its  completeness.  Mr. 
Rothermund  is  one  of  the  directors  in  the  Ger- 
man Savings  Bank  and  owns  much  property 
of  a valuable  nature  through  the  city,  having 
at  least  six  acres  divided  into  building  lots.  Al- 
though he  is  no  politician,  he  votes  with  the 
Democratic  party,  but  refuses  all  tenders  of 
office. 

Mr.  Rothermund  was  married  July  17,  1882, 
to  Minnie  Seahright,  a native  of  this  county 
and  a daughter  of  Charles  and  Louisa  Sea- 
hright, both  deceased.  The  three  children  born 
to  this  union  are : Pearl  Elizabeth,  Lewis  Carl 
and  Elwood  William.  The  religious  connec- 
tion of  the  family  is  with  the  German  Lutheran 
Church.  Our  subject  is  a very  enterprising 
and  public-spirited  man  and  is  very  highly  re- 
garded in  iMartin’s  Ferry,  for  his  integrity  of 
character  and  good  citizenship. 


HON.  LORENZO  DANFORD.  Few 
names  in  Belmont  County  carried  with  them 
more  influence  or  suggestions  of  high  esteem, 
than  did  that  of  the  late  Lorenzo  Danford, 
who  for  many  years  was  identified  rvith  so 
many  of  the  leading  interests  of  the  county 
and  was  such  an  able  representatiAX  of  its  bar. 

Like  the  majority  of  public  men,  Lorenzo 
Danford  was  born  and  reared  on  a farm.  His 
birth  took  place  in  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  Oc- 
tober 18,  1829,  being  a son  of  Samuel  Danford. 
His  primary  education  was  acquired  in  the 
public  schools.  Later  he  entered  college  at 
WHynesburg,  Pennsylvania,  beginning  the 
study  of  law  at  the  age  of  23  years,  under  the 
tutelage  of  Carlo  C.  Carroll,  of  St.  Clairsville, 


728 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Ohio.  His  admission  to  the  bar  was  in  1854. 
iVhnost  immediately  he  took  a leading  position 
in  political  life,  great  questions  then  coming 
forward  in  national  affairs.  He  made  his  en- 
trance into  political  life  as  a Whig  and  was 
a member  of  the  State  electoral  ticket  in  1856, 
su])porting  Millard  Fillmore  for  President. 
After  the  dissolution  of  the  Whig  party,  Mr. 
Danford  cast  his  fortunes  with  the  newly-born 
Republican  party,  and  was  its  ardent  supporter 
and  a prominent  member  in  its  councils  for  a 
])eriod  of  40  years.  In  1857  he  was  elected  to 
the  office  of  prosecuting  attorney  of  Belmont 
County,  and  was  re-elected  in  1859,  resigning 
this  office,  with  characteristic  patriotism,  to 
enter  the  army  in  1861. 

Mr.  Danford  organized  Company  E.  of  the 
15th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  in  which  he  was 
elected  2nd  lieutenant,  but  was  later  promoted 
to  be  Tst  lieutenant,  and  still  later  captain,  hold- 
ing this  rank  until  August  i,  1864,  when  he 
resigned  his  position  on  account  of  failing 
health.  The  first  election  of  Mr.  Danford  to 
Congress  was  in  1872,  when  he  defeated  John 
A.  Bingham,  of  the  war  period  renown.  In 
1876  he  was  returned  by  his  constituents,  and 
in  1878  he  disappointed  them  by  a strenuous 
refusal  to  receive  further  honors.  It  was  not 
until  1894  that  he  was  again  prevailed  upon 
to  be  his  party’s  standard-bearer  and  then  he 
was  elected  by  a large  majority.  In  1898  he 
was  re-elected  for  the  term  beginning  March 
I,  1899,  some  two  years  yet  remained 

of  his  service  when  death  closed  his  earthly 
career.  Wdiile  in  Congress  he  introduced 
many  im])ortant  measures  and  was  a member 
of  the  committee  which  was  sent  to  Louisiana, 
South  Carolina  and  Florida,  in  the  Hayes- 
Tilden  contest.  He  took  a bold  stand  in  re- 
gard to  immigration  and  was  chairman  of  the 
committee  on  that  subject.  It  was  no  secret 
that  he  was  pressed  to  accept  the  Governorship 
of  Ohio  when  Mr.  Hayes  was  last  elected,  and 
had  Mr.  Danford  belonged  to  the  class  of 
scheming,  trafficking  politicians  that  dominate 
public  affairs  too  often,  he  might  have  reached 
greater  eminence  in  the  party’s  councils. 

The  personal  feeling  for  Mr.  Danford  in 


Belmont  County  was  of  a most  flattering  na- 
ture. During  the  war  he  was  seriously  shot 
by  sharpshooters  and  was  carried  from  the 
held  to  a hospital,  thought  to  be  mortally 
wounded,  but  recovered  and  returned  to  his 
duties  to  the  great  delight  of  his  fellow  citizens. 
In  what  is  remembered  as  the  great  “S”  trestle 
wreck,  he  was  one  of  the  injured  passengers, 
and  was  terribly  lacerated  about  the  head  and 
also  internally  injured,  to  such  a degree  that 
the  Wheeling  papers  published  his  obituary 
with  the  most  heartfelt  expressions  of  sorrow. 
These  papers  he  read  later,  saying  that  he 
wanted  to  live  long  enough  to  vote  once  more 
for  General  Grant.  One  of  the  great  acts  of 
his  life  he  felt  to  have  been  the  casting  of  his 
electoral  vote  for  Abraham  Lincoln,  in  i860, 
and  he  was  wont  to  refer  to  it  through  later 
years,  with  expressions  of  pleasure. 

Personally,  Mr.  Danford  was  a warm- 
hearted, affable  man  and  had  many  friends  and 
ardent  admirers.  His  success  in  political  life 
was  due  to  the  enthusiasm  of  his  friends  rather 
than  to  his  personal  efforts  and  it  was  with  the 
greatest  difficulty  that  he  was  induced  to  re- 
enter the  poltical  arena,  in  1894,  to  contest  for 
the  Belmont  delegation  against  his  old  political 
rival.  Col.  C.  L.  Poorman.  His  career  as  an 
attorney  was  not  less  illustrious  than  as  a poli- 
tician. He  was  an  adroit  practitioner  and  he 
scorned  the  technical  tricks  with  which  some 
attorneys  win  cases,  giving  fair  and  honorable 
treatment  to  his  opponents.  His  eloquence  as 
a speaker  won  for  him  many  closely  contested 
cases  and  his  fame  extended  all  over  Ohio.  In 
all  his  practice  he  never  was  an  attorney  for 
any  railroad  or  corporation  and  always  gave 
his  best  efforts  to  preserve  the  interests  of  the 
common  people. 

Quoting  from  the  “History  of  the  Upper 
OhTo  Valley”  : 

“Hon.  Lorenzo  Danford,  son  of  Samuel 
Danford,  a prominent  farmer  of  this  county, 
and  who  was  a conspicuous  flgure  of  his  day, 
and  served  the  people  in  various  official  posi- 
tions with  much  intelligence  and  great  ability. 
As  Congressman,  as  an  orator  upon  questions 
of  politics  and  statesmanship  and  as  a lawyer 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


729 


of  breadth  and  power,  he  was  one  of  the  dis- 
tinguished men  of  Eastern  Ohio.  In  criminal 
practice  his  fame  was  particularly  widespread 
as  one  of  the  foremost  in  that  branch  of  his 
profession.” 

Quoting'  from  The  St.  Clairsville  Chronicle: 

“Hon.  Lorenzo  Danford  had  a wide  reputa- 
tion as  an  attorney  of  great  learning  and  skill 
and  as  an  orator.  His  speeches  in  the  House 
of  Representatives  as  well  as  his  addresses  to 
the  bench  evince  an  ability  for  trenchant  argu- 
ment possessed  by  few  men.  He  is  deserving 
of  the  esteem  accorded  him  for  his  successful 
career,  as  it  is  the  result  of  constantly  exercised 
energy  directed  by  noble  purpose.” 

On  October  7,  1858,  Mr.  Danford  was  mar- 
ried to  Anna  H.  Cook,  who  died  October  7, 
1867,  leaving  three  children : William  C., 

John  M.,  and  Thomas  J.  On  October  27, 
1870,  he  married  Mary  M.  Adams,  of  Belmont 
County, — a daughter,  Carrie  Lee,  being  born 
to  this  union.  The  death  of  Hon.  Lorenzo 
Danford  took  place  at  the  residence  of  John 
Sidebottom,  near  Loydsville,  Ohio,  on  June 
19,  1899,  in  his  71st  year.  A cold  contracted 
during  the  funeral  services  over  his  father  de- 
veloped into  “la  grippe,”  with  complications, 
although  the  immediate  cause  of  collapse  was 
heart  failure.  The  obsequies  were  conducted 
according  to  tbe  simple  and  impressive  cere- 
mony of  Drummond  Post,  Grand  Army  of  the 
Republic,  after  tbe  general  services  were  con- 
ducted by  Rev.  Thomas  Balph,  assisted  by 
Rev.  J.  S.  Secrest,  both  of  the  Methodist 
Church. 

William  C.  Danford,  the  eldest  son  of  Hon. 
Lorenzo  Danford,  was  born  in  St.  Clairsville, 
and  there  received  his  education.  Through  the 
kind  interest  of  President  Garfield,  he  was  ap- 
pointed a United  States  mail  clerk,  a position 
he  has  filled  with  credit  for  25  years.  On  June 
19,  1886,  he  was  united  in  marriage  with 
Mattie  Judkins,  a native  of  Monroe  County, 
Ohio,  and  a daughter  of  Joel  and  Jane  Jud- 
kins, the  latter  of  whom  is  deceased.  Mr. 
Judkins  is  an  honored  resident  of  St.  Clairs- 
ville. Mrs.  Danford  belongs  to  the  Methodist 
Church. 


John  M.  Danford,  the  second  son*  of  Hon. 
Lorenzo  Danford,  died  at  the  age  of  27  years, 
and  Thomas  J.  is  a resident  of  St.  Clairsville. 
The  sister  of  the  above,  and  the  daughter  of 
Hon.  Lorenzo  Danford,  by  his  second  mar- 
riage, is  a woman  of  education  and  force  of 
character,  well  worthy  of  so  illustrious  a 
father.  She. is  a graduate  of  the  Ohio  State 
Medical  University  and  a trained  nurse. 
Through  the  personal  interest  of  President 
McKinley,  a friend  of  the  family,  she  was  ap- 
pointed a nurse  in  the  army  in  the  Philippine 
Islands,  where  for  two  years  she  has  given 
efficient  service.  After  a visit  to  old  friends 
in  Ohio,  she  intends  to  return  to  her  noble 
work  in  the  Orient. 


ROBERT  C.  MONTGOklERY.  Among 
the  leading  business  men  of  Martin’s  Lerry  is 
Rolrert  C.  Montgomery,  who  conducts  a first- 
class  grocery,  located  at  No.  729  Broadway. 
Mr.  jMontgomery  was  born  in  Marshall  Coun- 
ty, West  Virginia,  January  9,  1869,  being  a 
son  of  Joseph  B.  and  Elizabeth  A.  (Caswell) 
Montgomer3^  The  former  was  born  in  Wst 
Virginia,  while  the  latter  was  a native  of 
Massachusetts. 

The  grandparents  of  Mr.  Montgomery  were 
William  and  Elizabeth  (Blakemore)  Mont- 
gomery, both  of  whom  were  born  in  AVest  Vir- 
ginia, when  the  State  was  still  a part  of  the 
Old  Dominion.  William  Montgomery  was  a 
cooper  by  trade,  and  in  his  shop  his  four  sons 
learned  the  business.  His  cbildren  were  as 
follows:  George,  Joseph  B..  James,  William, 

Emma,  Elizabeth,  Amanda,  Mary,  Oella  and 
Henrietta.  George  served  three  years  in  the 
Civil  War,  participated  in  many  battles,  was 
once  severely  wounded  in  the  shoulder.  George 
lives  on  Wheeling  Island.  James  died  at  the 
age  of  24  years.  William  resides  at  Martin’s 
Lerry  and  is  employed  at  the  tin  mill.  Emma 
J.  is  the  widow  of  John  Hawn  and  resides  in 
Wlieeling,  Elizabeth  is  the  widow  of  Josiah 
Caswell,  who  was  the  brother  of  Robert  C. 
Montgomery’s  mother.  Amanda  married  Al- 


73° 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


l)ert  Ferguson,  and  both  are  deceased.  Mary 
married  Harry  Juni]),  who  is  engaged  in  the 
dry  goods  liusiness  at  Martin’s  Ferry.  Oella 
married  Charles  Wells  and  resides  on  the  Is- 
land. Flenrietta  died  at  the  age  of  six 

years.  William  Montgomery  was  a son  of 

Thomas  IMontgomery,  who  was  one  of  the 
early  settlers  in  West  Virginia,  and  was  horn 
near  Shepherdstown,  in  1815,  and  was  a 
farmer  hy  occupation.  In  1858  he  married 
Flixaheth  Blakemore,  who  died  in  1888. 

Joseph  B.  Montgomery,  the  father  of  our 
subject,  was  horn  in  Benwood,  Marshall 
County,  (\Wst)  Virginia,  in  1844.  In  his 

early  years  he  followed  a coopering  business, 
machinery  which  at  present  does  all  that  line 
of  work  not  having  been  invented.  He  was 
so  occupied  until  his  enlistment,  in  1864,  in 
the  5th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Cav.,  for  service  in 
the  Civil  War.  Mr.  Montgomery  took  part  in 
the  Atlanta  campaign  under  Sherman,  went 
with  the  army  to  the  sea  and  participated  in 
the  review  at  Washington,  where  he  was  dis- 
charged in  October,  1865,  having  served  al- 
most two  years.  Upon  his  return  to  his  home, 
he  resumed  his  trade,  at  which  he  worked  un- 
til his  marriage,  in  1868.  He  then  purchased 
a farm  in  Marshall  County  and  followed  the 
life  of  an  agriculturist  for  15  years.  In  1884 
he  removed  to  Martin’s  Ferry  and  erected  the 
first  business  house  in  that  part  of  the  city 
known  as  “The  Orchard,’’  this  building  be- 
ing the  one  now  occupied  hy  his  son.  Mr. 
Montgomery  thoroughly  identified  himself 
with  that  part  of  the  city.  In  1887  he  was 
elected  a meml)er  of  the  School  Board  and 
during  one  term  was  its  president.  In  1888 
he  was  elected  a member  of  the  City  Council 
from  the  Third  Ward  and  served  in  that  body 
for  three  terms,  during  two  of  which  he  was 
its  president. 

On  May  7,  1868,  Mr.  Montgomery  was  mar- 
ried to  Margaret  Elizabeth  Caswell,  who  rvas 
horn  March  7,  1849.  Massachusetts,  a 
daughter  of  Robert  and  Roanna  Caswell,  both 
natives  of  the  same  State,  who  migrated  to 
(AVest)  Virginia  in  1852.  Mr.  Caswell  was 
born  May  12,  1818,  and  his  wife  May  23, 


1818,  and  the  former  died  in  1854,  at  the  age 
of  36,  and  the  latter  June  25,  1871,  at  the  age 
of  53  years.  Mrs.  Montgomery  was  the  young- 
est of  three  children,  and  is  the  only  survivor. 
She  had  two  brothers.  Josiah,  who  followed 
his  father’s  trade  of  nailer,  lived  to  be  33 
years  of  age.  On  January  i,  1864,  he  froze 
his  feet  so  seriously  that  he  suffered  through 
the  remainder  of  his  life  from  this  injury.  He 
married  the  sister  of  J.  B.  Montgomery.  The 
second  brother,  Elijah,  was  also  a nailer  by 
trade.  He  married  Anna  Trainer,  daughter 
of  Rev.  Thomas  Haiwey  Trainer,  of  the  Meth- 
dist  Episcopal  Church  at  Wheeling.  Mrs. 
Montgomery  was  long  a consistent  member  of 
this  religions  body  in  this  locality  and  is  now 
connected  with  the  Emory  Methodist  Church 
at  Pittsburg,  of  which  city  she  is  a resident. 
J.  B.  Montgomery  was  trustee  and  a member 
of  the  board  of  stewards  of  the  Methodist 
Church  at  Martin’s  Ferry  and  gave  freely  of 
his  time  and  money  to  further  its  interests. 
He  was  of  a sunny  nature,  very  genial  and 
companionable,  true  to  every  trust  and  a most 
loyal  and  patriotic  citizen.  His  loyalty  was 
tested  at  a time  and  in  a State  which  gave 
meaning  to  the  word  patriotism.  Mr.  Mont- 
gomery died  October  16,  1899. 

Robert  C.  Montgomery  was  educated  in  the 
schools  of  Marshall  County  and  later  took  a 
business  course  in  Frasher’s  Business  College, 
at  Wheeling.  Upon  completing  his  school 
days,  April  i,  1884,  he  entered  his  father’s 
grocery  store  at  Martin’s  Ferry,  and  was  taken 
into  partnership  in  1895,  the  firm  style  becom- 
ing J.  B.  Montgomery  & Son.  His  father  re- 
tired from  the  business  in  1899,  since  which 
time  the  business  has  been  conducted  under 
the  name  of  R.  C.  Montgomery.  Mr.  Mont- 
gomery is  the  older  of  two  children,  his  brother 
Howard  D.  being  a successful  attorney  in 
Pittsburg.  Mr.  Montgomery,  through  his 
long  experience,  has  become  thoroughly  posted 
on  the  grocery  trade  and  conducts  a first-class 
store,  dealing  largely  in  fresh  fruits  and  veg- 
etables as  well  as  choice  canned  goods.  His 
stock  is  displayed  in  a very  attractive  manner, 
his  business  receives  his  individual  attention. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


731 


and  he  counts  among  his  patrons  the  most  ex- 
acting trade  of  the  city. 

On  March  27,  1895,  ]\Ir.  ]\Iontgomery  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Rose  B.  Maxwell,  a 
native  of  West  Virginia,  who  is  a daughter  of 
John  D.  Maxwell  and  a member  of  the  follow- 
ing family  : Maggie,  who  is  Mrs.  Ross  Lake ; 
Alexander  O.,  James  P.,  George  D.  and  Ed- 
ward, all  residing  on  the  Island.  To  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Montgomery  a family  of  three  children 
has  been  born,  namely:  Elizabeth  L.,  Joseph 

B.  and  Robert  M.  The  religious  connection  of 
the  fanjil}^  is  with  the  Methodist  Church.  Mr. 
Montgomery  is  valued  in  various  business  ac- 
tivities of  the  city  and  has  just  been  elected  a 
trustee  of  the  Electric  Light  Company.  In 
fraternal  association,  he  belongs  to  the  K.  of 
P.,  Uniform  Rank,  and  is  captain  of  Ohio 
City  Company,  No.  48,  and  has  passed  through 
all  the  chairs  in  the  order ; he  also  belongs  to 
the  Maccabees.  In  political  sentiment  he  is  an 
ardent  Republican  and  has  served  as  delegate 
to  county  conventions.  He  is  a charter  mem- 
ber of  the  Vigilant  Hose  Company. 


JOHN  E.  TIMBERLAKE,  a substantial 
farmer  and  well-known  citizen  of  Belmont 
County,  which  has  been  his  home  for  many 
years,  was  born  in  Morgan  (now  Noble) 
County,  Ohio,  in  August,  1838,  a son  of  Nel- 
son and  Hannah  (Lyons)  Timberlake,  the 
latter  of  whom  was  of  Pennsylvania  birth  and 
of  Scotch-Irish  ancestry. 

Nelson  Timberlake  was  born  near  St.  Clairs- 
ville,  being  a son  of  William  Timberlake.  who 
was  a teacher  in  the  night  schools  of  St.  Clairs- 
ville,  in  the  early  days.  The  mother  of  Nelson 
Timberlake  was,  before  marriage.  Miss  John- 
son, and  a sister  to  the  well-known  Richard  M. 
Johnson.  In  his  earlier  years  Nelson  Timber- 
lake  worked  in  mills  and  followed  a carpenter 
and  wagon-making  business,  but  later  pur- 
chased a small  farm  and  there  died  at  the  com- 
paratively early  age  of  42  years,  when  our  sub- 
ject was  eight  years  old,  while  his  wife  sur- 
vived many  years,  dying  in  1884,  at  the  age  of 


72  years.  The  children  born  to  these  parents 
were  eight  in  number,  two  of  whom  died 
young.  , The  others  were  as  follows:  Warren 
T.,  of  Virginia;  Amanda  (Mrs.  Clethero), 
of  Nebraska;  Alice,  a teacher  in  Iowa,  married 
and  later  died  there;  Priscilla  died  in  Noble 
County;  William  H.  died  or  was  probably 
killed  during  the  Civil  War,  having  been  ap- 
pointed provost  marshal  by  Governor  Fletcher 
just  at  the  close  of  the  war  and  was  sent  on 
the  trail  of  the  James  boys  and  other  desper- 
adoes; and  John  E. 

John  E.  Timberlake  attended  school  in  Noble 
County  and  assisted  the  family  in  early  man- 
hood, prior  to  entering  the  service  of  his  coun- 
try. On  June  24,  1861,  he  enlisted  in  Com- 
pany H,  25th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  and  served 
during  the  stormiest  part  of  the  Civil  War, 
giving  three  years  of  his  life  to  the  cause  and 
suffering  for  an  entire  year  from  a very  serious 
wound  in  the  arm,  received  at  Chancellorsville. 
Upon  his  return,  he  entered  IMount  Union  Col- 
lege, where  he  pursued  his  studies  for  a time, 
and  then  located  in  Washington  township, 
Belmont  County,  in  1865,  and  engaged  in 
farming,  an  occupation  he  has  successfully  pur- 
sued ever  since.  ]\Ir.  Timberlake  is  one  of 
the  really  good  farmers  of  this  locality,  prac- 
tical and  progressive,  and  his  fine  farm  of  140 
acres,  with  its  valuable  improvements,  testi- 
fies to  his  agricultural  ability. 

Mr.  Timberlake  married  Orpha  Adaline 
Lindsey,  who  was  born  in  Washington  town- 
ship, Belmont  County,  October  13.  1848,  and 
was  a daughter  of  George  Lindsey,  one  of  the 
early  settlers  of  this  locality.  She  was  the 
youngest  of  a large  family,  and  died  January  i, 
1902.  The  five  children  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Timberlake  were:  Florence,  the  wife  of  U.  G. 
Conoway  of  Washington  township;  Charles 
E.,  a graduate  of  Scio  College,  an  able  attor- 
ney, now  practicing  law  at  Bellaire  with  the 
firm  of  Danford  & Danford:  Mary  O.,  the 
wife  of  Everett  E.  AWrkman,  a mail  carrier 
at  Bellaire : Nannie,  the  wife  of  City  Attorney 
Cook  Danford,  of  Bellaire;  and  H.  Estella, 
who  resides  with  her  father.  IMr.  Timberlake 
1 and  daughter  spend  a part  of  the  year  at  the 


732 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


farm  at  Cralj  Apple,  and  the  remainder  in 
Bellaire.  In  political  adherence,  Mr.  Timber- 
lake  has  never  wavered  since  casting  his  vote 
for  President  Lincoln,  and  has  served  in  a 
nnmher  of  township  offices  with  the  greatest 
efficiency.  Pie  was  a charter  member  of  Pless 
Post,  G.  A.  R.,  at  Armstrong's  Mills,  of 
which  he  is  still  a member.  Mr.  Timherlake 
is  well  known  and  as  highly  esteemed,  his  rep- 
utation being  that  of  a reliable  man  and  repre- 
sentative citizen.  He  is  a member  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  of  which  de- 
nomination his  wife  was  also  a member. 


WILLI.VM  McNICHOLS,  a substantial 
farmer  and  most  highly  esteemed  resident  of 
(icshen  township,  Belmont  County,  owning 
one  of  the  most  desirable  farms  of  this  locality, 
was  horn  October  23,  1835,  Goshen  town- 
ship. 

Joseph  klc Nichols,  his  father,  was  one  of  the 
l)est  known  and  most  respected  citizens  of  the 
township.  He  died  in  1892  at  the  age  of  84 
years.  For  27  years  he  had  followed  the  trade 
of  gunsmith,  on  his  farm,  south  of  Belmont,  in 
addition  to  operating  a large  property.  He  was 
a man  well  known  for  his  integrity  and  for  his 
stanch  adherence  to  the  Republican  party.  His 
first  marriage  was  to  Charity  Newsom,  a 
daughter  of  Jordan  Newsom,  a staid  and  most 
respected  Friend,  rvho  left  his  home  in  North 
Carolina  and  entered  land  in  Ohio,  wishing  to 
live  and  rear  his  family  in  a Free  State.  His 
wife  belonged  to  the  old  Morris  family  of 
South  Carolina.  Mr.  Newsom  was  one  of  the 
first  settlers  in  the  township  and  built  the  brick 
house  Avhich  our  subject  now  occupies,  but  he 
\vas  killed  prior  to  its  completion.  Our  sub- 
ject bought  the  farm  in  1864,  and  has  resided 
here  since  the  spring  of  1865.  Although  the 
old  mansion  was  erected  over  80  years  ago,  it 
is  fairly  well  preserved,  and  an  observant  eye 
can  see  the  print  of  the  trowel  on  the  mortar 
at  the  present  time.  It  evidently  was  no  con- 
tract work.  Our  subject’s  mother  died  42  years 
ago,  and  his  step-mother  resides  at  Bethesda.  A 


family  of  four  children  was  reared  to  maturity, 
and  five  others  died  young, — Isaac,  Joseph  H., 
Asa  and  two  daughters.  Those  who'  were 
reared  were:  William,  Mary,  Thomas  C.,  and 
Sarah  Mary  was  born  in  1838  and  mar- 
ried Elmore  Phillips.  They  lived  on  her  fa- 
ther’s farm  for  some  years,  later  moved  to  the 
farm  of  Mr.  Phillips’  father,  and  later  bought 
a farm  at  Mount  Olivet,  where  Mrs.  Phil- 
lips died  34  years  ago.  Mr.  Phillips  moved  to 
Harrison  County,  Ohio,  where  he  now  lives. 
The  children  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Phillips  are  as 
follows  : Josephine,  who  married  Oscar  Hibbs, 
who  has  been  in  business  at  Piedmont  for 
some  years;  Alonzo  C.,  a resident  of  Northern 
Ohio:  Ida  B.  and  Jessie  E.,  all  having  been 
wards  of  their  uncle,  William.  Thomas  C. 
McNichols  resides  at  Bethesda,  owns  a farm 
south  of  Belmont,  one  in  Indiana,  and  is  a 
surveyor  and  an  unusually  fine  mathematician. 
Sarah  never  married  and  resides  most  com- 
fortably at  Bethesda. 

Mr.  McNichols  was  rearecl  on  the  farm  and 
was  educated  in  the  common  schpols.  At  the 
age  of  22  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Nancy 
J.  Russell,  a daughter  of  Samuel  Russell ; she 
was  born  and  reared  in  this  vicinity,  a member 
of  one  of  the  oldest  families.  She  lived  to  the 
age  of  62  years,  dying  June  19,  1902,  a most 
estimable,  Christian  wife  and  mother.  The  nine 
living  children  of  our  subject  are:  Stephen, 

who  is  a traveling  salesman,  married  Laura 
White, has  one  son,  Myron,  and  resides  at  Mor- 
ristown ; Emma,  who  married  John  Murphy, 
a merchant  at  Bethesda,  and  has  these  chil- 
dren,— Viola,  Oscar,  Dorothy  and  Orville: 
Viola,  who  married  Lincoln  H.  Thrall,  who  is 
in  the  cigar  business  at  Bethesda,  and  they  have 
two  children, — Gail  and  Faye;  Frank,  who  is 
in  business  with  Mr.  Thrall,  married  Hattie 
Patterson  and  they  have  three  children, — 
Artie,  Gertrude  and  Myrtle ; Charles,  who  is  a 
farmer,  unmarried ; and  Ross,  Mary  Alice,  Jo- 
seph and  Ella,  who  are  at  home.  William 
died  at  the  age  of  21  years.  The  children 
are  attendants  at  the  Baptist  Church.  Mr. 
McNichols  has  always  been  generous  in  his 
support  of  all  moral  movements  and  religious 


^ I 


- s 


JACOB  HEATHERINGTON, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


735 


bodies,  but  he  has  never  formally  connected 
himself  with  any,  leaning  perhaps  to  the  sim- 
plicity of  belief  of  his  Quakeress  mother.  Since 
1867  he  has  been  connected  with  the  Masonic 
fraternity,  belonging  to  the  local  lodge  at 
Barnesville.  In  politics  he  has  been  a life- 
long Republican,  although  he  has  never  con- 
sented to  act  in  any  official  position. 

Mr.  McNichols  owns  180^  acres  of  land  in 
Goshen  township,  situated  in  sections  32  and 
26,  which  he  has  devoted  to  general  farming. 
Formerly  he  dealt  in  stock,  probably  for  27 
years,  during  13  of  which  he  was  in  partner- 
ship with  Silas  Bailey.  On  the  death  of  his 
father,  much  care  and  responsibility  devolved 
upon  him  and  for  quite  a period  he  was  en- 
gaged in  the  settling  of  the  estate.  Mr.  Mc- 
Nichols stands  before  his  fellow  citizens  as  a 
man  of  upright  character  and  peaceable  and 
useful  life,  and  is  held  in  universal  esteem. 


THE  HEATHERINGTON  EAMILY  has 
been  prominently  identified  with  the  coal  inter- 
ests of  Belmont  County,  especially  in  the  vi- 
cinity of  Bellaire,  for  a number  of  years,  and  it 
is  conspicuous  not  only  for  wealth  and  business 
activity,  but  also  for  its  public  spirit,  civic  use- 
fulness and  social  position. 

Jacob  Heatherington,  a most  highly  esteemed 
citizen  of  this  city,  and  the  father  of  Winfield 
Scott  Heatherington,  was  born  in  1814,  in 
England,  and  came  to  America  at  the  age  of 
14  years  with  his  parents  and  four  brothers,  the 
latter  locating  in  various  parts  of  the  country. 
Mr.  Heatherington  had  no  educational  ad- 
vantages in  his  youth.  He  followed  the  occu- 
pation of  “trapper”  in  the  mines  near  his  home 
in  the  north  of  England  prior  to  coming  to  the 
United  States.  His  father  located  at  West 
Wheeling,  Ohio,  and  there  conducted  a small 
coal  mine,  the  same  now  operated  by  the 
Brooks  Coal  Company.  Jacob  Heatherington 
came  to  Bellaire  while  still  young,  and  soon 
after  became  the  owner  of  a lot  of  eight  acres 
of  land,  and  on  that  tract  the  most  of  his  chil- 
dren were  born.  His  first  residence,  where 


three  of  the  children  were  born,  survived  the 
flood  of  1832,  and  the  second  building  stood 
through  the  flood  of  1852,  which  demolished 
so  much  river  property. 

In  these  early  days,  Mr.  Heatherington  was 
closely  associated  with  Captain  Eink,  and  at 
various  times  purchased  small  tracts  of  land  in 
the  valley  from  Eink,  which  yearly  increased  in 
value  and  are  now  largely  built  upon,  compris- 
ing a very  important  part  of  the  city  of  Bellaire. 

The  foundation  of  Mr.  Heatherington’s 
large  fortune  was  laid  in  working  in  the  coal 
mines,  and  in  this  connection,  notice  must  be 
made  of  an  humble  member  of  the  family 
known  as  “Jack.”  Inseparably  connected  with 
Mr.  Heatherington’s  early  and  arduous  labors 
was  the  little  black  mule  called  “Jack.”  As  he 
grew  old  and  died,  worn  out  through  44  years 
of  useful  service,  the  “side-partner,”  as  his  af- 
fectionate and  appreciative  master  denominated 
him,  was  given  burial  in  a quiet  and  shady  cor- 
ner of  the  estate,  while  the  members  of  the 
family  grieved  as  at  the  loss  of  a friend.  In 
recognition  of  a companion  who  never  failed 
him  in  days  of  adversity,  Mr.  Heatherington, 
in  erecting  his  palatial  mansion  in  this  city,  or- 
dered that  a graven  image  of  “Jack”  should 
adorn  the  keystone  over  its  front  door. 

Jacob  Heatherington  first  labored  in  the  coal 
mine  which  opens  near  the  present  residence  of 
Carl  L.  Dorer,  on  McMechen’s  Creek,  and  later 
opened  a mine  just  below  his  residence.  A 
few  years  after  he  opened  what  is  known  as 
Belmont  No.  i,  and  which  is  now  operated  by 
Albert  Heatherington,  the  son  of  the  former 
owner.  His  next  enterprise  was  the  opening 
up  of  Belmont  No.  2,  the  “River”  mine,  and 
this  was  operated  by  the  family  until  1899, 
when  it  was  sold  to  the  Empire  Coal  Com- 
pany, which  works  it  under  the  same  name. 
It  is  a most  valuable  property,  and  had  been 
operated  for  20  years  by  Winfield  Scott  Heath- 
erington and  Miss  Lyde  Heatherington,  daugh- 
ter of  the  late  Alexander  Heatherington  and 
niece  of  Jacob  Heatherington.  At  the  close  of 
the  Civil  War,  Mr.  Heatherington  made  a trip 
to  his  native  land  and  upon  his  return  brought 
with  him  a prominent  English  architect,  who 


73^ 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


planned  and  l)uilt  the  stately  home  in  South 
Bellaire,  at  a cost  of  $30,000.  This  home  is 
about  the  most  elaborate  residence  in  the  city. 
The  bricks  used  in  its  construction  were  burned 
upon  the  estate.  This  architect  while  in  Ohio 
was  engaged  to  erect  other  buildings,  the  capi- 
tol  at  Wheeling  being  an  example  of  his  archi- 
tecture. The  children  of  Jacob  Heatherington 
were  the  following;'  Melinda,  John,  Alexan- 
der, Hamden,  Martha,  Winfield  Scott,  Wil- 
bur, Oella,  who  died  in  1894;  Albert;  and 
Perky,  who  died  at  the  age  of  five  years.  Of 
these,  Melinda  died  young.  John  served  three 
years  in  the  Civil  War.  He  married  Amanda 
Waggoner  and  their  one  child,  Elmer  Ells- 
worth, is  deceased.  Alexander  died  in  1891, 
aged  about  54  years.  He  married  Elizabeth 
Jones,  a native  of  Belmont  County,  who  re- 
sides at  Bellaire.  Four  of  their  children  died 
young,  and  the  four  surviving  ones  are : Lyde, 
who  capably  carries  on  her  father's  business,  in 
association  with  her  uncle,  our  subject;  Flora, 
who  married  James  F.  DuBois,  a prominent 
citizen  of  Bellaire;  Jacob,  who  is  a clerk  in  Bel- 
laire; and  Edwin,  who  is  still  in  school.  Ham- 
den is  a veteran  of  the  Civil  War,  having 
served  four  years,  and  was  mustered  out  as 
captain;  in  1889,  he  removed  to  Noble  County, 
Ohio,  where  he  is  engaged  in  farming.  He 
married  Elizabeth  Penn,  a native  of  Belmont 
County,  and  their  one  son  and  three  daughters 
are  the  following:  Jacob,  who  is  married  and 
has  two  children,  lives  at  Newport  News,  Vir- 
ginia, where  he  is  a ship  carpenter,  in  the  em- 
ploy of  the  government ; Olie,  who  is  married, 
lives  at  Point  Pleasant,  West  Virginia;  Mabel, 
also  married,  lives  in  Indiana;  and  Nellie,  who 
is  a young  lady  at  home.  Martha  resides  at 
Bellaire.  Wilbur,  who  was  born  in  1849, 
about  1879,  leaving  his  widow  and  two  chil- 
dren,— Serena  and  Oella.  Albert,  who  is  mar- 
ired  and  resides  at  Bellaire,  has  two  sons,  Will- 
iam and  Jacob,  the  latter  of  whom  manages 
the  mine  known  as  Belmont  No.  i.  In  politics 
this  family  has  been  united  in  its  allegiance  to 
the  Republican  party.  With  the  exception  of 
John,  aU.  of  the  sons  and  father  have  been 
identified  with  either  the  Masonic  or  Odd  Fel- 


low fraternities.  The  Christian  Church  in  this 
section  was  largely  built  by  Jacob  Heathering- 
ton, and  the  family  membership  has  been  with 
that  religious  body  through  many  years. 

Jacob  Heatherington’s  wife  was  a most  esti- 
mable woman  and  a devout  member  of  the 
Christian  Church.  Her  demise  was  sadly 
mourned.  She  died  in  1896,  aged  about  80 
years. 

Winfield  Scott  Heatherington  was  born  near 
the  residence  of  his  father,  in  South  Bellaire, 
in  1847.  Tkt  that  time  his  father  owned  52 
acres  of  the  valuable  land  along  the  river,  about 
one-half  of  which  has  been  sold  to  the  railroads 
and  for  choice  residence  sites.  Mr.  Heather- 
ington has  operated  what  is  known  as  the 
“River”  mine,  as  noted  above,  his  duties  be- 
ing the  superintendence  of  the  outside  work, 
while  his  niece  manages  the  office.  Three  fine 
residences  are  in  course  of  construction,  several 
iDlocks  north  of  the  family  home.  They  are  be- 
ing built  by  our  subject,  his  brother,  John, 
and  Lyde,  his  niece.  Winfield  Scott  Heather- 
ington married  a daughter  of  Rudolph  Archer, 
deceased,  and  to  this  union  were  born  four  sons 
and  two  daughters,  namely : Howard,  who 

was  formerly  a miner,  but  now  a glass  worker, 
married  Eva  Harper,  has  one  child,  Eugene, 
and  resides  in  the  First  Ward;  Orlando,  who  is 
also  a glass  worker,  married  Miss  Rufer  and 
has  two  sons, — Raymond  and  Newell;  Maud, 
who  married  John  Rankin,  bookkeeper  for  the 
Delaplain  Dry  Goods  Company  of  Wheeling, 
resides  on  Wheeling  Island,  and  is  the  mother 
of  two  sons, — Chauncey  A.  and  Ralph  H. ; Al- 
bert, who  conducts  a large  gentlemen’s  furnish- 
ing business  in  Bellaire,  a member  of  the  firm 
of  Heatherington  & Archer,  married  Mary 
Buchanan,  and  they  have  one  dauhgter,  Mil- 
dred; Winfield  Scott,  Jr.,  who  is  the  master  of 
a vessel  and  pilot,  secured  his  license  on  the 
day  he  reached  his  majority,  being  the  young- 
est pilot  then  in  government  waters,  married 
Anna  Schramm,  and  they  have  one  daughter, 
Grace ; and  Martha,  the  youngest,  who  resides 
at  home. 

The  Heatherington  name  has  been  perpet- 
uated in  many  ways  in  Belmont  County,  and 


737 


AND  ^REPRESENT A TIVE^CITIZENS. 


has  long  been  familiar  in  many  circles,  most 
notably  in  a musical  organization,  known  as 
the  Heatherington  Band.  It  was  organized 
over  6o  years  ago  by  William  and  Jacob  Heath- 
erington, the  latter  being  at  that  time  the 
drummer.  Winfield  Scott  Heatherington  was 
elected  to  that  rank  while  still  too  small  to 
carry  his  drum,  and  later  conducted  the  band 
for  some  30  years,  being  an  expert  baritone 
player.  His  eldest  son  is  also  skilled  on  the 
same  instrument.  He  resigned  this  duty  to 
his  son  in  1887.  The  band  consists  of  24 
pieces  and  it  is  well  known  all  over  the 
county. 


JOSEPH  T.  HANES,  prominently  identi- 
fied with  the  insurance  and  real  estate  interests 
of  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  is  one  of  the  lead- 
ing business  men  of  Martin’s  Eerry  and  an 
honored  survivor  of  the  Civil  War.  Mr. 
Hanes  was  born  at  Martin’s  Eerry,  July  7, 
1839,  is  a son  of  James  and  Rebecca  (Had- 
sell)  Hanes,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of 
Ohio. 

James  Hanes  was  a brick  and  stone  contract- 
or and  was  born  in  1802.  He  was  reared  on 
a pioneer  farm  in  Belmont  County,  was  mar- 
ried in  1824,  and  then  settled  at  Burlington, 
which  is  the  oldest  town  in  this  county.  The 
house  is  still  standing,  which  was  the  family 
home  until  1835,  which  time  he  built  the 
first  dwelling  house  in  Martin’s  Ferry.  His 
house  and  an  old  warehouse  composed  Mar- 
tin’s Ferry  at  that  time.  Joseph  McCleary 
built  the  chimney  of  the  house.  He  later  be- 
came an  attorney  and  practiced  law  in  Martin’s 
Ferry  until  his  death.  This  house,  a two-story 
brick,  is  still  standing  on  the  corner  of  3rd  and 
Clay  streets,  in  a good  state  of  preservation. 
James  Hanes  was  a man  of  ability  and  rare 
judgment.  He  held  many  public  offices  and 
was  universally  respected.  He  traveled  all 
over  the  county  in  the  interests  of  Dodge’s 
patent  grate,  and  became  well  known  in  every 
neighborhood.  In  1846  he  commenced  a mar- 
ble business,  continuing  in  that  until  his  death. 
Many  of  his  monuments  may  be  noted  in  the 


cemeteries  through  Belmont  and  adjacent 
counties.  Mr.  Hanes  was  always  enthusiastic 
over  the  possibilities  of  Martin's  Ferry  as  a 
manufacturing  center,  and  its  later  develop- 
ment has  justified  his  claims,  although  he  was 
not  permitted  to  see  more  than  the  awakening 
of  its  commercial  activity.  His  death  took 
place  on  Christmas  Day,  1862,  at  the  time 
when  his  son,  our  subject,  was  marching  to 
the  battle  of  Stone  River,  which  was  fought 
on  January  2,  1863.  His  widow  survived 
until  July  13,  1889,  dying  at  the  age  of  87 
years.  She  had  been  a life-long  member  of 
the  Methodist  Church,  was  a real  “mother  in 
Israel,”  and  as  she  lived  immediatly  across 
the  street  from  the  church  building,  many  of 
the  class  meetings  and  social  organizations 
were  held  in  her  house.  There  the  itinerant 
preacher  always  found  a warm  welcome.  She 
was  a woman  of  much  fortitude,  of  most  love- 
ly, motherly,  Christian  character.  She  and 
her  husband  are  recalled  as  most  worthy  types 
of  the  Ohio  pioneers,  whose  sober  lives  did 
much  to  encourage  temperance  and  morality 
during  the  early  days.  Their  memories  will 
long  be  cherished. 

Joseph  T.  Hanes  was  the  sixth  member  of 
a family  of  eight  children  born  to  his  parents, 
the  others  being  as  follows:  Lucinda  R.,  born 
in  1827,  married  William  Edgington  and  lives 
at  Martin’s  Ferry;  Josephine  married  Daniel 
Long,  and  died  in  1898,  at  the  age  of  68,  a 
worthy  member  of  the  Methodist  Church ; 
Martha  has  always  remained  in  the  old  home, 
performing  household  duties,  writing  during 
the  war  the  welcome  letters,  and  living  the 
sweet,  quiet  existence  of  a pious  and  worthy 
woman;  Elizabeth  married  Wesley  A.  Jones, 
who  died,  a soldier,  in  the  hospital  at  Evans- 
ville, Indiana — her  daughter,  Estella,  is  the 
widow  of  Ephraim  Hanes;  Minerva  is  the 
widow  of  Alexander  Rose  and  resides  at  Fair- 
mont, West  Virginia;  Anna  E.,  who  married 
R.  C.  Melson.  lives  in  the  old  home;  James  C. 
is  a stove  molder  in  a foundry  at  Mansfield, 
Ohio. 

The  early  education  of  our  subject  was  nec- 
essarily obtained  in  the  school  house  of  his 


73^ 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


locality,  which  was  the  old  log  house  on  Lo- 
cust street,  between  2nd  and  3rd,  now  made 
use  of  by  a foundry  for  the  storage  of  flasks. 
In  1854  the  first  union  school  in  this  part  of 
the  State  was  built,  containing  eight  rooms,  lo- 
cated on  the  site  where  the  stately  Central 
School  building  now  stands.  The  latter  is  the 
third  school  building  erected  on  the  same  spot. 
At  the  time  of  the  building  of  the  union  school, 
our  subject  was  ready  for  high  school,  and  he 
continued  at  his  books  until  1857,  during  the 
winters ; his  summers  during  these  latter 
}-ears  were  employed  with  his  father  in 
the  marble  shop.  He  continued  to  work 
at  marble  cutting  until  1862,  when  he 
went  to  Pittsluirg  and  there  enlisted 
in  a regiment  of  heavy  artillery,  but  the 
regiment  proved  already  complete,  so  he  re- 
turned home  and  on  September  ii,  1862,  en- 
listed in  Company  G,  15th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol. 
Inf.,  nnd  soon  his  regiment  was  hurried  to  the 
front.  His  first  battle  was  at  Stone  River,  and 
on  the  first  day  the  regiment  was  surprised 
while  at  breakfast,  and  although  the  soldiers 
of  the  command  fought  bravely,  some  were 
captured,  several  were  killed  and  the  artillery 
was  captured,  our  subject  being  one  of  the 
prisoners  taken.  He  was  sent  to  Libby  Prison 
at  Richmond,  where  he  was  kept  two  months 
and  was  then  exchanged  and  joined  his  regi- 
ment at  Murfreesboro,  Tennessee.  He  escaped 
none  of  tbc  horrors  which  prevailed  at  the  in- 
famous Richmond  prison,  but  congratulated 
himself  that  it  lasted  but  two  long  months. 
From  April  until  June  15th,  the  regiment  re- 
mained near  Murfreesboro,  and  then  started  out 
on  the  Tullahoma  campaign.  Three  days  after 
General  Rosecrans  succeeded  in  outflanking 
General  Bragg,  and  during  the  summer  cam- 
paign of  1863,  Chattanooga  was  taken  and  the 
Lbiion  forces  remained  there  encamped  until 
September.  The  liattle  of  Chickamauga  took 
place  on  September  19th,  and  after  fighting 
through  that  terrible  Friday,  Saturday  and 
Sunday,  our  subject  was  again  taken  prisoner. 
The  facts  were  these : Darkness  fell  that  Sun- 
day night  while  fighting  was  still  going  on, 
and  the  hospitals  were  being  filled  with  the 


wounded  and  dying.  General  Rosecrans  and 
his  stafi  came  by  and  told  the  soldiers  of  the 
15th  Ohio  Regiment  that  they  were  within 
the  Union  lines  and  to  remain  there  and  care 
for  the  wounded.  No  duty  of  this  kind  would 
have  ever  been  disregarded  by  a man  of  our 
subject’s  character,  and  it  was  through  his 
devotion  that  he  was  captured.  He  gave  spe- 
cial attention  to  a mortally  wounded  captain 
and  carried  water  to  him,  a quarter  of  a mile, 
at  intervals  throughout  the  night.  In  the 
morning  he  found  himself  a captive.  He  was 
sent  to  Richmond  again,  from  there  to  Dan- 
ville, and  from  April  19th  to  November  20th, 
a period  of  seven  fearful  months,  he  was  kept 
at  the  Andersonville  pen.  Here,  Mr.  Hanes 
certifies,  they  usually  had  one  meal  a day,  con- 
sisting of  cake  made  from  cornmeal,  baked  on 
a board  before  the  fire,  with  a bit  of  bacon 
prepared  the  same  way.  The  food  and  prevail- 
ing conditions  gave  our  subject  a case  of  scur- 
vy. His  teeth  became  loose,  his  gums  black 
and  his  limbs  would  not  support  his  body. 
He  was  carried  on  a board  to  the  hospital,  and 
during  his  five  weeks  there  was  fed  on  rice. 
He  had  by  this  time  given  up  all  hope  of  re- 
turn and  really  wanted  to  die  and  be  out  of 
his  misery,  and  probably  would  have  suc- 
cumbed had  it  not  been  for  the  encouragement 
and  help  rendered  him  by  two  comrades  from 
Wheeling,  whose  names  he  gives  with  affec- 
tion, William  Phillips  and  Oliver  Stringer.  At 
last  came  the  day  of  his  exchange  and  he  was 
carried  out  of  the  prison  on  a board,  sent  to 
Savannah  and  there  was  fed  and  clothed.  From 
there  he  was  transferred  to  Annapolis,  where 
he  was  given  more  clothes  and  what  he  longed 
for,  a bath.  Just  before  the  holidays  he  neared 
home,  still  walking  with  a cane,  gaunt  and 
weak,  but  grateful  for  his  recovery  and  con- 
scious of  a faithful  performance  of  duty.  Just 
after  the  death  of  his  father  his  mother  felt 
the  need  of  her  son  to  such  an  extent  that  she 
asked  of  Cyrus  Mendenhall,  a friend,  to  apply 
to  his  friend.  Secretary  of  War  Edwin  M. 
Stanton,  for  a discharge  of  our  subject,  and 
the  letter  received  is  here  copied: 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


739 


Adjt.  Gen.  Office,  Washington,  Aug.  20,  1863. 

Cyrus  Mendenhall,  Sir : I have  the  honor  to  inform 
you  that  the  discharge  of  Joseph  T.  Hanes,  Co.  G, 
15th  Reg.,  O.  V.  I.,  has  been  ordered  by  this  department. 

I am,  sir, 

very  respectfully,  your  obt.  servant, 

Simon  Bercer, 
Asst.  Adjt.  Gen. 

The  colonel  of  our  subject’s  regiment  re- 
ceived a copy  of  the  above  at  the  time  the  bat- 
tle of  Chickamauga  was  pending,  and  this  short 
detention  of  the  order  brought  upon  Mr.  Hanes 
his  terrible  prison  experience,  its  starvation, 
hardship  and  impaired  health,  while  his  fath- 
er’s business  had  necessarily  suffered  such 
neglect  that  the  settling  of  his  estate  entailed 
months  of  extra  labor.  As  soon  as  possible, 
in  the  spring  of  1865,  our  subject  began  the 
settlement  of  the  estate,  and,  as  his  recovery 
progressed,  continued  the  business,  being  ac- 
tive in  it  until  1879.  He  still  owns  it,  al- 
though the  greater  part  of  his  attention  is  now 
eiven  to  his  large  real  estate  and  insurance 
interests. 

The  marriage  of  Mr.  Hanes  took  place  on 
February  ii,  1869,  to  Hannah  M.  Clyker,  a 
native  of  Wheeling,  and  a daughter  of  Ambert 
and  Hannah  Clyker,  both  of  whom  are  de- 
ceased. The  three  children  born  to  this  mar- 
riage are  : James  W.,  deceased;  Gertrude  C., 
who  married  Ellis  D.  Lash  and  resides  at  Mar- 
tin’s Ferry,  having  a family  of  two  children, 
Julia  M.  and  Joseph  H.;  and  Lyman  S.,  who 
married  Bessie  Douglas,  and  is  engaged  with 
his  father  in  business.  Both  our  subject  and 
his  wife  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church.  His  fraternal  connections  are  nu- 
merous and  of  a pleasant  nature,  being  a mem- 
ber of  the  blue  lodge,  F.  & A.  M. ; the  G.  A.  R. 
Post,  of  which  he  has  been  post  commander; 
I.  O.  O.  F. ; and  K.  of  P.  In  all  of  these  or- 
ganizations he  has  been  active  and  has  repre- 
sented them  in  their  higher  councils.  In  poli- 
tics he  is  a Republican  of  the  most  vigorous 
type.  In  1888,  with  Judge  Robert  H.  Coch- 
ran and  Col.  George  P.  Bissell,  he  started  into 
the  enterprise  of  building  up  the  Wheeling 
Terminal  Railway,  being  the  purchasing  agent 
for  right  of  waj'-  through  Martin’s  Ferry, 
bringing  the  work  to  a successful  termination 


and  paying  out  over  $100,000.  They  organized 
a company  for  the  Ohio  side  tunnel,  of  which 
our  subject  is  secretary  and  a director.  It  has 
been  absorbed  in  what  is  now  known  as  the 
Wheeling  Terminal  Company,  a strong  finan- 
cial corporation. 


J.  A.  GREEN,  one  of  the  foremost  business 
men  of  Bellaire,  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  gives 
the  greater  part  of  his  attention  to  his  grocery 
store,  where  he  handles  fresh  meat,  flour,  etc., 
and  a full  line  of  both  fancy  and  staple  grocer- 
ies. The  parents  of  our  subject  were  Samuel 
and  Elizabeth  (Cannon)  Green,  and  he  is  a 
grandson  of  “Little”  Henry  Green,  who  is 
well  remembered  as  one  of  the  earliest  resi- 
dents of  Belmont  county. 

Samuel  Green  and  his  estimable  wife  were 
born  and  reared  near  Captina  Creek,  and  died 
when  our  subject  was  still  a small  child,  his 
birth  having  taken  place  in  klonroe  County  in 
1857.  During  his  boyhood  he  had  only  the 
common  schools  from  which  to  gain  his  knowl- 
edge of  books  and  what  he  has  acquired  be- 
yond the  short  period  of  instruction  there, 
he  has  gained  through  his  own  efforts  and  he 
may  be  called  a self-made  man.  He  resided 
with  friends  at  Lewis’  Mills.  Ohio,  after  his 
parents’  death,  spending  three  years  in  this 
manner,  and  in  1872  went  to  Bellaire,  where 
his  home  has  been  ever  since. 

The  first  employment  J.  A.  Green  found 
upon  locating  in  Bellaire  was  that  of  clerk  in 
the  grocery  store  of  I.  L.  Fawcett,  who  is  still 
in  business  in  the  cit}-’  and  is  known  as  one  of 
the  oldest  grocers  in  Bellaire.  Becoming  fa- 
miliar with  the  business  and  store  while  he  was 
employed  as  clerk  there,  IMr.  Green  soon  de- 
cided to  embark  in  business  for  himself 
and  in  1885  he  opened  his  own  place  of 
business  to  the  public  at  Nos.  2111-13 
Belmont  street,  and  has  continued  to 
prosper  to  the  present  day.  He  has  re- 
modeled his  store,  making  it  double,  so  the 
dimensions  are  now  40  by  65  feet ; it  has  a steel 
ceiling,  is  provided  with  both  electric  lights 
and  fans,  and  under  the  supervision  of  our 


740 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


subject  is  a model  of  neatness  everywhere, 
with  the  wares  arranged  most  advantageously. 
Four  people  are  employed  to  conduct  affairs 
cjuickly  and  smoothly  and  Mr.  Green  is  active 
manager,  spending  most  of  his  time  there,  al- 
though interested  in  many  other  business  en- 
terprises. 

Mr.  Green  was  united  in  marriage  with  Su- 
san Wilson,  who  is  a daughter  of  N.  R.  Wil- 
son, residing  near  Belmont.  They  have  five 
children;  namely,  William  H.,  James  Earl,- 
Bertha,  Cora  Nell,  and  Flora  May,  and  live 
comfortably  in  their  residence  at  No.  2105  Bel- 
mont street,  which  is  very  conveniently  situated 
in  regard  to  the  store.  The  family  attended  di- 
vine services  at  the  M.  E.  .Church. 

In  politics  Mr.  Green  is  a Republican,  vot- 
ing the  straight  ticket  at  elections.  He  is  a di- 
rector of  the  Enterprise  Enamel  Company,  di- 
rector and  president  of  the  Belmont  Electric 
Light  & Power  Company,  and  a stockholder 
in  the  new  Imperial  Glass  Company.  By  his 
energ}^  careful  attention  to  small  details  and 
his  uniform  courtesy,  he  has  placed  himself 
upon  a popular  basis  with  the  purchasing  com- 
munity, which  has  led  to  his  success  in  busi- 
ness. 


JOHN  F.  CROSSLAND,  member  of  the 
firm  of  J.  F.  Crossland  & Company,  dealers 
in  pure  drugs,  medicines,  stationery,  wall 
paper,  toilet  articles,  fancy  goods  and  sun- 
dries, at  St.  Clairsville,  Ohio,  is  one  of  the 
enterprising  business  men  of  this  city. 

The  birth  of  Mr.  Crossland  took  place  in 
Washington  County,  Pennsylvania,  on  Janu- 
ary  3,  1862,  and  he  is  the  only  surviving  child 
of  George  W.  and  Mary  Crossland,  the  lat- 
ter of  whom  died  in  1863  when  but  21  years 
of  age.  George  W.  Crossland  has  been  an 
agriculturist  all  his  life,  formerly  in  Pennsyl- 
vania and  later  near  Belmont,  in  this  county, 
to  which  he  came  in  1868  and  where  he  still 
owns  valuable  farming  lands.  His  home  is 
now  in  St.  Clairsville,  and  in  March,  1902, 
he  passed  his  8ofh  birthday.  He  has  held 


many  offices  of  responsibility,  and  is  a leading 
member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  His 
second  marriage  was  to  Mary  Carter,  and  the 
two  surviving  children  of  this  union  are 
James  D.,  who  is  a druggist  and  resides  in 
St.  Clairsville,  and  Nettie,  who  is  the  wife  of 
Clark  Daniels,  also  a resident  of  this  city. 

John  F.  Crossland  of  this  sketch  was  edu- 
cated in  the  common  schools  of  Belmont  and 
acquired  his  pharmaceutical  education  in  the 
very  practical  way  of  handling  and  dispensing- 
drugs  while  he  studied  their  properties,  and 
to  such  good  effect  that  he  passed  the  rather 
severe  examination  of  the  State  Board  of 
Pharmacy  in  the  class  of  1884,  holding  a cer- 
tificate to  that  effect.  After  his  school  days 
he  entered  the  store  of  J.  McCaffrey  in  Bel- 
mont and  later  was  for  five  years  in  a clerical 
position  with  J.  B.  Hoge  at  St.  Clairsville, 
and  during  this  time  mastered  the  mysteries 
of  pills  and  potions.  In  1885  he  opened  a 
drug  store  in  St.  Clairsville  with  an  entirely 
new  and  most  attractive  stock,  and  his  busi- 
ness has  been  a prosperous  one  from  the 
start.  In  1892  the  original  firm  was  dis- 
solved and  a new  store  secured,  the  firm  name 
of  J.  F.  Crossland  & Company  being  con- 
tinued, but  this  store  was  destroyed  by  fire, 
January  26,  1899.  Three  days  later  business 
was  resumed  and  the  building  of  the  present 
commodious  structure  was  commenced.  The 
store  room  occupied  by  this  drug  firm  is  18 
by  72  feet  in  dimensions,  with  a basement 
where  facilities  are  found  for  storage,  and 
modern  methods  are  made  use  of  to  expedite 
business  and  exhibit  stock.  The  latter  is  of 
so  varied  a nature  and  of  so  large  an  amount 
that  the  business  done  is  almost  that  of  a de- 
partment store,  having  nearly  doubled  in 
quantity  from  that  done  prior  to  the  fire.  A 
business  that  amounts  to  from  $10,000  to 
$12,000  annually  in  a city  the  size  of  St. 
Clairsville  must  be  regarded  as  flourishing 
and  its  prospects  encouraging. 

This  modern  store  makes  a specialty  of  the 
careful  compounding:  of  prescriptions,  of 

fresh,  new  drugs.  Mrs.  J.  F.  Crossland  and 
Miss  Anna  W.  McBride  deserve  honorable 


I 

[ 


J.  MELVIN  RICHARDS. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


743 


mention  for  their  long  and  efficient  service 
in  our  subject’s  employ. 

Mr.  Crossland  was  married  on  June  27, 
1888,  to  Minnie  Harrison,  of  Bethesda,  Bel- 
mont County,  a daughter  of  William  H.  and 
Mary  Harrison,  of  that  place.  The  four 
children  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Crossland  are 
the  following:  Clare  L.;  Marguerite  and 
Marie,  twins,  and  John  F.,  Jr.,  who  died  in 
1902,  aged  II  months.  Both  our  sub- 
ject and  wife  belong  to  the  Methodist 
Church,  in  which  Mr.  Crossland  is  a steward. 
The  only  secret  organization  with  which  he 
has  ever  connected  himself  is  the  Modern 
W oodmen  of  America.  His  business  success 
must  be  credited  in  a great  measure  to  his 
untiring  efforts  to  please  the  public,  this 
being  as  laudable  in  business  as  in  private 
life. 


J.  MELVIN  RICHARDS,  secretary  and 
superintendent  of  the  Epworth  Park  Chatau- 
qua  Assembly,  at  Bethesda,  Ohio,  is  a leading 
and  representative  citizen  of  Belmont  County. 
Mr.  Richards  was  born  in  Wheeling  (West) 
Virginia,  October  7,  1834,  and  is  a son  of 
James  and  Mary  (Hurford)  Richards,  the 
former  of  whom  was  a native  of  Newton, 
Massachusetts,  and  the  latter  of  Pennsylvania. 

James  Richards  located  in  Wheeling  in  1821, 
in  his  15th  year,  at  a time  when  the  greater 
number  of  the  houses  were  of  log  construction 
and  there  were  neither  railroad  nor  steamboat 
transportation  facilities.  By  trade  he  was  a 
machinist  and  was  also  a natural  mechanic, 
filling  many  important  positions  in  the  grow- 
ing town.  Few  men  took  a more  active  inter- 
est in  the  fostering  of  the  Methodist  Church, 
and  he  was  the  organizer  of  at  least  three 
churches  of  that  denomination  in  the  vicinity 
of  Wheeling,  and  was  one  of  the  leading  mem- 
bers of  the  First  Methodist  Church  of  the  city, 
which  was  then  located  on  the  site  of  the  pres- 
ent 4th  street  edifice.  Believing  that  every 
member  should  have  a working  place  in  the 
church,  he  did  much  missionary  work,  his  ef- 
forts always  being  to  extend  the  influences  of 


religion  and  education.  His  death  occurred 
at  Wheeling,  in  1854,  at  the  age  of  48  years. 
His  widow  survived  him  a great  many  years, 
passing  away  in  May,  1902,  the  last  survivor 
of  the  old  First  hlethodist  Church  congrega- 
tion. Her  90  years  had  silvered  her  hair  and 
left  many  traces  of  advanced  age,  but  they 
had  not  quenched  her  interest  in  the  church 
which  had  been  to  her  such  a living  interest  in 
its  struggling  days.  But  a short  time  prior  to 
her  death,  she  sent  to  the  authorities  the  church 
data,  including  names  of  ministers  and  congre- 
gation, and  conditions  of  that  early  time,  and 
received  from  the  official  board  a letter  thank- 
ing her  for  her  valuable  additions  to  the  church 
history.  She  was  widely  known  as  “Aunt 
Polly  Richards,”  and  was  one  of  the  most 
valued  workers  as  long  as  physical  strength 
was  given  her.  Her  house  was  always  open 
to  the  itinerant  preachers  of  those  pioneer  days, 
and  multitudes  shared  the  hospitality  of  her 
home  and  enjoyed  the  fruits  of  her  Christian 
influence.  She  was  converted  in  )^outh  and 
filled  more  than  a half  century  with  her  best 
Christian  influences.  It  seemed  as  if  she  had 
a peculiar  fftness  for  all  lines  of  church  work 
on  account  of  a sympathetic  nature  and  a lov- 
ing heart.  In  a deepl}'  religious  and  happy 
home  seven  children  were  born,  the  subject 
of  this  sketch  being  the  eldest. 

J.  Melvin  Richards  obtained  an  excellent  ed- 
ucation in  the  public  schools  of  Wheeling,  and 
later  entered  into  an  establishment  to  learn 
the  trade  of  plumbing,  gas  fitting,  steam  fit- 
ting and  brass  work,  and  later  became  fore- 
man and  superintendent  of  the  shops  of  Dil- 
lon, Thompson  & Company,  remaining  with 
them  until  his  enlistment  for  service  in  the 
Civil  War. 

The  record  of  our  subject  during  the  con- 
tinuance of  the  war,  from  1862  until  he  was 
honorably  mustered  out  on  June  27,  1865,  de- 
serves even  more  extended  mention  than  can  be 
made  in  the  limits  of  a sketch  of  the  present 
description.  As  an  authentic  account  of  one 
of  the  most  gallant  survivors  of  the  War  of 
the  Rebellion,  we  take  the  liberty  of  herein 
inscribing  the  same  from  the  records  of  Bat- 


744 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


tery  D,  from  the  archives  on  file  in  Washing- 
ton, D.  C. 

“J-  Melvin  Richards  helped  to  organize,  and 
enlisted  as  a private  in.  Battery  D (Carlin’s 
Battery),  ist  West  Virginia  Light  Artillery, 
August  19,  1862.  Mustered  as  senior  2nd  lieu- 
tenant, August  20.  Promoted  ist  lieutenant, 
March  26,  1864.  Served  in  R.  R.  District, 
Department  of  tlie  Ohio,  with  Gen.  R.  H.  Mil- 
roy.  In  Middle  Department,  and  Department 
of  Upper  Potomac;  in  8th  Army  Corps;  in  De- 
partment of  West  Virginia;  and  in  Reserve 
Artillery  Department,  to  June,  1865. 

“Service — Expedition  on  Cheat  and  Alle- 
ghany Mountain  to  Crab  Bottom  and  Monte- 
rey; march  to  Beverly  and  Webster  on  special 
expedition;  on  duty  at  New  Creek;  expedition 
to  Petersburg,  Winchester  and  Strasbilrg,  Vir- 
ginia ; battle  of  Winchester  and  Carter’s 
Woods;  special  duty  at  Wheeling  and  New 
Creek  and  Hancock,  Maryland ; Gen.  Sigel’s 
expedition  in  the  Shenandoah  Valley  and  the 
battle  of  New  Market;  Hunter’s  expedition  to 
Lynchburg;  skirmish  at  Harrisonburg,  Vir- 
ginia; battle  of  Piedmont,  Virginia;  destruc- 
tion of  military  stores  at  Staunton,  Virginia; 
destruction  of  Military  Institute  at  Lexington, 
Virginia;  skirmishes  at  Otter  Creek,  Diamond 
Hill,  Liberty,  Buckhannon;  battle  of  Lynch- 
burg, Virginia ; operations  in  vicinity  of  Bu- 
fort’s  Gap  and  Mason’s  Creek,  and  on  detached 
duty,  by  section  and  battery,  a tvarious  stages 
of  the  war,  and  at  various  times  and  places  as 
the  exigencies  of  the  service  demanded. 

“ Made  prisoner  of  war  June  21,  1864;  im- 
prisoned at  Lynchburg,  Virginia ; Macon, 
Georgia ; Charleston,  South  Carolina  ( under 
fire)  ; Columbia,  South  Carolina ; Charlotte 
and  Goldsborough,  North  Carolina;  and,  after 
nearly  nine  months’  imprisonment  was  paroled 
at  Wilmington,  North  Carolina,  March,  1865. 
Honorably  mustered  out  June  27,  1865.” 

This  is  a record  of  which  our  subject,  fam- 
ily, friends  and  fellow-citizens  may  be  justly 
proud.  It  is  however  a difficult  matter  to  as- 
sociate the  present  dignified,  genial  and  active 
church  worker  with  the  gallant,  dashing  offi- 
cer, except  that  in  both  cases  may  be  recog- 


nized those  attributes  which  belong  to  true 
nol)ility  of  character, — self-possession,  energy, 
poise  and  perseverance  in  the  battle  for  the 
right. 

After  the  close  of  the  war,  our  subject  was 
one  of  those  remarkable  men  which  our  coun- 
try has  not  ceased  to  honor,  who  quietly  re- 
turned to  peaceful  avocations  and  took  up  the 
lines  temporarily  laid  down.  With  the  same 
firm  he  resumed  his  work  in  plumbing  and 
gas  and  steam  fitting,  becoming  a member  of 
the  firm  of  Dillon,  Thompson  & Company ; but 
he  soon  found  that  his  long  service,  with  its 
im]n'isonment,  had  made  inroads  upon  his 
health,  and  with  reluctance  on  both  sides  he 
severed  the  connections  of  years.  For  several 
succeeding  years  he  was  employed  in  the  gen- 
eral delivery  department  of  the  Wheeling  Post 
Office,  later  embarking  in  an  agency  business, 
in  which  he  remained  until  t888,  when  he  first 
became  interested  in  the  work  at  Bethesda, 
Ohio.  Although  he  came  here  first  for  a pe- 
riod of  rest,  he  soon  after  became  identified 
with  the  work  of  the  Epworth  Park  Assembly, 
resulting  in  his  engagement  as  superintendent, 
a position  he  has  acceptably  filled  for  the  past 
T2  years.  The  beautiful  grounds  of  the  Chau- 
tauqua Assembly,  with  the  attractive  improve- 
ments, have  during  this  time  been  under  his 
care  and  management,  and  as  a practical  work- 
man, he  has  planned  and  executed  with  an  eye 
to  the  most  efficiency  and  with  the  greatest 
economy,  and  the  result  is  one  of  the  mose  de- 
lightful retreats  in  Belmont  County. 

The  marriage  of  Mr.  Richards  took  place  in 
August,  1863,  to  Emeline  White,  of  Marshall 
County,  West  Virginia.  She  was  a woman 
of  Christian  virtue,  devoted  to  the  Methodist 
Church.  Pier  death  occurred  in  1879,  at  the 
age  of  45  years.  The  second  marriage  of  our 
subject  was  in  1893,  to  Sarah  Eliza  Baron,  of 
Bellaire,  Ohio,  a most  estimable,  educated,  cul- 
tured lady,  who  is  an  able  assistant  to  her  hus- 
band in  every  department  of  church  work  and 
the  promotion  of  the  intellectual  and  social  life 
of  the  Epworth  Park  Assembly.  Mr.  Richards 
is  gifted  with  a very  fine  voice  and  for  a score 
I of  years  was  connected  with  the  Methodist 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


745 


Church  choir  in  Wheeling.  The  two  children 
horn  to  our  subject  were  Olive  W.  and  Wilma 
B.,  the  former  of  whom  passed  away  in  her 
2 1 St  year  and  the  latter  at  the  age  of  seven 
years.  Fraternally,  Mr.  Richards  is  an  ad- 
vanced Odd  Fellow,  being  a past  grand  in  that 
order,  and  he  is  also  a valued  member  of  the 
Grand  Army  of  the  Republic.  Fie  had  been  a 
life-long  Republican  until  the  campaign  of 
1884,  since  which  date  he  has  voted  with  the 
Prohibition  party.  He  has  been  one  of  the 
greatest  factors  in  Bethesda’s  prosperity  and 
his  enthusiastic  spirit,  which  communicates  it- 
self to  others,  shows  he  is  just  as  much  in  his 
right  place  now  as  he  was  in  front  of  the  ene- 
my’s guns  in  the  “sixties.” 


J.  W.  PIPER,  M.  D.,  a physician  of  em- 
inence in  Belmont  County,  and  one  of  the  lead- 
ing and  representative  citizens  of  Bethesda, 
was  born  in  Belmont  County,  September  29, 
1841,  being  a son  of  John  and  Abigail  (Lin- 
der) Piper,  the  former  of  whom  was  born  in 
Pennsylvania,  and  tbe  latter  in  Belmont 
County. 

The  Piper  family  has  combined  German  and 
Scotch  ancestry  and  has  been  noted  for  its 
virility,  longevity,  and  devotion  to  the  tenets  of 
the  Methodist  Church.  John  Piper,  the  father 
of  Dr.  Piper,  was  born  May  23,  1805,  and 
died  December  24,  1863,  and  his  wife  was 
born  December  13,  1810  and  died  in  September, 
1892.  They  were  both  devoted  in  their  attach- 
ment to  the  Methodist  Church  and  carefully 
reared  their  large  family  to  obey  its  teachings. 
Mr.  Piper  came  to  Ohio  a young  man  and 
through  a long  and  exemplary  life  followed 
agricultural  pursuits.  They  reared  to  maturity 
a family  of  12  children,  consisting  of  seven 
sons  and  five  daughters.  The  names  of  these 
children  were  as  follows : Zenas,  who  resides 
in  Warnock,  Ohio,  and  follows  a meat  busi- 
ness ; Dr.  William,  who  practices  his  profession 
at  Bellaire;  Martha,  who  was  born  August  20, 
1833,  died  September  28,  1861 : Lucinda, 
who  married  Samuel  McKeen,  and  died  ih 


1890;  Marshall,  who  conducts  a boarding 
house  in  Bellaire;  Elizabeth,  who  married 
Thomas  C.  Stephenson,  was  born  November 
10,  1837,  and  died  September  13,  1884,  having 
been  a widow  since  the  Civil  War;  Leah,  who 
was  born  May  i,  1840,  and  died  June  13,  1869; 
J.  W.,  who  is  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Wil- 
son S.,  who  is  in  the  express  business,  and  re- 
sides in  Bellaire;  Nathaniel,  who  resides  on  a 
farm  near  Demos,  Ohio;  IMary  A.,  who  mar- 
ried David  Campbell,  and  resides  in  Kansas; 
and  Joseph,  born  Lebruary  20,  1850,  who  was 
killed  by  lightning  June  20,  1871. 

The  early  education  of  Dr.  Piper  was  ac- 
cjuired  in  the  public  schools  and  his  medical 
inclinations  were  encouraged  by  his  elder 
brother,  William,  with  whom  he  began  his 
study,  continuing  from  the  age  of  18  to  21 
years.  On  At:gust  28,  1862,  the  young  med- 
ical student  put  aside  his  books  and  ambitions 
for  a future  career,  and  enlisted  as  a private 
soldier  in  Company  L,  15th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol. 
Inf.  At  his  first  battle,  that  of  Stone  River, 
on  Wednesday,  December  31,  1862,  he  was 
* taken  prisoner  and  sent  first  to  Chattanooga, 
then  to  Atlanta,  later  to  Montgomery,  Ala- 
bama, and  thence  to  Richmond,  where  he  was 
confined  for  five  days  in  Libby  Prison,  which 
the  Doctor  says  were  just  four  and  one-half 
days  too  many  for  the  times  and  accommoda- 
tions. Being  paroled,  he  returned  home  and 
about  three  months  later  was  exchanged  and 
immediately  returned  to  his  regiment,  which 
was  then  at  Tullahoma,  Tennessee.  He  was 
then  overtaken  by  a sickness  which  confined 
him  to  a hospital  for  five  months  and  when  he 
had  sufficiently  recovered  he  was  transferred 
to  the  invalid  corps  (Veteran  Reserve  Corps) 
at  Louisville,  Kentucky,  and  remained  with 
that  from  December,  1863,  to  September,  1865, 
when  his  term  of  three  years  expired.  As  the 
war  was  then  closing,  our  subject  felt  at  lib- 
erty to  look  to  his  personal  interests  and  began 
a practice  of  medicine  in  Bethesda,  in  which 
he  has  ever  since  continued.  Later  he  gradu- 
ated from  the  Ohio  Medical  College,  at  Cincin- 
j nati,  in  the  class  of  1872.  His  continuous 
practice  covers  some  37  years  and  during  this 


746 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


time  his  medical  and  surgical  skill  has  been 
shown  on  many  occasions.  He  has  been  exam- 
ining surgeon  for  many  insurance  companies, 
is  a member  of  the  Ohio  Medical  Society,  has 
long  been  regarded  as  one  of  the  leading  men 
in  his  profession  in  this  locality,  and  for  many 
years  he  has  served  on  the  School  Board  and 
has  advocated  all  worthy  enterprises  in  his 
community. 

Dr.  Piper  was  married  March  3,  1866,  to 
Emma  Vanfossen,  a native  of  Goshen  town- 
ship, Belmont  County,  a daughter  of  George 
Vanfossen,  who  is  an  esteemed  member  of  the 
Christian  Church,  in  Bethesda.  Mrs.  Vanfos- 
sen died  at  the  age  of  57  years,  having  been  a 
lifelong  member  of  the  Baptist  Church.  The 
children  born  to  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Piper  are  the 
following:  Lewis  U.,  a resident  of  Bethesda, 

married  Laura  B.  Brown,  and  has  three  chil- 
dren,— AVillard,  Grace  and  Meta ; Ada  M.,  who 
married  H.  F.  Holden  of  Bethesda,  has  two 
children ; Josephine  L.,  who  married  Dr.  E.  W. 
Turner,  resides  in  Laurelville,  Hocking  Coun- 
ty, Ohio ; and  Laura  B.  and  Pearl  A.,  who  are 
still  at  home.  Dr.  Piper  is  a man  of  character, 
strong  in  his  beliefs  and  principles,  and  is  dis- 
trict steward  in  the  Methodist  Church,  of 
which  his  family,  even  to  the  grandchildren, 
are  members.  His  political  affiliation  is  with 
the  Republican  party. 


JAMES  \N . MARTIN,  county  commis- 
sioner of  Belmont  County  and  one  of  the 
county’s  most  substantial  and  representative 
citizens,  descends  from  an  old  and  honorable 
Ohio  family.  His  birtli  took  place  on  Novem- 
ber 2.  1856,  on  his  father’s  farm  in  Goshen 
township,  this  county,  lieing  a son  of  Amos  G. 
and  Mary  A.  (White)  Martin. 

The  Martins  were  established  in  Belmont 
County  hy  Isaac  Martin,  who  came  from  his 
native  Pennsylvania  at  an  early  day,  and  with 
other  meml)ers  of  the  Society  of  Friends  set- 
tled on  Bend  Fork.  Later  he  sold  his  prop- 
erty there  and  removed  to  Stumptown,  where 
he  followed  farming,  and  died  at  Hocking, 


Washington  County,  Ohio,  about  50  years 
ago.  His  wife  was  Martha  Wilson,  who  was 
also  born  in  Pennsylvania,  and  her  death  took 
place  at  Hocking.  They  reared  seven  chil- 
dren, viz. : Martha,  Rebecca,  Sarah,  Thomas, 

Samuel,  Amos  G.  and  William,  all  of  whom  be- 
came residents  of  Belmont  County. 

Amos  G.  Martin  was  born  in  Belmont 
County  and  in  early  years  followed  the  trade 
of  cooper,  but  after  his  marriage  and  location 
in  Goshen  township  he  engaged  in  farming. 
Fie  was  an  intelligent  and  reliable  man  who 
was  frec^uently  called  upon  to  serve  in  town- 
ship offices,  supported  the  Republican  party  in 
politics,  and  his  death  at  the  age  of  55  years, 
on  January  5,  1875,  removed  from  the  local- 
ity one  of  the  best  citizens.  The  mother  of  our 
subject  was  Mary  A.  White,  who  was  born  in 
1824,  in  Belmont  County,  and  died  in  Jan- 
uary, 1862.  She  was  a daughter  of  James 
and  Mary  White,  the  former  of  Avhom  was  an 
early  pioneer  of  the  county  and  became  one  of 
its  prominent  and  successful  men.  The  old 
White  mansion  home,  now  about  100  years 
old,  still  stands,  and  is  located  about  one-quar- 
ter mile  from  Mr.  Martin’s  present  home,  the 
farm  belonging  to  him,  as  do  also  the  home- 
steads of  his  parents  and  grandparents.  Mr. 
Mdiite  was  a success  both  in  farming  and  in 
horse  breeding  and  for  years  was  a leading 
citizen.  A family  of  five  children  was  born 
to  the  parents  of  our  subject,  namely : Martha 
A.  married  S.  S.  Lingo,  a farmer,  and  they 
moved  to  Southern  Iowa,  where  she  died,  leav- 
ing four  children, — Walter,  Ernest,  Mabel 
and  Otis;  Mary  E.  in  1876  married  C.  O. 
Mead  and  they  moved  to  Iowa,  where  she  died 
in  March,  1880, — Mr.  Mead  now  resides  in 
Nebraska;  Laura  E.  died  in  this  county  on 
February  7,  1887,  unmarried;  James  W. ; A. 

G. ,  a cigar  manufacturer  at  Bethesda,  mar- 
ried Clara  B.  Hunt,  who  died  December  20, 
1901,  leaving  three  children, — Golde,  Charles 

H.  and  Mattie  Jewell. 

Belmont  County  has  been  the  chosen  home 
of  James  W.  Martin,  all  his  early  associations 
being  connected  with  Goshen  township.  After 
completing  the  common  school  course  he  went 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


747 


to  Wheeling,  where  he  took  a course  at  the 
Wheeling  Business  College,  graduating  in 
March,  1880.  Owning  so  large  an  acreage  of 
land,  his  farming  and  stock  raising  has  been 
on  a rather  extensive  scale;  in  former  years 
he  gave  much  attention  to  sheep  raising.  In 
Goshen  township  his  farm  contains  225  acres 
and  he  also  owns  40  acres  adjoining  the  town 
of  Bethesda  where  he  has  already  laid  out  one 
addition  and  sold  lots,  this  beautiful  little  town 
attracting  buyers  of  homes  from  all  over  the 
State. 

Although  a good  farmer  and  a fine  man  of 
business,  Mr.  Martin  is  probably  better  known 
in  the  county  on  account  of  his  prominence  in 
politics.  In  the  spring  of  1880  he  was  elected 
a justice  of  the  peace,  when  but  22  years  of 
age,  and  he  was,  no  doubt,  the  youngest  in  the 
State,  and  he  served  with  great  acceptability 
for  three  terms,  or  nine  years,  and  has  served 
ever  since  that  time,  continuously,  as  notary 
public.  For  some  years  he  was  the  popular 
postmaster,  and  his  late  election  as  county 
commissioner  not  only  testifies  to  the  valuation 
in  which  he  is  held  by  his  party,  but  also  is  a 
matter  of  congratulation  to  his  many  friends 
who  know  his  eminent  fitness  for  public  life. 
From  1880  to  1883,  with  Joseph  G.  Bolon,  he 
was  engaged  in  a mercantile  business  at  Hun- 
ter, and  during  this  time  was  the  Republican 
appointee  to  the  office  of  postmaster. 

On  November  8,  1884,  Mr.  Martin  was 
married  to  Roxy  L.  Langle,  who  was  born 
November  14,  1858,  in  Belmont  County,  and 
is  a daughter  of  Abraham  and  Sidney  A. 
(Wilson)  Langle,  the  former  of  whom  was 
born  in  Pennsylvania,  and  the  latter  in  Ohio. 
Mr.  Langle  died  in  1891,  aged  about  90  years; 
his  widow  still  survives  and  lives  in  Goshen 
township  at  the  age  of  68  years.  Mrs.  Mar- 
tin was  the  third  member  of  her  parents’  fam- 
ily, the  others  being  as  follows:  Isaac  H., 

who  is  a farmer  in  Arkansas,  married  Lizzie 
Gooderich  and  they  have  four  children, — 
Grover,  AVilliam,  Mace  and  Clara ; Theodore 
F.,  who  married  Mary  Grooms,  died  in  1902, 
his  wife  being  also  deceased,  their  son,  How- 
ard, living  with  his  grandfather  Grooms; 


Mary  F. ; Elsie  A. ; and  William  E.,  who  mar- 
ried Rachel  A.  Moore  .^of  Hunter. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Martin  lost  an  unnamed  in- 
fant, their  three  surviving  children  being:  Nel- 
lie L.,  born  September  12,  1884;  Corwin  A., 
born  March  12,  1889;  and  Hillis  Ernest,  born 
April  19,  1902.  Warren  J.,  born  September 
12,  1900,  died  June  20,  1901.  Mrs.  Martin 
and  her  daughter  both  belong  to  the  Baptist 
Church. 


WILLIAM  STANTON,  one  of  Belmont 
County’s  enterprising  citizens,  is  a representa- 
tive of  a family  which  can  trace  an  ancestry  as 
far  back  in  the  past  as  1600,  but  is  a man  who 
requires  no  such  lineage  to  assure  him  the 
respect  and  esteem  of  his  fellow-citizens  in  and 
around  the  pleasant  village  of  Tacoma.  As 
postmaster,  farmer  and  man  of  large  business 
interests,  he  receives  consideration,  while  his 
estimable  character  as  a private  citizen  brings 
him  the  confidence  and  friendship  of  those 
with  whom  he  comes  into  contact. 

Henry  Stanton,  the  paternal  grandfather  of 
William,  was  born  in  North  Carolina,  and 
in  youth  accompanied  his  mother  to  Ohio, 
passing  the  remainder  of  his  life  here.  His  son 
Joseph  Stanton,  the  father  of  William,  was 
born  near  Mount  Pleasant,  Ohio,  in  1812,  and 
died  in  1859.  He  married  Mary,  a daughter 
of  S.  and  Elizabeth  Hodgin,  natives  of  Georgia 
and  residents  of  Belmont  County,  Ohio.  Their 
children  were  the  following:  William,  of  this 

sketch;  Eli,  deceased;  Anna,  the  wife  of  Nath- 
an Bundy ; Eunice,  deceased ; and  Elizabeth, 
the  wife  of  L.  P.  Bailey. 

William  Stanton  was  born  September  15, 
1839,  iiiAVarren  township  and  was  reared  on  his 
father’s  farm  and  was  educated  at  the  Friends’ 
Boarding  School,  at  Mount  Pleasant.  In  1864 
he  was  united  in  marriage  with  Jane  S.  Davis, 
daughter  of  Francis  and  Mary  Davis,  both  na- 
tives of  Ohio.  The  ten  children  of  this  union 
were  named  as  follows:  Eva  T..  Mary  D.,  de- 
ceased; Joseph  E. ; Francis  AAh,  deceased;  John 
L.,  deceased;  Elwood  D. ; Anna  C. ; Edna  M. 
and  Ellen  D.,  twins;  AAhlliam  Macy. 


748 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


In  1867,  together  with  W.  K.  Tipton,  our 
subject  settled  two  miles  east  of  Barnesville, 
on  the  line  of  the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad, 
and  in  1871  engaged  in  the  nursery  business, 
occupying  25  acres-  of  land,  erecting  here  a 
greenhouse  22  l)y  40  feet  in  dimensions,  and  an 
additional  67  acres  which  was  partially  set  out 
in  orchard.  This  land  is  situated  in  the  north- 
west corner  of  section  4.  This  business  con- 
tinued from  1871  until  1873,  when  our  subject 
bought  Mr.  d'ipton’s  interest  and  has  since  then 
operated  the  nursery  and  greenhouse  alone. 
His  careful  attention  and  wise  and  judicious 
experimenting  and  cultivation  have  resulted  in 
a prosperity  which  has  made  him  one  of  the 
leading  fruit  growers  of  the  county.  In  1894 
Mr.  Stanton  was  one  of  the  organizers  of  a 
company  which  erected  a creamery  on  a tract 
of  his  land,  on  section  10,  a two-story  frame 
house,  with  a modern  dairy  attached.  Since 
that  time  Mr.  Stanton  has  gradually  bought  all 
the  stock  of  the  company  with  the  exception  of 
one-seventh,  and  is  practically  its  sole  owner. 
It  was  through  the  influence  of  Mr.  Stanton 
that  a post  office  was  established  at  this  point  in 
February,  1887,  bv  President  Cleveland,  and 
on  March  15th  following  our  subject  took 
charge. 

IMr.  Stanton  is  one  of  the  leading  citizens  in 
his  locality.  With  his  family  he  attends  the 
Friends’  Meeting,  to  which  religious  body  his 
family  has  long  belonged.  He  has  never  had 
any  political  aspirations,  preferring  a life  de- 
voted to  congenial  business  enterprises. 


ELISHA  A.  IMOBERLY,  whose  fine  farm 
and  comfortable  home  attracts  general  attention 
and  favorable  comment  from  the  traveler 
through  Smith  township,  Belmont  County,  is 
one  of  the  practical  and  successful  farmers  and 
stock  raisers  of  his  locality.  The  farm  is  one 
which  has  been  in  the  possession  of  the  Mo- 
herly  famly  for  several  generations,  the  grand- 
parents of  Elisha  A.  settling  in  Smith  town- 
ship when  it  was  an  almost  unbroken 
wilderness.  They  were  real  pioneers,  coming 


to  Ohio  from  Virginia,  sturdy  and  stout  of 
heart.  It  is  related  of  the  brave  grandmother 
that  she,  with  two  little  children,  remained 
alone  in  the  wilderness  while  her  husband  cul- 
tivated the  field  of  corn  for  their  sustenance, 
many  miles  away.-  These  courageous  ances- 
tors have  long  since  passed  away,  together 
with  their  children,  but  their  grandchildren 
enjoy  the  results  of  their  energy. 

Elisha  A.  Moberly  was  born  in  1841  and 
was  reared  in  Smith  township.  He  is  a son 
of  Reason  and  Julia  Ann  (Arvin)  Moberly, 
the  former  of  whom  was  born  in  Virginia,  in 
18 1 1 and  was  brought  a child  of  two  years  to 
Belmont  County  by  his  parents,  John  and 
Lucy  Moberly.  John  Moberly  located  first  in 
1813  in  Pultney  Bottom,  near  Bellaire,  moved 
then  to  Licking  County,  but  soon  returned  to 
Belmont  County,  settling  first  in  Richland 
township,  but  in  1816  entering  a farm  of  80 
acres  in  Smith  township,  in  section  19.  His 
brother  Thomas  also  took  up  80  acres  and  our 
subject  now  owns  120  acres  of  the  160-acre 
tract. 

Reason  Moberly,  the  father  of  Elisha  A., 
was  one  of  seven  children,  and  the  eldest  of 
the  family,  the  others  being:  William, 

Rebecca,  Catherine,  the  wife  of  Cornelius 
Barkis;  Joshua,  John  and  Lucinda.  In  1839 
he  was  united  in  marriage  with  Julia  Ann 
Arvin,  who  was  born  in  1814,  a daughter  of 
Elisha  Arvin,  and  came  with  her  mother  and 
half-brother  to  Belmont  County  in  1826.  The 
other  members  of  her  family  have  all  passed 
away  and  her  death  took  place  in  1875  within 
two  weeks  of  that  of  her  husband.  They  left 
a family  of  five  children,  as  follows : John 

W.,  who  is  a carpenter  in  Harvey  County, 
Kansas ; Elisha  A. ; Henrietta,  who  lives  on 
the  home  place  in  Smith  township;  Henry, 
who  lived  on  a part  of  the  old  farm,  died  in 
1901 ; and  Lucy,  who  resides  on  the  old  farm. 
Joshua  H.  died  in  infancy. 

Mr.  Moberly  has  resided  on  the  old  farm 
practically  all  his  life,  engaged  in  general 
farming  and  stock  raising,  and  owns  210  acres. 
One  valuable  farm,  located  east  of  the  one  he 
occupies,  is  owned  by  him  in  partnership  with 


a; 


t,  ' . 

ij  -.  ■■  K/.'Vi;  -' ‘ ‘ j,-,  = 


MORGAN  PUGH, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


751 


his  sisters.  He  has  taken  an  interested  part  in 
township  politics,  voting  the  Republican  ticket. 
In  1865  he  married  Eliza  Jane  McGaughy, 
born  in  1838  in  Smith  township,  the  eldest  of 
five  children  of  Cyrus  McGaughy,  the  others 
being:  William,  who  died  in  infancy;  Sarah, 

Mrs.  Daniel  Myers,  living  near  Kelsey  station; 
Thomas,  residing  at  the  old  farm,  and  Mary 
Sabina,  deceased,  who  was  the  wife  of  Wil- 
liam Clifford.  The  one  child  born  our  sub- 
ject and  wife  is  Thomas  H.,  born  in  1868,  who 
married  Elizabeth  J.  Warnock,  daughter  of 
Lawson  Warnock  of  Smith  township, — they 
reside  in  the  old  home.  The  religious  connec- 
tion of  the  family  is  with  the  Concord  Pres- 
byterian Church.  They  are  people  of  sub- 
stance and  prominence  in  Smith  township. 


MORGAN  PUGH,  a member  of  one  of  the 
most  prominent  old  families  of  Washington 
township,  Belmont  County,  was  born  on  his 
present  farm,  June  3,  1832,  and  is  a son  of 
Samuel  and  Sarah  (Pittman)  Pugh,  and  a 
grandson  of  Jesse  Pugh. 

Jesse  Pugh  was  of  Scotch-Irish  ancestry, 
and  was  born  in  Loudoun  County,  Virginia, 
whence  he  came,  about  1800,  to  Belmont 
County,  Ohio.  He  cleared  a large  tract  of  land 
at  the  mouth  of  Pea  Vine  Creek,  and  found- 
ed a family  which  later  became  so  numerous 
in  the  vicinity  that  it  gave  the  name  to  Pugh 
Ridge.  Here  Jesse  Pugh  died,  having  reared 
these  children ; John,  Morgan,  David,  Sam- 
uel, Elizabeth  and  Sarah,  all  of  whom  have 
passed  out  of  life. 

Samuel  Pugh,  the  fourth  son  of  Jesse,  was 
born  July  3,  1804,  in  York  township,  Belmont 
County,  and  died  during  the  Civil  War.  His 
wife,  Sarah  (Pittman)  Pugh,  was  born  May 
3,  1811,  and  died  March  21,  1875.  She  Avas 
a daughter  of  Jacob  Pittman  and  was  born  in 
Monroe  County,  Ohio.  They  were  parents  of 
the  following  children  : Edwin,  Edward,  Mor- 
gan, Melinda,  Gordon,  Samuel,  Rebecca  Jane, 
Sarah  Ann,  Helen,  Clarissa,  Louisa,  Elizabeth, 
Matilda,  Thomas  J.  and  Lovina  E.  Edwin, 


who  was  born  October  8,  1830,  resides  in  Mis- 
souri. Edward,  the  twin  of  Edwin,  died  Octo- 
ber 3,  1838.  Melinda,  who  is  deceased,  was 
born  October  7,  1833.  Gordon,  who  was  born 
Eebruary  15,  1835,  resides  in  Beallsville,  Mon- 
roe County,  and  still  owns  land  on  Pugh  Ridge 
in  Washington  township,  this  county.  Samuel, 
who  was  born  July  27,  1837,  resides  in  Iowa. 
.Rebecca  Jane,  Avho  was  born  Eebruary  9,  1839, 
died  in  1900,  in  Virginia.  Sarah  Ann,  who 
was  born  November  3,  1840,  married  J.  S. 
Davis,  and  they  reside  in  the  vicinity  of  the  old 
home.  Llelen,  who  was  born  January  28, 
1842,  married  John  E.  McWilliams,  and  re- 
sides in  West  Virginia.  Clarissa,  who  was 
born  September  8,  1843,  October  13, 

1844.  Louisa,  who  Avas  born  May  8,  1845, 
died  May  7,  1846.  Elizabeth,  Avho  Avas 
born  January  27,  1847,  married  Jason  D. 
Hendershot  of  Washington  tOAvnship.  Matil- 
da, who  Avas  born  January  9,  1849,  died  March 
8,  1851.  Thomas  J.,  Avho  Avas  born  in  1852,  re- 
sides on  the  home  farm  in  Washington  toAvn- 
ship.  He  married  Susan  Ruble,  avIio  Avas  born 
May  21,  1858,  and  is- a daughter  of  Daniel 
Ruble,  a pioneer  of  York  tOAvnship,  and  they 
have  these  children, — Mary  Blanche,  Ira  Ross, 
Zella,  Leah  Alice  and  Carrie  Bell.  Lovina  E., 
AA'ho  Avas  born  Eebruary  8,  1855,  is  the  Avife 
of  Abraham  Workman,  and  resides  in  West 
Virginia.  Samuel  Pugh  made  his  home  on 
Pugh  Ridge  and  at  the  time  of  his  death  OAvned 
600  acres  of  land,  Avhich  became  the  property 
of  his  children. 

Morgan  Pugh  Avas  reared  and  obtained  his 
education  in  Washington  tOAvnship.  This  fer- 
tile part  of  Belmont  Count}^  has  ahvays  been 
his  home  and  here  he  oaviis  a quarter  section 
of  Avell-improA^ed  land,  deA^oting  his  energies  to 
general  farming  and  stock  raising.  Being  a 
man  of  practical  ideas  and  excellent  business 
capacity,  he  has  prospered  and  is  justl}^  regard- 
ed as  being  one  of  the  solid  men  of  the  tOAvn- 
ship. 

In  1857  our  subject  Avas  united  in  marriage 
Avith  Hannah  Noffsinger,  a daughter  of  John 
Noff singer,  of  Belmont  County,  and  they  had 
one  son,  Cadmus,  Avho  died  in  infancy.  In 


752 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


politics,  Mr.  Pugh  is  a Democrat,  and  has 
served  as  school  director  very  acceptably.  Fra- 
ternally, he  belongs  to  the  lodge  of  Odd  Fel- 
lows, formerly  of  Armstrong’s  Mills.  Re- 
ligiously, he  favors  the  Christian  Church. 


THOMAS  W.  BRANSON,  superintend- 
ent and  manager  of  the  Belmont  County  Chil- 
dren’s Flome,  which  is  located  near  Barnes- 
ville,  Ohio,  is  conceded  to  be  the  most 
thorough  and  competent  manager  that  insti- 
tution has  ever  had.  Mr.  Branson  was  born 
October  29,  1854,  in  Brownsville,  Pennsyl- 
vania, and  he  is  a son  of  Aaron  and  Frances 
(Crawford)  Branson,  whose  family  consisted 
of  six  children.  Our  subject’s  fatherwasborn 
in  Flushing  township,  Belmont  County, 
Ohio,  April  4,  1811,  and  he  was  a son  of 
Jacob  Branson,  Sr.  Aaron  Branson  during 
his  active  life  was  largely  engaged  in  the 
manufacture  of  implements.  He  died  in 
1876,  and  was  survived  by  his  widow  until 
March  25,  1887.  She  was  a daughter  of 
Richard  and  Priscilla  Crawford. 

Thomas  W.  Branson  was  reared  and  edu- 
cated mainly  in  Flushing  township.  When 
grown  to  manhood  he  followed  the  fortunes 
of  a stationary  engineer  until  1886.  He  then 
engaged  in  the  hardware  business  in  Barnes- 
ville,  which  occupied  his  attention  until  1896. 
May  I,  1895,  he  was  appointed  superintend- 
ent and  manager  of  the  Belmont  County 
Children’s  Flome,  and  by  his  adaptabilit}- 
and  fitness  for  the  place  he  has  been  retained 
ever  since.  This  institution  is  supported  by 
the  county,  and  is  one  of  the  best  managed 
concerns  of  its  kind  in  the  State.  An  ex- 
tensive history  of  the  Flome  appears  in 
a different  part  of  this  volume. 

About  32  children  are  inmates  at  the  pres- 
ent time  and  are  under  the  direct  super- 
vision of  our  subject,  whose  personal  atten- 
tion is  given  to  even  the  small  details  con- 
nected with  the  care  and  comfort  of  those 
in  his  charge.  Being  of  a kind  and  cheerful 
disposition,  he  has  not  only  made  a good 


guardian  for  the  otherwise  homeless  waifs, 
but  is  also  their  faithful  friend,  while  at  the 
same  time  he  curtails  all  unnecessary  ex- 
pense, practicing  economy  in  every  possible 
way.  The  trustees  of  the  institution  should 
consider  themselves  fortunate  in  securing  the 
services  of  a man  who  is  naturally  so  well 
qualified  and  adapted  to  fill  the  place,  and 
his  retention  from  year  to  year  attests  their 
entire  satisfaction  and  appreciation  of  his 
efforts. 

On  the  first  day  of  June,  1882,  Mr.  Bran- 
son married  Rebecca  Patton,  an  accom- 
plished daughter  of  Dr.  Patton,  who  for 
many  years  was  a leading  physician  and 
surgeon  of  New  Athens,  Ohio.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Branson  have  reared  one  son,  Ernest 
P.,  who  was  born  June  14,  1883.  The  family 
are  faithful  attendants  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church.  Fraternally,  our  subject  affiliates 
with  the  Knights  of  Pythias.  In  politics  he 
is  a stanch  Republican,  but  has  never 
sought  office,  being  obliged  to  give  his  time 
to  the  wants  and  care  of  the  inmates  of  the 
Home.  He  is  a man  of  sterling  integrity  and 
good  principles,  and  has  attained  success  by 
his  own  endeavors. 


OLIVER  C.  PARKER,  one  of  the  well- 
known  and  substantial  men  of  Belmont  Coun- 
ty, Ohio,  has  for  many  years  been  identified 
with  farming  and  stock  interests,  and  now 
finds  a pleasant  home,  retired  from  activity,  in 
the  prosperous  city  of  Martin’s  Eerry. 

The  birth  of  Mr.  Parker  occurred  on  March 
24,  1829,  in  Pease  township,  Belmont  County, 
Ohio,  a son  of  Joseph  and  Mary  (Judkins) 
Parker,  l^oth  of  whom  were  born  in  North- 
ampton County,  North  Carolina,  where  they 
were  married. 

The  Parker  family  is  of  Welsh  origin,  and 
Grandfather  Jacob  Parker  was  an  example 
of  the  best  type  of  that  thrifty  and  energetic 
people.  In  1805  the  parents  of  our  subject  left 
their  North  Carolina  farm,  with  ox-cart  and 
household  belongings,  and  became  pioneers 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


753 


in  Ohio.  For  a time  they  lingered  in  Jefferson 
County,  but  later  located  in  Belmont  County, 
where  Joseph  Parker  rented  land  for  14 
years  and  then  bought  100  acres.  Our  subject 
now  owns  all  but  14  acres  of  the  original  farm. 
From  the  Giffen  estate  Oliver  C.  Parker  pur- 
chased 23 J4  acres,  making  in  all  a total  of 
109J4  acres,  underlaid  with  the  Pittsburg  or 
No.  8 vein  of  coal,  which  is  sold.  Joseph  Parker 
was  born  in  1778  and  died  in  April,  1855,  hav- 
ing always  been  numbered  among  the  useful 
citizens  of  the  county.  The  mother  of  our  sub- 
ject was  born  in  1787  and  died  in  April,  1871. 
She  was  a daughter  of  James  and  IMartha 
(Stanton)  Judkins,  through  her  mother  being 
related  to  the  great  Secretary  of  War,  Ed- 
win M.  Stanton.  She  was  a most  estimable 
woman,  and  she  professed  the  simple  Friend 
faith.  She  lived  a life  of  meekness  and  kind- 
ness, her  gentle  touch  and  sympathizing  pres- 
ence often  bringing  comfort  in  the  neighboring 
pioneer  homes.  Joseph  Parker  was  also  a 
Friend,  of  the  orthodox  faith,  but  as  he  had 
been  reared  in  a State  where  he  saw  the  effects 
of  slavery,  he  was  of  a more  aggressive  spirit, 
and  went  great  lengths  to  assist  the  work  of 
the  “Underground  Railroad.”  His  abolition 
ideas  had  much  to  do  with  his  settlement  in 
Ohio. 

Oliver  C.  Parker  was  the  ninth  member  of 
the  family  of  ten  children  born  to  his  par- 
ents, the  names  being:  Abigail,  born  in  1803, 
married  Joshua  Steele,  and  she  died  in  1855, 
aged  about52  years ; Jacob,  who  was  a skilled 
machinist,  a builder  of  threshers,  in  his  day, 
died  on  August  21,  1849.  aged  43  years; 

James,  who  was  born  in  1809,  married  Harriet 
Beck,  who  died  with  cholera  in  1833  on  the 
farm  in  Pease  township ; Dr.  William,  who 
was  born  in  1812,  practiced  many  years  in  Co- 
lumbiana County,  Ohio,  and  died  at  the  age 
of  68  years;  Dr.  Isaac,  who  was  born  in  1815, 
practiced  in  Morgan  County,  Ohio,  and  died 
m 1893;  Stanton  J.,  who  was  born  in  1818, 
followed  farming  and  died  in  1889;  Dr.  Jo- 
seph, who  was  born  in  1821,  practiced  in 
Washington  County,  Ohio,  and  died  in  1885; 
Anderson,  J.,  who  was  born  in  1824,  died  on 


August  20,  1849, — he  lived  100  miles  from  his 
brother  Jacob  and  died  one  day  earlier.  The 
parents  and  relatives  were  starting  to  attend 
the  funeral  of  Anderson,  when  they  were  pros- 
trated still  further  by  the  news  of  the  death 
of  Jacob.  Anderson  was  a teacher,  had  about 
finished  his  law  course,  came  home  from  St. 
Clairsville,  was  taken  ill  with  dysentery  and 
died.  The  tenth  member  of  the  family  was 
Martha  A.,  who  married  Dr.  William  Van 
Pelt,  and  died  in  1854,  ten  months  after  mar- 
riage, at  the  age  of  21  years.  Thus  our  sub- 
ject is  the  only  survivor. 

Oliver  C.  Parker  received  only  the  educa- 
tional training  obtainable  in  the  district  schools 
in  his  vicinity.  He  was  reared  on  the  farm  and 
assisted  his  father,  and,  as  the  youngest  son, 
remained  with  his  parents  and  gave  them  filial 
care  until  they  passed  out  of  life.  His  early 
interests  were  centered  in  agriculture  and  he 
has  always  followed  it,  succeeding  in  his 
farming  and  also  in  his  breeding  and  selling 
of  good  stock. 

Mr.  Parker  was  married  in  1864  to  Martha 
Van  Pelt,  who  was  an  invalid  for  12  years,  and 
died  January  3,  1877,  having  been  a patient 
sufferer.  She  was  a daughter  of  Jacob 
and  Jane  (Wiley)  Van  Pelt,  of  Bel- 
mont County.  The  second  marriage  of 
Mr.  Parker  was  on  October  29,  1879, 

to  iMary  Kathleen  West,  a daughter  of 
and  the  only  surviving  member  of  the  fami- 
ly of  Dr.  Simon  Brown  and  Mary  Zaire  (Mar- 
tin) West.  The  one  child  of  this  union  is  Si- 
mon West,  who  is  a druggist,  having  studied 
pharmacy  since  his  15th  year,  and  is  now  at- 
tending the  College  of  Pharmacy  at  Scio, 
Harrison  County,  Ohio.  Mr.  Parker  is  a 
man  of  earnest,  thoughtful  character.  Mrs. 
Parker  is  a granddaughter  of  Ebenezer  Mar- 
tin, who  was  the  founder  of  Martin’s  Eerry. 
Her  father.  Dr.  West,  was  a practitioner  in 
Pease  township  for  50  years,  a man  of  skill 
and  reputation.  He  graduated  in  1836  from 
the  Cincinnati  Medical  College,  which  has 
graduated  five  physicians  of  the  name. 

Mr.  Parker  is  not  a politician,  but  takes 
great  pride  in  casting  his  vote  for  the  candi- 


754 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


dates  of  the  Republican  party.  Although  his 
first  vote  was  cast  for  John  P.  Hale,  the  Free- 
Soil  candidate  in  1852,  since  the  formation  of 
the  Repul )lican  party  he  has  been  a strong  sup- 
porter of  its  principles.  He  has  never  missed 
a vote  for  a ])residential  candidate  since  1856. 
He  served  four  years  as  trustee  of  Pease  town- 
ship. 


JOPIN  R.  WILSON,  a respected  resident 
of  Martin’s  Ferry,  Belmont  County,  Ohio, 
where  he  is  engaged  in  the  laundry  business, 
was  born  in  Ontario,  Canada,  March  12,  1864, 
and  is  a son  of  James  and  Jessie  (Lithgo) 
Wilson,  both  natives  of  Scotland. 

James  Wilson  moved  from  Scotland  to  Can- 
ada with  his  wife  in  the  early  “forties,”  and 
there  engaged  in  architecture  until  1858,  when 
he  moved  to  Pennsylvania.  There  he  was  an 
early  oil  operator  and  producer  at  a time 
when  the  oil  was  hauled  in  wagons  to  the  re- 
finery, tanks  then  being  not  in  use.  He  con- 
tinued as  a producer  until  his  death  by  paraly- 
sis April  10,  1880,  at  the  age  of  fifty-two 
years.  He  was  a very  successful  and  highly 
esteemed  business  man.  His  wife  died  De- 
cember ry,  1881,  at  the  age  of  fifty-two  years. 
Both  were  members  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church.  Mr.  Wilson  was  possessed  of  a fine 
education  and  was  especially  proficient  in 
mathematics.  He  was  a genial,  courteous, 
temperate  and  industrious  man,  as  highly 
respected  as  he  was  widely  known.  He  and 
his  wife  had  eight  children,  as  follows : David, 
who  died  in  infancy;  Thomas,  a resident  of 
Michigan;  James  T.,  of  Martin’s  Ferry,  who 
died  August  5,  1902;  William  L.,  of  Holl- 
sopple,  Pennsylvania;  R.  K.,  of  Wilson’s 
Laundry,  at  Bridgeport;  John  R.,  subject  of 
this  sketch;  P.  A.,  a thorough  mechanic  and 
marine  engineer,  located  at  Erie,  Pennsylvania ; 
and  Jessie,  who  died  June  19,  1898,  at  the  age 
of  twenty-five,  was  wife  of  A.  R.  Cochran  of 
Martin’s  Ferry. 

John  R.  Wilson’s  education  has  been  mostly 
self  acquired  and  through  contact  with  the 
world,  as  he  received  very  little  schooling. 


His  first  business  undertaking  was  in  the  laun- 
dry at  Martin’s  Ferry,  which  he  owns.  This 
he  established  in  March  of  1890,  and  it  has 
proved  an  excellent  business  venture.  He  is 
numbered  among  the  substantial  and  worthy 
men  of  the  town,  and  takes  part  in  such  enter- 
prises as  to  him  seems  for  the  best  interests  of 
the  community. 

October  2,  1890,  John  R.  Wilson  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Ella  C.  Ryan  of  Dayton, 
Ohio,  a daughter  of  William  and  Catherine 
Ryan,  natives  of  Ireland.  Her  father  died 
December  26,  1880,  and  her  mother  December 
25,  1899.  Both  were  members  of  the  Roman 
Catholic  Church.  To  them  were  born  six 
children,  namely ; Mary,  wife  of  Michael  Ry- 
an; Katie,  deceased,  who  was  wife  of  Edward 
Partridge,  for  many  years  clerk  of  courts  in 
Cincinnati,  Ohio ; Margaret,  a resident  of  Day- 
ton,  Ohio;  Hannah,  who  also  resides  at  Day- 
ton;  Ella  C.,  wife  of  our  subject;  and  Wil- 
liam, who  died  at  the  age  of  three  years. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wilson  have  been  born 
four  children,  as  follows;  William  L. ; James 
C. ; John  R.,  Jr.;  and  Robert  E.  Religiously, 
they  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 
Our  subject  is  a member  of  the  Ohio  City 
Lodge,  No.  486,  F.  & A.  M. ; Belmont  City 
Lodge,  No.  221,  I.  O.  O.  F. ; Ohio  City 
Lodge,  No.  54,  K.  of  P. ; and  Bellaire  Lodge 
No.  419,  B.  P.  O.  E. 


ALEXANDER  W.  McMASTER,  a 
prominent  and  representative  farmer  of  Bel- 
mont County,  owning  a fine,  well  cultivated 
farm  in  Mead  township,  is  a worthy  repre- 
sentative of  one  of  the  oldest  families  of  this 
locality.  He  was  born  in  1853  in  Mead  town- 
ship, a son  of  Samuel  and  Sarah  A.  (Gregory) 
McMaster. 

Judge  Robert  McMaster,  the  grandfather 
of  Alexander,  came  from  Washington 
County,  Pennsylvania,  to  Belmont  County, 
Ohio,  in  1817,  accompanied  by  two  children, 
Samuel  and  Eanny,  the  latter  the  widow  of 
J.  A.  Weyer,  of  Powhatan.  Grandfather  Me- 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


755 


Master  located  in  the  section  north  of  our 
subject’s  present  fine  farm,  buying  land  in 
small  tracts  until  he  was  owner  of  many 
acres.  At  the  time  of  his  settlement  in 
Mead  township  this  part  of  the  county  was 
almost  uninhabited,  the  Taylor  and  Miles 
families  being  about  the  only  residents. 
“Uncle”  Tommy  Miles  is  still  recalled 
as  one  of  the  first  residents  of  ‘this 
section.  Ere  long,  however,  other  set- 
tlers came  and  the  cares  and  respon- 
sibilities of  the  community  increased 
along  with  progress  and  improvement, 
and  as  a man  of  judgment  and  force  of 
character,  Robert  McMaster  was  called 
upon  to  assume  prominent  positions,  serving 
efticiently  as  coroner,  justice  of  the  peace  and 
as  Common  Pleas  judge.  He  was  a man 
emhiently  fitted  for  public  life,  and  this  sec- 
tion is  indebted  to  him  for  much  of  its  early 
development.  His  first  wife  died  about  1850, 
and  in  1851  he  married  Adeline  Rankin,  and 
the  one  son  of  this  union  is  Dr.  R.  O.  Mc- 
Master of  the  McMaster  Hospital  of  Wheel- 
ing. Mrs.  McMaster  spent  the  last  15  years 
of  her  life  after  the  death  of  her  husband  with 
IMrs.  Dr.  Piper.  Judge  McMaster  died  in 
1874,  aged  83  years.  The  children  of  his 
first  marriage  were;  George,  William,  An- 
drew, Henry,  Samuel,  Fanny,  Amanda,  Mar- 
garet and  Nancy. 

Samuel  McMaster  was  reared  on  his 
father’s  farm  and  remained  there  until  some- 
time later  than  1830,  when  he  moved  upon 
the  farm  occupied  by  his  son,  in  section  31, 
range  3, — a tract  of  152  acres.  Here  Mr.  Mc- 
Master resided  until  the  fall  of  1900,  when 
he  removed  to  the  home  of  a daughter,  Mrs. 
A.  D.  Creamer,  living  near  Jacobsburg.  The 
mother  of  our  subject  was  born  in  March, 
1817,  on  the  Duncan  farm,  near  St.  Clairs- 
ville,  and  removed  in  the  “thirties”  to  Smith 
township,  near  Jacobsburg.  She  was  a 
daughter  of  Patrick  and  Ella  (Dowler) 
Gregory,  natives  of  Ireland,  who  died  at 
Jacobsburg  and  both  were  interred  in  that 
vicinity.  The  children  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Gregory  were:  Thomas,  Wesley,  Pauline, 


Jimmy,  Martha,  Ella,  Betsey,  Sarah  A.  and 
Hannah.  Mrs.  McMaster  died  in  January, 
1901. 

The  marriage  of  the  parents  of  our  sub- 
ject took  place  in  1834,  and  they  had  a fam- 
ily of  seven  sons  and  one  daughter  born  to 
them,  namely;  Robert,  who  died  in  1859, 
aged  22  years;  William  W.,  who  resides  on 
a farm  near  Glencoe,  Richland  township; 
John  W.,  emigrated  to  Kansas  in  1883  and 
lives  near  Wichita,  in  Sedgwick  County, 
having  lived  on  a part  of  the  Miles  land  in 
this  county,- — he  married  Margaret  Porter- 
field in  1864  and  has  five  daughters  and  two 
sons;  Dr.  J.  N.,  who  is  a resident  of  Centre- 
ville,  Belmont  County;  Thomas  J.,  who  is  a 
farmer  in  section  31,  in  Mead  township; 
Albert,  who  died  at  the  age  of  two  years; 
Alexander,  who  is  the  subject  of  this  record; 
and  Emma  S.,  who  married  A.  D.  Creamer 
and  lives  in  Smith  township. 

Alexander  McMaster  was  reared  on  the 
home  farm  and  educated  in  the  district 
schools  of  Mead  township.  It  has  been  his 
pleasant  lot  to  remain  through  life  in  this 
most  desirable  part  of  Mead  township,  hav- 
ing always  been  the  home  farmer.  In  1901 
he  erected  his  present  handsome  residence  of 
eight  rooms,  which  is  one  of  the  most  com- 
plete and  convenient  houses  in  his  locality. 
Mr.  McMaster  has  given  his  attention'  to 
general  farming  and  stock  raising,  mainly 
standard  breeds  of  cattle  and  sheep,  and  has 
been  very  successful  in  both  lines. 

On  April,  1877,  Mr.  McMaster  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Melissa  Taylor,  who  was 
born  in  October,  1853,  and  was  reared  in  the 
same  neighborhood  as  our  subject,  a daugh- 
ter of  Frazier  and  Lucy  (Remley)  Taylor, 
the  latter  being  a venerated  member  of  her 
son-in-law’s  household.  The  children  born 
to  our  subject  and  wife  consisted  of  three 
sons  and  three  daughters,  namely,  Flora  E., 
Ross  A.,  Samuel,  Ida,  Roberta  and  Delbert. 

In  politics  Mr.  McMaster  has  always  been 
identified  with  the  Democratic  party  and  ex- 
erts a wide  influence  in  its  ranks  in  his  sec- 
tion. For  27  years  his  father  admirably  filled 


756 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


the  office  of  justice  of  the  peace  and  is  a 
man  of  the  utmost  reliability  and  the  highest 
citizenship.  Following  his  father’s  lead,  our 
subject  early  became  connected  with  the 
Masonic  body.  Samuel  McMaster  was 
originally  a member  of  Moriah  Lodge,  No. 
105,  but  later  became  a charter  member  of 
Weyer  Lodge  of  Centreville,  and  as  he 
joined  the  organization  in  1844,  he  is  proba- 
bly the  oldest  Mason  in  the  county.  Our 
subject  belongs  to  Weyer  Lodge,  No.  541,  of 
Centreville,  Ohio,  and  St.  Clairsville  Chap- 
ter, No.  17.  R.  A.  M.  Mr.  McMaster  with 
his  family  attends  the  Methodist  Church  at 
Jacobsl)urg  and  is  a liberal  contributor  to  its 
su])port.  Few  families  in  the  township  are 
better  known  or  more  generally  esteemed. 


JOHN  A.  RAMSEY,  one  of  the  prominent 
and  successful  business  men  of  Key,  Belmont 
County,  Ohio,  who  is  engaged  in  farming  and 
stock  dealing  and  also  handling  the  leading 
makes  of  farm  machinery,  was  born  in  i860, 
in  Mead  township,  being  a son  of  Allen  and 
Mary  (Thornborough ) Ramsey.  Our  subject’s 
mother  was  born  in  England,  but  was  brought 
to  Ohio  when  but  18  months  old  by  her  father, 
William  Thornhorough,  who  entered  land  on 
what  is  known  as  the  Ramsey  Ridge,  and 
which  is  now  the  property  of  Abram  Ramsey. 
Extended  mention  of  Allen  Ramsey  and  other 
member  of  the  family  wdll  lie  found  on  other 
pages  of  this  work. 

John  A.  Ramsey  was  reared  on  the  home 
farm  and  remained  there,  assisting  in  the  work 
and  attending  school,  until  he  reached  man- 
hood. A trip  through  the  great  West  about 
this  time  was  a most  excellent  method  of  edu- 
cation; during  his  18  months  of  absence,  he 
visited  almost  all  of  the  Western  States  and 
Territories,  .spent  six  months  at  Portland,  Ore- 
gon, and  saw  many  phases  of  life  and  living 
which,  perhaps,  made  him  all  the  more  satis- 
fied with  the  advantages  and  opportunities  of- 
fered in  Belmont  County.  Mr.  Ramsey  is  a 
large  land  owner,  among  his  possessions  being 


a valuable  farm  of  200  acres  in  the  vicinity  of 
Key,  and  his  elegant  residence  in  this  town. 
For  the  past  two  years  he  has  been  handling 
machinery  and  is  extensively  engaged  in  deal- 
ing in  stock. 

In  1891  Mr.  Ramsey  was  married  to  Minnie 
A.  DeLong,  who  was  born  in  1870,  in  Mead 
township,  and  four  children  have  been  born 
to  this  union,  namely : Bertha,  born  April 

27,  1895,  died  April  29,  1895 ; Gladys, 

born  July  4,  1896;  Lena  Valletta,  born  July 
31,  1898;  and  Carrie  Wanita,  born  January 
12,  1900.  Mrs.  Ramsey  belongs  to  a promi- 
nent county  family.  Her  father,  Adam  De- 
Long,  was  born  in  Belmont  County,  June  14, 
1827,  and  died  December  26,  1899,  being  a 
son  of  Jonathan  DeLong,  a native  of  Penn- 
sylvania, of  German  ancestry.  In  young  man- 
hood Adam  DeLong  moved  to  Washington 
County,  Ohio,  and  during  his  10  years  of  resi- 
dence there  married  Mary  Ann  Flowers,  who 
is  a beloved  member  of  Mr.  Ramsey’s  house- 
hold. After  leaving  his  farm  in  Washington 
County,  Mr.  DeLong  lived  for  a time  in  Busi- 
nessburg,  removing  to  Belmont  town  some 
seven  years  prior  to  his  death.  The  children 
born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  DeLong  were : Tirzah, 
who  died  October  26,  1861,  aged  nine  years; 
John  T.,  who  is  a farmer  near  Danbury,  Ne- 
braska, married  Annie  McHenry  of  Illinois, 
and  four  of  their  six  children  survive ; Harriet 
S.,  who  is  the  widow  of  William  Irwin,  who 
died  in  1902,  resides  at  Shadyside,  with  two 
sons  and  three  daughters;  Samuel  M.,  who 
married  Levada  Keyser,  lives  near  Anvil, 
Ohio;  Alvaretta,  who  married  James  Hart,  re- 
sides at  Belmont  and  has  four  sons;  Ida  M., 
who  married  O.  S.  Hall,  died  one  year  later,  in 
1892  ; Robert  H. ; Minnie  A.,  who  became  Mrs. 
Ramsey,  was  born  May  19,  1870;  and  William 
A.,  who  resides  at  Belmont,  engaged  as  a 
salesman, — he  married  Dora  Gregg  and  has 
two  sons.  As  this  family  was  one  of  the  early 
ones  of  the  county,  more  extended  mention  is 
interesting. 

Jonathan  DeLong  was  born  April  25, 
1796,  in  Pennsylvania,  and  was  the  first  of 
the  family  to  locate  in  Belmont  County,  about 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


1812.  He  died  February  5,  1868,  owning  at 
one  time  320  acres  of  timber  land  in  Mead 
township.  His  children  were : Rachel,  horn 

July  17,  1816,  married  Robert  Watt,  and  both 
died  at  their  home  near  Jacobsburg;  Andrew, 
born  October  15,  1817,  married  Catherine 
Phillips  and  they  died  near  Businessburg ; 
Jacob,  born  July  i,  1819,  moved  to  Washing- 
ton County,  and  there  married  a Miss  Hoover 
and  still  survives;  John,  born  July  2,  1821, 
married  a Miss  Hoover,  and  died  in  Washing- 
ton County;  Samuel,  born  October  21,  1823, 
married  Margaret  Scott  and  they  live  in  In- 
diana; Catherine,  born  May  i,  1825,  married 
a Mr.  Wiley  and  they  live  in  Washington 
County;  Adam,  born  June  14,  1827;  Sabina, 
named  for  her  mother,  born  October  i,  1830, 
married  William  Kirkpatrick  and  they  live  in 
Washington  County;  Jonathan  C.,  born  April 
7,  1833,  died  in  Washington  County;  and 
Martin  Luther,  born  August  4,  1836,  married 
Christiana  Trimble  and  they  reside  near  Lewis’ 
Mills,  in  Belmont  County. 

Mr.  Ramsey  is  identified  with  the  Republi- 
can party.  Formerly  he  was  connected  with 
the  Farmers’  Alliance  movement  and  has  al- 
ways been  deeply  interested  in  agricultural  ad- 
vancement. With  his  family  he  belongs  to 
the  Methodist  Church  at  Jacobsburg.  As  an 
upright  and  honorable  citizen,  Mr.  Ramsey 
enjoys  the  esteem  of  his  fellow  citizens. 


MOSES  PERKINS,  a prominent  farmer, 
stock  raiser  and  dealer,  residing  in  section  ii, 
Kirkwood  township,  Belmont  County,  was 
born  on  the  farm  now  owned  by  his  nephew, 
Samuel  W.  Perkins,  December  6,  1829.  He 
is  a son  of  Samuel  and  Elizabeth  (Hart)  Per- 
kins. 

His  parents  were  both  natives  of  Maryland. 
His  father,  Samuel,  came  to  Kirkwood  town- 
ship as  early  as  1802,  when  the  forest  had 
scarcely  been  touched  by  the  hand  of  man.  He 
built  a shed  in  which  to  live  until  the  comple- 
tion of  his  house,  and  the  160  acres  which  com- 


757 


prised  his  home  farm  have  since  been  in  posses- 
sion of  the  Perkins  family.  He  held  no  offices 
and  was  a good  farmer,  giving  that  work  his 
entire  attention.  He  served  as  a private  dur- 
ing the  War  of  1812,  and  made  an  honorable 
record  as  a soldier.  He  died  at  the  age  of  73 
years,  and  was  survived  six  years  by  his  wife, 
who  died  at  the  age  of  80  years.  He  and  his 
wife  were  both  faithful  members  of  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Church.  To  their  union  were 
born  the  following  children:  Nelson,  who 

farmed  in  this  county  until  his  death  at  the 
age  of  60  years ; Rebecca,  the  wife  of  Reuben 
Mitcalf,  died  at  the  age  of  75  years;  Maria, 
who  died  at  the  age  of 20 years;  Cassander,who 
died  at  the  age  of  25  years ; Jonathan,  a record 
of  whose  life  appears  in  the  biography  of 
Samuel  W.  Perkins;  William,  a farmer  of  this 
county,  who  died  at  the  age  of  60  years ; 
Delilah,  who  died  at  the  age  of  27,  was  the 
wife  of  Fielder  Perkins;  Letha,  who  died  at 
the  age  of  16  years;  and  Moses,  the  only  sur- 
viving member  of  the  family.  Four  of  the 
girls  died  of  scarlet  fever  within  four  months. 

Moses  Perkins  was  educated  in  the  com- 
mon schools  of  his  community,  and  as  a boy 
assisted  in  the  work  upon  the  farm.  He  has 
disposed  of  60  acres  of  the  original  tract  held 
by  him,  but  retains  some  100  acres,  which  are 
planted  to  wheat  and  corn  for  the  most  part. 
The  land  is  well  improved  and  is  underlaid 
with  coal  which  has  never  been  leased  or  sold. 
He  is  one  of  the  reliable  citizens  of  his  town- 
ship, and  wherever  known  is  held  in  the  high- 
est esteem. 

Mr.  Perkins  was  joined  in  marriage  No- 
vember II,  1853,  with  Rebecca  J.  Murphy,  a 
native  of  this  county  and  a daughter  of  L.  D. 
and  Elizabeth  Murphy,  the  father  a native  of 
Ohio  and  the  mother,  of  Maryland.  She  is 
one  of  nine  children,  the  others  being  : Delilah, 
who  resides  in  Wisconsin,  is  widow  of  George 
Weeden,  who  was  killed  as  a soldier  in  the 
Union  Army : Brice  M.,  a farmer,  living  in 
Wisconsin;  Sarah  J.,  wife  of  David  Majors,  of 
Kirkwood  township:  A.  C.,  deceased;  Asbury, 
a farmer  of  Kirkwood  township ; Hamilton,  a 
farmer  of  Kirkwood  township;  James  A.,  de- 


758 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


ceased;  and  L.  D.,  deceased,  who  was  a farmer 
in  Belmont  County  and  later  in  Wisconsin. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Perkins  have  three  children : 
Elizabeth,  wife  of  Wilson  McWilliams,  a 
farmer  of  the  county,  has  four  children  liv- 
mg, — Weldie,  Campsie,  Frederick,  and  Eva 
B. ; Mary  F.,  wife  of  O.  B.  Groves,  a contract 
plasterer  of  Barnesville,  has  six  children, — 
Imrest  and  Belle,  deceased,  Gertrude,  Everett, 
Moses  and  Willard ; and  Rosa  I.,  who  married 
Colbert  Sheppard,  and  both  are  deceased,  leav- 
ing one  child,  Mary  Ethel,  who  married  Oliver 
M.  Smith,  September  6,  1902.  Mrs.  Perkins 
is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church. 


JOHN  CARLILE,  a dealer  in  lumber  and 
builders’  supplies  in  St.  Clairsville,  Belmont 
County,  Ohio,  and  also  a general  farmer,  was 
l)orn  in  County  Tyrone,  Ireland,  January  3, 
1846.  He  is  a son  of  James  and  Elizabeth  (Da- 
vidson) Carlile. 

James  Carlile,  an  aged  citizen  of  St.  Clairs- 
ville, was  born  in  Ireland,  where  for  many 
years  he  was  a miller.  His  mill,  which  was  lo- 
cated on  a high  hill,  was  run  by  wind, 
and  he  ground  corn,  wheat,  and  rye.  He  came 
to  America  in  1853.  During  the  voyage,  which 
lasted  seven  weeks  and  three  days,  a most  ter- 
rible storm  was  encountered,  which  continued 
for  12  hours.  Mr.  Carlile  landed  in  New 
York,  where  he  remained  for  a brief  period, 
and  then  went  to  \Yheeling,  West  Virginia. 
After  a short  time,  he  located  in  St.  Clairs- 
ville. There  he  followed  various  lines  of  bus- 
iness, such  as  teaming,  and  hauling  dry  goods 
and  lumber  from  Wheeling  to  St.  Clairsville, 
before  the  time  of  railroads.  He  then  settled 
on  13  acres  of  land  near  St.  Clairsville,  where 
he  farmed  and  reared  his  family.  He  married 
Elizabeth  Davidson,  and  they  had  two  chil- 
dren,— John,  and  Annie,  who  died  in  her  26th 
year.  James  Carlile  is  now  92  years  old,  and 
is  a well-known  figure  in  St.  Clairsville. 

John  Carlile  was  schooled  in  St.  Clairsville, 
and  after  his  school  days  were  over  he  went  to 
Wheeling  to  learn  a trade.  He  learned  the 


trade  of  blacksmithing  under  Samuel  J.  Elle- 
fritz,  and  followed  that  line  of  work  for  three 
years.  Later,  he  worked  as  a blacksmith  for 
Busby  & Little,  carriage  manufacturers,  of 
Wheeling,  West  Virginia.  He  then  did  black- 
smithing  in  St.  Clairsville,  under  the  firm 
name  of  Martin  & Carlile.  This  partnership 
lasted  for  two  years,  when  Mr.  Carlile  bought 
Mr.  Martin’s  interest,  and  was  engaged  in  the 
carriage  and  general  blacksmithing  business, 
alone,  for  15  years.  In  1881,  he  entered  the 
lumber  business,  having  the  only  lumber  yard 
in  St.  Clairsville,  and  in  this  he  is  very  suc- 
cessful. In  addition  to  the  lumber  business,  he 
owns  a farm  in  Richland  township,  and  car- 
ries on  farming.  Mr.  Carlile  is  an  excellent 
business  man,  is  conscientious  and  energetic, 
and  his  success  has  been  due  entirely  to  his 
own  diligence  and  perseverance. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  united  in 
marriage  March  7,  1880,  to  Eugenie  Johnston, 
a native  of  Belmont  County,  and  a daughter 
of  B.  R.  and  Margaret  (Buffington)  John- 
ston. Mr.  Carlile  and  his  wife  have  five  chil- 
dren, namely:  Walter  D.,  a clerk  for  the  Scott 
Lumber  Company,  at  Martin’s  Ferry,  Ohio; 
Annie  E.,  a bookkeeper  in  her  father’s  office; 
Mary  M.,  who  is  at  home;  James  R.,  who  as- 
sists his  father  in  the  lumber  business ; and 
Gertrude,  who  is  in  school. 

Mr.  Carlile  and  his  wife  are  members  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church.  He  is  a member  of 
the  Masonic  blue  lodge  in  St.  Clairsville.  In 
every  way,  he  is  a good  and  enterprising  citi- 
zen, and  worthy  of  the  respect  in  which  he  is 
held. 


A.  W.  WILCOX,  justice  of  the  peace  at 
Bethesda,  Goshen  township,  Belmont  County, 
also  carries  on  general  farming,  leading  the 
life  of  a most  intelligent  and  active  citizen.  He 
was  born  February  12,  1854,  and  his  parents 
were  Isaac  and  Pafthena  (Fletcher)  Wilcox, 
natives  of  Belmont  County. 

Mr.  Wilcox  was  educated  in  the  common 
schools  and  took  a more  comprehensive  course 
at  the  Hopedale  Normal  College  and  became 


MATTHEW  HENDERSON. 


MRS.  MIRANDA  P.  HENDERSON, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


763 


a teacher  in  country  schools.  During  the  last 
years  he  taught,  as  well  as  afterward,  he  held 
the  office  of  township  clerk,  after  which  he 
entered  the  mercantile  business  at  Ozark,  Mon- 
roe County,  Ohio.  In  1887  he  removed  to 
Goshen  township,  where  he  purchased  a farm, 
and  has  been  a farmer  ever  since. 

September  30,  1885,  he  was  united  in  mar- 
riage with  Frances  A.  Patterson,  a daughter 
of  William  and  Harriet  Patterson,  both  of 
whom  are  deceased.  They  were  blessed  with 
one  child.  Hazel  D.,  and  in  her  their  hopes  are 
centered. 

Politically  our  subject  is  a thorough  believer 
in  the  principles  set  forth  by  the  Republican 
party.  Mr.  Wilcox  is  a liberal  patron  and  be- 
liever of  the  Chautauqua  Assembly,  which  is 
located  in  Goshen  township,  this  county.  Fra- 
ternally, he  is  a member  of  Belmont  Lodge,  No. 
277,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  of  Belmont,  Ohio. 


JOHN  LARUE  HENDERSON  and  ROB- 
ERT PATTERSON  HENDERSON,  prom- 
inent farmers  of  Wheeling  township,  Belmont 
County,  Ohio,  are  sons  of  Matthew  Henderson, 
and  grandsons  of  Andrew  Henderson. 

Matthew  Henderson  was  united  in  marriage 
with  Miranda  Perrian,  who  was  born  in  New 
York  City  and  whose  ancestors  at  an  early  day 
moved  from  Holland  to  Prance  and  at  a later 
day  became  established  in  America.  One, 
Jacob  Perrian,  was  surveyor  for  William  Penn 
and  entered  some  land,  Avhere  the  city  of  Phil- 
adelphia now  stands,  and,  it  is  said,  leased  it 
for  99  years.  Peter  Perrian,  father  of  Mrs. 
Henderson,  moved  to  Ohio  in  1821  and  in  1822 
established  an  old  wheat  mill  in  Belmont  Coun- 
ty. He  subsequently  moved  to  Harrisville,  and 
then  to  Monroe  County.  He  died  at  the  age 
of  85  years,  and  his  wife  died  four  years  later 
at  the  age  of  85  years.  They  had  seven  chil- 
dren, all  of  whom  are  now  deceased.  Matthew 
Henderson  and  Miranda  Perrian  were  married 
on  Wheeling  Creek  in  Belmont  County  in  1831, 
and  there  passed  the  remainder  of  their  lives, 
the  former  dying  in  September,  1862,  and  the 


latter,  March  i,  1887.  To  them  were  born  the 
following  children:  William  P.,  deceased; 

John  Larue;  Wilson;  Leander,  deceased;  Ed- 
ward, deceased;  Matthew  C.,  who  was  never 
married  and  lives’  in  Colerain  township;  Peter 
P.,  deceased;  Andrew  J. ; Alexander,  deceased; 
Mary  P.,  deceased;  Miranda,  deceased,  and 
Robert  Patterson. 

John  Larue  Henderson  was  born  in  Wheel- 
ing township,  two  miles  below  his  present 
farm,  August  6,  1833.  He  took  to  farming  at 
an  early  day  and  has  since  continued  in  that 
occupation  with  unvarying  success.  He  has 
122  acres  of  land  and  follows  general  farming 
and  stock  raising.  He  enlisted  in  1864  in  the 
1 00-day  service,  participating  in  several  hard 
fought  battles.  He  has  never  married.  In  poli- 
tics he  has  always  been  a stalwart  Republican. 
Religiously,  he  was  baptized  in  the  old  Se- 
ceders’  Presbyterian  Church. 

Robert  Patterson  Henderson  was  born  where 
his  residence  now  stands  in  Wheeling  town- 
ship, June  8,  1855,  and  has  followed  farm- 
ing all  his  life,  remaining  at  home  until  after 
his  marriage.  He  moved  to  Oregon,  where  he 
lived  some  14  months,  then  moved  to  Okla- 
homa Territory,  where  he  was  the  first  man 
that  ever  sowed  wheat  in  Pottawatomie  Coun- 
ty, hauling  the  seed  a distance  of  72  miles  with 
ox-teams.  In  1891  he  was  married  to  Mary 
C.  Dietrich,  a daughter  of  Philip  Dietrich  of 
West  Wheeling.  Her  parents  are  of  German 
descent,  and  she  is  one  of  12  children,  all  of 
whom  are  now  living  but  John.  To  this  union 
was  born  one  child,  Mabel  Esther,  born  May 
4,  1892,  in  Linn  Count}^  Oregon. 


W.  W.  GIFEEN,  one  of  the  most  success- 
ful farmers  of  Mead  township,  Belmont 
County,  owns  and  occupies  a fine  farm  in  the 
vicinity  of  Businessburg,  the  location  of  his 
spacious  brick  residence  being  on  a high  hill 
and  commanding  an  extended  view  over  miles 
of  country. 

W.  W.  Giffen  was  born  in  Monroe  County, 
Ohio,  and  he  is  a son  of  John  and  Nancy 


764 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


(Adams)  (iiffen,  who  were  married  in  Belmont 
County,  although  the  former  was  born  in  Scot- 
land in  I1S19,  and  the  latter,  in  Pennsylvania, 
in  1828.  Both  i)arents  are  helaved  and  hon- 
ored mcmhers  of  their  son's  household. 

John  Giffen  was  a son  of  William  and  Isa- 
bel (Reed)  Giffen,  who  emigrated  from  Scot- 
land to  . Vmcrica,  in  1820,  settling  first  in  Penn- 
sylvania. l)ut  in  the  following  spring  pushing 
on  into  Belmont  County.  Ohio,  where  they  lo- 
cated on  McMechen's  Creek.  Later  they  re- 
moved to  Pleasant  Plill.  In  the  spring  of  1846 
their  son,  John  Giffen,  removed  to  Monroe 
County,  and  remained  there  until  1866,  when 
he  returned  to  Belmont  County  and  purchased 
the  farm  where  he  resides  with  his  son.  This 
was  known  as  the  William  Warren  farm,  and 
the  large  and  substantial  residence  was  erected 
by  William  Warren.  Here  John  Giffen  most 
successfully  pursued  an  agricultural  life,  ac- 
cumulated a competency  and  for  a number  of 
years  has  lived  a retired  life.  During  many 
years  he  was  prominently  identified  with  public 
affairs  in  the  township,  most  efficiently  filled 
many  of  the  local  offices,  and  on  many  occa- 
sions served  as  trnstee.  He  is  known  as  a man 
of  the  highest  integrity  and  one  rvhose  rvord 
needs  no  legal  measure  to  make  it  binding.  A 
family  of  10  children  was  horn  to  John  and 
Nancy  (Adams)  Giffen,  their  names  being  as 
follows:  Isabel,  the  Avife  of  David  Johnson,  a 
farmer  living  near  St.  Clairsville;  W.  W.,  of 
this  sketch,  who  is  unmarried : James  A.,  a res- 
ident of  Licking  County,  Ohio,  who  married 
Jane  Cooke,  and  has  these  children, — Law- 
retice,  Otto.  Wilma,  Clara,  Annie,  Sarah  and 
Jennie:  John,  A.,  of  Licking  County,  who  is 
unmarried:  Sarah  J.,  who  died  some  years  ago; 
Orleana,  who  resides  at  home;  Letitia.  who 
married  Joseph  Main,  of  Delaware  County, 
Ohio,  and  has  one  child, — Nancy  Lavella ; 
Matthew,  who  is  unmarried,  is  a resident  of 
Morrow  County:  Archie,  who  is  a resident  of 
Delaware  County,  married  Martha  Main,  and 
has  three  children, — Lloyd,  Alta  and  Alma 
f twins);  and  Elizabeth,  who  died  in  1882. 

Our  subject  is  an  experienced,  carefnl,  prac- 
tical farmer,  and  for  a considerable  period  he 


has  given  much  attention  to  the  breeding  of 
high  grade  stock,  thoroughbred  cattle  and 
sheep,  his  healthy  flocks  of  National  Delaine 
sheep  and  herds  of  sleek  Durham  cattle  testi- 
fying to  his  gratifying  success.  In  politics, 
Air.  Giffen  is  identified  with  the  Democratic 
party.  The  family  belongs  to  the  United  Pres- 
byterian Church  and  attend  services  at  Pleas- 
ant Hill.  This  family  is  very  well  known 
through  Belmont  County,  where  they  have  at- 
tained prominence  in  agricultural  circles  and 
are  socially  representative.  The  beautiful  old 
home  is  often  the  scene  of  family  reunions,  the 
aged  parents  being  the  center  of  the  group, 
happy  in  the  knowledge  that  their  children 
have  grown  to  be  not  only  a credit  to  them,  but 
also  to  the  county. 


GEORGE  K.  PHILLIPS,  postmaster  at 
Glencoe,  Richland  township,  Belmont  County, 
and  chief  clerk  of  the  Belmont  Coal  Company 
at  this  point,  and  well  known  through  his  par- 
ticipation in  other  business  enterprises,  was 
born  in  Goshen  township,  near  Belmont,  in 
1870,  being  a son  of  Ralph  W.  and  Margaret 
(Dermott)  Phillips. 

Ralph  W.  Phillips  was  born  in  1834,  in 
Goshen  township  and  is  a representative  farmer 
of  Belmont  County.  For  20  years  he  was  a 
successful  teacher  and  for  ii  years  has  been 
township  trustee.  His  wife  was  born  in  1836, 
in  Ireland.  At  the  age  of  ten  years  she  came 
to  America  with  her  parents,  Thomas  and  Mar- 
g'aret  Dermott,  who  now  reside  in  Goshen 
township.  The  children  born  to  our  subject’s 
parents  were  : William,  who  died  at  the  age  of 
three  years ; Jennie,  who  married  Edward  C. 
Alichael,  United  State  Express  agent,  at  Bel- 
laire,  and  they  have  two  children;  Lawrence,, 
who  operates  a well  drill,  resides  at  Belmont, — 
he  married  Rachel  Eckles  and  they  have  four 
children ; and  George  K. 

George  K.  Phillips  obtained  his  education  in 
the  public  schools  at  Belmont,  and  was  16 
years  old  when  he  taught  his  first  term  of 
school,  at  Wood  Grove,  Union  township,  and 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


765 


continued  to  teach  at  the  one  place  for  three 
successive  years.  For  a period  he  successfully 
operated  a farm  in  Belmont  County  and 
then  became  the  owner  and  operator  of 
the  Belmont  Roller  Mills,  remaining  with 
this  plant  for  four  years.  In  Febru- 
ary, 1902,  he  was  made  chief  clerk  of  the 
Belmont  Coal  Company,  and  for  18  months 
previous  to  this  date  he  was  head  shipping 
clerk  of  the  Bellaire  Bottle  Company.  He  was 
appointed  postmaster  of  Glencoe  in  1902.  In 
politics  he  is  an  active  Republican  and  takes 
much  interest  in  the  success  of  the  candidates 
and  measures  of  this  party. 

In  1894,  Mr.  Phillips  was  married  to  Della 
M.  Lewis,  who  was  horn  in  Goshen  township, 
a daughter  of  John  I.  and  Mary  J.  Lewis,  and 
two  children  have  been  born  to  this  union, 
viz. : Nellie  M.,  born  in  1896,  and  William, 

in  1899.  Phillips  is  an  enterprising  and 

successful  business  man,  who  is  awake  to  the 
demands  of  the  times,  and  through  stability  of 
character  enjoys  the  confidence  of  his  employers 
as  well  as  the  public. 


GEORGE  A.  KORNER.  Among  the  suc- 
cessful and  busy  men  of  York  township,  is 
George  A.  Korner,  a well-known  farmer  and 
dairyman,  and  also  a business  man  who  for 
some  years  has  been  identified  with  the  coal  in- 
terests of  both  Belmont  and  Monroe  counties. 

Mr.  Korner  is  of  German  extraction,  born  in 
York  township,  Belmont  County,  in  1853.  He 
is  a son  of  Henry  and  Doris  (Dempewolf) 
Korner,  the  latter  of  whom  was  born  in  Ger- 
many and  died  in  Ohio,  in  1895,  aged  82  years. 
Henry  Korner,  the  father,  was  born  in  1810, 
in  Germany  and  about  the  time  of  his  majority 
came  to  the  United  States,  finding  his  first  em- 
ployment in  the  lumber  regions  of  the  State 
of  New  York.  His  adopted  country  was  at 
that  time  having  some  differences  with  Erance, 
and  the  young  man  enlisted  in  the Lhii ted  States 
Navy,  as  a member  of  a hand,  and  on  the  his- 
toric old  ship  “Constitution”  cruised  through 
the  Mediterranean  and  stopped  at  many  Euro- 


pean ports  during  his  four  years  of  service. 
After  all  this  travel,  Mr.-  Korner  selected  Bel- 
mont County,  Ohio,  as  his  choice  of  residence, 
and  at  Steinersville,  York  township,  he  en- 
gaged in  a mercantile  business  for  several 
years.  He  then  purchased  the  farm  near  the 
town,  now  owned  by  our  subject,  and  engaged 
in  farming  until  1881,  when  his  death  oc- 
curred. Mr.  Korner  married  Doris  Dempewolf 
and  they  reared  a family  of  seven  children,  as 
follows ; Theodore,  who  is  a resident  of 
Portsmouth,  Virginia ; Gustavus,  who  resides 
at  Bradford,  Pennsylvania;  Louisa  (Mrs.  Ag- 
gers), who  resides  in  Seattle,  Washington; 
Lewis,  who  is  a resident  of  Prairie  Depot, 
Ohio ; George  A. ; Albert,  a resident  of  Colum- 
bus, who  was  formerly  a teacher  in  Belmont 
County ; and  Dr.  Alexander,  who  practices  his 
profession  at  Woodsfield,  Ohio. 

Mr.  Korner  has  engaged  in  extensive  farm- 
ing operations  and  has  been  also  interested 
in  modern  dairying.  In  addition  he  has  given 
much  attention  to  the  optioning  of  coal  lands, 
both  in  Belmont  and  Monroe  counties,  and  is 
well  known  through  the  locality  as  a keen,  suc- 
cessful man  of  business  enterprise.  In  the  fall 
of  1901  he  built  his  handsome  residence  in 
Steinersville,  which,  in  modern  equipment,  com- 
fort and  convenience,  is  not  equaled  in  York 
township.  He  has  introduced  a complete  sys- 
tem of  waterworks,  finding  his  supply  in  a 
spring  on  an  adjacent  hill,  this  being  the  first 
private  plant  in  the  township. 

On  Eebruary  22,  1888,  Mr.  Korner  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Clara  Stackhouse,  a 
daughter  of  Joshua  Stackhouse,  an  old  pio- 
neer of  the  county,  and  to  this  union  have  been 
born  two  children, — Doris,  aged  12  years,  and 
AAHlclo,  aged  10  years,  both  of  whom  are 
bright  pupils  at  school.  Mr.  Korner  has  al- 
ways been  identified  with  the  Democratic 
party,  although  no  seeker  for  office,  his  varied 
business  interests  fully  occupying  the  time  not 
filled  with  personal  and  social  activities.  He  is 
very  well  known  in  his  locality  and  enjoys  a 
full  measure  of  the  esteem  of  his  fellow  citi- 
zens, and  is  reckoned  among  the  solid  men  of 
old  York  township. 


766 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


M.  C.  STONEBRAKER,  one  of  the 
prominent  farmers  and  influential  citizens 
of  Mead  township,  Belmont  County,  was 
horn  in  March,  1857,  on  the  farm  where  he 
new  resides,  the  only  son  of  Ephraim  and 
Martha  E.  (Granfell)  Stonebraker,  who  were 
married  on  December  30,  1852,  at  Jacobs- 
hurg,  Belmont  County. 

Ephraim  Stonebraker  was  the  youngest  of 
a family  of  15  children  born  to  his  father, 
Samuel  Stonebraker,  who  was  twice  married. 
Ephraim  died  on  the  farm  where  his  widow 
resides  with  her  son  and  family,  near  Key 
station,  in  March,  1865,  aged  35  years.  The 
mother  of  our  subject  was  born  August  12, 
1833,  a daughter  of  William  and  Elizabeth 
(Barnett)  Granfell,  the  former  being  of  Eng- 
lish descent  and  the  latter  of  Scotch-Irish. 
William  Granfell  was  born  September  27, 
1791,  and  died  in  1837;  his  wife,  born  June 
4,  1805,  died  April  13,  1866.  Their  children 
were:  INTartha  E.,  James,  Thomas,  Miles, 
Preston,  Mary,  who  died  young,  and  Mar- 
garet, who  married  James  Gladdin  of  Smith 
township  and  is  also  deceased.  Mrs.  Stone- 
braker is  a niece  of  one  who  was  so  well 
known  and  highly  regarded  in  this  section 
that  he  was  universally  called  “Uncle” 
Tommy  Miles,  a very  early  pioneer.  He 
never  married,  and  at  death  willed  his  sec- 
tion of  land  to  relatives. 

Our  subject  was  educated  in  the  district 
schools  and  has  spent  his  whole  life  on  his 
farm,  which  contains  80  acres  of  well  tilled 
and  productive  land,  where  he  has  success- 
fully carried  on  general  farming  and  stock 
raising.  Mr.  Stonebraker  erected  here  a 
very  comfortable  house  in  1884  and  replaced 
the  old  one,  which  serves  well  as  a stable, 
although  under  its  old  roof  three  genera- 
tions of  the  family  found  shelter  for  manv 
years.  Mr.  Stonebraker  has  leased  the  old 
farm  and  is  preparing  to  remove  to  Key  in 
order  to  give  his  children  better  educational 
advantages  and  to  retire  from  enforced  ac- 
tivity. 

In  1878  Mr.  Stonebraker  was  married  to 
Mary  Phillips,  who  was  born  in  Smith  town- 


ship, in  July,  1859,  a daughter  of  James  W. 
and  Annie  (White)  Phillips,  the  latter  of 
whom  has  been  deceased  for  some  15  years. 
The  Phillips  family  was  a very  early  one  in 
Smith  township  and  lived  near  Jacobsburg 
station.  The  two  children  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Stonebraker  are  Earl  B.,  born  December 
8,  1882,  who  is  a graduate  of  the  Wheel- 
ing Business  College  and  is  nOw  a solicitor 
for  the  same;  and  Etta  M.,  who  was  born 
May  3,  1891. 

In  political  sentiment  Mr.  Stonebraker 
has  been  a lifelong  Democrat,  and  he  has 
most  acceptably  served  for  six  years  as  town- 
ship trustee  and  is  serving  his  third  term  as 
justice  of  the  peace,  his  excellent  judgment 
and  high  standing  in  the  community  making 
him  a very  popular  official.  In  religious 
views  the  family  is  in  accord  with  the  Pres- 
byterian Church  and  attend  services  at  the 
Concord  Church. 


GEORGE  FLOTO,  who  conducts  a meat 
market  on  7th  street,  Martin’s  Ferry,  and  who 
is  one  of  the  excellent  citizens  of  the  place, 
was  born  in  this  city  on  May  5,  1866,  a son 
of  Henry  and  Margaret  (Proler)  Floto. 

Henry  Floto,  the  father,  was  born  in  Ger- 
many and  came  to  America  prior  to  his  mar- 
riage. leaving  his  parents  and  several  of  his 
family  in  the  old  country.  Several  brothers 
live  in  Steubenville,  Ohio.  Mr.  Floto  followed 
the  trade  of  baker  through  his  active  life,  and 
is  a well-known  and  respected  citizen  of  the 
county,  of  ample  means  and  is  identified  with 
a number  of  the  financial  enterprises  of  Mar- 
tin’s Ferry.  He  has  been  president  of  the 
board  of  directors  of  the  old  Buckeye  glass 
house,  and  the  People’s  Savings  Bank  and  of 
other  institutions.  His  life  has  been  passsed 
here  until  within  the  last  few  years.  He  re- 
tired from  active  business  although  he  is  but 
66  years  of  age,  his  wife  being  some  six  years 
his  junior.  Both  are  members  of  the  German 
Lutheran  Church.  The  children  born  to  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  FlotO  were  the  following:  George, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


767 


of  this  sketch;  Ada,  who  assists  her  brothers 
in  the  bakery;  Frank,  who  conducts  the  bak- 
ery bnsines  in  Martin’s  Ferry;  Flenry,  who  is 
engaged  in  the  meat  business  with  his  brother 
George;  Christopher,  who  is  engaged  in  the 
bakery;  Emma  and  William,  who  reside  at 
home.  Two  children  are  deceased. 

George  Floto  acquired  his  education  in  the 
schools  of  Martin’s  Ferry  and  assisted  his  fa- 
ther in  the  baking  business  until  his  health 
failed  him.  Since  changing  his  line  of  work 
he  has  regained  his  health  and  now  has  a very 
prosperous  trade.  He  has  been  in  the  meat  busi- 
ness for  several  years  and  thoroughly  under- 
stands the  wants  of  the  public.  He  is  a stock- 
holder in  the  Germania  Half-Dollar  Savings 
Bank  of  Wheeling,  and  his  industry  and  provi- 
dent husbanding  of  his  means  augur  a life  of 
ease  in  his  old  age. 

On  April  12,  1894,  Mr.  Floto  was  married 
to  Elizabeth  H.  Seabright,  daughter  of  Charles 
and  Louisa  Seabright,  and  two  children  have 
been  born  to  this  union,  a bright  little  son 
and  daughter,  Philip  H.  and  Ruth  L.  Our 
subject  and  wife  belong  to  the  German  Luth- 
eran Church.  He  is  fraternally  connected 
with  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  also  belongs 
to  the  Lhiiform  Rank.  He  takes  only  a pass- 
ing interest  in  politics,  but  is  fully  awake  to  all 
that  will  benefit  or  advance  the  interests  of  his 
community,  in  this  Avay  proving  himself  a most 
useful  citizen. 


GEORGE  LAWRENCE  RAMSEY,  M. 
D.,  is  a leading  physician  of  York  township, 
Belmont  County,  Ohio,  and  a prominent  repre- 
sentative of  one  of  the  old  and  honored 
pioneer  families  of  the  county.  Dr.  Ramsey 
was  born  in  Mead  township  in  1872,  being  the 
eldest  of  the  nine  children  born  to  his  parents, 
AVilliam  and  Amanda  (Helpbringer)  Ramsey, 
most  highly  esteemed  residents  of  Mead  town- 
ship. 

The  early  ancestral  history  of  the  Ramsey 
family  reaches  back  to  Ireland,  in  which  land 
the  great-grandfather  of  Dr.  Ramsey  was  born 
in  1772.  In  1790  he  immigrated  to  Washing- 


ton County,  Pennsylvania,  where  he  married 
a Miss  Falconer  and  in  1818  removed  to  Bel- 
mont County,  Ohio,  as  one  of  the  first  settlers 
of  Smith  township.  He  left  a family  of  six 
sons  and  one  daughter,  namely : David,  John, 
Samuel,  Abram,  Allen,  Aaron  F.,  and  Nellie. 

Allen  Ramsey,  the  grandfather  of  Dr.  Ram- 
sey, was  born  May  28,  1811,  and  married 
hlary  Thornborough,  in  Washington  town- 
ship, Belmont  County.  The  Thornborough 
family  originated  in  England,  the  grandmother 
being  a daughter  of  William  and  Matilda 
(Lazenb}^)  Thornborough,  who  came  to  Amer- 
ica and  settled  in  Belmont  County  about  1818 
and  followed  an  agricultural  life  in  Washing- 
ton township  until  death.  IMrs.  Allen  Ram- 
sey died  December  i,  1902,  at  the  age  of  86 
years. 

There  were  six  children  in  the  family  of 
William  and  Amanda  (Helpbringer)  Ramsey, 
that  grew  to  maturity,  namely:  William  J., 

Ellis  C.,  Newell  M.,  Mary  T.,  who  married 
John  W.  Muster;  Eva  L.,  and  George  Law- 
rence. 

Dr.  Ramsey  obtained  his  primary  education 
in  the  common  schools  in  the  vicinity  of  his 
birthplace,  and  as  early  as  the  age  of  14  years 
decided  upon  his  life  work,  thereafter  direct- 
ing his  study  and  reading  to  that  end.  When 
prepared  for  college,  he  entered  the  Ohio  Med- 
ical Lhiiversity  at  Columbus,  Ohio,  graduating 
with  much  credit,  on  April  5,  1898.  His  first 
location  for  practice  was  at  Batesville,  Noble 
County,  where  he  remained  until  the  spring  of 
1901,  when  he  settled  at  Powhatan  Point,  pur- 
chasing there  his  fine  property  on  the  turnpike, 
and  owns  one  of  the  handsomest  homes  in  this 
select  neighhorhood. 

On  hlarch  20,  1900,  Dr.  Ramsey  was  mar- 
ried to  Luella  V.  Wilson,  a young  lady  of 
Charleston,  Y'^est  Virginia,  and  one  child, 
Newell  Wilson,  was  born  to  this  union,  in  this 
county.  Dr.  Ramsey’s  fraternal  connection  is 
with  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  of  Batesville,  and 
he  also  belongs  to  the  Belmont  County  Med- 
ical Association.  Like  all  his  family,  the  Doc- 
tor is  a strong  supporter  of  the  principles  of 
the  Republican  party,  and  continues  attached 


768 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY. 


to  the  Methodist  Clnirch,  in  which  he  was  care- 
fully reared  hy  an  excellent  mother.  Dr.  Ram- 
sey sustains  the  most  cordial  relations  with 
his  brother  practitioners,  and  his  ability  and 
skill  have  been  very  generally  recognized  by 
the  community. 


WILLIAM  DUVALL,  who  since  1851 
has  been  a resident  of  Belmont  County  and 
is  well  known  as  the  postmaster  and  popular 
general  merchant  of  Businessburg,  in  Mead 
township,  is  a native  of  the  Buckeye  State, 
born  in  Jefferson  County,  December  4,  1820. 

The  parents  of  Mr.  Duvall  were  Dennis  and 
Mahala  (Fowler)  Duvall,  the  former  of  whom 
died  in  Jefferson  County  and  the  latter  in 
Mead  township  at  the  age  of  77 
years.  Our  subject  is  the  only  mem- 
ber of  his  parents’  family  surviving, 
and  although  the  winters  of  82  years 
have  somewhat  whitened  his  locks,  his 
physical  and  mental  activity  place  his 
years  not  l)eyond  50.  With  the  vigor  of 
middle  life  he  manages  the  details  of  a large 
business  and  makes  in  person  his  purchases 
in  Wheeling  when  necessary  to  supplement 
his  stock.  His  capacity  is  such  that  he  may 
justly  look  forward  to  many  more  years  of 
activity  and  usefulness. 

Mr.  Duvall  was  reared  in  Jefferson  County, 
where  he  remained  until  1851,  coming  then 
to  Pipe  Creek,  Belmont  County,  where  he 
was  engaged  for  some  years  in  both  farming 
and  merchandising.  In  the  stormy  days  of 
the  Civil  War  his  loyalty  induced  him  to  so 
arrange  his  business  that  he  could  enlist  in 
the  service  of  his  country,  entering  in  1862 
Company  F,  52nd  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  in  which 
service  he  continued  two  years  and  eleven 
months,  or  until  the  close  of  the  war.  His 
regiment  was  inchided  in  the  14th  Army 
Corps,  2nd  Brigade  and  32nd  Division,  under 
grim  old  General  Sherman,  with  whom  he 
marched  to  the  sea.  Although  not  seriously 
wounded,  Mr.  Duvall  had  some  very  close 
calls,  one  of  these  being  at  the  battle  of 
Kenesaw  Mountain.  Every  day  of  his  ser- 


vice but  one,  Mr.  Duvall  carried  his  load  of 
equipment. 

After  his  return  from  the  army  our  sub- 
ject opened  up  a general  store  at  Business- 
burg, and  this  has  mainly  claimed  his  atten- 
tion ever  since.  This  store  building  was 
erected  by  Mr.  Warren,  who  was  one  of  th'e 
early  pioneers  of  this  locality.  For  the  past 
25  years  the  post  office  has  been  under  Mr. 
Duvall’s  charge,  its  management  giving  gen- 
eral satisfaction.  In  politics  our  subject  is  a 
stanch  Republican  and  is  proud  of  his  State 
and  his  party.  In  his  earlier  years  he  was  in 
sympathy  with  the  Know-Nothing  party. 
He  has  not  been  a seeker  for  office;  served 
during  a short  period  as  justice  of  the  peace, 
and  declined  the  position  of  township  as- 
sessor even  when  elected.  Mr.  Duvall  never 
married,  but  in  the  community  in  which  he 
has  lived  so  long  is  surrounded  by  warm  per- 
sonal friends.  He  attends  the  Bethel  Pres- 
byterian Church. 


JOHN  WORKMAN,  a prominent  and  sub- 
stantial farmer  of  Smith  township,  Belmont 
County,  is  a worthy  representative  of  an  old 
family  of  the  county.  He  was  born  in  Smith 
township  in  1827,  being  a son  of  William  and 
Isabel  (Eckels)  Workman,  the  former  of 
whom  was  born  in  Maryland,  and  died  in  Ohio 
in  1865,  aged  78  years.  The  latter  was  born 
in  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  and  died  here  in 
1885,  at  the  age  of  80  years. 

William  Workman  accompanied  his  parents 
to  Belmont  County  from  Maryland,  at  an  early 
day,  and  through  a long  life  became  well  known 
in  business  and  politics  and  accumulated  an 
ample  fortune.  In  his  earlier  years  he  engaged 
in  milling  and  in  wagon-making,  but  the  latter 
part  of  his  life  was  passed  in  farming.  Mr. 
Workman  bore  his  part  in  the  War  of  1812  and 
for  many  years  was  a justice  of  the  peace.  In 
politics  a Democrat,  he  was  the  choice  of  his 
party  for  county  commissioner  at  various  times 
and  creditably  served  for  five  terms  as  a mem- 
ber of  the  Ohio  Legislature.  He  was  one  of 


i - - 


/J 


^ ■ 


yi^  - - 


JOHN  YOUNG. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


771 


the  substantial  men  of  his  county  and  left  a 
fine  farm  of  240  acres  of  valuable  land  to  his 
family.  A family  of  1 1 children  was  born  to 
William  and  Isabel  Workman,  namely:  Charles 
C.,  Mary  A.,  William,  Robert  E.,  Sarah  J., 
Amos,  John,  David,  Isabel,  Robinson,  and 
Keziah. 

John  Workman,  the  seventh  member  of  the 
above  family,  was  reared  like  other  boys  of 
his  day,  with  much  work  and  a little  schooling, 
and  grew  to  manhood  quite  capable  of  manag- 
ing a farm  of  his  own  and  of  taking  his  place 
as  one  of  the  responsible  citizens  of  his  county. 
In  1849  married  Elizabeth  J.  Lash,  who 
was  a daughter  of  Isaac  and  Ann  (Ogleby) 
Lash,  and  was  born  in  Belmont  County  in  1828. 
A family  of  1 1 children  was  born  to  this  union, 
as  follows : William  L.,  one  deceased,  Har- 

vey C.,  Joseph,  one  deceased,  Sarah  J.,  John 
W.,  Mary  A.,  Ida  and  two  deceased. 

Mr.  Workman  owns  a fine  farm  of  103 
acres,  located  one  mile  west  of  the  hamlet  of 
Whitney,  and  successfully  carries  on  general 
farming  and  stock  raising  to  a moderate  ex- 
tent. A man  of  reliability  and  integrity,  he 
has  taken  a leading  place  in  township  move- 
ments, and  has  served  most  capably  as  justice 
of  the  peace,  township  trustee  and  as  school 
director.  In  politics  he  is  identified  with  the 
Democratic  party.  The  religious  membership 
of  the  family  is  with  the  Presbyterian  Church. 


JOHN  YOUNG,  a well-known  and  success- 
ful fruit  grower  of  Pease  township,  Belmont 
County,  is  a native  of  Germany,  a country 
which  has  given  Ohio  many  of  her  most  valued 
citizens. 

Mr.  Young  was  born  in  1831,  and  he  is  a 
son  of  Jacob  Young,  who  was  also  a native  of 
Bavaria,  Germany,  and  who  brought  his  fam- 
il}^  to  the  United  States  in  the  fall  of  1836. 
The  voyage  was  made  in  a sailing  vessel  and 
40  days  were  passed  on  the  Atlantic  Ocean. 
The  family  located  at  Wheeling  where  Jacob 
Young  found  work  at  his  trade  of  blacksmith, 
and  also  in  the  coal  mines,  until  the  breaking 


out  of  the  Civil  War,  when  he  became  a mem- 
ber of  the  77th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  and  par- 
ticipated in  the  siege  of  Vicksburg.  He  died 
several  years  ago,  in  Pittsburg,  Pennsylvania. 
The  mother  of  our  subject  was  a daughter  of 
Erederick  Kerner,  who  died  at  the  home  of 
Mr.  Young,  at  the  age  of  89  years.  Mrs.  Jacob 
Young  died  June  13,  1885,  at  the  age  of  80 
years. 

John  Young  was  the  only  child  born  to  his 
parents  and  was  given  excellent  educational  ad- 
vantages in  the  German  schools,  but  had  little 
opportunity  to  learn  the  English  language. 
While  still  a lad,  he  earned  12^/3  cents  a day, 
hoeing  corn  for  Governor  Sharnick,  who  re- 
sided south  of  AVheeling  on  Carval's  Run. 
About  1849  entered  the  Top  Mill  at  Wheel- 
ing and  was  one  of  the  workmen  there  em- 
ployed in  making  the  wire  which  was  used  to 
build  the  old  suspension  bridge  across  the  Ohio, 
from  Wheeling  to  the  Island.  At  the  opening 
of  the  La  Belle  Mill  he  secured  work  there  and 
remained  until  1859.  removing  then  to  Pease 
township,  Behuont  County.  In  1863  he  was 
able  to  purchase  his  present  home  farm  of  about 
60  acres,  and  since  that  time  has  made  many 
substantial  improvements  on  the  place,  erecting 
fine  buildings  and  turning  his  land  into  a fruit 
farm.  Here  Mr.  Young  can  show  some  of  the 
finest  grapes  grown  in  this  part  of  the  State, 
his  vineyard  covering  two  and  one-half  acres, 
afid  its  productiveness  enabling  him  to  sell  more 
than  10  tons  of  fruit  a season.  Other  special- 
ties are  strawberries  and  raspberries.  His  care- 
ful culture  and  thorough  knowledge  of  vari- 
eties and  soils  make  these  fruits  very  profitable. 

On  Eebruary  22,  1852,  hlr.  Young  married 
Margaret  IMeal,  a native  of  Strasburg.  Alsace, 
Prance,  who  died  some  years  since,  leaving  the 
following  children : Lizzie,  who  is  the  wife  of 
Erederick  Adolphs,  resides  on  the  Cadiz  Pike; 
Albert,  who  married  Margaret,  a daughter  of 
William  Neelan,  also  resides  along  this  pike, 
and  is  employed  in  the  Aetna-Standard  Mill ; 
Lena,  who  married  Charles  Adolphs,  resides  at 
Bridgeport : and  Catherine,  who  married 
George  IMeister,  who  is  the  leader  of  the  fa- 
mous Meister  Band,  of  Bridgeport.  The  sec- 


772 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


ond  marriage  of  Mr.  Young  was  to  Barbara 
Miller,  who  was  born  in  Bavaria,  Germany, 
but  who  has  lived  for  42  years  in  the  United 
States. 

Mr.  Young  has  been  a faithful  and  enthusi- 
astic Republican  since  he  cast  his  first  vote  for 
John  C.  Fremont,  in  Ritchie  township,  Wheel- 
ing, at  a time  when  it  was  a dangerous  policy 
to  speak  in  favor  of  the  principles  of  the  Re- 
publican party.  Mr.  Young  was  one  of  the 
eight  men  who  were  brave  enough  to  vote  as 
they  deemed  right.  Tde  is  a man  of  admirable 
judgment  and  strict  integrity,  and  has  capably 
filled  the  position  of  supervisor  of  his  town- 
ship for  about  10  years.  Blis  religious  mem- 
bership is  in  the  German  Lutheran  Church. 
He  belongs  to  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  the 
Odd  Fellows,  of  Bridgeport. 


MILES  HART,  one  of  the  well-known 
and  popular  citizens  of  Smith  township,  who 
for  28  consecutive  years  followed  teaching  in 
Belmont  County,  comes  of  an  old  agricultural 
family,  which  originated  in  the  person  of  his 
gramlfather.  Miles  Llart,  in  Greene  County, 
Pennsylvania. 

Our  sul.iject  was  born  January  24,  1844,  in 
Smith  township,  and  is  a son  of  Silas  and 
Sarah  (Twinem)  Hart,  the  latter  of  whom 
was  born  in  1816,  in  the  State  of  New  York, 
a daughter  of  Leonard  and  Mary  Twinem, 
who  came  from  Ireland  to  Belmont  County 
about  1817.  Mrs.  Hart  died  at  the  old  home 
just  north  of  Centreville.  Silas  Hart  was 
born  in  1817,  in  Smith  township,  and  was  a 
son  of  Miles  Llart,  rvho  came  to  Belmont 
County  in  1815  and  stopped  first  in  Mead 
township  at  Billie’s  Bottom  and  then  settled 
permanently  on  section  28,  in  Smith  town- 
ship, where  he  died  in  1852.  Silas  Hart  died 
in  the  spring  of  1894,  at  the  home  of  his  son 
Miles.  Our  subject  is  one  of  a family  of 
seven  children  born  to  his  parents,  three  of 
whom  besides  himself  survive,  namely:  Cath- 
erine (Mrs.  Barrett),  of  Texas;  Leonard,  a 
resident  of  Goshen  township;  and  S.  W.,  of 


Smith  township.  Cephas  and  Hamilton  are 
deceased,  and  a daughter  died  in  infancy. 

Miles  Hart  was  reared  on  the  farm  and 
attended  the  country  schools  and  also  went  to 
a select  school.  In  1866  he  began  to  teach  the 
winter  sessions  of  school  in  his  neighborhood, 
learning  in  the  meantime  the  carpenter  trade 
and  spending  the  summer  vacations  on  the 
farm,  continuing  thus  until  1894,  when  he 
gave  up  the  profession  to  devote  himself  en- 
tirely to  the  operation  of  his  farm.  Mr.  Hart 
purchased  this  valuable  and  attractive  home  in 
1872  and  has  82 J4  acres  of  land  most  admir- 
ably fitted  for  farming  and  stock  raising. 

In  1878  Mr.  Hart  was  married  to  Mary  C. 
Stonebraker,  who  was  born  in  Smith  town- 
ship in  i860,  being  one  of  five  children  born 
to  Jeremiah  and  Mary  (Glover)  Stonebraker, 
the  three  survivors  being:  James  W.,  of 

Smith  township;  Eliza  J.  (Mrs.  McCann),  of 
Richland  township ; and  Mrs.  Hart.  Those 
deceased  were:  John  T.  and  Margaret,  the 

wife  of  D.  M.  Scatterday.  Three  children 
have  been  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hart,  one  of 
whom  died  in  infancy.  Of  the  two  young 
ladies,  Sarah  is  the  successful  teacher  of  a 
school  near  Martin’s  Eerry,  and  Blanche  is 
still  a student. 

Mr.  Hart  has  taken  an  active  interest  in 
politics  in  his  locality,  voting  the  Republican 
ticket,  and  has  been  called  upon  to  serve  in 
many  offices,  his  intelligence,  education  and 
excellent  judgment  making  him  eminently 
desirable  as  a township  or  county  official.  By 
appointment  he  served  one  year  as  township 
clerk  and  was  elected  and  re-elected,  serving 
with  the  greatest  efficiency.  In  the  latter 
“seventies”  he  served  for  two  years  as  asses- 
sor. The  'religious  connection  of  the  family 
is  with  the  Concord  Presbyterian  Church,  of 
which  Mr.  Hart  is  the  clerk  of  the  congre- 
gation. 

Mr.  Hart’s  long  associations  as  an  educator 
make  him  a very  well-known  resident  of  Smith 
township,  and  few  citizens  are  so  highly 
regarded  by  all  classes  of  people.  As  a 
teacher  he  was  brought  into  such  close  rela- 
tions that  his  interest  in  many  of  his  neigh- 


/ 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


in 


bors  began  in  childhood  and  a mutual  regard 
has  ever  since  been  maintained.  He  has  a 
wide  circle  of  attached  friends.  He  was 
elected  a member  of  the  Board  of  Education, 
and  served  with  credit  for  a term  of  three 
years. 


JOHN  W.  DeLANEY,  a prominent  farmer 
and  successful  stock  raiser  of  Smith  township, 
Belmont  County,  and  one  of  its  leading  and 
representative  citizens,  was  born  in  this  town- 
ship, December  24,  1840.  His  parents  were 
John  and  Elizabeth  (Montgomery)  DeLaney, 
the  former  of  whom  was  born  in  the  State  of 
Maryland,  coming  to  Belmont  County  while  < 
the  National  Road  was  being  built,  making  his 
way  from  Baltimore  afoot.  He  was  fatherless 
and  dependent  upon  his  own  resources,  his 
father  having  met  death  on  the  Potomac  River. 
Prior  to  coming  to  Ohio,  John  DeLaney  had 
served  as  a soldier  from  Maiyland  against  the 
British,  in  the  War  of  1812,  and  was  wounded. 

When  John  DeLaney  first  came  to  Belmont 
County,  he  was  engaged  as  a tobacco  packer 
with  the  father  of  Col.  J.  E.  Charlesworth. 
Several  years  later  he  bought  a farm  near 
Ferris  Mills,  which  he  improved,  and  then  re- 
moved to  the  farm  now  owned  and  occupied  by 
his  son,  J.  W.,  of  this  sketch.  Here  he  died, 
September  13,  1864,  aged  75  years.  The 
mother  of  our  subject,  Elizabeth  (Mont- 
gomery) DeLaney,  passed  away  March  30, 
1878,  having  lived  84  years.  Both  parents 
were  regarded  highly  in  their  locality.  Their 
three  children  were : Hannah,  who  became 

Mrs.  Lash,  and  both  she  and  husband  are 
deceased;  Sarah  J.,  who  became  Mrs.  Robson, 
and  she  is  also  deceased;  and  J.  W.,  the  young- 
est. 

Adr.  DeLaney  is  one  of  the  large  land  owners 
of  Smith  township.  Here  he  was  born,  reared 
and  educated  and  here  his  useful  life  has  been 
passed,  mainly  in  agricultural  pursuits,  great 
attention  having  been  given  to  stock  raising. 
Mr.  DeLaney  probably  owns  the  finest  herd  of 
thoroughbred  Spanish  Merino  sheep  in  Bel- 
mont County  and  justly  takes  pride  in  them. 


He  is  considered  an  authority  in  stock  matters, 
notably  so  in  sheep,  and  he  has  done  much  to 
raise  the  general  standard  in  Belmont  County. 
The  fine  farm  where  he  now  resides  and  upon 
which  he  built  his  elegant  home,  in  the  sum- 
mer of  1878,  comprises  160  acres  and  former- 
ly belonged  to  his  father.  In  addition,  Mr.  De 
Laney  owns  no  acres  in  the  northwest  quar- 
ter of  section  16,  and  a valuable  tract  of  80 
acres  in  section  24.  This  is  all  valuable,  culti- 
vated land  and  some  of  the  choicest  in  the 
township. 

In  1878  Mr.  DeLaney  was  united  in  mar- 
riage with  Mary  E.  Workman,  who  was  born 
in  Knox  County,  and  the  five  children  born  to 
this  union  are : Jerusha  Jane;  Martha  Florilla, 
the  wife  of  Harry  Scott,  of  Warnock;  A.  N. ; 
J.  W.,  Jr.;  and  Susan  E. 

As  one  of  the  representative  members  of  the 
Republican  party  in  Smith  township.  Air.  De 
Laney  has  been  called  upon  to  accept  a num- 
ber of  local  offices  and  has  performed  the  du- 
ties of  the  same  with  credit  to  himself  and  his 
locality.  For  a long  period  he  has  been  a lead- 
ing member  of  the  Concord  Presbyterian 
Church.  He  is  one  of  the  intelligent,  upright, 
public-spirited  citizens  of  his  township,  one 
always  found  in  the  front  rank  in  progressive 
movements,  and  one  whose  advice  may  always 
be  relied  upon  in  agricultural  affairs. 


JOHN  L.  CUNARD,  a worthy  representa- 
tive of  one  of  the  old  families  of  Belmont 
County,  Ohio,  and  a prominent  farmer  of 
Lhiion  township,  owning  two  fine  farms  of 
93  and  50  acres,  in  section  ii,  and  another 
large  cultivated  tract  of  150  acres,  in  section 
10,  was  born  in  Union  township,  November 
15,  1874. 

Smith Cunard,  the  father  of  JohnL.,  was  born 
November  15,  1839,  in  LTnion  township,  and 
died  January  10,  1902,  in  the  same  township,  in 
which  he  passed  his  whole  life,  a farmer  by 
vocation,  and  a large  land  owner,  possessing 
520  acres  in  the  township.  He  was  interested 
in  sheep-  raising  and  made  it  very  profitable. 


774 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


He  was  a man  of  estimable  character,  highly 
regarded  in  his  community  and  was  very  fre- 
quently called  niion  to  settle  estates  and  hold 
township  offices,  being  one  of  the  truly  relia- 
ble, solid  citizens  to  whom  a community  looks 
for  assistance  in  times  of  adversity  or  anxiety. 
At  the  age  of  22  years  he  married  Christina 
Cosset,  daughter  of  William  and  Elizabeth 
Cosset,  the  former  of  whom  lived  to  attain  the 
age  of  97  years  and  the  latter,  the  age  of  80 
years.  Mrs.  Smith  Cunard  died  August  12, 
1902. 

Marion  Lee  Cunard,  the  grandfather  of 
John  L.,  came  to  Ohio  from  Loudoun  County 
Virginia,  about  183C  and  settled  first  in  Rich- 
land township,  Belmont  County,  where  he  re- 
mained until  1846  ,and  then  removed  to  sec- 
tion 4,  when  he  lived  for  12  years,  removing 
then  to  section  5,  where  he  purchased  160  acres 
of  land  and  lived  upon  it  until  his  death,  which 
occurred  in  1868,  at  the  age  of  52  years.  His 
parents  were  Edward  and  Adah  (Thatcher) 
Cunard, both  of  whom  died  in  Loudoun  County 
where  Edward  Cunard  was  a slaveholder, — 
his  widow  eventually  freed  her  slaves.  Ed- 
ward Cunard  died  a young  man,  but  his  widow 
survived  him,  living  to  be  80  years  old.  The 
children  of  Edward  Cunard  were:  Marion  L., 
Steven  T..  Luther  C.,  Sarah  Ann  (Mrs. 
d'homas  Stone),  Nancy  C.,  (Mrs.  Smith 
Marks),  Mary  P.,  unmarried,  and  Maria 
(Mrs.  Craven  Copeland),  all  of  whom  are  de- 
ceased. Marion  Lee  Cunard  married  Perme- 
lia  Nichols,  who  was  born  December  7,  1817, 
and  died  March  18,  1844.  She  had  nine 
brothers  and  sisters,  as  follows:  Maria  (Mrs. 
James  Gardner),  deceased;  Nancy  (Mrs.  Wil- 
liam Norris)  : Jonah,  who  first  married  Nancy 
Hoge  and  second,  Jerusha  Erance;  Balaam, 
who  married  Abigail  Hatcher;  Sarah  (Mrs. 
Caldwell  Dunn)  ; Samuel,  who  married  Sarah 
Dillon;  Elizabeth  (Mrs.  Andrew  Richey); 
Alfred,  a resident  of  Mercer  County,  Ohio, 
who  married  Eliza  Hoover,  now  deceased ; and 
Daniel,  who  married  Adaline  Brock,  and  re- 
sides near  Mount  Hope  school  house.  Other 
members  of  our  subject’s  family  are.  John,  an 
uncle,  residing  in  Wheeling  township,  Belmont 


County,  who  married  first  Lettie  Spencer  and 
second,  Katie  Neihart;  and  an  aunt,  Mrs.  Ada 
A.  Ferguson,  born  April  10,  1844,  who  was 
educated  in  the  common  schools  and  was  mar- 
ried to  Joseph  W.  Ferguson,  July  19,  1879. 

John  L.  Cunard  was  one  of  a family  of  five 
children  born  to  his  parents,  three  of  whom 
died  in  early  life.  He  was  the  fourth  in  order 
of  birth,  his  surviving  sister  being  Elizabeth 
Piersel,  the  wife  of  William  Piersel,  of  Union 
township.  This  sister  has  one  child,  Mary 
Christina.  Mr.  Cunard  and  his  sister  have  a 
claim  of  150  acres  of  land  in  Union  township, 
which  is  in  the  possesion  of  Sadie  Rankin, 
who  has  a life  claim  on  it,  she  having  been  a 
member  of  the  family  since  her  seventh  year. 

Mr.  Cunard  was  educated  in  the  common 
schools  of  his  township,  and  has  followed 
farming  and  stock  raising  all  his  life,  making 
a specialty  of  grain  crops.  On  November  15, 
1899,  married  Ella  Ida  Walker,  a native  of 
Belmont  County,  and  a daughter  of  William 
and  Matilda  Walker  of  this  county.  Mrs. 
Cunard  was  the  seventh  in  a family  of  nine 
children  born  to  her  parents,  the  others  being 
as  follows  : George,  a resident  of  Bridgeport ; 
Margaret  (Mrs.  William  Taylor),  a resident 
of  this  county;  Nancy,  deceased;  Orville,  at 
home;  Amy;  James;  Frank;  and  Clyde  and 
Nellie,  twins.  One  son.  Walker  Smith,  was 
born  to  our  subject  and  wife,  on  August  25, 
1901.  Mrs.  Cunard  is  a consistent  member  of 
the  United  Presbyterian  Church  and  is  much 
valued  socially.  Mr.  Cunard  belongs  tO'  no 
secret  societies,  and  votes  with  the  Republican 
party,  although  in  no  sense  a politician.  He 
is  one  of  the  best  known  and  most  highly 
respected  young  farmers  of  the  county  and 
Ihds  fair  to  become  one  of  its  most  prominent 
farmers. 


T.  C.  AYERS.  The  legal  profession  in  St. 
Clairsville,  Ohio.is  well  represented  by  men  who 
have  won  reputation  throughout  Belmont  Coun- 
ty, and  among  these  is  T.  C.  Ayers,  whose  field 
of  practice  covers  the  county.  State  and  United 
States  courts.  Mr.  Ayers  was  born  in  Noble 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


775 


County,  Ohio,  May  20,  1858,  and  is  a son  of 
Philander  C.  and  Nancy  T.  (Eagan)  Ayers. 

Philander  C.  Ayers  is  one  of  Belmont  Coun- 
ty's most  substantial  farmers.  After  a resi- 
dence of  14  years  in  Noble  County,  he  moved 
to  Belmont  County,  in  1863.  1862,  he  sent 

a substitute  into  the  army,  as  his  removal  to 
Belmpnt  County  made  it  necessary^  for  him  to 
remain  at  home.  He  is  in  every  way  quali- 
fied to  fill  responsible  positions,  but  has  ac- 
cepted only  local  offices.  He  has  reached  the 
age  of  74  years,  and  his  wife  is  about  seven 
years  his  junior.  Both  are  most  highly  re- 
spected members  of  the  Methodist  Church. 
They  became  the  parents  of  14  children,  name- 
ly: Margaret  F.  (Morris);  Mary  E.  (Big- 

ley)  ; Emma  A.  (Groves)  ; Anna  M.  (Hen- 
derson) ; T.  C. ; Adda  E.  (Howell);  Tabitha 
J.  (Barber);  William  F. ; E.  E.,  a minister, 
who  married  Eleanor  Elder;  iMinnie  C.,  who  is 
at  home;  Harriet  K.  (Shepherd);  John  H., 
who  married  Clara  Carpenter,  and  lives  on  the 
home  farm;  Esther  M.  (Shepherd);  and 
Lorena  B.,  who  died  in  1876,  at  the  age  of 
three  and  a half  years. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  attended  the  com- 
mon schools  and  Hopedale  Academy,  in  Har- 
rison County,  and  pursued  a course  in  the  Ohio 
State  University  at  Columbus,  Ohio.  He 
studied  law  under  John  Pollock,  of  St.  Clairs- 
ville,  and  completed  his  legal  studies  at  the 
Cincinnati  Law  School,  in  1889.  Since  that 
time  Mr.  Ayers  has  made  his  home  in  St. 
Clairsville,  and  by  reason  of  his  public  spirit, 
progressive  enterprise  and  ability  as  a lawyer, 
he  has  become  one  of  the  leading  citizens  of 
the  place. 

On  May  10.  1888,  Mr.  Ayers  was  united  in 
marriage  with  Mary  E.  Gibson,  who  was  born 
in  Noble  County,  Ohio,  and  is  a daughter  of 
the  late  LeRoy  Gibson,  and  a relative  of  Gen- 
eral Gibson.  Her  mother  was  Margaret  Berry, 
and  both  the  Gibson  and  Berry  families  are 
old  and  honored  ones  in  Belmont  County. 
Two  children  were  born  to  this  union, — Ken- 
dall G.  and  Cecil  L.  Mrs.  Ayers  is  an  active 
member  of  the  Methodist  Church. 

For  a number  of  years,  Mr.  Ayers  has  been 


a prominent  member  of  Belmont  Lodge,  No. 
16,  F.  & A.  M.,  in  which  he  is  past  master. 
He  is  a past  chancellor  of  the  Knights  of 
Pythias,  and  was  one  of  the  organizers,  on 
November  9,  1897,  of  the  lodge  of  the  Modern 
Woodmen  of  America,  of  which  he  has  since 
been  clerk.  This  lodge  was  the  first  one  of  that 
order  in  this  Congressional  district.  As  an 
orator,  Mr.  Ayers  has  always  been  in  great 
demand  during  political  campaigns,  as  his  log- 
ical reasoning  and  fluency  of  speech  impress  his 
points  as  conclusively  on  an  audience  of  voters 
as  on  a jury.  IMr.  Ayers  is  held  in  high  es- 
teem in  St.  Clairsville,  his  record  having  shown 
him  to  be  wise  in  counsel,  generous  and  fair  in 
spirit,  a scrupulous  olficial,  and  honorable  and 
agreeable  in  all  the  relations  of  life. 


ISAAC  H.  PITTMAN,  a well-known  citi- 
zen of  Pilcher,  Wayne  township,  Belmont 
County,  and  the  efficient  and  popular  postmas- 
ter, was  born  April  17,  1870,  in  Monroe  Coun- 
ty, Ohio,  being  a son  of  David  B.  and  Rachel 
Jane  (Ady)  Pittman. 

The  Pittman  family  is  of  French  origin,  but 
the  grandfather  of  our  subject,  Theodore  Pitt- 
man, was  a native  of  Ohio,  born  near  Bealls- 
ville,  in  Monroe  County.  His  son,  David  B., 
was  born  in  Monroe  County  in  1846,  but  came 
to  Belmont  County  in  1881,  locating  first  on 
Piney  Creek,  near  Beallsville,  removing  to  his 
present  fine  farm  in  section  30,  near  Pilcher,  in 
1885.  For  several  years  he  has  served  as  su- 
pervisor. His  wife,  Rachel  Jane  Ady,  was 
born  in  1850,  near  Cameron,  j\Ionroe  County, 
a daughter  of  Joshua  and  Catherine  (Hurd) 
Ady.  Our  sul^ject  is  the  eldest  of  the  seven 
children  born  to  his  parents,  the  others  being : 
Theodore  A.,  a farmer  of  hlonroe  County,  who 
married  Ella  Hudson  and  has  two  children, — 
Elvert  and  Herbert;  Ida,  who  lives  at  home; 
Catherine,  who  married  Ezra  Kirkbride,  a 
farmer  near  Pilcher,  and  has  two  children, — 
Rose  and  Vernon;  Charles,  who  is  engaged  in 
the  huckster  business  and  resides  at  Pilcher ; 
and  Stephen  L.  and  Marion  S.,  who  are  both  at 
home. 


776 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Mr.  Pittman  was  educated  both  in  Monroe 
and  Belmont  counties  and  took  a supplement- 
ary course  in  a normal  school.  For  nine  years 
he  engaged  in  farming'  in  Wayne  township, 
l)Ut  in  1899  turned  his  attention  in  a different 
direction,  embarking  in  a mercantile  business 
at  Pilcher.  Since  its  opening,  his  business  has 
been  greatly  enlarged  and  now  Mr.  Pittman 
carries  a stock  that  is  valued  at  $2,000,  con- 
ducting a general  store  and  supplying  a large 
territory.  Since  September,  1901,  he  has  also 
l)een  the  postmaster  and  has  become  one  of  the 
most  prominent  men  of  the  village,  owning  his 
own  comfortalde  and  attractive  home,  his  store 
and  other  property. 

In  1891  Mr.  Pittman  was  married  to  Flora 
Sutton,  who  was  born  in  Wayne  township,  near 
Flunter,  a daughter  of  Joseph  and  Phrelove 
(Stidd)  Sutton,  both  families  being  among  the 
early  settlers.  Mrs.  Pittman  has  one  sister, 
Mrs.  Ernest  Moore,  of  Wayne  township.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Pittman  have  one  bright  little  son  of 
JO  years,  Bracy  S.,  who  is  an  apt  student  at 
school  and  already  a help  in  the  business. 

In  politics  Mr.  Pittman  is  stanch  in  his  Re- 
pul)licanism  and  is  highly  valued  by  his  party. 
Ilis  fraternal  connection  is  with  the  lodge  of 
Knights  of  Pythias,  of  Jerusalem,  Monroe 
County.  Both  he  and  his  estimable  wife  belong 
to  and  liberally  assist  in  supporting  the  Chris- 
tian Church. 


SAMUEL  GILLASPIE,  a well-known  ag- 
riculturist residing  in  York  township,  Belmont 
County,  Ohio,  resides  on  the  old  home  farm 
where  he  was  l)orn  and  has  always  lived.  The 
date  of  his  birth  is  1842.  and  he  is  a son  of 
David  Gillaspie  and  grandson  of  David  Gil- 
laspie. 

David  Gillaspie,  grandfather  of  our  subject, 
was  born  in  Pennsylvania  and  at  the  age  of  16 
years  was  in  the  block-house  at  Wheeling, 
(West)  Virginia.  Fie  was  a potter  by  trade  and 
for  some  years  worked  aljout  Wheeling.  Upon 
coming  to  York  township,  he  located  upon  the 
farm  now  owned  and  occupied  by  our  subject, 
which  has  been  in  possession  of  the  Gillaspie 


family  for  more  than  90  years.  He  took  up 
section  27  in  partnership  with  the  Moore  fam- 
ily and  lived  upon  this  farm  until  his  death  in 
1857.  He  married  Hannah  Stuckey,  by  whom 
he  had  the  following  children : John,  Jacob, 
David,  Nancy,  Lydia,  Barbara  and  Elizabeth. 

David  Gillaspie,  father  of  our  subject,  was 
born  in  York  township  in  1812  and  resided 
here  all  his  life,  dying  in  1887.  He  was  a 
Democrat  in  politics  and  served  as  township 
trustee  many  years.  He  married  Matilda 
Gates,  who  now  resides  at  Beallsville,  Ohio, 
at  the  advanced  age  of  84  years.  To  them 
were  born  three  children  : Samuel ; Philena, 

of  Beallsville,  widow  of  Thomas  Wilson;  and 
Nancy  (Brock),  who  lives  in  Monroe  County. 
Mrs.  Gillaspie’s  father  was  Daniel  Gates. 

Samuel  Gillaspie  was  reared  in  his  native 
county  and  in  1862  enlisted  in  Company  E, 
52nd  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  in  the  14th  Army 
Corps,  under  General  Sherman,  accompanying 
that  great  general  in  his  march  through  the 
Southern  States  to  the  Atlantic  Coast.  Upon 
the  close  of  the  war  he  returned  home  and  has 
since  engaged  in  farming.  He  helped  to 
build  the  present  house  on  the  farm,  as  well 
as  the  barn  and  other  outbuildings,  and  at  the 
present  time  owns  72  acres  of  well  improved 
land. 

Mr.  Gillaspie  was  joined  in  marriage  to  Me- 
linda Hurley,  who  was  born  in  Washington 
township,  Belmont  County,  in  1847,  is  a 
daughter  of  Nehemiah  and  Elizabeth  (Willis) 
Flurley,  being  one  of  eight  children  that  grew 
to  mature  years:  Washington,  Charlotte, 

Eranklin,  James,  Nehemiah,  Cyrus,  who  died 
in  Andersonville  Prison,  Sarah  E.,  and  Me- 
linda. Those  who  died  before  reaching  ma- 
turity were  Adeline,  Eveline,  Sarah  E.,  and 
an  infant.  To  our  subject  and  his  wife  were 
born  the  following  children : Annie  married 

Louis  Schafer  and  has  three  children  living, 
Leroy,  Myrtle,  Goldie,  and  one  deceased,  Ber- 
nice Marie;  Zepheniah  married  Mary  Boner 
and  has  a daughter.  Hazel ; Effie  married 
George  Kreichbaum,  of  York  township,  and  has 
a son,  Clarence;  Elizabeth  (Perin)  has  two 
sons  living,  Pdoyd  and  Ralph,  and  one  de- 


PETER  NEFF. 


779 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


ceased,  John  N. ; Winona,  wife  of  Albert  New- 
liart,  has  a son,  Newell;  Myrtle,  Hattie,  and 
Sherman.  Three  children — Maud,  Lena,  and 
an  infant — are  deceased.  In  politics  Mr.  Gil- 
laspie  is  independent.  Socially  he  is  a member 
of  G.  A.  R.  Post,  No.  595,  at  Armstrong’s 
Mills.  Religiously  he  is  a member  of  the 
Christian  Church. 

Ithamer  P.  Gillaspie,  a cousin  of  our  sub- 
ject, residing  in  section  28,  York  township, 
was  born  December  2,  1848,  and  is  a son  of 
John  and  Margaret  (Cree)  Gillaspie,  his 
mother,  who  is  76  years  of  age,  residing  with 
him.  His  father  was  born  in  1803  and  died 
in  1879.  Ithamer  is  one  of  10  children:  Me- 
lissa D.,  widow  of  David  Carpenter,  residing 
in  Mead  township;  Nancy  Jane,  deceased,  who 
was  the  wife  of  William  Richmond;  Welling- 
ton, of  Wirt  County,  West  Virginia;  Ma'rga- 
ret  Elizabeth,  deceased,  wife  of  Abram  Ram- 
say; David  C.,  of  Emporia,  Kansas;  John  J. ; 
Hannah;  Mary  E. ; Ithamer  P.,  and  George 
W.,  of  Glencoe.  Ithamer  P.  Gillaspie  married 
Sarah  Janet  Gift’en,  who  was  born  in  York 
township  in  1850  and  is  a daughter  of  John 
G.  and  Sarah  Giffen,  and  they  have  four  sons 
and  one  daughter,  as  follows : Martha  J. 

(Fish),  of  Bellaire,  Ohio,  who  has  two  chil- 
dren, Neva  and  Eula ; Everett  E.,  of  W est 
Virginia;  George  W.,  of  West  Virginia; 
Cleveland  G.,  and  Clarence  A.  The  Gillaspie 
family  is  one  of  the  oldest  and  best  known  in 
York  township. 


PETER  NEFF,  a representative  of  one  of 
Belmont  County’s  oldest  and  most  prominent 
families,  is  engaged  in  farming  in  Pultney 
township  near  the  farm  on  which  he  was  born, 
August  28,  1822. 

Peter  Neff  is  a son  of  George  and  Margaret 
(Helm)  Neff,  who  came  to  Pultney  township 
from  near  Baltimore,  Maryland,  as  early  as 
the  spring  of  1806.  George  Neff  owned  a 
farm,  but  followed  blacksmithing,  being  one 
of  the  first  to  follow  that  trade  in  the  county. 
They  were  parents  of  the  following  children: 


Jacob,  Andrew,  Henry,  Mary,  George,  Han- 
nah, John,  Peter  and  Elizabeth. 

Jacob  Neff,  who  was  born  December  18, 
1806,  was  married  to  Mary  Owen,  June  17, 
1830.  He  lived  and  died  in  Richland  town- 
sliip.  Andrew,  born  November  24,  1808,  was 
married  to  Jane  Alexander,  April  i,  1845, 
Henry,  born  July  30,  1811,  is  the  oldest  of 
the  family  now  living.  He  was  married  to 
Matilda  A.  Hall  on  October  15,  1844.  Mary, 
born  July  30,  1813,  is  now  deceased.  George, 
born  February  20,  1815,  was  married  March 
6,  1849,  to  Sarah  Bucher,  who  died  in  June, 
1900.  He  resides  on  his  farm  near  Neff’s 
siding.  For  a period  of  60  years  he  conducted 
the  sawmill  now  operated  by  his  son,  Franklin, 
it  liaving  been  built  in  1832.  He  has  six  chil- 
dren, as  follows:  John  B.,  who  is  vice-presi- 
dent and  general  manager  of  a large  fruit 
exchange  in  California;  Enoch,  who  is  a phy- 
sician of  St.  Joseph,  Missouri;  George,  who 
died  at  the  age  of  two  years;  Margaret  E., 
who  died  in  1882,  at  the  age  of  26  years; 
Franklin,  born  in  1858,  is  a civil  engineer, 
manages  his  father’s  farm,  is  interested  in  coal 
and  manufacturing  enterprises  and  is  secretary 
and  treasurer  of  the  Standard  Stone  & Brick 
Company, — he  was  married  in  1891  to  Mary 
E.  Hall,  a daughter  of  William  Hall  of  Pult- 
ney townaliip;  and  Mary  S.,  who  married 
James  S.  Culverhouse  of  Cadiz.  Hannah,  the 
sixth  child  of  George  and  Margaret  (Helm) 
Neff,  was  born  August  i,  1817,  and  was  mar- 
ried October  15,  1840,  to  James  T.  Scott. 
John,  deceased,  was  born  January  19,  1820. 
Elizabeth,  who  was  born  August  29,  1825, 
married  Enoch  D.  Crawford,  October  21, 

1852. 

Peter  Neff  is  living  on  a farm  which  formed 
a part  of  the  old  homestead,  and  his  fine  brick 
residence  is  but  a short  distance  from  the  place 
where  he  was  born,  although  a new  house 
stands  on  the  old  site.  He  follows  general 
farming  and  has  a great  deal  of  pasture  land, 
raising  thoroughbred  stock. 

Peter  Neff  was  married  November  20,  1852, 
to  Eliza  Jane  Thompson,  who  died  August  2, 
1896,  leaving  two  children:  Clarence  W.,  and 


78o  centennial  HISTORY 


Ada.  Clarence  W.  was  born  December  25, 
1853,  and  actively  manages  our  subject’s  farm 
of  326  acres.  He  married  Mary  Bell  McKel- 
vey,  Octol>er  20,  1876,  and  has  two  children: 
Alva  IMeades  and  Ada  Luella.  Ada,  who 
was  born  March  23,  1857,  was  married  Oc- 
tober 25,  1876,  to  Thomas  McKelvey,  who 
resides  near  Bethel  station,  by  whom  she  has 
two  children;  Clarence,  who  is  with  the 
Charles  Arnold  drug  company  of  Bellaire,  and 
May,  who  is  at  home.  In  politics,  Mr.  Neff 
is  a Democrat.  He  is  a member  of  the  Coal 
Brook  Presbyterian  Church.  His  son  Clar- 
ence W.  and  the  latter’s  wife  belong  to  the 
Belmont  United  Presbyterian  Church. 


DR.  ISAAC  G.  COPE,  whose  death  oc- 
curred August  31,  1898,  practiced  his  profes- 
sion in  Belmont  County  for  nearly  40  years, 
being  located  in  Colerain  township.  Early  in 
his  career  he  gained  an  enviable  reputation  as 
a i)hysician,  which  increased  as  the  years  went 
hy.  He  was  loved  hy  his  many  patients  for 
his  manly  virtues ; he  was  in  truth  a “family 
physician,’’  and  the  sick  in  spirit  as  well  as  in 
body  confided  in  him. 

Dr.  Cope  was  Ijorn  in  Colerain  township 
Eebruary  12,  1840,  and  was  a son  of  Dr.  Caleb 
Cope,  whom  the  older  generation  remember 
as  one  of  the  pioneer  physicians  of  Belmont 
County. 

Dr.  Caleb  Cope  was  for  many  years  the 
leading  physician  in  Colerain  township,  and 
was  noted  not  only  for  his  great  skill  in  his 
])rofession,  but  also  for  his  public  spirit  and 
loyalty  to  his  country.  He  sent  four  of  his 
sons  to  serve  in  the  Civil  War  and  contributed 
most  liberally  to  its  continuance.  After  a 
period  of  illness,  he  died  October  6,  1875,  aged 
about  65  years,  sincerely  lamented  by  a large 
family  and  by  patients  distributed  all  over  the 
township  and  vicinity.  Dr.  Caleb  Cope’s-  first 
marriage  was  to  Mildred  Eorvler,  and  six  sons 
were  born  to  this  union,  namely.  Dr.  Isaac  G. ; 
Alexis  and  Herman,  twins;  John  W. ; James 
H. ; and  Orlando.  Alexis  enlisted  at  the  be- 


OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


ginning  of  the  Civil  War,  as  a private,  for 
three  months,  and  then  became  a veteran  in 
the  15th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  coming  out  of 
the  service  with  a captain’s  commission.  Eor 
a number  of  years  he  has  been  the  superintend- 
ent of  the  State  University  of  Ohio,  at  Co- 
lumbus. Herman  died  at  the  age  of  six  years. 
John  W.  served  in  the  Civil  War  as  a member 
of  the  98th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.  He  was 
married  at  Chattanooga,  Tennessee,  and  died 
in  that  city  in  1882,  at  the  age  of  39  years. 
James  H.  resides  in  Colerain  township.  Or- 
lando is  the  superintendent  of  the  Belmont 
County  Infirmary.  The  mother  of  these  sons 
died  in  1849,  and  in  1850  Dr.  Cope  married 
Julia  A.  Erench,  and  the  four  children  born 
to  this  union  are  the  following:  Dr.  Charles 

S.,  who  resides  in  Michigan;  Dr.  William  H., 
who  resides  in  California;  Erederick,  who 
lives  near  Martin’s  Eerry;  and  Mary,  who  has 
her  home  with  her  brother,  William  H.,  in 
California.  Eor  some  years  she  was  a success- 
ful teacher  in  the  county.  The  second  Mrs. 
Cope  died  in  1873.  Both  she  and  her  hus- 
l)and  belonged  to  the  Society  of  Eriends. 

Dr.  Isaac  G.  Cope  was  educated  in  the  com- 
mon schools  of  Earmington,  Colerain  town- 
ship. He  read  medicine  with  his  father  and 
was  engaged  in  practice  when  President  Lin- 
coln issued  his  call  for  75,000  troops  to  quell 
the  rebellion.  He  enlisted  as  a private,  but  on 
account  of  his  medical  knowledge  was  soon 
made  hospital  steward,  and  later  was  com- 
missioned surgeon,  in  1864.  He  served  about 
three  years  and  then  resigned  in  order  to  re- 
turn home  and  take  up  his  father’s  practice,  the 
latter  being  in  failing  health.  Until  his  death, 
he  was  in  constant  practice  and  became  still 
more  eminent  than  his  father.  He  was  a 
valued  member  of  the  G.  A .R.  and  was  also 
connected  with  the  Masonic  societies  of  St. 
Clairsville. 

On  May  4,  1865,  Dr.  Isaac  G.  Cope  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Elizabeth  C.  Dun- 
gan,  a native  of  Belmont  County  and  a daugh- 
ter of  B.  Ellis  and  Sarah  (Fox)  Dungan. 
Mr.  Dungan,  who  was  a prosperous  farmer, 
died  March  14,  1883,  at  the  age  o£  75  years; 


78i 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


his  wife  died  April  25,  1889,  in  her  8ist  year. 
Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dungan  were  estimable 
members  of  the  Society  of  Friends.  They  had 
a family  of  eight  children,  as  follows : Josiah, 
who  was  a clerk  in  a grocery,  died  in  1861,  at 
the  age  of  25  years;  Charles  is  a farmer  of 
this  county;  William  is  farming  on  the  old 
Dungan  homestead;  Thomas  C.,  who  is  an 
attorney  and  real-estate  dealer,  lives  in  Mis- 
souri; Mary  Anna  married  Edgar  A.  Berry, 
who  is  farming  in  Colerain  township;  Eliza- 
beth C.,  the  wife  of  our  subject;  Julia,  who 
married  John  Lash,  a jeweler  in  Wheeling, 
resides  in  a pleasant  home  on  Wheeling 
Island;  Sarah  C.,  who  married  John  Wiley,  re- 
sides on  a farm  in  Colerain  township. 

A family  of  1 1 children  was  born  to  Dr. 
Isaac  G.  Cope  and  his  wife,  the  record  being 
as  follows : Caleb  H.,  who  is  a farmer  of  Bel- 
mont County,  married  Anna  Hughes  and  they 
have  three  children,— Harold  D.,  Esther  L. 
and  Bertha ; Dr.  Ellis  C. ; Mary  Anna ; Sarah 
M.  married  Edwin  Steer  and  has  two  chil- 
dren,— Ralph  C.  and  Frank;  Elizabeth  |C. ; 
Alice  M.,  who  is  taking  a trained  nurse’s 
course  in  the  Allegheny  General  Hospital ; Ma- 
bel I. ; Edith  S.  married  Hollarn  J.  Cope  and 
is  a teacher  in  the  San  Jose  (California)  public 
schools, — they  have  on  child,  .Robert;  Julia 
L. ; and  Isaac  G.  and  Lucille,  both  students  at 
school. 

Dr.  Ellis  C.  Cope,  second  son  of  Dr. 
Isaac  G.  Cope,  was  born  November  26,  1869, 
in  Colerain  township.  Inheriting  instincts, 
and  spurred  on  by  the  eminent  examples  of 
his  father  and  grandfather,  he  decided  early  in 
life  to  adopt  the  medical  profession,  and  di- 
rected his  studies  to  that  end.  His  prepara- 
tory reading  was  pursued  under  his  father  and 
he  graduated  in  1893,  at  the  Ohio  Medical 
University,  at  Columbus.  After  a year  of 
practice  as  a physician  and  surgeon  in  the 
Protestant  Hospital,  at  Columbus,  he  began 
work  in  this  county,  locating  at  Barton.  He 
has  been  made  surgeon  at  this  point  for  the 
Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad,  and  for  several 
of  the  standard  insurance  companies. 

Dr.  Ellis  C.  Cope  was  married  October  30, 


1900,  to  Mercy  Pratt,  a native  of  Belmont 
County,  being  a daughter  of  Joseph  and  Anna 
Pratt.  Mr.  Pratt  died  at  the  age  of  43  years, 
but  Mrs.  Pratt  still  survives  and  resides  near 
Barton.  Dr.  Cope  stands  well  both  socially 
and  professionally,  being  a member  of  the 
county,  State  and  national  medical  societies, 
and  being  also  identified  with  the  leading  or- 
ganizations of  a social  nature  in  his  communi- 
ty- 


JOHN  F.  SHRY.  A thorough  business 
man,  well-qualified  farmer  and  prominent 
county  official  is  found  in  John  F.  Shry,  of 
sections  30  and  36,  Wayne  township,  Bel- 
mont County.  He  was  born  in  1862,  in  Som- 
erset township,  and  is  a son  of  Henry  and 
Elizabeth  (Baker)  Shry. 

Henry  Shry  was  born  in  Loudoun  County, 
Virginia,  and  came  to  Belmont  County  a fath- 
erless boy.  He  found  a pleasant  home  with 
Henry  Gregg  of  Goshen  township,  with  whom 
he  remained  until  he  began  his  own  life  as  a 
farmer,  becoming  the  owner  of  property  in 
Goshen,  Somerset  and  Warren  townships.  In 
politics  he  was  always  identified  with  the 
Democratic  party.  His  death  took  place  on 
November  30,  1900.  The  mother  of  our  sub- 
ject was  Elizabeth  Baker,  who  was  born  in 
Harrison  County,  Ohio,  and  who  died  when 
John  F.,  who  was  the  youngest  of  ten  chil- 
dren, was  four  years  of  age,  the  others  being; 
Milton  H.,  who  was  a member  of  the  60th 
Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  died  in  the  army  during 
the  Civil  War ; George  also  served  in  the  army 
and  died  later  in  Belmont  County,  leaving  a 
widow  and  farriily  in  Barnesviille;  Thomais 
Irvin  resides  in  Kirkwood  township,  this 
county;  Winfield  S.  lives  in  Wayne  township; 
Sarah  Elizabeth  is  the  wife  of  Jonathan  Mer- 
cer of  Warren  township;  Mary  Eliza  is  the 
wife  of  Jonathan  Briggs  of  Salem,  Ohio; 
Ruth  Ella  is  the  wife  of  J.  J.  Sears  of  Pied- 
mont, Ohio,  formerly  treasurer  of  Harrison 
County;  William  H.,  a horse  dealer  in  Califor- 
nia ; and  Martha  Jane,  the  wife  of  George 
Armstrong,  of  Morristown,  Ohio. 


782  CENTENNIAL  HISTORY 


When  John  F.  Shry  was  lo  years  old,  the 
family  mo\'ed  into  Warren  township  and  two 
years  later  into  Goshen  township,  and  in  both 
townships  was  his  education  secured.  In  1890 
he  ])urchased  from  Mr.  Copeland  his  present 
line  farm  of  95  acres,  and  located  on  the  place, 
making  the  greater  part  of  the  improvements 
that  now  add  so  much  to  the  value  of  the 
property.  Until  within  the  past  three  or  four 
years  Mr.  Shry  has  followed  an  agricultural 
life.  Fie  has  of  late  been  much  interested  in 
coal  optioning  and  oil  leasing,  also  giving 
some  attention  to  politics.  Like  his  father,  he 
is  a stanch  Democrat,  and  is  serving  as  town- 
ship trustee,  belonging  also  to  the  Board  of 
Education. 

In  1889  Mr.  Shry  was  married  to  Mary 
Ellen  Day,  who  was  horn  in  Somerset  town- 
ship, and  is  a daughter  of  the  late  George 
Day,  who  died  December  3,  1900,  having 
served  four  years  during  the  Civil  War,  a 
member  of  the  52nd  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf. 
Two  daughters  have  been  Ijorn  to  this  union, 
namely ; Bertha  Mabel  and  Laura  E.,  both 
little  maidens  at  school.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Shry 
attend  services  in  the  Methodist  Church.  He 
is  a ])ublic-spirited,  wide-awake  citizen,  fully 
equal  to  the  demands  of  the  day,  and  holds  a 
high  place  in  the  regard  of  the  residents  of 
Wayne  township. 


JAMES  RALEY,  deceased,  one  of  the 
hardy  pioneers  who  performed  his  part  in  con- 
verting Belmont  County  from  an  unbroken 
wilderness  into  a country  of  rich  farms,  was 
born  in  Lancaster  County,  Pennsylvania,  in 
1756.  When  a young  man,  he  went  to  Fred- 
erick County,  Virginia,  where  he  married 
Rachel  Steer,  a daughter  of  James  and  Abigail 
Steer  of  the  same  place.  After  five  children 
had  been  born  to  them,  they  removed  to  what 
was  then  the  Northwest  Territory,  purchas- 
ing from  the  government  a farm  in  the  north- 
ern part  of  Pease  township,  Belmont  County, 
choosing  a spot  on  a sunny  hillside  near  a 
never-failing  spring  of  water.  Here  James 


OF  BELMONT^COUNTY, 


Raley  followed  blacksmithing  and  with  the 
help  of  his  family  soon  cut  off  enough  of  the 
timljer  to  till  the  soil  and  raise  crops,  and  in  a 
few  years  had  a plentiful  supply  of  the  com- 
forts of  life.  Their  sugar  was  made  from  the 
maple  trees,  their  clothing  from  the  flax  they 
raised,  and  the  wool  from  their  sheep.  The 
forests  had  to  be  cleared  away  before  crops 
could  be  raised,  but  in  common  with  other 
pioneers  they  toiled  bravely  on  and  soon  were 
rewarded  by  a good  living.  Both  James  and 
Rachel  Raley  lived  to  an  advanced  age  in  the 
full  possession  of  their  faculties,  and  were 
buried  in  a near-by  Friends’  burying  ground, 
where  rest  the  remains  of  all  their  children 
except  one.  The  farm  remained  in  the  family 
for  86  years  and  is  now  in  possession  of  Edgar 
Berry.  They  were  through  life  consistent  and 
valued  melubers  of  the  Society  of  Friends.  Of 
their  children,  who  were  10  in  number,  sev- 
eral died  before  reaching  maturity.  Among 
those  who  grew  to  manhood  and  womanhood 
were:  Asa;  Hannah,  who  married  John 

Howard,  by  whom  she  had  10  children,  of 
which  number,  one  is  now  living,  their  de- 
scendants mostly  being  located  in  Iowa;  Ann, 
who  married  Thomas  Hirst,  and  is  survived 
by  a son  who  lives  in  Whittier,  California,  her 
descendants  mostly  being  located  in  California 
and  Arizona;  Joseph,  who  married  Sally  Fow- 
ler, but  died  without  issue;  and  Rachel, 
the  youngest  daughter,  who  married  Daniel 
Atkinson,  and  left  three  children, — Mary,  who 
married  Evan  Beitler  of  Cowles,  Nebraska; 
Ruth,  wife  of  John  Thomas  Packer,  of  Mari- 
etta, Iowa,  and  William,  who  married  Cath- 
erine Williams  and  lives  near  Pleasant  Grove, 
Ohio. 

Asa  Raley  was  born  in  1797  and  grew  to  be 
one  of  the  substantial  men  of  Pease  township, 
Belmont  County.  In  1826,  he  married  Ase- 
nath  Hirst,  a daughter  of  David  Hirst.  The 
latter,  a son  of  John  and  Mary  Hirst, 
was  born  in  Loudoun  County,  Virginia,  in 
1761,  and  in  1796  was  joined  in  marriage 
with  Ann  Smith,  a daughter  of  Thomas  and 
Rachel  Smith.  In  '1815  they  removed  to  Ohio, 
living  two  years  at  Mount  Pleasant,  Jefferson 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


783 


County,  nine  years  at  Colerain,  Belmont  Coun- 
ty, and  the  rest  of  their  lives  at  Flushing,  Bel- 
mont County.  They  reared  a large  family  of 
children,  the  descendants  of  whom  are  settled 
in  the  West  with  the  exception  of  a few  who 
remain  in  Belmont  County.  These  children 
were : Thomas,  John,  Israel,  Asenath,  Rach- 

el, Mary,  Smith  and  Hannah.  Smith  Hirst, 
the  last  survivor  of  the  family,  died  at  Cole- 
rain  in  1898,  aged  nearly  90  years,  leaving 
no  family.  They  were  consistent  and  useful 
members  of  the  orthodox  branch  of  the  So- 
ciety of  Friends,  and  firm  in  their  adherence 
to  the  doctrines  held  by  them  as  a society. 

To  Asa  and  Asenath  (Hirst)  Raley  were 
born  the  following  offspring:  David  H.,  who 
lives  in  Cedar  Rapids,  Iowa.;  Dr.  J.  Newton, 
who  lives  in  Reading,  Lyon  County,  Kansas; 
Mary  H.,  wife  of  Edward  Stratton  of  Salem, 
Ohio;  Martha  R.,  married  to  Joseph  Russell, 
afterward  to  Gibson  Binns  (both  now  de- 
ceased), of  Colerain,  Ohio;  Rachel  R.,  wife 
of  Jacob  Maule  of  Colerain,  Ohio;  and  Eliza- 
beth and  Melissa  A.,  who  are  unmarried. 


D.  H.  DARRAH,  owner  and  proprietor  of 
“Darrah’s  Pharmacy,”  a flourishing  business 
establishment  at  No.  3175  Union  street,  Bel- 
laire,  Ohio,  has  worked  in  various  capacities, 
but  for  the  past  20  years  has  been  chiefly  en- 
gaged in  the  drug  business.  Mr.  Darrah  was 
born  in  1856  and  was  reared  at  St.  Clairs- 
ville,  Ohio.  He  is  a son  of  John  and  Martha 
(Harris)  Darrah  and  grandson  of  William 
and  Letetia  (McFarland)  Darrah.  His  moth- 
er was  a daughter  of  David  and  Mary  (Ar- 
rick)  Harris  and  granddaughter  of  Enoch  and 
Laney  (Dew)  Harris.  His  grandmother, 
Mary  (Arrick)  Harris,  was  a daughter  of 
John  and  Susanna  (Price)  Arrick. 

William  Darrah,  our  subject’s  paternal 
grandfather,  emigrated  from  Ireland  and  lo- 
cated at  St.  Clairsville,  Belmont  County,  where 
he  was  engaged  in  mercantile  business  until 
his  death.  His  wife,  Letetia  McFarland,  was 
a native  of  Scotland. 


John  Darrah,  father  of  D.  H.  Darrah,  fol- 
lowed farming  for  some  time  prior  to  his 
death,  but  had  investments  in  various  public 
enterprises.  Previous  to,  and  during  the  Civil 
War,  he  bought  and  shipped  stock  to  Chicago. 
He  died  soon  after  the  close  of  that  conflict. 
His  wife’s  father,  David  Harris,  served  nine 
consecutive  years  as  Probate  judge  of  Bel- 
mont County. 

D.  H.  Darrah  was  educated  in  the  public 
school  adjacent  to  his  father’s  farm,  three 
miles  west  of  Bridgeport  on  the  National  Pike, 
and  also  had  the  benefits  of  an  academic  course 
in  Franklin  College  at  New  Athens,  Ohio.  In 
1874,  he  located  in  Bellaire  and  clerked  sev- 
eral months  in  the  First  National  Bank.  He 
then  entered  the  drug  store  of  Husbands  & 
Inskeep  as  an  apprentice  to  learn  the  drug 
business.  He  afterward  worked  Gn  a similar 
capacity  with  J.  & M.  N.  Mercer,  druggists, 
with  whom  he  remained  two  years.  A little 
latter  he  purchased  an  interest  in  the  Bellaire 
Democrat  and  in  partnership  with  John  R. 
Gow  tried  journalism  for  about  six  months. 
In  the  latter  “seventies”  he  purchased  a drug 
store  in  South  Bellaire  and  has  been  engaged 
mainly  in  that  line  of  work  ever  since. 

In  1896  he  erected  his  present  store  build- 
ing of  modern  design,  which  is  built  of  brick 
and  is  two  stories  high.  The  lot  upon  which 
the  structure  stands  is  120  by  24  feet,  and  the 
building  itself  is  84  by  24  feet.  It  has  a steel 
ceiling  and  is  conveniently  arranged,  being 
well  stocked  with  drugs  and  the  usual  line  of 
accessories  found  in  any  first-class  drug  store. 
The  place  also  contains  a fine  soda  fountain 
and  everything  is  well  arranged  and  neatly 
kept.  Mr.  Darrah  is  a registered  pharmacist 
and  fills  prescriptions  in  a careful  manner.  In 
addition  to  this,  he  handles  the  finest  line  of 
pure  drugs  in  the  city  and  has  put  upon  the 
market  several  preparations  of  his  own  com- 
position. Conspicuous  among  the  latter  are 
“Darrah’s  Headache  Powders”  and  “Darrah’s 
Pleasant  Worm  Syrup.” 

Our  subject  was  united  in  marriage  with 
Ida  G.  Patterson,  a daughter  of  James  and 
Katherine  Patterson,  and  they  have  one  child 


784 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


living',  a daughter,  Katie,  and  one  deceased. 
Pearl,  who  died  aged  12  years.  In  politics, 
Mr.  Darrah  is  a Republican.  Pie  has  served 
two  terms  as  township  clerk.  At  one  time  he 
was  a candidate  on  the  Republican  ticket  for 
county  auditor.  The  county  was  then  heavily 
Democratic,  but  notwithstanding  this  fact  he 
was  defeated  by  only  two  votes.  He  filled  the 
office  for  10  months,  however,  being  appointed 
to  fill  a vacancy  by  the  county  commisioners. 
Mr.  Darrah  was  appointed  postmaster  of  Bel- 
laire  in  1888,  during  Harrison’s  administra- 
tion and  served  four  years. 

In  Masonic  circles,  our  subject  is  a member 
of  both  the  blue  lodge,  in  which  he  served  as 
master,  and  the  chapter  at  Bellaire  and  of 
Hope  Commandery  No.  26  of  St.  Clairsville, 
of  which  he  is  senior  warden.  Aside  from 
his  business,  he  is  interested  in  various  enter- 
j)rises.  He  is  upright  and  honorable  in  all 
dealings  and  enjoys  a good  patronage.  The 
family  favor  the  Presbyterian  Church  and 
stand  well  in  social  circles.  Mr.  Darrah  is  a 
charter  member  of  the  Dollar  Savings  Bank 
of  Bellaire,  and  has  served  as  a director  of  the 
Belmont  Savings  & Loan  Company. 


JOHN  CALDWELL,  one  of  the  substan- 
tial, representative  and  public-spirited  citizens 
of  Wheeling  township,  Belmont  County,  Ohio, 
who  resides  upon  his  fine  farm  comprising  168 
acres  of  land  situated  in  the  coal  and  oil  belt, 
was  born  May  18,  1843,  in  Wheeling  town- 
ship, at  the  home  of  his  grandfather,  John 
Bell. 

The  family  is  of  Irish  origin,  the  grand- 
father of  our  subject,  also  named  John  Cald- 
well, being  a native  of  County  Antrim,  Ire- 
land. He  came  to  America  with  his  family, 
when  his  son  William  was  about  five  }^ears  of 
age.  In  Ireland  he  married  Mary  Black  of 
his  own  county  and  they  had  three  children 
horn  in  the  old  country, — William,  Jane  and 
John  Patrick, — while  Elizabeth  was  born  near 
Philadelphia,  where  they  landed.  The  family 
started  west  at  a later  date,  and  at  Pittsburg 


the  father,  with  others,  took  a fever  and  died, 
leaving  the  widow  in  the  strange  land  with 
four  children  to  rear.  She  located  in  Wash- 
ington County,  Pennsylvania,  about  five  miles 
west  of  Washington  and  bravely  took  up  her 
burden,  following  weaving  in  order  to  bring 
her  little  ones  bread.  She  educated  them  as 
well  as  she  could,  and  kept  them  together,  and 
in  every  way  was  a woman  of  character  well 
worthy  to  be  remembered  by  her  descendants. 

William  Caldwell,  the  father  of  our  subject 
was  born  in  Ireland,  Eebruary  14,  1814,  and 
crossed  the  ocean  with  his  parents  in  1819. 
He  lived  with  his  mother  near  Little  Wash- 
ington until  they  removed  to  Ohio  about  1830, 
when  they  located  on  a little  farm  near  Fair- 
point  in  Wheeling  township,  moving  in  1836 
to  a farm  which  is  now  the  site  of  Bannock, 
which  he  in  association  with  his  uncle,  Pat- 
rick Black,  bought  equally, — William  buying 
the  west  half,  about  75  acres.  June  2,  1842, 
Mr.  Caldwell  married  Mary  Jane  Bell,  daugh- 
ter of  John  and  Margaret  (Dunn)  Bell,  of 
this  county  and  of  Scotch  descent,  tracing  an 
ancestry  to  Robert  Bruce  of  Bannockburn. 
After  their  marriage,  William  and  his  wife 
went  to  housekeeping  on  the  farm,  occupying 
the  old  log  house  then  standing,  the  uncle 
building  a new  brick  residence  on  his  portion 
of  the  land,  where  he  with  two  brothers  lived 
out  their  lives.  William  also  built  a new  resi- 
dence and  both  of  these  still  stand,  some  ad- 
ditions having  been  made  to  them.  There 
were  horn  to  William  and  Mary  Jane  (Bell) 
Caldwell  a family  of  13  children,  namely  : John 
our  subject;  Margaret  Dunn,  who  was  born  in 
1844,  and  died  in  1852;  William  Taggart, 
who  was  born  July  10,  1846,  married  Mary 
E.  Price,  has  nine  children,  and  lives  in  Wheel- 
ing township ; Patrick  Black,  who  was  born 
May  12,  1848,  married  Nancy  Armstrong, 
has  five  children,  and  lives  in  Richland  town- 
ship, near  Bannock;  Elizabeth  Jane,  who  was 
born  July  26,  1850,  married  John  Clark,  has 
four  children  and  lives  in  LTnion  township; 
Robert  Bruce,  who  was  born  April  26,  1852, 
married  Margaret  Snedeker  of  this  county, 
has  two  children  and  lives  in  Richland  town- 


f 


JOHN  J.  KOEHNLINE. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


787 


ship,  near  East  Richland;  Mary,  who  was 
born  January  27,  1855,  died  of  diphtheria,  in 
1863;  Annie  Bell,  who  was  born  June  27, 
1856,  married  Fred  M.  Daniel,  has  seven 
children,  and  resides  in  Richland  township, 
near  Bannock  and  St.  Clairsville;  an  infant, 
born  in  1857,  deceased;  George  Alex.,  who 
was  born  July  13,  1858,  lives  single  on  the 
home  farm  at  Bannock;  James  Hammond, 
who  was  born  May  18,  i860,  died  of  diph- 
theria in  1863;  Martha  Ellen,  who  was  born 
January  23,  1862,  died  of  diphtheria  in  1863; 
and  Sarah  Agnes,  born  March  4,  1864,  who 
lives  on  the  home  farm. 

Our  subject  remained  at  home  until  1872 
when,  on  January  24th,  he  married  Euphemia 
Elizabeth  Hays,  a daughter  of  Henderson 
Hays,  of  Wheeling  township,  near  Union- 
town.  After  marriage,  he  moved  to  his  pres- 
ent farm  where  he  has  continued  to  make  im- 
provements, erected  all  the  buildings  except 
the  barn  and  has  engaged  in  extensive  farm- 
ing. Mr.  Caldwell’s  land  is  very  valuable,  ly- 
ing as  it  does,  in  the  coal  and  oil  belt  of  the 
State.  Since  the  death  of  Mrs.  Caldwell,  in 
1894,  various  members  of  his  family  have  re- 
sided with  him.  In  religious  belief,  our  sub- 
ject is  a Presbyterian,  and  like  his  father,  ac- 
tive in  the  work  of  the  church,  also  like  the 
latter  being  identified  with  the  Democratic 
party.  For  many  years  he  has  been  township 
trustee  and  school  director,  and  in  1890  and 
again  in  1900,  he  served  as  land  appraiser. 
Mr.  Caldwell  is  much  esteemed  in  his  locality 
as  an  upright  man,  and  one  who  through  his 
public-spirit  has  assisted  in  the  growth  and 
development  of  his  township. 


JOHN  J.  KOEHNLINE,  deceased,  was  for 
many  years  a prominent  man  of  Bridgeport, 
Ohio,  and  during  his  long  and  useful  life  stood 
among  the  foremost  and  most  enterprising  citi- 
zens of  Belmont  County.  He  was  born  in 
Fulton,  (West)  Virginia,  March  28,  1840,  be- 
ing the  second  child  and  eldest  son  of  John  M. 
and  Elizabeth  (Klem)  Koehnline. 

John  M.  Koehnlein  was  born  in  Wurtem- 


berg,  Germany,  in  1816,  and  came  to  the 
United  States  in  1838.  The  trip  was  made  on 
board  a sailing  vessel  and  he  was  four  months 
on  the  wa}o  He  located  in  Bellaire,  Ohio,  re- 
moving some  time  later  to  Marshall  County, 
West  Virginia, — while  living  there  his  mar- 
riage took  place.  His  wife,  Elizabeth  Klem,  was 
a native  of  Baden,  Germany,  and  their  mar- 
riage was  consummated  at  Bellaire,  Ohio.  Mrs. 
Koehnline  died  February  5,  1899,  the  ad- 
vanced age  of  81  years  and  five  months.  Six 
children  were  born  to  her  and  her  husband,  as 
follows:  Elizabeth,  John  J.,  the  subject  of 

this  biography;  Jacob;  Catherine  B.;  Henry; 
and  William.  Elizabeth,  rvho  married  Nich- 
olas Zimmer,  died  at  the  age  of  58  years.  Ja- 
cob enlisted  in  the  Union  Army  during  the 
Civil  War,  serving  four  years.  He  finally  died 
from  cholera,  after  an  illness  of  about  five 
hours.  Catherine  married  William  Conway 
and  is  also  deceased.  Henry  is  a resident  of 
the  city  of  Bridgeport,  Ohio,  and  William  is 
a contractor  and  builder  and  real  estate  dealer 
of  the  same  city. 

John  M.  Koehnline  was  a pioneer  in  this  sec- 
tion of  the  country.  He  opened  the  mine  be- 
tween Aetna  and  Bridgeport,  during  the  war, 
having  removed  to  the  latter  place  in  1863,  and 
engaged  in  the  coal  business.  He  shipped  the 
product  of  his  mine  as  far  south  as  New  Or- 
leans. Elis  death  took  place  in  1875. 

John  J.  Koehnline,  our  subject,  was  educated 
in  his  native  place  and  was  one  of  the  pioneer 
river  men  on  the  Ohio  River.  He  boated  coal 
to  Cincinnati  and  Louisville,  from  Bridgeport 
and  often  from  Pittsburg.  He  had  a steam- 
boat of  his  own  called  the  “ General  Har- 
rison,” and  was  also  engaged  in  transferring 
freight  across  the  river  at  Bellaire.  In  1890, 
he  moved  up  the  river  opposite  the  Wheeling 
steel  bridge,  and  carried  on  the  coal  business 
from  that  point.  This  mine  is  now  fun  by  his 
sons,  and  is  the  largest  retail  mine  in  the  city, 
furnishing  employment  to  upward  of  18  men. 

In  company  with  his  brother,  William,  our 
subject  opened  an  ice  house,  under  the  firm 
name  of  Koehnline  Brothers  and  for  a num- 
ber of  years  carried  on  a successful  business. 


788 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Later  an  artificial  ice  plant  was  started  by  our 
subject  and  his  son,  George,  and  a flourishing 
business  in  that  line  has  beeen  carried  on  to  the 
present  day,  the  son  having  succeeded  to  the 
business.  The  plant  has  a capacity  of  24  tons 
per  day  and  during  the  summer  season  fur- 
nishes employment  for  10  or  12  men.  Four 
wagons  are  required  to  distribute  ice,  the  pro- 
duct being  disposed  of  in  Bridgeport  and  vicin- 
ity. The  running  expenses  of  the  plant  exceed 
$200  per  week,  and  it  ranks  among  the  most 
practical  and  useful  enterprises  in  the  city. 

Mr.  Koehnline  was  quite  an  extensive  prop- 
erty owner,  and  floated  the  first  coal  to  Louis- 
ville after  the  war.  He  enlisted  in  the  Union 
Army,  June  i,  i86i,  as  a private  in  the  2nd 
Reg.,  West  Virginia  Vol.  Inf.,  which  later  be- 
came a cavalry  regiment.  Our  subject  served 
with  the  regiment  throughout  his  term  of  serv- 
ice. having  enlisted  for  four  years.  He  was  en- 
gaged principally  in  scout  and  picket  duty  prev- 
ious to  1S64,  and  during  that  time  participated 
in  the  engagements  at  Lewishurg,  Sinking 
Creek,  Wytheville,  and  various  others.  He  was 
subsequently  attached  to  Milroy’s  Brigade,  3rd 
Division,  3rd  Army  Corps,  of  the  Army  of 
West  Virginia.  He  rvas  with  all  the  move- 
ments of  the  regiment  until  he  was  honorably 
discharged  from  service  at  the  expiration  of 
his  term  at  Camp  Carlisle,  June  6,  1864.  He 
took  active  part  in  the  battles  of  Bull  Run, 
Kelley’s  Ford,  Rocky  Faced  Gap,  Alleghany 
Mountain,  and  Beverly,  and  in  the  minor  en- 
gagements of  Lloyd’s  Run,  Piedmont,  New 
Market,  and  many  other  skirmishes.  He  also 
took  part  in  Averill’s  famous  raid.  He  was 
wounded  in  battle,  hut  never  severely,  but  had 
numerous  narrow  escapes  from  danger  by  rea- 
son of  his  personal  disregard  of  danger. 

October  7,  1871.  Mr.  Koehnline  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Miss  Cilles,  a daughter  of 
George  and  Barbara  (Smith)  Cilles.  The  cer- 
emony was  performed  on  Wheeling  Island, 
Rev.  J.  T.  Latane,  an  Episcopalian  divine  of 
Wheeling,  officiating.  Mrs.  Koehnline  is  the 
eldest  of  10  children.  Her  father  was  a gard- 
ener by  occupation  and  died  in  1897,  aged  76 
years.  He  was  a member  of  the  Lutheran 


Church.  Flis  wife,  whose  death  took  place  dur- 
ing the  same  year,  was  a faithful  member  of 
the  Catholic  Church.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cilles 
reared  the  following  children : Mrs.  Koehn- 
line, widow  of  our  subject;  Casper,  who  resides 
near  Parkersburg,  West  Virginia;  Minnie,  de- 
ceased ; Amelia,  who  died  when  about  32  years 
old;  Christina;  Louisa,  who  died  aged  19 
years ; Tillie,  wife  of  William  Baker,  of  Wheel- 
ing; Jennie,  a stenographer  and  bookkeeper  in 
Wheeling;  Rosa,  who  died  aged  13  years;  and 
George,  a gardener  of  Wheeling  Island. 

Mr.  Koehnline’s  death  took  place  April  14, 
1902,  being  62  years  and  17  days  old  at  the 
time  of  his  demise.  He  was  not  only  an  inter- 
esting character,  but  was  a valued  citizen  as 
well.  He  lived  almost  all  his  life  in  Bridge- 
port, and  was  prominently  connected  with 
many  of  the  important  business  enterprises  of 
this  city.  He  was  a worthy  and  upright  citi- 
zen and  he  was  deeply  mourned  by  a large 
number  of  citizens  in  this  section  of  Ohio.  He 
was  a valued  member  of  the  G.  A.  R.,  and  was 
past  commander  and  treasurer  of  the  same. 
Politically,  he  was  an  ardent  Republican.  In 
religious  circles  both  he  and  Mrs.  Koehnline 
were  active  members  and  workers,  the  former 
being  a member  of  the  German  Lutheran 
Church ; and  the  latter  has  been  a member  of 
the  Episcopal  Church  since  her  loth  year.  She 
has  ever  been  a devoted  and  active  worker  in 
both  church  and  Sunday-school  work,  contrib- 
uting very  lil)erally  toward  the  support  of  both. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Koehnline  reared  a large  fam- 
ily. Nine  children  were  born  to  them,  viz. : 
John  J.,  Jr.,  who  died  in  infancy;  George  M. ; 
Rosa  B.,  who  married  James  W.  Dillon,  of 
Bridgeport,  and  has  one  child,  Elmer  W. ; 
James  A. ; Katie  E.,  who  was  a member  of  the 
graduating  class  of  1902  of  the  Bridgeport 
High  School,  is  assistant  bookkeeper  in  the 
office  of  her  brothers ; Thomas ; Harrison  and 
Mary  A.  and  Frederick,  who  died  in  infancy. 

George  M.  Koehnline  and  his  brother, 
James  A.,  succeeded  their  father,  John  J. 
Koehnline,  in  the  coal  and  ice  business,  and 
are  regarded  as  being  among  the  mose  success- 
ful and  rising  young  merchants  of  Bridgeport. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


789 


CRAWFORD  WELSH  ARMSTRONG, 
owner  and  operator  of  the  Armstrong  Mills  in 
Washington  township,  located  at  one  of  the 
important  stations  on  the  Ohio  River  & West- 
ern Railroad,  is  one  of  the  leading  business 
men  of  Belmont  County.  Mr.  Armstrong  owns 
the  town  site  at  this  place,  and  has  had  the 
property  surveyed  and  platted,  it  being  the 
only  one  of  its  kind  in  Washington  township. 
Here  he  has  erected  a number  of  comfortable 
houses,  many  of  which  he  has  sold  to  resident 
employees  of  the  great  mills.  For  a number 
of  years  Mr.  Armstrong  has  concentrated  his 
efforts  here  and  has  engaged  extensively  in  a 
mercantile  business. 

On  December  5,  1841,  Mr.  Armstrong  was 
born  at  Armstrong’s  Mills,  being  a son  of 
Alexander  and  Elizabeth  (Wedsh)  Armstrong, 
the  former  of  whom  was  born  March  ii,  1813, 
in  Belmont  County,  a son  of  that  old  pioneer 
Thomas  Armstrong,  who,  with  his  family,  mi- 
grated from  Pennsylvania  to  Ohio  and  settled 
in  1811  on  Captina  Creek.  Here  Thomas 
Armstrong  started  a tannery  and  young  Alex- 
ander learned  the  business  and  when,  in  1833, 
the  father  opened  up  a general  store,  the  son 
was  equally  useful  in  a clerical  position,  exhib- 
iting indeed  so  excellent  a business  capacity 
that  in  1839  '^^as  admitted  to  a partnership, 

his  brother  James  receiving  the  other  half  in- 
terest in  1843.  In  1844  Alexander  Armstrong 
purchased  the  grist  mill  which  his  father  built 
and  continued  to  operate  it  in  connection  with 
a woolen  factory,  at  the  latter  place  manufac- 
turing cloth  and  yarns  and  working  the  wool 
into  rolls  for  the  use  of  the  neighboring  farm- 
ers’ wives.  In  1847  brothers  disposed  of 
their  dry  goods  and  discontinued  that  branch 
of  their  business,  but  Alexander  subsequently 
opened  a new  store,  in  partnership  with  a Mr. 
Miller,  who,  in  1849,  interest  to  James 

Armstrong.  The  firm  of  Armstrong  Brothers 
continued  until  1854,  when  the  goods  were 
again  disposed  of  and  the  store  room  was  leased 
to  William  AVoodburn,  who  continued  there  a 
few  years  and  then  removed  his  stock  else- 
where. 

About  1858  Alexander  Armstrong,  who  was 


a born  merchant,  again  started  into  the  mer- 
cantile business  at  his  old  stand,  in  partnership 
with  E.  W.  Bryson,  the  latter  retiring  six  years 
later,  and  Mr.  Armstrong  continuing  alone 
until  his  death  in  March,  1884.  During  all  this 
time  he  also  conducted  the  woolen  factory 
which  he  had  built  in  1846  and  which  is  still 
a part  of  the  large  store  building  now  occupied 
by  the  firm  of  C.  \N . Armstrong  & Son.  Mr. 
Armstrong  was  the  postmaster  at  this  place 
from  the  receipt  of  his  commission  from  Presi- 
dent Tyler  until  his  death,  and  he  was  succeeded 
for  one  year  by  his  son,  C.  W.  Armstrong.  The 
mercantile  business  is  now  conducted  by  a Mr. 
Lindsey,  who  is  also  the  postmaster.  Alexander 
Armstrong  was  a man  of  unusual  business 
acumen  and  became  possessed  of  a large 
amount  of  property,  owning  1,100  acres  of 
land  exclusive  of  his  mills  and  stores.  He  was 
one  of  the  important  factors  in  the  organization 
of  the  Bellaire  & Southwestern  Railroad,  now 
the  Bellaire,  Zanesville  & Cincinnati  Railway, 
and  served  both  as  director  and  as  vice-presi- 
dent. A later  reorganization  has  changed  this 
road  into  the  Ohio  River  & AVestern  Railroad, 
hut  during  Mr.  Armstrong’s  connection  it  bore 
its  former  name.  He  was  prominent  also  in 
the  Methodist  Church,  and  also  in  public  life, 
as  late  as  1871  having  a clerical  position  under 
the  administration  of  Hon.  Isaac  AAAlsh  in  the 
State  Treasurer’s  office.  In  all  these  various 
lines  of  activity,  Mr.  Armstrong  displayed  an 
uprightness  of  character  and  recognition  of 
business  integrity  which  reflects  honor  upon 
his  family  and  the  enterprises  which  hear  his 
name. 

In  1839  Alexander  Armstrong  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Elizabeth  AAtelsh,  who  was 
horn  February  21,  1819,  in  Belmont  County, 
and  was  a daughter  of  Crawford  and  Mary 
Ann  (Erford)  AARlsh,  the  former  of  whom 
was  horn  July  7,  1784,  in  York  County,  Penn- 
sylvania, and  married  in  1807;  and  the  latter 
of  whom  was  born  September  20,  1789,  in 
Cumberland  Count}',  Pennsylvania,  and  died 
Februar}’  21.  1875.  Crawford  AARlsh  came  to 
Belmont  County  soon  after  his  marriage  and 
took  up  land  in  the  eastern  part  of  Richland 


790 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


township,  Inhnging  liis  wife  in  1808  and  here 
he  died  Decemher  13,  1S63.  He  had  been  a 
man  of  affairs  and  had  served  four  terms  in  the 
Ohio  Legislature.  These  children  were  born 
to  Crawford  Welsh  and  wife:  John,  Isaac, 

Ilcnry,  David,  Elizabeth,  James  R.,  Temper- 
ance, Mary  Jane,  and  Crawford  Erford.  John, 
who  was  horn  Decemher  15,  1808,  became 
])rominent  and  served  as  associate  judge  in  this 
county  hut  died  at  Laclede,  Missouri,  in  1866. 
Isaac,  who  was  horn  July  20,  1811,  married 
IMary  Armstrong,  daughter  of  Thomas  Arm- 
strong, moved  then  to  Beallsville,  Monroe 
Comity,  engaging  in  mercantile  pursuits  and 
the  buying  and  shipping  of  tobacco,  until  1854. 
Then  he  removed  to  a farm  on  Capitan  Creek, 
near  Armstrong’s  Mills,  and  lived  there  until 
death.  In  1857  he  was  elected  to  the  Ohio 
House  of  Representatives  by  the  united  vote 
of  Americans  and  Republicans,  was  re-elected 
in  1859,  and  then  served  two  years  as  Senator 
from  the  Belmont  and  Harrison  County  dis- 
trict. In  t868  he  was  presidential  elector  for 
the  1 6th  District  and  was  chosen  to  carry  the 
vote  of  Ohio  to  Washington.  In  1871  he  was 
elected  State  Treasurer  and  held  the  office  to 
within  six  weeks  of  the  expiration  of  his  second 
term,  his  son  Leroy  completing  the  unexpired 
time,  IMr.  Welsh  dying  November  29,  1875. 
Henry,  who  was  horn  April  3,  1814,  moved  to 
near  Laclede,  Missouri,  and  died  there.  David, 
who  was  horn  August  27,  1S16,  died  July  29, 
i866,  at  Glencoe,  Richland  township,  having 
served  as  surgeon  of  the  33rd  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol. 
Inf.,  through  the  Civil  War.  James  R.,  who 
was  horn  September  7,  1821,  died  in  youth. 
Temperance,  who  was  horn  August  9,  1824, 
married  Rev.  John  C.  Thompson,  a minister  of 
the  Congregational  Church,  and  died  May  29, 
T90T,  at  Clarksfield,  Ohio.  Mary  Jane,  who 
was  horn  January  10, 1828,  died  young.  Craw- 
ford Erford.  the  only  survivor,  was  born  De- 
cemher 19,  1833,  served  in  the  Civil  War  as  a 
member  of  Company  F,  15th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol. 
Inf.,  from  August.  1862.  until  discharged  De- 
cemher 19^,  1864,  on  account  of  a severe  wound 
in  the  leg,  received  in  June,  1864,  at  Kenesaw 
Mountain,  has  never  married  but  resides  at 


Armstrong’s  Mills  and  has  been  elected  five 
times  as  township  treasurer. 

The  children  of  Alexander  and  Elizabeth 
(Welsh)  Armstrong  were  these:  Julius, 

Crawford  Welsh,  Zwingle,  Alonzo  A.,  Hon. 
Elihu  B.,  Rev.  Thomas,  Leroy  Wood,  and 
Mary  Elizabeth.  Julius  Armstrong  was  born 
April  6,  1840,  and  resides  at  Columbus,  where 
he  is  chief  clerk  in  the  oifice  of  the  Secretary 
of  State,  having  been  first  appointed  by  Gov- 
ernor McKinley  and  re-appointed  by  Governor 
Nash.  From  August,  1862,  until  the  close  of 
the  Civil  War  he  served  in  Company  F,  52nd 
Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.  He  married  Lizzie  War- 
ren of  Belmont  County  and  has  three  chil- 
dren,— Edna,  Clara  and  Warren.  Zwingle 
Armstrong  was  born  December  22,  1843,  and 
resides  at  Armstrong’s  Mills  on  his  farm  of 
475  acres,  where  he  built  an  elegant  brick  resi- 
dence in  i860.  His  first  marriage  was  to  Ro- 
salie Kelley,  who  was  born  in  1853  at  St. 
Clairsville,  daughter  of  John  and  Rachel  (Jud- 
kins) Kelley,  the  former  a county  treasurer 
many  years  ago.  Mrs.  Armstrong  died  30 
years  since.  The  present  Mrs.  Zwingle  Arm- 
strong was  formerly  the  widow  of  H.  T.  Meek, 
of  Bellaire,  and  the  children  of  her  first  mar- 
riage are  : Nellie,  the  wife  of  J.  M.  Armstrong 
of  Pittsburg;  and  Elsie,  a student  at  Mount 
Union  College.  Alonzo  A.  Armstrong  was 
born  November  23,  1846,  and  is  an  Indian 
agent  for  the  government  in  Arizona.  He 
married  Jennie  Woodburn  and  they  have  one 
daughter,  Florence.  Hon.  Elihu  B.  Armstrong 
was  born  September  7,  1849,  has  served  two 
terms  as  State  legislator  and  resides  at  Arm- 
strong’s Mills.  He  married  Mary  H.  Lindsey, 
who  died  in  November,  1899;  the  six  children 
of  this  union  are  as  follows : Carl,  Bertie  and 
Bertha  (twins),  Rex,  Robert  and  Edith.  Rev. 
Thomas  Armstrong  was  born  October  15, 
1852,  and  is  the  pastor  of  the  Methodist  Church 
at  Cadiz,  Ohio.  He  married  Maggie  Neff  and 
they  have  three  children.  Leroy  Wood  Arm- 
strong was  born  May  26,  1857,  and  resides  on 
his  farm  near  the  mills.  He  married  Mattie 
Armstrong  of  Delaware,  Ohio.  Mary  Eliza- 
beth, who  was  born  September  3,  1861,  mar- 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


791 


ried  John  A.  Lindsey,  and  they  reside  on  a 
farm  near  Farmer  City,  Illinois,  and  have  two 
children, — Edith  and  Leone. 

Crawford  Welsh  Armstrong,  our  subject, 
has  made  his  home  at  Armstrong’s  Mills  all 
his  life  except  during  an  army  service  and  from 
1866  to  1871,  when  in  business  at  Glencoe. 
From  1872  to  1882,  at  which  time  he  purchased 
the  mill,  he  was  engaged  in  merchandising  for 
his  father  and  managed  the  mill,  in  the  latter 
year  purchasing  the  mill.  He  carried  on  the 
business  on  his  own  account  until  it  was  burned 
in  April,  1900.  ■ No  time  was  lost  in  rebuilding 
the  mill,  with  increased  facilities,  and  it  was 
started  January  15,  1901,  with  a capacity  of 
35  barrels.  After  the  death  of  his  father,  our 
subject  with  his  brother,  Elihu  B.  Armstrong, 
continued  the  store  about  one  year  and  then 
sold  that  line  to  Julius  Armstrong,  who  several 
years  later  sold  to  H.  B.  Wilkinson,  who  in 
turn  sold  to  its  present  proprietor,  A.  J.  Lind- 
sey. In  the  fall  of  1892  our  subject  started  the 
present  store,  which  is  conducted  under  the 
firm  name  of  C.  W.  Armstrong  & Son,  the  lat- 
ter, Frank  B..  having  taken  a half  interest  and 
for  some  years  having  been  the  manager  of  this 
large  stock.  Mr.  Armstrong  owns  50  acres  of 
the  town  site,  as  noted  before,  and  has  done 
much  to  make  this  a very  attractive  locality. 

In  July,  1867,  Armstrong  married  Sarah 

A.  Elliott,  who  was  born  in  1844,  a daughter 
of  Thomas  Elliott  of  Trumbull  County,  Ohio. 
The  children  born  to  this  union  are ; Frank 

B. ,  a very  successful  business  man:  Estella  E., 
the  wife  of  Luther  Perkins  of  this  vicinity, 
their  children  being, — Mary  and  Chester ; Bes- 
sie B.,  a student  in  a medical  college  at  Colum- 
bus preparing  for  a professional  life;  Harry 
M.,  an  engineer  at  the  flouring  mill;  and  Ger- 
trude, at  home. 

Mr.  Armstrong  has  a notable  war  record; 
enlisting  as  a private  in  November,  1861,  in 
Company  D,  43rd  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  he  was 
soon  promoted  to  be  corporal;  December  31. 
1863,  he  was  appointed  duty  sergeant;  and 
August  9,  1864,  1st  sergeant.  On  April  i, 
1S65,  he  was  made  captain  and  mustered  out 
as  such  July  19.  1865.  Politically  he  has  al- 


wa}^s  been  identified  with  the  Republican  party, 
as  have  the  other  members  of  his  family.  Many 
township  offices  have  been  thrust  upon  him, 
and  he  served  three  years  as  jury  commis- 
sioner, one  of  the  first  appointments  by  Judge 
J.  B.  Driggs  in  this  county  under  the  new  law. 
Eor  the  past  30  years  he  has  been  a consistent 
member  of  the  Methodist  Church.  His  fra- 
ternal relations  are  with  Hess  Post,  G.  A.  R., 
No.  595,  of  Armstrong’s  Mills.  In  every  rela- 
tion of  life  Mr.  Armstrong  occupies  an  honor- 
able position  and  he  is  very  justly  regarded  as 
one  of  the  most  progressive  business  men  of 
Belmont  County. 


JOHN  C.  JOHNSON,  who  conducts  a 
farm  in  Richmond  township,  Belmont  County, 
Ohio,  has  various  other  business  interests  and 
is  one  of  the  substantial  men  of  his  vicinity. 
He  is  a native  of  this  county,  born  in  Colerain 
township,  October  23,  1850.  and  is  a son  of 
Robert  Johnson.  His  grandfather,  George 
Johnson,  was  a native  of  County  Tyrone,  Ire- 
land, and  came  to  this  country  when  a young 
man,  settling  near  Shippensburg,  Pennsyl- 
vania. 

Robert  Johnson  was  born  at  Shippensburg, 
Pennsylvania,  October  14,  1813,  and  died  De- 
cember 17,  1884.  He  came  to  Belmont 

County  in  1840,  locating  first  in  Pease  town- 
ship and  then  in  Colerain  township  where  he 
died.  He  also  resided  in  Harrison  County  for 
a period  of  17  years.  He  was  a coal  miner, 
well  digger  and  riverman,  in  addition  to  which 
he  engaged  in  farming  a part  of  the  time.  He 
was  a member  of  the  IMethodist  Church  all  his 
life,  as  were  his  parents  before  him.  Prior 
to  the  war  he  was  a Democrat,  and  then 
changed  his  political  allegiance  to  the  Repub- 
lican party.  He  married  Emily  Dowell,  who 
was  born  in  Brownsville.  Pennsylvania,  and 
died  in  1855,  37  years.  They  had 

nine  children,  as  follows : David,  Eliza  A., 

Tillie  J.,  William  and  Daniel,  all  of  whom  are 
deceased : George,  who  lives  in  Harrison 

County;  John  C.,  subject  of  this  sketch:  Ed- 
ward; and  one  who  died  in  infancy. 


792 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Jolin  C.  Johnson  has  employed  most  of  his 
time  in  hnying  and  selling  options  on  coal 
land,  disposing  of  2,100  acres  in  this  manner 
in  1901  at  a goodly  profit,  and  still  has  some 
1,900  to  dispose  of.  He  is  a coal  miner  and 
worked  for  some  time  in  the  mines  of  Belmont 
County,  in  the  mines  at  Streator,  Illinois,  and 
at  other  places.  He  worked  on  a farm  during 
his  early  life,  and  in  1898  purchased  the  Kin- 
ter  farm  of  234  acres,  which  he  is  now  suc- 
cessfully operating. 

June  26,  1878,  Mr.  Johnson  was  united  in 
marriage  with  Rebecca  Ella  Robison,  a 
daughter  of  John  and  Lydia  Robison.  Mrs. 
K’ohison  is  now  living  at  the  age  of  93  years, 
is  hale  and  hearty,  and  every  indication 
]ioints  to  her  reaching  the  century  mark. 
Mrs.  Johnson  was  born  in  Harrison  County, 
August  28,  1853.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Johnson 
liave  been  blessed  with  eight  children,  as  fol- 
lows: Anna  Ma}^;  Frederick;  Cora  Belle; 

Mary  Elva;  Asa  Jay;  Clara  Emma;  and  two 
who  died  young.  Our  subject  is  a Republican 
in  politics,  and  is  serving  his  second  term  on 
the  School  Board.  He  and  his  family  are 
members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 


J.  OLIVER  PORTERFIELD,  a well-known 
educator  of  Belmont  Count}^  Ohio,  in  which 
profession  he  has  been  engaged  for  the  past 
20  years,  was  born  on  the  home  farm  in  section 
31,  Smith  township.  April  ii,  1861.  He  is  a 
son  of  Alexander  and  Lydia  Jane  (Carleton) 
Porterfield,  and  grandson  of  John  and  Mar- 
garet (Rohh)  Porterfield. 

John  Porterfield  was  born  in  County  Done- 
gal, Ireland,  and  came  to  the  United  States  in 
t8oi,  locating  first  in  Pennsylvania.  In  1805, 
he  removed  to  Jefferson  County,  Ohio,  where 
he  remained  until  i8ii,  when  he  came  to  Bel- 
mont County  and  located  in  Richland  town- 
ship on  the  farm  now  occupied  by  Prof.  W.  D. 
Porterfield.  In  1818  he  removed  to  Smith 
township,  where  he  died.  He  and  his  wife  had 
16  cliildren,  as  follows:  Elizabeth;  Susan; 

Matthew;  John  and  James,  twins;  William; 


Margaret ; Emily ; Mary,  widow  of  George 
Myers,  residing  in  Pultney  township;  Monica; 
Andrew;  Jane;  Nathaniel;  Alexander;  Sarah, 
widow  of  George  W.  Kemp,  residing  in  Goshen 
township ; and  Joseph.  But  two  of  the  family 
are  now  living. 

Alexander  Porterfield  was  born  in  Smith 
township,  January  22,  1830,  and  died  June  6, 
1900.  He  was  married  November  6,  1856,  to 
Lydia  Jane  Carleton,  who  was  born  in  Goshen 
township  March  12,  1839,  and  is  a daughter  of 
Thomas  and  Margaret  ( Pryor)  Carleton.  She 
was  born  on  the  farm  settled  upon  by 
the  Carletons  in  1814,  and  which  has 
since  been  in  the  possession  of  the  fam- 
ily. Her  father,  Thomas  Carleton,  was 
born  in  1813  and  died  July  15,  1869.  He 
married  Margaret  Pryor,  who  was  born  in 
1819  and  died  October  16,  1901.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Carleton  were  parents  of  the  following  chil- 
dren: Lydia  Jane;  Joshua,  deceased;  Mark 

L. ; Margaret  Ann  (Bentley),  deceased; 
Thomas  W.,  of  Smith  township;  William,  of 
Smith  township;  Elizabeth  (Kinney), of  Mont- 
gomery County,  Kansas;  and  John  O.,  of 
Goshen  township. 

Alexander  Porterfield  and  wife  had  five  chil- 
dren, as  follows : Margaret  Isabelle,  who  is  at 
home;  Clara  D.,  wife  of  J.  W.  Stonebraker  of 
Smith  township;  J.  Oliver,  subject  of  this 
sketch;  Emma  L.,  wife  of  W.  W.  Lucas  of 
Smith  township;  and  Crawford  O.,  who  owns 
and  resides  on  a part  of  the  home  farm  in 
Smith  township, — he  married  Margaret  I.  Mel- 
lott,  a daughter  of  Joshua  R.  Mellott  of  Smith 
township. 

J.  Oliver  Porterfield  was  reared  and  primar- 
ily educated  in  the  country  schools.  He  entered 
upon  his  profession  in  1883,  and  has  since  con- 
tinued, his  first  schools  being  at  Lampsville  and 
in  Goshen  township.  During  1886  and  1887, 
he  taught  at  Hopedale  College  in  Harrison 
County,  and  has  since  been  located  at  many 
different  places.  He  is  at  present  in  charge  of 
the  Lampsville  school.  He  has  never  married 
and  resides  at  the  home  built  by  his  father  in 
1875,  a most  substantial  and  comfortable  brick 
structure.  The  farm  consists  of  480  acres  and 


'O 


I 


K>.- 


t _ 


JOPLN  W.  NEFF. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


795 


is  owned  by  various  members  of  the  family. 
They  make  a specialty  of  raising  Delaine  sheep 
and  Shorthorn  cattle. 

Politically,  our  subject  is  a Republican  and 
since  September  i,  1900,  has  served  as  a mem- 
ber of  the  board  of  school  examiners  for  the 
county.  He  was  appointed  to  this  office  for  a 
term  of  three  }^ears. 


JOHN  W.  NEFF,  capitalist,  planing-mill 
owner,  coal  operator  and  farmer,  is  prominent 
in  each  line  and  is  one  of  the  leading  men  of 
Belmont  County.  His  large  and  well-culti- 
vated farm,  comprising  288  acres,  is  located 
nine  miles  south  of  St.  Clairsville,  and  is  one 
of  the  most  valuable  tracts  of  land  in  Rich- 
land township. 

Mr.  Neff  is  a son  of  Belmont  County,  born 
in  1846,  in  Pultney  township,  his  parents,  An- 
drew and  Jane  (Alexander)  Neff,  also  being 
natives  of  the  same  township.  The  father  died 
in  the  old  home  in  1852,  having  been  a suc- 
cessful farmer  through  life,  a member  of  the 
Democratic  party,  and  long  connected  with 
the  Presbyterian  Church.  The  mother  was  a 
daughter  of  Robert  Alexander,  and  she  died 
in  1883,  at  the  age  of  68  years,  a most  con- 
sistent member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 
Robert  Alexander’s  wife  was  a Miss  Dixon. 
The  three  children  born  to  our  subject’s  par- 
ents were:  John  W.,  Alexander  and  An- 

drew J. 

When  Mr.  Neff  began  his  planing-mill  oper- 
ations in  1880,  the  machinery  was  erected  in 
his  barn;  in  1883  his  great  new  mill  was  ready 
for  the  expansion  which  had  taken  place  in  the 
business,  which  is  now  the  most  extensive 
in  its  line  in  the  county.  The  many  articles 
manufactured  at  his  plant  include  such  as  the 
following:  Siding,  flooring,  molding,  brackets, 
casing,  ceiling,  window  and  door  frames,  farm 
ladders,  step  ladders,  water  troughs,  sleds,  tel- 
ephone brackets,  porch  columns,  fence  pickets, 
paper  roofing,  Carey’s  roofing,  lining  paper, 
deadening  felt,  shingles,  lath,  lime,  plaster, 
doors,  windows,  transoms,  wire  cloth,  fence. 


wood  pumps,  Myers’  pumps  and  hay  tools, 
spraying  pumps,  roller  doors,  track  and  hang- 
ers, pulleys,  rope  inch  and  under),  hinges, 
locks  and  catches,  nails,  oil  and  paints,  ochre, 
white  lead  and  roof  coating.  To  meet  further 
demands,  Mr.  Neff  is  building  another  plant 
at  Neff’s  siding.  Another  of  his  enterprises, 
the  Neff  Coal  Company,  is  located  just  below. 
Mr.  Neff  is  interested  in  the  Shadyside  Real 
Estate  & Improvement  Company,  in  various 
lots  and  enterprises  in  Bellaire,  and  is  also  a 
stockholder  in  the  Dollar  Savings  Bank  of 
Bellaire. 

In  1873,  Mr.  Neff  was  married  to  Mary  E. 

.McKelvey,  a daughter  of  Samuel  and  Lucinda 
(Creamer)  McKelvey.  She  was  born  in  Mead 
township,  Belmont  County,  in  1847.  Four 
children  were  born  to  this  union,  namely : Liz- 
zie E.,  who  married  Frank  Mellott;  Harry  A., 
who  married  Dora  Schramm,  daughter  of  Ja- 
cob Schramm ; Andrew ; and  Oliver.  The  re- 
ligious connection  of  the  family  is  with  the 
Presbyterian  Church.  Mr.  Neff  is  a man  of 
business  stability  and  integrity  and  is  regarded 
with  feelings  of  the  highest  esteem  throughout 
Belmont  County,  hlr.  Neff  was  one  of  the 
promoters  of  the  Enterprise  Telephone  Com- 
pany, and  has  been  a director  in  the  organiza- 
tion since  its  incorporation.  In  connection  with 
his  many  other  enterprises,  he  is  also  success- 
fully engaged  in  the  fruit-growing  industry, 
making  a specialty  of  plums  and  small  fruit. 


LEE  EVANS.  In  Lee  Evans,  Wayne 
township,  Belmont  County,  finds  her  oldest  cit- 
izen who  has  continuously  made  his  home  here, 
and  also  one  of  her  most  successful  farmers 
and  leading  men.  Mr.  Evans  was  born  within 
tw©  miles  of  his  present  home,  in  Wayne  town- 
ship, in  1826,  and  he  is  a son  of  John  N. 
Evans,  who  was  born  in  Loudoun  County,  Vir- 
ginia, and  accompanied  his  parents  to  Belmont 
County  about  1804. 

Eleazer  and  Mary  (Nichols)  Evans,  the 
parents  of  John  N.  Evans,  were  Virginians 
by  birth.  The  former  was  left  an  orphan  in 


796  CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


youth,  and  earlier  family  records  are  not  at 
hand.  He  followed  farming  all  his  life  and, 
later,  coming  to  Ohio,  bought  a small  farm  in 
Goshen  township,  Belmont  County,  where  he 
settled  and  became  a man  of  consec|uence.  For 
20  years  he  was  a justice  of  the  peace  in  Goshen 
township  and  later  was  made  treasurer  of 
Wayne  township.  He  died  at  the  age  of  70 
years,  in  July,  1847,  widow  surviving  some 
three  years.  Their  children  were  these : John 
N.,  who  was  the  father  of  our  subject;  Alfred, 
wbo  was  a merchant  at  Belmont,  where  he 
died;  Israel,  who  moved  to  the  West,  became  a 
farmer  near  Council  Bluffs,  Iowa,  and  died 
there;  Nathan,  known  as  Judge  Evans,  of 
Cambridge,  represented  the  i6th  District  in 
Congress,  and  died  at  the  above  place;  Marga- 
ret, who  died  at  the  age  of  60  years ; George, 
who  died  on  his  farm  in  Indiana;  Elizabeth, 
who  married  William  McEarland,  died  at  the 
age  of  80  years,  her  husband  still  surviving  in 
Goshen  township,  at  the  age  of  90  years;  Sa- 
rah, who  is  deceased ; Ezra  E.,  who  was  known 
as  Judge  Evans,  of  Zanesville,  was  at  attorney 
and  died  in  the  fall  of  1901 ; Aaron,  who  has 
reached  the  age  of  83  years,  resides  in  Wayne 
township,  near  Somerton;  and  Albert,  who 
died  in  youth. 

John  N.  Evans  resided  in  Goshen  township 
until  his  marriage,  and  then  moved  to  Wayne 
township,  locating  on  the  ridge,  some  two  miles 
north  of  Newcastle,  moving  later  to  a property 
one  mile  south  of  Hunter,  and  then  removing 
to  a farm  directly  east,  two  miles,  where  his 
death  occurred  in  1862.  Mr.  Evans,  like  his 
father,  became  one  of  the  prominent  and  re- 
sponsible men  of  his  time,  called  upon  to  fill 
offices  and  to  assist  in  township  government. 

The  mother  of  our  subject  was  Jane  Kinney, 
who  was  born  in  1800  in  County  Armagh,  Ire- 
land, and  who  came  to  America  in  young  wo- 
manhood. Her  death  occurred  in  June,  1859. 
She  was  a woman  of  strong  personality  and 
strength  of  character,  and  left  a large  family 
inheriting  many  of  her  admirable  attributes. 
Tier  children  were : Elisha,  deceased ; Mary, 

who  resides  in  Western  Iowa,  at  the  age  of  81 
years;  Thomas,  deceased;  Lee,  of  this  biogra- 


phy ; Margaret,  who  lives  in  Wayne  township; 
Deborah,  deceased;  Ruth,  who  died  in  Novem- 
ber, 1859;  Eden  D.,  who  died  in  Wayne  town- 
ship, in  1881,  served  three  years  in  the  Civil 
War;  Elwood  B.,  who  resides  on  a farm  in 
Wayne  township;  William  H.  H.,  who  died  in 
1858;  and  Sarah  E.,  who  lives  in  Nashville, 
Indiana. 

Eor  76  years  Lee  Evans  has  been  a resident 
of  Wayne  township  and  has  done  his  part  in 
promoting  the  township’s  advancement.  His 
early  manhood  was  passed  in  farming  during 
the  summers  and  teaching  school  during  the 
winters.  Since  1863  has  occupied  his  pres- 
ent farm  of  364  acres,  this  land  having  been 
originally  entered  by  a Mr.  Stanley,  but  since 
tbe  grandfather’s  time  the  homestead  has  been 
in  tbe  possession  of  the  Evans  family.  Mr. 
Evans  has  carried  on  general  farming  and  is 
known  for  the  success  which  has  always  at- 
tended his  efforts.  In  1884  the  present  com- 
fortable and  commodious  residence  was  erected 
to  take  the  place  of  the  old  home  which  was 
destroyed  by  fire.  The  Evans  men  in  every 
generation  have  been  men  of  ability,  who  have 
taken  prominent  positions  in  their  communities, 
and  such  has  been  the  case  with  our  subject. 
He  has  at  various  times  served  as  justice  of 
the  peace  and  as  treasurer  of  the  township,  and 
his  opinion  has  been  highly  regarded  and  his 
judgment  consulted  in  all  public  affairs.  Since 
the  organization  of  the  Republican  party  he 
has  been  an  ardent  adherent,  formerly  having 
belonged  to  the  Whig  party  and  having  cast 
his  first  vote  for  President  Taylor.  He  has 
served  many  times  as  a delegate  of  his  party 
and  as  members  of  various  political  organiza- 
tions, and  was  a very  important  worker  in  the 
campaign  which  resulted  in  the  election  of  the 
late  Governor  McKinley.  Fraternally  he  has 
kmg  belonged  to  the  Masons,  having  been  a 
member  of  Friendship  Lodge,  No.  89,  at 
Barnesville,  belonging  now  to  Somerton  Lodge, 
No.  354,  F.  & A.  M. 

On  September  20,  1849,  Mr.  Evans  was 
married  to  Martha  A.  Shipman,  born  in  1828, 
at  St.  Clairsville,  a daughter  of  George  Ship- 
man,  who  moved  to  Wayne  township  when  she 


797 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


was  a girl.  The  five  children  born  to  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Evans  all  survive,  no  bereavement  having 
yet  entered  the  family.  These  are : Hannah 

J.,  a teacher,  residing  at  home;  Melvina  R., 
the  wife  of  Rev.  D.  C.  Wasburn,  of  the  Meth- 
odist Church  at  Belle,  Ohio;  Ruth  A.,  at  home; 
Ada,  the  wife  of  C.  F.  Coleman,  of  Cincinnati, 
Ohio;  and  Eva  O.,  at  home.  A family  reunion 
of  more  than  usual  interest  took  place  at  the 
old  home,  on  September  20,  1899,  this  being 
the  occasion  of  the  golden  wedding  of  our  hon- 
ored subject  and  estimable  wife.  The  family 
circle  of  children  and  grandchildren  was  com- 
plete. Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Evans  have  long 
been  prominent  in  the  Methodist  Church  at 
Mount  Horeb,  in  which  our  subject  has  been 
very  active  and  useful  as  class  leader,  exhorter 
and  steward.  In  the  evening  of  life,  it  is  most 
gratifying  to  be  able  to  look  back  over  so  many 
well-spent  years  and  to  enjoy  the  affection  of 
kindred  and  the  high  esteem  of  neighbors  and 
friends. 


JOSEPH  McAllister,  the  junior 
member  of  the  firm  of  J.  & J.  H.  McAllister, 
lumber  merchants  and  extensive  farmers,  of 
Morristown,  Ohio,  a leading  business  factor 
and  a prominent  public  citizen,  was  born 
August  22,  1851,  in  Pultney  township,  Bel- 
mont County,  and  is  a son  of  John  and  Eliza- 
beth (Tarbott)  McAllister. 

The  paternal  grandparents  of  Mr.  McAllis- 
ter were  Wallace  and  Elizabeth  McAllister, 
who  came* from  Lancaster  County,  Pennsyl- 
vania, to  Belmont  County,  in  1807,  locating 
on  a farm  of  50  acres  in  Pultney  township, 
near  Rock  Hill  Church,  in  the  shadow  of 
which  they  lie  buried.  Elizabeth  McAllister 
was  a woman  of  exalted  Christian  character, 
and  one  of  the  charter  members  of  the  Rock 
Hill  Presbyterian  Church,  which  was  organ- 
ized under  an  elm  tree,  standing  about  one 
and  one-half  miles  west  of  Bellaire,  on  Mc- 
Mechen’s  Creek.  Since  that  day  when  the 
little  fervent  band  of  Christian  men  and 
women  gathered  under  the  spreading  branches 
of  the  old  elm  to  found  a church,  three  edi- 


fices have  been  erected,  the  third  of  which  was 
destroyed  by  lightning,  and  the  fourth  is  now 
building,  the  intention  being  to  make  it  a 
substantial,  commodious  structure,  costing 
$8,000. 

John  McAllister,  the  father  of  our  subject 
was  an  only  child,  and  was  born  in  Lancaster 
County,  Pennsylvania,  and  accompanied  his 
parents  to  Ohio  in  1807.  He  naturally  in- 
herited the  home  farm  and  lived  upon  it  until 
his  death,  in  1878,  in  his  77th  year.  From 
his  parents  he  imbibed  religious  principles 
which  guided  him  through  life,  making  him 
not  only  a man  of  Godly  life,  but  one  who 
scrupulously  lived  up  to  all  the  ordinances  of 
the  religious  body  to  which  he  belonged.  In 
the  observance  of  these  rites,  he  was  supported 
by  his  wife,  and  one  of  the  most  valued  pos- 
sessions of  our  subject  is  his  beloved  mother’s 
well-read  Bible.  Both  parents  were  laid  away 
in  the  cemetery  of  the  Rock  Hill  Church,  in 
which  they  had  so  long  worshiped,  the  mother 
preceding  the  father  some  eight  years,  dying 
in  1870,  in  her  56th  year.  Her  three  brothers 
were;  William,  a farmer;  James,  a carpenter; 
and  John,  a farmer, — all  of  them  prominent 
men  and  life-long  residents  of  Pultney  town- 
ship. Mrs.  McAllister  was  the  eldest  of  three 
sisters,  the  second  being  Fanny,  who  died  at 
the  age  of  18  years,  and  Isabel,  the  only  sur- 
vivor, who  is  the  widow  of  Daniel  Giffen, 
of  Pease  township,  whose  home  adjoins  the 
High  Ridge  United  Presbyterian  Church 
property. 

A family  of  12  children  was  born  to  John 
and  Elizabeth  (Tarbott)  McAllister,  namely: 
Elizabeth,  who  married  Steven  White,  resides 
in  Owen  County,  Indiana ; Robert,  who  lives 
on  the  old  farm;  Wallace,  who  is  a farmer 
in  Delaware  County,  Ohio;  Isabel,  who  mar- 
ried Hugh  Giffin,  who  is  a retired  farmer  of 
Pultney  township;  Nancy  J.,  who  married 
Thomas  W.  Lucas,  a farmer  of  Owen  Gounty, 
Indiana;  James,  who  resides  at  Kirkwood, 
is  a farmer  of  Belmont  County;  Margaret, 
who  married  John  Giffin,  resides  on  their  farm 
in  Pultney  township;  John  H.,  who  is  the 
senior  member  of  the  lumber  firm,  resides  at 


798 


CENTENNlAL_HISTORY  OE  BELMONT JOOU NT Y, 


Morristown ; Mary  F.,  who  married  George 
W.  Gillis,  resides  on  their  farm  in  Owen 
Gounty,  Indiana;  Joseph,  who  is  the  subject 
of  this  Ihography;  Martha  Ann,  who  mar- 
ried Thomas  Davis,  resides  at  Kirkwood, 
where  Mr.  Davis  is  a sheet  roller  in  the  Aetna- 
Standard  Mill;  and  Sarah  C.,  who  married 
\V.  L.  Brokaw,  and  resides  at  Cambridge, 
Ohio.  It  is  a somewhat  unusual  circumstance 
that  so  numerous  a family  should  all  have  at- 
tained maturity  and  have  passed  into  middle 
life  without  any  vacancy  in  its  ranks. 

Joseph  McAllister  was  educated  in  the  old 
Rock  Hill  school  house  and  assisted  his  father 
on  the  farm  until  1871,  when  he  and  his 
brother,  John  FI.  McAllister,  formed  a part- 
nership in  carpenter  contracting,  following 
this  line  until  1876,  when  they  became  owners 
and  operators  of  a portable,  circular  sawmill, 
and  until  1882  they  engaged  in  custom  work. 
In  the  spring  of  the  latter  year  they  changed 
their  business  into  one  of  contracting  and  fur- 
nishing timber  from  the  tree,  for  railroad  con- 
structing, and  in  this  industry  they  operate 
not  only  their  own  mill,  but  five  others  also, 
having  an  annual  output  of  from  $20,000  to 
$50,000  worth  of  lumber,  the  business  reach- 
ing the  latter  figure  in  1901.  In  their  own 
mill  they  employ  12  men,  besides  having  a 
full  equipment  of  teams,  camp  ecjuipage  and 
all  the  outfit  and  belongings  for  such  purpose, 
furnishing  their  first  customers,  the  Scott 
Lumber  Company  of  Bridgeport,  Ohio,  the 
Aetna-Standard  Iron  & Steel  Company,  and 
the  C.,  L.  & W.  Railway  Company,  their 
operations  having  been  chiefly  confined  to 
Belmont  County.  Their  contract  has  been 
made  for . their  entire  output  until  1903,  at 
which  time,  or  soon  after,  the  firm  contem- 
plates retiring  from  business. 

The  firm  of  J.  & J.  H.  McAllister  also  owns 
fine  farming  lands  in  Belmont  County,  com- 
prising TOO  acres,  which  they  have  operated 
for  the  past  five  years,  making  a specialty  of 
wheat  growing,  realizing  this  year  30  Irushels 
to  the  acre.  Joseph  McAllister  has  been  prom- 
inent in  civic  and  township  affairs,  having  held 
many  of  the  responsible  positions  in  the  latter. 


at  various  times,  and  for  two  terms  having 
been  honored  by  his  fellow  citizens  with  the 
office  of  mayor  of  Morristown,  serving  most 
acceptably  in  every  instance.  In  fraternal 
orders  he  is  a prominent  Odd  Fellow,  and  has 
represented  District  No.  36,  in  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  Ohio,  two  terms,  and  is  also  a mem- 
ber of  the  encampment  branch  of  the  order. 
He  is  a member  of  the  blue  lodge,  F.  & A.  M., 
and  is  vice-chancellor  in  the  Knights  of  Pyth- 
ias. 

On  June  29,  1881,  Mr.  McAllister  was  unit- 
ed in  marriage  with  R.  E.  Jolly,  who  was 
born  in  Washington  County,  Pennsylvania,  and 
is  a daughter  of  the  late  distinguished  Prof. 
E.  B.  Jolly  and  Elizabeth  Sights,  the  former 
of  whom  was  a native  also  of  Pennsylvania, 
where  for  33  years  he  was  a noted  educator, 
being  one  of  the  first  five  teachers  to  win  a 
State  certificate.  Professor  Jolly  died  Janu- 
ary 2.  1886,  at  the  age  of  56  years.  He  was 
a life-long  member  of  the  Disciples’  Church, 
and  a great  Bil)le  student,  becoming  an  author- 
ity in  Holy  Writ,  for  he  possessed  such 
thorough  knowledge  of  the  Scriptures  that  he 
was  able  to  immediately  locate  a text  upon 
hearing  it  repeated.  He  was  held  in  high  es- 
teem both  as  teacher  and  man.  His  veperable 
widow  still  survives  at  the  age  of  73  years, 
and  resides  at  Taylorstown,  Washington 
County,  Pennsylvania.  She  also  is  a consistent 
member  of  the  Disciples’  Church  and  a lover 
and  student  of  the  Bible.  These  parents  reared 
nine  children,  the  eldest  being  Mrs.  McAllis- 
ter, and  the  others  being  as  follows : Frank 

D.,  who  is  a carpenter  and  contractor,  living 
in  Claysville,  Pennsylvania ; William  C.,  who 
is  a farmer  , living  near  Taylorstown,  Penn- 
sylvania; E.  M.,  who  is  also  a farmer,  living 
near  Middletown,  Pennsylvania;  John  C.,  who 
is  a farmer,  living  near  Middletown  also ; 
Mattie  B.,  who  was  a teacher  for  nine  years, 
died  at  the  age  of  25  years;  Minnie,  who  mar- 
ried M.  J.  McKelebon,  a motorman  on  the 
electric  railroad,  resides  on  Wheeling  Island; 
Susie  C.,  who  married  William  Grimes,  in  the 
postal  service,  lives  at  Claysville,  Pennsyl- 
vania ; and  Lettie  May,  who  is  still  at  home. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


799 


The  three  children  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
McAllister  were:  Maude  E.,  who  is  a grad- 

uate of  the  Morristown  High  School  and  also 
of  the  musical  department  of  Mount  Union 
College,  Ohio,  a lady  of  unusual  musical  gifts ; 
Charles  L.,  who  was  born  January  ii,  1884, 
died  July  12th  of  the  same  year;  and  Ethelynd 
L,  who  is  still  a student,  and  who  displays 
marked  musical  ability  on  the  violin.  Both 
parents  and  daughters  are  members  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  in  which  Mr.  McAllis- 
ter has  been  a trustee  for  the  past  12  years. 
In  every  way  our  subject  is  a most  worthy 
citizen  and  with  his  family  belongs  to  the  best 
social  life  in  Morristown. 


J.  TAYLOR  HENDERSHOT,  one  of  the 
best  known  citizens  of  Washington  township, 
Belmont  County,  is  a prosperous  general  mer- 
chant of  Hendershot,  of  which  he  is  also  the 
postmaster.  He  was  born  in  this  township  in 
1849,  is  a son  of  Henry  and  Mary  (Bar- 
rett) Hendershot. 

Henry  Hendershot  engaged  in  farming  all 
his  life,  and  for  many  years  lived  on  the  farm 
now  occupied  by  our  subject.  He  died  in  1885 
and  his  wife  in  1871.  The  mother  was  prob- 
ably a Virginian  by  birth,  and  was  in  the 
block-house  at  Wheeling  during  the  trouble 
with  Indians.  Mr.  and  klrs.  Henry  Hender- 
shot became  parents  of  the  foliowurg  children : 
John  Peter,  deceased,  a soldier  of  the  Civil 
War ; William,  deceased,  who  also  served  in 
the  army;  Henry  Clay,  deceased,  also  a soldier 
of  the  Union  Army ; Elizabeth,  deceased ; An- 
nie (McGar),  a widow,  residing  near  Belmont; 
Lydia  Bell,  deceased,  and  J.  Taylor,  subject  of 
this  biography. 

J.  Taylor  Hendershot  was  reared  and  has 
always  made  his  home  on  the  farm.  Early  in 
the  “nineties”  he  established  a general  store, 
carrying  a stock  of  goods  hi  voicing  about 
$2,000,  and  this  he  has  since  conducted  in  a 
most  successful  manner.  When  Hendershot 
was  made  a post  office  some  seven  years  ago 
our  subject  received  the  appointment  of  post- 
master, in  which  capacity  he  has  since  con- 


tinued. He  owns  a farm  of  160  acres,  all  of 
which  is  well  improved  and  is  operated  under 
his  direction.  He  was  joined  in  marriage  with 
Eunice  Hall,  a daughter  of  Job  Hall,  and  they 
have  three  children:  Birdie  O.,  now  at  Steu- 

benville; Eoster  Welch,  at  Captina  Mills,  and 
Bernie  Baer,  at  home.  Politically  he  is  a Re- 
publican and  has  served  as  township  trustee 
and  in  other  local  offices.  He  is  a member  of 
Moriah  Lodge,  No.  105,  E.  & A.  M.,  of  Pow- 
hatan. In  religious  attachment  he  is  a member 
of  Grand  View  Christian  Church. 

Job  Hall,  father  of  Mrs.  Hendershot,  was 
born  in  Richland  township,  Belmont  County, 
in  1824,  and  is  a son  of  William  and  Nancy 
(Dillon)  Hall,  and  grandson  of  Dennis  Hall. 
The  last  named  moved  to  Wheeling  from  Lou- 
doun County,  Virginia,  in  1805,  and  later  lo- 
cated in  Pease  township,  and  finally  in  Rich- 
land township,  Belmont  County,  Ohio.  He 
was  a miller  by  trade  and  follow^ed  milling 
throughout  life.  He  married  Rachel  Shu- 
bridge,  who  died  in  Knox  County,  Ohio,  and 
of  the  children  born  to  them  four  died  before 
leaving  Virginia.  The  others,  William  Y., 
John,  James,  Nanc}^  and  Priscilla,  are  now'  all 
deceased.  Wdlliam  Y.  Hall,  father  of  Job 
Hall,  was  born  in  Loudoun  County,  Virginia, 
January  9,  1795,  and  came  with  his  father  to 
Richland  township.  He  resided  in  Belmont 
County  until  1854,  when  he  moved  to  the  State 
of  Iowa,  locating  in  Appanoose  County,  where 
he  followed  carpentering  and  farming.  His 
death  occurred  January  13,  1870.  His  wife, 
Nancy  Dillon,  was  born  in  Greene  County, 
Pennsylvania,  in  1801,  and  was  a daughter  of 
Job  and  Catherine  (Colly)  Dillon,  who  emi- 
grated from  Penns}dvania  to  Richland  town- 
ship 'when  IMrs.  Hall  was  very  small.  She 
died  in  1833  in  the  prime  of  life.  Six  children 
were  born  to  William  and  Nancy  Hall,  name- 
ly: Alma,  born  in  1822,  married  and  moved 

to  Iowa,  where  she  died;  Job;  Lovina,  born 
in  1827.  married  Isaac  IMeek  and  died  in  this 
county;  IMelissa,  born  in  1829,  died  at  Arm- 
strong’s Mills;  Catherine,  born  in  1831,  died 
single,  and  Nancy,  born  in  1833,  who  is  the 
wife  of  William  Slay,  of  Glencoe. 


8oo 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Job  Hall  was  four  years  old  when  brought  to 
Washington  township,  where  he  has  since 
made  his  home,  having  now  passed  the  age  of 
78  years.  He  was  reared  on  a farm,  but  later 
took  up  the  trade  of  a millwright  when  33 
years  of  age.  He  engaged  at  various  mills 
and  continued  in  the  business  until  some  five 
years  ago,  his  last  work  being  to  help  put  in 
the  rolls  at  the  Armstrong  Mills,  which  were 
later  burned.  He  has  resided  on  his  present 
home  farm  since  1859,  and  has  followed  farm- 
ing during  tliat  period.  He  was  married  in 
1849  to  Elizabeth  Hendershot,  who  was  born 
in  Washington  township  in  1824,  and  is  a 
daughter  of  Daniel  and  Mary  (Brewer)  Hen- 
dershot. They  have  five  children : Eunice, 
born  in  1850  and  wife  of  J.  T.  Hender- 
shot; James  W.,  born  in  1852,  died  at  the  age 
of  two  years;  Alonzo  O.,  born  in  1854,  resides 
at  Bellaire,  where  he  is  engaged  in  the  gro- 
cery business;  Mary,  born  in  1857,  wife  of 
Samuel  Carpenter,  of  York  township;  and 
Viola,  born  in  i86o,  married  Charles  E. 
Kocher,  a blacksmith,  and  resides  at  Arm- 
strong’s Mills.  Politically  Mr.  Hall  is  a Dem- 
ocrat and  has  served  in  various  township  of- 
fices. Fraternally  he  is  a member  of  Captina 
Lodge,  No.  429,  1.  O.  O.  F.  His  wife  is  a 
member  of  the  Christian  Church  and  he  is  a 
Universalist. 


FREDERICK  FRALEY,  well  known  as 
one  of  the  representative  farmers  of  Washing- 
ton township,  Belmont  County,  was  born  in 
Germany,  December  7,  1838,  and  was  six 
months  of  age  when  brought  by  his  parents 
to  this  country.  His  parents,  Philip  and  Bar- 
bara (Vite)  Fraley,  upon  coming  from  Alsace, 
Germany,  first  located  in  Monroe  County, 
Ohio,  but  shortly  after  came  to  Belmont  Coun- 
ty, locating  on  Cat’s  Run,  in  Washington 
township. 

The  parents  of  our  subject  both  died  on  the 
home  farm,  the  father  in  1867,  at  the  age  of 
77  years,  and  the  mother  in  December,  1879. 
There  were  seven  children  in  the  family  of 
Philip  Fraley,  as  follows:  Jacob,  half-brother 


of  our  subject;  George,  deceased,  whose  son 
Charles  lives  on  the  old  home  farm ; Peter,  a 
farmer  of  Monroe  County;  Frederick;  Philip, 
proprietor  of  the  Beallsville  Mills,  who  also 
owns  a farm  in  Monroe  County;  Barbara,  wife 
of  John  Andregg,  of  Steubenville,  Ohio,  and 
Charlotte,  wife  of  Henry  Anshutz,  of  Wash- 
ington township.  All  remained  at  home  until 
marriage  and  each  had  a farm. 

Frederick  Fraley  remained  at  home  longer 
than  the  other  children,  and  he  and  his  brother 
Philip  secured  of  Charles  Danford  the  John 
Noffsinger  farm,  on  which  he  now  lives.  He 
has  160  acres,  which  he  devotes  to  general 
farming  and  stock  raising,  and  he  is  considered 
one  of  the  substantial  and  reliable  farmers  of 
the  township. 

Mr.  Fraley  was  joined  in  marriage  with 
Mary  Schafer,  who  was  born  in  Monroe 
County,  Ohio,  in  1841,  and  is  a daughter  of 
Jacob  and  Catherine  (Intzinger)  Schafer.  Her 
parents  came  from  W urtemberg,  Germany, 
and  were  early  residents  of  Monroe  County, 
Ohio.  They  were  parents  of  nine  children, 
as  follows  : Godfrey,  who  resides  near  Barnes- 
ville;  Jacob,  an  engineer  of  Sardis,  Ohio; 
Adam,  a retired  farmer,  who  conducts  a hotel 
at  Newport,  Ohio;  Frederick,  a farmer  living 
near  New  Martinsville,  West  Virginia; 
George,  deceased ; Levi,  who  resides  near  Som- 
erton,  Ohio,  and,  follows  farming;  Mary,  wife 
of  Mr.  Fraley;  Catherine,  who  is  unmarried, 
and  Elizabeth,  wife  of  Frederick  Walter,  who 
lives  in  Switzer  township,  Monroe  County, 
Ohio. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Fraley  have  10  children,  as 
follows : Edward,  a farmer,  located  south  of 

Hendershot,  married  Miss  Wright  and  has 
three  daughters — Lucy,  Carrie  and  Mary ; 
Pauline,  wife  of  Mathias  Brown,  resides  near 
her  father  and  has  three  children — Lucy, 
Minta  and  Nina ; Clara,  widow  of  L.  G.  Brown, 
resides  with  her  father  and  has  three  children 
— Francis,  Clarence  and  Bessie;  Caroline,  wife 
of  Alfred  Schafer,  resides  in  Washington 
township  and  has  five  children — Lawrence, 
Leslie,  Frederick,  Elsie  and  a baby;  Charles, 
a farmer,  living  southeast  of  Beallsville,  Mon- 


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HERMAN  HARTENSTEIN. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


roe  County,  married  Sevilla  Kocher  and  has 
three  children — Effie,  Arlie  and  Lester;  John 
W.  resides  in  Davenport,  Iowa,  and  is  un- 
married ; George,  who  is  in  the  pottery  busi- 
ness at  Steubenville,  married  Luella  Schraw- 
ger  and  has  two  children — Dewey  and  Rus- 
sell ; Jacob  T.,  who  resides  in  Steubenville, 
married  Blemma  Bilyen;  Harry  Berton,  who 
is  at  home,  and  Oliver  B.,  of  Steubenville, 
Ohio.  Two  children  died  in  infancy.  In  pol- 
itics Mr.  Fraley  is  a strong  supporter  of  Dem- 
ocratic principles.  He  is  a Liitheran  in  re- 
ligious views  and  his  wife  is  a Methodist. 


HERMAN  HARTENSTEIN,  a venerable 
and  honored  resident  of  Belmont  County, 
Ohio,  has  spent  almost  half  a century  of  his 
useful  life  in  the  iron  and  steel  works.  In 
1900  he  retired  to  his  farm  near  Bellaire, — 
this  farm  is  most  beautifully  situatedf  being 
located  on  a hill  overlooking  the  Ohio  River. 
The  original  purchase  contained  but  30  acres, 
but  later  a 50-acre  tract  adjoining  was  added, 
making  it  one  of  tbe  finest  80-acre  farms  in 
the  vicinity.  Here  Mr.  Hartenstein  carries  on 
general  farming  and  his  activity  would  put  to 
shame  many  a younger  man.  Valuable  sand 
pits  are  to  be  found  on  his  land  and  large  quan- 
tities of  sand  are  sold  for  molding  purposes. 

As  the  same  indicates,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch  is  of  German  nativity.  His  birth  took 
place  in  October,  1830,  in  Saxony,  Germany, 
and  he  is  a son  of  Henry  Hartenstein,  who  with 
his  family  emigrated  from  the  fatherland,  lo- 
cating in  Butler  County,  Pennsylvania,  in 
1844.  Purchasing  a tract  of  land  in  that 
county,  Henry  Hartenstein  followed  agricul- 
tural pursuits  for  many  )^ears.  About  a year 
prior  to  his  death,  he  sold  his  farm  and  re- 
moved to  a near-by  town.  Both  he  and  his 
wife  died  in  1895 — within  six  weeks  of  each 
other — and  both  were  octogenarians  at  the 
time  of  their  deaths. 

Although  living  in  a distant  county,  our 
subject  made  it  a rule  to  visit  his  aged  par- 
ents at  least  once  a year  for  many  }'ears  be- 


803 


fore  their  deaths.  He  has  four  sisters,  who 
reside  on  farms  in  different  parts  of  Butler 
County,  Pennsylvania,  and  his  brother,  Louis, 
is  successfully  engaged  in  mercantile  life  in 
the  same  State. 

Mr.  Hartenstein  obtained  his  primary  edu- 
cation in  Germany,  and  after  locating  in  the 
United  States  attended  night  school.  WTen 
15  years  of  age,  he  secured  emplo3unent  in  the 
iron  works  at  Brady’s  Bend,  Armstrong  Coun- 
ty, Penns}dvania,  continuing  to  work  there 
until  1849,  when  the  plant  was  closed.  After 
a brief  sojourn  at  Pittsburg,  he  went  to  Wheel- 
ing, and  followed  the  fortunes  of  a miner  a 
few  months.  The  following  3'ear  (1850),  upon 
the  opening  of  the  Belmont  Mills,  Mr.  Harten- 
stein entered  the  emplo}--  of  Bailey,  Woodward 
& Co.,  continuing  in  tlie  employ  of  that  firm 
for  many  years  after  the  La  Belle  Mill  was 
built  there  by  them,  working  in  all  17  years 
with  the  Belmont  and  La  Belle  companies.  He 
first  worked  in  the  rolling  department  and 
later  was  employed  for  }"ears  in  the  boiling 
rooms.  He  tended  the  puddling  furnaces  and, 
as  the  business  grew,  became  manager  of  the 
puddling  and  heating  furnaces,  retaining  that 
position  for  years. 

In  1886  Mr.  Hartenstein  entered  the  steel 
works  as  assistant  manager  and  filled  that  po- 
sition in  an  able  manner  until  his  retirement 
from  the  service  in  1900,  having  spent  49  years 
in  the  business.  He  is  well  known  all  over 
the  steel  region  and  is  one  of  the  few  men 
now  living  who  were  among  the  early  em- 
ployees of  the  mills. 

In  February,  1852,  our  subject  was  united  in 
marriage  with  Louisa  Knipping,  who  was  born 
in  Germany  in  1833  and  is  a daughter  of  Will- 
iam and  Theresa  (Schlinkey)  Knipping.  She 
came  to  this  country  in  1844  and  was  reared 
in  the  family-  of  her  step-father,  August  Wied- 
ebusch,  Avho  lived  in  Wheeling,  West  Virginia. 
Mr.  and  IMrs.  Hartenstein  have  five  daugh- 
ters and  three  sons  living  and  have  lost  several 
children.  Their  two  eldest  sons,  August  and 
Herman,  reside  in  the  West.  Albert,  the 
youngest  son,  is  a druggist  in  Bellaire.  The 
daughters  are  Leona  (Mrs.  John  IMurphy), 


8o4 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


Roberta  (Mrs.  Peter  Kern),  Louisa  (Mrs.  Jo- 
seph Glasser),  Mary  (Mrs.  James  McKee) 
and  iVnnie,  wife  of  John  Glasser,  a manu- 
facturer of  some  note.  All  reside  in  Bellaire. 

Mr.  Plartenstein  is  a faithful  follower  of  the 
Democratic  party.  While  a resident  of  Wheel- 
ing, he  served  tliree  years  as  a member  of  the 
City  Council.  Mr.  Plartenstein  was  captain  in 
the  West  Virginia  State  Militia  during  the 
Civil  War.  In  fraternal  circles,  he  is  a promi- 
nent Mason,  having  a membership  of  20  years’ 
standing.  He  affiliates  with  the  blue  lodge 
and  chapter  of  Bellaire  and  with  Hope  Com- 
mandery.  No.  26,  K.  T.,  of  St.  Clairsville.  He 
has  been  a member  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  since  he 
was  21  years  of  age.  He  is  an  active  member 
of  the  Lutheran  Church  and  contributed  large- 
ly toward  its  support.  P'rom  the  foregoing  it 
will  be  seen  that  our  subject  has  led  a long  and 
active  life  and,  although  now  in  advanced 
years,  is  still  a useful  member  of  his  com- 
munity. 

Mrs.  Hartenstein’s  father  fought  in  the  bat- 
tle of  Waterloo  and  was  never  wounded.  He 
was  a brave  soldier  and  was  granted  a life  pen- 
sion by  King  William,  who  also  awarded  him  a 
brass  medal. 


SAMUEL  W.  PERKINS,  a farmer  and 
stock  raiser  residing  in  .section  17,  Kirkwood 
township,  Belmont  County,  was  born  in  this 
township  July  14,  1849.  He  is  a son  of  Rev. 
Jonathan  and  Rebecca  (Majors)  Perkins,  and 
a grandson  of  Samuel  Perkins,  after  whom  he 
was  named.  The  last  named  was  a soldier  in 
the  War  of  1812,  and  his  widow  received  a 
pension  for  nearly  15  years. 

Rev.  Jonathan  Perkins  was  born  June  15, 
1820,  where  the  house  of  our  subject  now 
stands,  and  was  a minister  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  for  many  years.  He  trav- 
eled the  Moorefield  circuit  and  was  senior  min- 
ister of  the  circuit.  He  later  had  a local 
charge  and  was  a man  of  great  popularity,  en- 
joying the  distinction  of  having  united  in 
marriage  and  buried  more  people  than  any 
other  minister  in  the  county.  He  served  as 


justice  of  the  peace  some  12  or  15  years,  and 
his  efforts  were  successful  in  amicably  settling 
the  differences  of  his  neighbors  without  the 
intervention  of  the  courts.  During  the  Civil 
War  he  was  captain  of  a military  company 
which  he  took  out  to  oppose  the  Morgan  raid. 
He  was  a strong  abolitionist  and  believed  in  a 
vigorous  prosecution  of  the  war.  At  one  time 
he  owned  nearly  a section  of  land  and  was  a 
very  successful  farmer.  In  1872  he  had  a 
large  quantity  of  wool  destroyed  in  the  great 
Boston  fire,  but  his  loss  was  comparatively 
slight,  owing  to  the  property  being  insured. 
His  death,  which  occurred  August  28,  1887, 
was  widely  deplored,  as  he  had  lived  a very 
useful  life  and  came  from  one  of  the  early 
families  of  the  county.  He  joined  the  church 
at  the  age  of  17  years  and  ever  after  was  a 
consistent  Christian.  He  served  as  a class 
leader  in  the  church  at  Salem,  and  during  a 
period  of  15  years  never  missed  a class  meet- 
ing. He  was  united  in  marriage  February  8, 
1846,  to  Rebecca  Majors,  who  was  born  in 
section  18,  Kirkwood  township,  September  9, 
1825,  and  died  August  25,  1902.  She  was  a 
lifelong  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  and  for  many  years  was  quite  active 
in  church  work.  She  was  a great  home  woman 
until  the  death  of  her  husband,  when  home  lost 
its  charms,  and  she  thereafter  spent  her  de- 
clining years  at  the  homes  of  her  children, 
whose  chief  joy  was  ministering  to  her  wants. 
Eight  children  blessed  the  union  of  Rev.  and 
Mrs.  Perkins,  five  of  whom  survive,  namely : 
Sarah  E.,  wife  of  George  E.  Smith;  Samuel 
W. ; Margaret  R.,  wife  of  J.  W.  Anderson,  a 
minister  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  of 
Wichita,  Kansas;  Josephine  O.,  wife  of  Albert 
S.  Reynolds,  a justice  of  the  peace  of  Kirk- 
wood township,  and  N.  S.  G.,  who  resides 
where  his  father  lived. 

Samuel  W.  Perkins  was  educated  in  the 
common  schools  and  later  at  Hopedale,  after 
which  he  took  to  agricultural  pursuits.  He 
has  210  acres  of  well  improved  land,  and  all 
is  underlaid  with  coal.  He  raises  some  stock 
that  he  sells,  and  winters  about  35  head.  He 
is  one  of  the  substantial  men  of  his  township. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


80s 


of  which  he  is  now  serving  his  second  term 
as  trustee. 

March  29,  1876,  Mr.  Perkins  was  united  in 
marriage  with  Nannie  A.  Anderson,  a native 
of  this  county,  and  a daughter  of  D.  P.  and 
Margaret  Anderson,  the  former  of  whom  died 
in  1890,  and  the  latter  April  18,  1902,  at  the 
age  of  86  years.  Mr.  Anderson  and  wife  had 
the  following  children  : Rev.  'J.  W. ; Mary, 

wife  of  Rev.  W.  G.  Cash,  superintendent  of 
schools  at  Morristown  for  a time;  Nannie  A., 
and  Ella  M.,  wife  of  G.  W.  Warrick,  who  re- 
sides on  the  old  Anderson  homestead  in  this 
county.  Our  subject  and  his  Avife  have  four 
children,  as  follows:  Emsley  O.,  a member 

of  the  class  of  1904  at  Athens  College;  Isa 
Edith,  who  married  F.  J.  Hamilton,  a manu- 
facturer of  cigars  at  Hendrysburg,  O.,  and  has 
a daughter,  Carrie  L. ; Jonathan  F.,  who  lives 
at  home  on-  the  farm,  and  Margaret  R.,  who  is 
attending  school.  Our  subject  and  his  wife 
are  members  of  the  ]\Tethodist  Episcopal 
Church,  of  which  he  has  been  trustee  and 
steward.  He  has  frequently  served  as  super- 
intendent of  Sunday-schools  and  has  been  a 
leader  for  about  10  years.  Fraternally  he  is  a 
member  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias.  In  poli- 
tics he  is  a Republican. 


J.  C.  ISRAEL,  a well-knoAvn  agriculturist 
residing  in  section  2,  Kirkwood  township, 
Belmont  County,  Ohio,  Avas  born  on  his  pres- 
ent farm  December  21,  1833.  He  is  a son  of 
Robert  and  Mary  ('Taylor)  Israel,  and  grand- 
son of  John  Israel,  aaEo  Avas  a civil  engineer 
and  laid  out  the  tOAvn  of  SeAvellsville. 

John  Israel  Avas  born  in  England  and  came 
to  the  Plnited  States  at  an  early  age,  settling 
in  Maryland.  He  came  to  Ohio  in  1801,  and 
Avith  his  brother-in-laAV,  Nicholas  GazaAA^ay, 
entered  section  2,  KirkAVOod  tOAvnship,  in  part- 
nership, this  farm  having  since  remained  in 
possession  of  the  family.  On  account  of  ill 
health  he  took  a trip  to  the  West  Indies,  and 
returned  much  benefited,  but  soon  after  died. 
His  AAufe,  Rachel  Clary,  died  on  the  home  farm 
at  the  age  of  82  years.  They  had  a family  of 


12  children,  ii  of  Avhom  greAv  to  maturity, 
but  all  have  uoav  passed  aAvay. 

Robert  Israel  Avas  born  on  the  home  farm 
in  1806,  and  liA^ed  there  until  he  retired  from 
active  business,  then  moved  to  IMorristOAvn, 
Avhere  he  died  in  1891.  He  Avas  a farmer  and 
stock  raiser  and  for  a period  of  20  years  was 
a trustee  of  his  tOAvnship.  He  Avas  a mem- 
ber and  elder  of  the  Christian  Church  in  Mor- 
ristoAvn.  He  Avas  an  ardent  Whig  and  later  a 
Republican,  faA^oring  a vigorous  prosecution 
of  the  Civil  War.  He  married  Mary  Taylor, 
Avhose  father.  Noble  Taylor,  Avas  one  of  the 
best  known  men  and  largest  land  OAvners  in 
the  county  at  the  time  of  his  death,  about  the 
middle  of  the  19th  century.  Mrs.  Israel  AA-as 
born  in  1810  and  died  in  1858.  To  this  union 
Avere  born  the  folloAving  children:  Sarah  E., 

born  in  1831  and  died  in  i868,  Avas  the  Avife  of 
John  M.  Dickerson:  J.  C. : Noble  J.,  born  in 
1836  and  died  in  1889;  Clarissa  A.,  Avife  of 
John  M.  Dickerson,  resides  in  Muskingum 
County;  and  Joseph  H.,  Avho  died  in  1876. 

J.  C.  Israel  receiA^ed  his  education  in  the  dis- 
trict schools  and  has  lived  on  the  home  farm 
all  his  life.  With  his  brother.  Noble  J.,  he 
entered  the  arm}^  under  Geneial  Brooks  and 
Avas  called  out  to  repel  the  Rebels,  Avho  sought 
to  iiiA^ade  the  Northern  States  from  Canada. 
They  Avere  in  the  service  a period  of  17  months 
and  Avere  Avith  the  regiment  at  Cleveland  dur- 
ing Morgan’s  raid,  and  Avere  sent  as  guards  on 
the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad.  Our  subject 
has  some  363  acres  of  land,  all  Avell  improved 
and  underlaid  Avith  coal.  He  raises  stock  and 
grain,  his  land  averaging  from  50  to  75  bush- 
els of  corn  to  the  acre.  He  has  iieA^er  had  to 
buv  grain  Avith  Avhich  to  feed  his  stock.  He 
has  serAxd  as  land  appraiser,  aa’US  toAvnship 
assessor  tAA'o  years,  and  school  director  12 
years.  He  Avas  county  commissioner  six  years, 
beginning  in  1885.  and  acted  in  that  capacity 
during  the  construction  of  the  county  build- 
ings. 

In  1856  Mr.  Israel  AA^as  joined  in  marriage 
Avith  Elizabeth  A.  Pryor,  by  Avhom  he  had  one 
child.  Avho  died  in  infancy.  Mrs.  Israel  died 
i in  February,  1858,  at  the  age  of  22  years,  and 


8o6 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


in  i860  he  formed  a second  union  with  Sarah 
E.  Skaggs,  who  died  in  1869,  leaving  three 
children:  E.  L.,  a farmer  in  Union  township, 
who  married  Ella  Landers  and  has  fonr  chil- 
dren— Roy,  Elobart,  Dewey  and  Lillian ; Mat- 
tie,  a twin  of  E.  L.,  who  died  at  the  age  of  six 
months ; and  Robert,  a pharmacist  of  Mor- 
ristown, who  married  Mattie  McCarrahan  and 
has  two  children — John  B.  and  Abbie.  In 
1871  Mr.  Israel  married  Maria  G.  Gregg,  a 
daughter  of  Steven  C.  Gregg,  county  commis- 
sioner for  many  years,  and  they  have  two  sons. 
Emmet  G.,  of  Oklahoma,  who  married  Kate 
Mill,  and  Albert,  of  Texas.  Religiously  our 
sul)ject  is  an  elder  and  member  of  the  Chris- 
tian Church.  Lie  is  probably  the  oldest  Re- 
publican in  the  county,  although  not  the  oldest 
man. 


JAMES  PATTON  EERGUSON,  who  has 
lived  in  the  section  of  Belmont  County  known 
as  Wheeling  township  since  1859,  is  engaged 
in  the  occupation  of  general  farming,  and  also 
raises  some  fine  stock,  especially  in  sheep  and 
cattle.  He  is  of  Irish  descent,  being  a son  of 
Malcolm  and  Mary  (Patton)  Ferguson,  and 
a grandson  of  Samuel  Ferguson,  who  was 
born  in  Ireland  and  immigrated  to  this  country 
during  the  early  part  of  the  last  century. 

Samuel  Ferguson  settled  in  Washington 
County,  Pennsylvania,  at  first,  soon  after  his 
arrival  in  the  United  States,  but  his  residence 
there  was  but  of  short  duration  for  he  removed 
to  the  State  of  Ohio  in  1824,  and  was  located 
in  Colerain  township,  Belmont  County,  for  a 
time.  Then  he  lived  with  his  daughter  Han- 
nah on  a farm  in  Wheeling,  township.  This 
farm  was  his  home  during  the  remainder  of  his 
life  and  is  but  a short  distance  away  from  the 
land  owned  l)y  our  subject.  While  living  in 
Pennsylvania,  the  first  wife  of  Mr.  Ferguson 
was  taken  away  by  death,  leaving  him  six 
children,  namely:  James,  Malcolm,  Benja- 

min, Hannah,  Sarah  Ann  and  Eliza  Jane. 
James  Ferguson  was  born  in  Pennsylvania  in 
1808  and  removed  with  his  father  to  Ohio  in 
1824.  He  was  educated  in  part  in  the  com- 


mon schools,  but  on  the  whole  his  education 
was  mostly  obtained  through  his  own,  indi- 
vidual efforts,  for  he  was  a natural  student 
and  had  a wonderful  aptitude  for  mathematics, 
oftentimes  receiving  difficult  problems  for  so- 
lution from  his  relatives  and  friends  in  Ire- 
land. He  made  his  home  at  McComb,  Han- 
cock County,  Ohio,  reared  a large  family  of 
children  and  lived  to  a very  old  age,  being 
found  dead  in  his  bed  one  morning.  Benja- 
min Ferguson  was  born  in  1816.  Hannah  was 
was  born  in  1810  and  married  George  Coss,  a 
native  of  Ross  County,  near  Chillicothe,  Ohio. 
She  is  now  deceased  and  left  five  children  to 
mourn  her  loss.  Sarah  Ann  was  born  in  1814 
and  married  Mr.  Wood.  Eliza  Jane  was 
born  in  1818,  and  married  William  Sloan,  of 
Harrisville,  Ohio.  After  the  death  of  his  first 
wife,  Mr.  Ferguson  married  a second  time, 
but  the  second  wife  also  died  while  he  was  in 
Pennsylvania  and  left  no  children. 

Malcolm  Ferguson,  the  father  of  our  sub- 
ject, was  born  July  27,  1812,  and  was  a native 
of  the  Keystone  State.  He,  like  his  father, 
was  also  married  twice,  the  first  marriage  be- 
ing contracted  with  Mary  Patton,  the  mother 
of  our  subject,  who  was  a daughter  of  James 
H.  and  Jane  (AValker)  Patton.  The  maternal 
grandmother  of  our  subject  was  a sister  of 
Rev.  John  Walker,  one  of  the  founders  and 
first  teachers  of  Franklin  College,  and  died  at 
the  advanced  age  of  91  years.  When  James 
P.  Ferguson  was  but  four  years  of  age  his 
mother  died,  leaving  one  other  child,  Mary 
Miller,  and  some  time  later  his  father  married 
Julia  A.  Miller,  a daughter  of  David  Miller  of 
Cadiz,  Ohio,  and  a school  teacher  by  profes- 
sion. They  also  had  two  children,  named 
William  Hanna  and  Nancy  Jane.  Mary  Mil- 
ler, our  subject’s  own  sister,  was  born  April 
20,  1844,  and  in  October,  1867,  was  united  in 
marriage  with  Samuel  McCracken  of  Wiscon- 
sin and  had  the  following  children : Malcolm 
F..  born  September  13,  1868;  Robert  F.,  born 
June  15,  1870,  who  has  been  two  years  in  the 
service  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  at 
Xenia,  Ohio.  Mrs.  McCracken  married  a sec- 
ond time,  being  united  with  William  Voshall, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


807 


February  17,  1876,  but  died  April  15,  1877. 
She  and  her  infant  daughter  were  buried  in 
one  coffin. 

William  Hanna  Ferguson  was  born  October 
29,  1847,  and  obtained  a thorough  education 
at  Franklin  College,  after  which  he  took  a 
course  at  the  theological  seminary,  at  Xenia, 
becoming  a minister  of  the  United  Presby- 
terian Church.  He  was  located  at  Uniontnwn, 
Ohio,  for  a time,  and  at  Piper  City,  Illinois, 
prior  to  locating  in  Lisbon  Center,  New  York, 
his  present  place  of  residence.  He  chose  for 
his  wife  Sarah  Armstrong  of  Logan  County, 
but  they  have  no  children. 

Nancy  Jane  Ferguson  was  born  July  ii, 
1852,  and  died  November  29,  i860,  a victim 
of  diphtheria,  her  case  being  the  first  in  the 
neighborhood  to  prove  fatal. 

Malcolm  Ferguson’s  father  died  when  he 
was  but  a small  boy  and  he  made  his  own  way 
through  life  and  succeeded  well  in  his  efforts, 
proving  a source  of  benefit  and  help  to  those 
around  him  who  had  not  the  experience  and 
ability  that  were  his.  His  death  occurred 
September  3,  1896,  but  he  is  still  remembered 
by  many  of  his  neighbors  and  friends. 

Our  subject  is  a native  of  New  Athens,  Har- 
rison County,  and  was  born  August  8,  1841. 
He  received  a favorable  training  in  the  com- 
mon schools  and  when  the  family  removed 
from  Harrison  to  Belmont  County,  he  went 
with  them  and  has  resided  here  ever  since. 
During  the  Civil  War  he  joined  the  lOO-da}^ 
service  as  a member  of  the  170th  Reg.,  Ohio 
National  Guard,  and  saw  good  service  during 
his  term. 

November  ii,  1869,  James  P.  Ferguson 
was  married  to  Sarah  C.  x-kmos,  a daughter  of 
Joshua  and  Orpah  (McComas)  Amos,  her 
parents  being  people  from  Baltimore,  ivho 
first  removed  to  a farm  in  Monroe  County, 
Ohio,  and  made  their  home  for  a time,  after- 
ward moving  to  Colerain  township,  Belmont 
County,  Ohio.  Mrs.  Ferguson  was  the  second 
child  in  a family  of  eight,  and  was  born  Feb- 
ruary 23,  1838.  Her  brothers  and  sisters  are 
as  follows  : James  O.,  publisher  of  the  Shelby 
County  Democrat,  who  has  traveled  much  in 


foreign  lands,  is  quite  conspicuous  in  political 
affairs,  and  is  a prominent  worker  in  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church, — he  was  /Vdjut- 
ant  General  of  the  State,  under  Governor  xA.1- 
len,  has  represented  Monroe  County  in  the 
Legislature,  and  has  served  as  State  Senator 
from  his  district  also ; Elizabeth  J.,  who  was 
born  in  1840,  married  hlr.  Prewett;  William, 
who  was  born  in  1842;  i\.  Mack,  born  in 
1844;  Benjamin  F.,  born  in  1846;  x\nna  M., 
born  in  1848;  and  Elbridge  Gerry,  born  in 
1861. 

Our  subject  and  his  wife  had  two  children, 
but  the  beloved  mother  died  March  15,  1894. 
Glenn  Amos,  the  oldest  child,  was  born  Feb- 
ruary I,  1878,  on  the  home  farm,  was  educat- 
ed in  the  common  schools  first  and  later  took  a 
course  of  three  terms  at  Franklin  College. 
Anna  Myrtle  was  born  February  5,  1879,  was 
also  educated  in  the  common  schools,  but  since 
her  mother  died,  when  she  was  15  years  old, 
she  has  taken  full  charge  of  the  home  duties 
for  her  brother  and  father,  filling  the  position 
with  loving  care  and  fidelity.  She  was  mar- 
ried October  29,  1902.  to  Elmer  E.  Coulter 
of  Harrisville,  Ohio.  Two  nephews  that  were 
reared  by  Mr.  Eerguson  and  his  wife  also  be- 
long to  the  home  circle. 

James  P.  Ferguson’s  grandparents  on  both 
sides  of  the  family  were  TVssociate  Presby- 
terians and  he  and  his  children  also  belong  to 
the  Llnited  Presbyterian  Church  at  Unity,  Rev. 
W.  G.  YHddle  being  the  present  pastor,  and 
Mr.  Ferguson’s  membership  in  that  church 
dates  back  to  the  year  1861,  when  he  first  took 
his  vows  and  became  a member,  continuing 
faithful  and  zealous  in  his  church  work  ever 
since.  His  fellow  citizens  hold  all  due  re- 
spect and  consideration  for  him,  esteeming  his 
services  as  those  of  a friend,  worker  and  earn- 
est helper.  He  has  never  taken  an  active  part 
in  politics  beyond  the  great  questions  which 
rise  from  time  to  time. 

Mr.  Ferguson  was  married  to  Elizabeth 
Eleanor  Bentley  September  16.  1902,  she  being 
a daughter  of  the  late  Solomon  and  Eleanor 
f Thompson)  Bentley  of  Bannock,  Belmont 
County,  Ohio. 


8o8 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


GEORGE  GILLESPIE,  a well-known  citi- 
zen of  York  township,  Belmont  County,  Ohio, 
is  a native  of  this  township,  the  date  of  his 
birth  being  1841.  Pie  is  a son  of  Jacob  and 
klary  E.  (Pyles)  Gillespie,  and  grandson  of 
David  Gillespie. 

David  Gillespie  was  born  in  America,  but 
was  of  Irish  parentage.  He  was  at  the  Wheel- 
ing block-house,  contemporary  with  the  Zane 
family.  Upon  coming  to  York  township,  Bel- 
mont County,  Ohio,  he  took  up  land  from  the 
government  at  Do^'er,  now  owned  and  occu- 
pied by  Samuel  Gillaspie.  His  death  occurred 
before  tbe  breaking  out  of  the  Civil  War.  His 
children  were  John,  Jacob,  David,  Nancy, 
Lydia,  Barbara,  and  Elizabeth,  all  of  whom 
are  now  deceased. 

Jacob  Gillespie  was  born  in  York  town- 
ship in  1806  and  died  in  1895.  He  resided  in 
York  township  alt  his  life,  a part  of  the  time 
being  located  in  the  northern  part  of  the  town- 
ship. He  married  Mary  E.  Pyles,  who  was 
born  in  York  township  and  died  about  1847. 
To  them  were  born  tbe  following  children: 
Mary  Elizabeth,  wife  of  James  Giffen,  living 
at  Glencoe:  Robert  G.,  who  resides  at  Wa- 
verly,  Coffey  Ccainty,  Kansas;  Ebenezer,  who 
served  in  Company  F,  52nd  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol. 
Inf.,  -was  killed  in  the  battle  of  Chickamauga ; 
Lydia,  deceased,  was  the  wife  of  Alexander 
Graham,  of  Washington  township:  George, 
subject  of  this  sketch;  Sarah,  wife  of  Noah  B. 
Carle,  resides  near  St.  Clairsville,  in  Richland 
township,  and  Maria  Louise,  who  died  about 
1847. 

George  Gillespie  was  reared  at  the  home  of 
his  grandparents  in  York  township,  until  he 
was  12  years  of  age,  since  which  time  he  has 
lived  in  York  township.  He  came  to  his  pres- 
ent home  about  1891,  it  being  the  old  James  A. 
Giffen  farm  in  section  22,  consisting  of  172 
acres.  He  is  engaged  in  general  farming  and 
has  a well  improved  farm.  He  is  a man  of 
high  character,  deeply  interested  in  all  relating 
to  the  general  welfare  of  the  township  and 
county,  and  stands  high  in  the  esteem  of  his 
fellow  citizens. 

Mr.  Gillespie  was  united  in  marriage  with 


Mary  E.  Gift'en,  who  was  born  in  York  town- 
ship, and  is  a daughter  of  John  G.  Giffen,  and 
to  them  were  born  nine  children,  as  follows : 
Alice,  who  lives  at  home;  Sarah  Ellen,  wife 
of  Joseph  Penn,  of  Belmont,  Belmont  County; 
Lena  B.,  wife  of  Charles  E.  Ruble,  residing  in 
Bellaire,  Ohio;  Albert  A.,  of  Moundsville, 
West  Virginia;  Lawrence,  a machinist  by 
trade,  located  in  California;  Edison,  who  is 
also  located  in  California;  Vernon  B.,  who 
lives  at  home;  Frank  E.,  who  is  also  at  home, 
and  Mary  J.  Politically  Mr.  Gillespie  is  inde- 
pendent, and  is  at  present  a trustee  of  York 
township,  to  which  office  he  was  elected  in  the 
spring  of  1901  on  the  Democratic  ticket.  In 
religious  views  he  is  a member  of  the  Christian 
Church. 


ALBERT  ZURCHAR,  a well-known 
farmer  of  Washington  township,  residing  on 
the  William  Plendershot  farm,  which  he  owns,' 
has  been  a resident  of  Belmont  County  since 
1898.  He  was  born  March  29,  1844,  in  Can- 
ton Bern,  Switzerland,  and  is  a son  of  Albert 
and  Margaretta  (Spring)  Zurchar,  who  never 
came  to  this  country.  He  is  an  only  son  and 
has  six  sisters,  four  of  whom  live  in  Switzer- 
land. 

Albert  Zurchar  was  educated  in  the  good 
common  schools  of  his  native  land  and  also 
learned  the  trade  of  cheese-maker,  which  he 
followed  several  years.  In  the  fall  of  1866 
he  came  to  America,  locating  in  Ohio  towm- 
ship,  Monroe  County,  O.,  where  he  resided  some 
years.  He  then  lived  in  Wetzel  County,  West 
Virginia,  for  1 1 years,  at  the  end  of  which  pe- 
riod he  returned  to  Monroe  County,  Ohio, 
where  he  purchased  a farm.  He  continued 
there  until  he  sold  his  farm  in  1898,  when  he 
came  to  Washington  township,  Belmont  Coun- 
ty, purchasing-  the  William  Hendershot  place. 
Here  he  has  a farm  of  140  acres,  which  he  de- 
votes mainly  to  stock  raising.  He  has  good 
stock,  preferring  Durham  and  Jersey  cows,  and 
contemplates  the  manufacture  of  the  famous 
Schweitzer-kase,  for  which  he  would  find  a 
ready  sale. 


4 


RICHARD  ARTHINGTON  DOSTER. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


8ii 


Mr.  Zurchar  was  first  married  to  Mary  Rief, 
who  is  deceased.  He  then  married  his  present 
wife,  Louisa  Yost,  who  was  born  in  Washing- 
ton township  and  is  a daughter  of  Jacob  Yost, 
who  is  of  an  old  family  of  this  section.  Two 
children  have  blessed  this  union,  Adelia  and 
Charles.  In  politics  our  subject  is  Democratic 
on  national  issues,  but  independent  in  local  af- 
fairs. In  religious  views  he  is  a Lutheran,  but 
attends  the  Christian  Church.  Mr.  Zurchar  is  a 
self-made  man  in  all  that  term  implies,  and  dur- 
ing his  residence  of  but  four  years  in  this  com- 
munity has  won  innumerable  friends,  who  ad- 
mire him  for  his  excellent  traits  of  character. 


RICHARD  ARTHINGTON  DOSTER, 
the  popular  postmaster  of  Temperanceville, 
Somerset  township,  Belmont  County,  and  for 
the  past  1 1 years  its  leading  merchant,  was 
born  in  1864,  in  Greenfield,  Highland  County, 
Ohio,  and  has  been  a resident  of  Belmont 
County  since  1881. 

Mr.  Doster  is  of  old  and  honorable  ancestry, 
his  materal  line  being  the  same  as  that  of  Alex- 
ander H.  Stephens,  the  leading  statesman  of 
the  Southern  Confederacy,  while  a long  and 
uninterrupted  line  leads  on  the  paternal  side 
as  far  back  as  Queen  Elizabeth,  of  England. 
His  father  is  Aaron  B.  C.  Doster,  who  for 
many  years  was  a commercial  traveler  and  now 
assists  in  the  management  of  his  son’s  estab- 
lishment in  Temperanceville. 

Aaron  B.  C.  Doster  was  born  in  1832  near 
Martinsburg,  Eayette  County,  Ohio,  and  ac- 
companied his  son  to  Belmont  County  in  1881. 
In  politics  he  supports  the  Republican  party 
and  is  fraternally  a Mason.  The  mother  of 
our  subject  was  Louisa  Jane  Stephens,  who 
was  born  in  Monroe  County,  and  died  in  1870, 
at  the  early  age  of  29  years.  She  had  been  the 
devoted  mother  of  four  children,  namely ; John 
S.,  deceased:  Richard  A.,  of  this  sketch;  Mary 
H.  (Mrs.  William  Mace  of  Temperanceville)  ; 
and  Hattie  E.,  deceased. 

Our  subject  received  excellent  educational 
advantages,  attending  Woodsfield  High 


School  and  Greenfield  Seminary,  following 
which  he  engaged  for  nine  years  in  teaching 
school,  five  of  these  being  in  the  schools  of 
Temperanceville.  Embarking  in  the  mercan- 
tile business,  Mr.  Doster  has  continued  to 
yearly  expand  until  he  now  carries  as  complete 
and  well  assorted  a stock  of  goods  as  can  be 
found  in  any  town  of  its  size  in  the  county. 
His  trade  is  a critical  one  and  extends  over  a 
wide  scope  of  country.  In  April,  1897,  he  was 
appointed  postmaster,  and  still  continues  in 
office. 

In  May,  1896,  Mr.  Doster  was  united  in 
marriage  with  Annie  L.  Gallagher,  who  was 
born  in  Temperanceville  in  1871,  and  is  a 
daughter  of  Austin  and  Barbara  (Harren) 
Gallagher,  and  a niece  of  the  distinguished 
Catholic  Bishop,  Nicholas  Gallagher,  of  Gal- 
veston, Texas.  The  two  children  born  to  this 
union  are:  Louisa  Marie,  born  in  1897;  and 
Charles  Ralph,  born  in  1900,  Mrs.  Doster,  a 
lady  of  refinement  and  culture,  is  a devoted 
daughter  of  the  Catholic  Church.  Mr.  Doster 
belongs  to  the  Knights  of  Pythias. 


GEORGE  W.  GREEN,  a prosperous  farm- 
er of  York  township,  Belmont  County,  of 
which  he  is  a native,  was  born  June  23,  1835, 
and  is  a son  of  Robert  B.  and  Mary  T.  (Track- 
ler)  Green, 

Robert  B.  Green  was  born  in  New  York 
State  January  27,  1792,  and  moved  with  his 
father,  Asher  (j-reen,  first  to  IMoundsville, 
AVest  Virginia,  about  1802,  and  in  1815  to 
Belmont  County,  buying  a tract  of  land  at  the 
mouth  of  Cat’s  Run,  which  had  been  entered 
by  George  Lemley,  and  is  located  in  section 
14.  Mr.  Green  had  a large  tract  of  land,  con- 
sisting of  420  acres,  and  engaged  in  general 
farming.  He  also  traded  between  his  place  and 
New  Orleans,  making  his  first  trip  on  a flat- 
boat  in  1805,  returning  home  on  foot.  He 
frequently  made  the  return  trip  by  boat  to  New 
York.  He  resided  on  the  home  farm  until  his 
death  September  18,  1869.  He  was  at  one 
time  a commissioner  of  Belmont  County,  and 


8i2 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


assisted  in  building  tlie  wooden  bridge  across 
Caplina  Creek,  in  the  “forties.”  He  married 
Mary  T.  Trackler,  who  was  born  in  Shenan- 
doah County,  (West)  Virginia,  Febru- 
ary 6,  1799,  Jiiid  died  in  Belmont 

County,  Ai)ril  27,  1874.  She  came  to 

Gallia  County,  Ohio,  about  1806,  and 
for  }-ears  carded  the  wool  and  made  cloth- 
ing for  the  family.  Her  father,  who  was  of 
German  descent,  came  by  wagon  down  the 
Kanawha  River  and  settled  upon  400  acres  of 
land  along  the  Ohio  River.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Green  were  born  the  following  children : 
Philip  T.,  born  May  21,  1819,  and  died  April 
12,  1844:  Alliert  G.,  born  June  30,  1821,  who 
lived  on  a portion  of  the  old  homestead  until 
his  death;  Elizabeth,  born  April  ii,  1823,  died 
A])ril  7,  1826:  Roman  H.,  born  February  3, 
1825,  who  is  deceased:  Barbara  T.,  born  Au- 
gust 21,  1827,  who  married  John  M.  Robb  and 
resides  on  a part  of  the  old  home  place;  Per- 
melia,  born  in  June,  1830,  now  deceased,  first 
married  a Mr.  Ring,  and  later  John  Owens ; 
Mary,  born  January  7,  1832,  married  William 
Abrams,  who  survives  her  and  resides  in  Alle- 
gheny City,  being  a steamboat  pilot;  George 
Mb,  sul)ject  of  this  biograph3^  and  John  C., 
who  was  born  June  8.  1841,  and  died  Septem- 
ber 21,  1842 

George  W.  Green  u'as  reared  on  the  home 
farm  in  York  township,  and  for  three  or  four 
years  clerked  in  the  store  of  Dorsey  & Potts, 
also  teaching  school  for  a time.  From  May  i, 
1864,  to  September  31,  1864,  he  served  with 
the  rank  of  2nd  lieutenant  in  Company  C,  170th 
Reg.,  Ohio  National  Guard,  with  Sheridan  in 
the  Shenandoah  Valle^d  Upon  his  return  from 
war  he  served  one  v^ear  as  clerk  in  the  store,  and 
then  returned  to  the  farm  to  care  for  his  parents 
in  their  declining  A^ears.  FTe  has  a ver>^  fine 
farm,  on  which  he  built  a comfortable  home 
and  made  manv  other  improvements,  and  fol- 
lows general  farming. 

Januaiw  T.  t86o,  Mr.  Green  was  joined  in 
marriap'e  u’ith  Tane  Greenlee,  who  was  born 
on  TMcMechen’s  Creek  Tanuarv  23,  1845,  and  is 
a daughter  of  Alexander  Greenlee,  ^ler  mother 
being  a Brice.  She  was  reared  on  McMechen’s 


Creek  and  moved  to  York  township  when  her 
father  purchased  the  Lemley  farm.  To  this 
union  have  been  born  the  following  children : 
Mary  O.,  born  August  20,  1869,  who  is  the 
wife  of  Oscar  W.  McMannis,  and  resides  in 
Colerain  township;  Robert  B.,  born  October  8, 
1871,  who  lives  at  home;  Charles  E.,  born 
June  12,  1872,  who  teaches  school  at  Captina; 
William  J.,  born  January  21,  1875,  who  is  at 
home;  Albert  G.,  born  May  19,  1877,  who  died 
February  18,  1882;  Walter  L.,  born  September 
29,  1879,  March  3,  1899;  and  John 

-A..,  born  January  2,  1882,  who  is  at  home. 
Politically  our  subject  was  a Democrat  for 
many  years  and  is  uoav  a Prohibitionist.  He 
served  as  assessor  of  York  township  two  terms. 
In  religious  views  he  is  liberal  as  to  creed,  his 
wife  and  Charles  E.  attending  the  Presbyterian 
Church  and  his  three  other  sons  the  Methodist. 


FIENRY  C.  ANSHUTZ,  a prosperous 
farmer  residing  on  the  southeast  corner  of 
Washington  township,  Belmont  County,  was 
born  at  Moundsville,  (West)  Virginia,  March 
26,  1846.  He  is  a son  of  Christian  and  Cath- 
erine M.  (Jenewine)  Anshutz,  both  natives  of 
Germany. 

The  parents  of  our  subject  came  to  the 
United  States  when  children  and  their  mar- 
riage occurred  in  Belmont  County,  Ohio.  The 
father  came  to  this  county  about  1836  and  for 
a number  of  years  was  an  engineer  in  a flouring 
mill  in  this  section.  He  was  located  at  Mounds- 
ville when  our  subject  was  born.  He  followed 
the  same  line  of  business  for  a period  of  14 
years.  In  1855  he  returned  to  Belmont  Coun- 
ty and  located  on  the  farm  now  mainly  owned 
and  operated  by  his  son,  Flenry  C.  He  pur- 
chasecl  land  in  section  i,  Washington  township, 
first  buying  80  acres,  to  which  he  subsequently 
added.  His  death  occurred  in  1869,  at  the 
age  of  56  years.  His  wife  is  still  living  at  the 
age  of  82  years  and  makes  her  home  with  her 
daughter,  Mrs.  Gates,  living  in  the  West.  They 
had  four  children,  as  follows ; Sarah  Amelia, 
wife  of  Robert  Gates,  residing  at  Nevada,  Mis- 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


souri ; Edward,  who  died  in  Kansas,  leaving  a 
wife  and  three  children;  Charles,  who  died  in 
Nevada,  after  having  traveled  extensively  over 
the  West;  and  Henry  C.,  whose  name  heads 
this  biography. 

Henry  C.  Anshutz  was  nine  years  of  age 
when  his  father  moved  upon  his  present  home 
farm,  and  here  he  has  since  resided.  He  owns 
this  farm  of  i6o  acres  and  has  some  40  acres 
in  section  7,  all  well  improved  with  substantial 
buildings.  The  original  log  house  has  been 
remodeled  and  rebuilt  into  a comfortable  mod- 
ern home,  and  a new  barn  was  constructed  in 
1893.  He  follows  general  farming  and  has 
raised  very  fine  stock. 

In  1869,  Mr.  Anshutz  was  married  to  Char- 
lotte Fraley,  a sister  of  Frederick  Fraley,  whose 
life  sketch  appears  elsewhere  in  this  work,  and 
nine  children  have  been  born  to  them,  as  fol- 
lows : Fuella,  wife  of  William  Hendershot,  re- 
siding at  Bellaire,  where  he  is  agent  for  the 
Singer  Sewing  Machine  Company;  George,  a 
farmer  residing  at  Armstrong’s  Mills,  married 
Etta  Hendershot;  Edward,  a farmer  living 
near  Beallsville,  Monroe  County,  Ohio,  mar- 
ried Orissa  Dawson;  Emma,  wife  of  William 
Schafer,  resides  near  Barnesville,  where  her 
husband'  farms ; Robert ; Amos  ; Arminta  ; An- 
nie and  Cora,  the  last  five  living  at  home  with 
their  parents.  Politically,  our  subject  is  a 
Democrat.  Religiously,  he  is  a member  of  the 
Lutheran  Church,  attending  St.  John’s  Church 
in  Monroe  County. 


AMBROSE  G.  KING.  One  of  the  honora- 
ble old  names  in  Belmont  County,  one  which 
has  been  conspicuous  in  agricultural,  business 
and  military  life,  is  that  of  King.  One  of  the 
family’s  leading  representatives  is  Ambrose  G. 
King,  a prominent  and  successful  farmer  of 
Wayne  township,  who  was  born  April  22, 
1837,  in  Washington  township,  Belmont  Coun- 
ty, a son  of  Philip  and  Margaret  (Danford) 
King._  _ _ 

Philip  King  was  born  in  1812,  in  Greene 
County,  Pennsylvania,  and  was  a son  of  Mich- 


813 


a el  King,  who  was  one  of  the  early  settlers 
of  hlonroe  County,  Ohio,  and  one  of  its  most 
prosperous  farmers.  For  nearly  70  years 
Philip  King  was  a resident  of  Belmont  County, 
a*  farmer  of  excellence,  a merchant  and  to- 
bacco handler  of  business  integrity,  a large 
land  owner  and  a prominent  Republican  poli- 
tician. For  27  years  he  served  as  justice  of 
the  peace  in  Wayne  township,  removing  there 
when  Ambrose  was  a boy,  and  he  held  other 
township  offices  with  the  efficiency  of  an  hon- 
est and  upright  citizen.  His  death  occurred 
in  1898. 

The  mother  of  our  subject  was  Margaret 
Danford,  a daughter  of  Hon.  Ambrose  Dan- 
ford,  at  one  time  a State  legislator.  She  died 
in  1872,  at  the  age  of  60  years.  The  surviv- 
ing members  of  the  family  born  to  these  par- 
ents are : P.  L.,  who  resides  at  Bethesda,  Ohio; 
W.  P.,  who  is  a merchant  at  Beallsville,  Mon- 
roe County ; Mary,  who  married  William 
Miller,  a farmer  near  Beallsville;  and  Am- 
brose G.,  of  this  biography  . 

The  boyhood  of  Mr.  King  was  spent  in 
Wayne  township  and  he  was  educated  in  the 
excellent  schools  at  Barnesville.  Until  the 
outbreak  of  the  Civil  War,  he  had  been  mainly 
engaged  in  farming,  having  married  and  set- 
tled down  to  the  enjoyment  of  domestic  life. 
But  Mr.  King  was  too  loyal  and  patriotic  to  ig- 
nore the  call  of  the  great  President  for  de- 
fenders of  the  LTnion,  and  among  the  early  en- 
listments of  brave  men,  who  hastened  to  Ma- 
rietta, to  enroll  their  names,  we  find  that  of 
Ambrose  G.  King,  on  August  13,  1861,  in 
Company  E,  36th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  and 
from  that  date  until  he  received  his  honorable 
discharge  as  a veteran,  at  Columbus,  Ohio, 
July  27,  1865,  energies  and  faithful 

service  were  devoted  to  his  country.  His  con- 
nection during  these  years  was  with  the  4th, 
the  8th,  the  iith  and'  the  14th  Army  Corps. 
So  long  and  continuous  a service  could  scarcely 
escape  being  dangerous  and  that  Mr.  King, 
or  to  give  him  his  well-earned  rank.  Lieuten- 
ant King,  saw  hard  fighting  and  was  in  the 
midst  of  it,  was  very  conclusively  proven  by  his 
three  serious  wounds,  a coincidence  being  that 


8i4 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY., 


all  occurred  in  September,  the  first  on  the  17th 
in  1862,  the  second  on  the  20th  in  1863,  and 
the  third  on  the  19th  in  1864.  His  first  wound, 
at  the  battle  of  Antietam,  was  serious  enough 
to  send  him  home  on  a furlough  of  30  days, 
after  which  he  rejoined  his  regiment.  His  sec- 
ond wound  was  received  at  the  charge  at 
Chickamauga,  a gunshot  in  the  mouth,  this 
necessitating  a stay  of  two  months  in  the  hos- 
pital at  Nashville,  Tennessee.  His  wound  was 
so  serious,  while  his  valor  was  so  pronounced, 
that  a newspaper  deemed  it  notable  enough  to 
thus  comment : 

“At  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  Sergeant 
King,  giving  vent  to  his  feelings  when  a bullet 
entered  his  mouth,  passed  through  his  cheek 
and  carried  with  it  some  teeth,  had  hardly  re- 
covered from  the  shock  when  a Rebel  de- 
manded his  gun,  and  he  answered  ’yes,’  and 
plunged  his  bayonet  through  his  body.” 

The  third  wound  which  this  gallant  officer 
received  was  at  Opec]uan,  in  1864,  a gunshot 
wound  in  the  forehead,  and  this  necessitated  a 
ho.spital  residence,  at  Chestnut  Hill,  Pennsyl- 
vania, for  a period  of  two  months.  At  this 
time  he  Avas  a veteran,  his  first  service  having 
honorably  terminated  February  14,  1864.  On 
the  same  day  he  re-enlisted,  in  Company  E, 
36th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  and  was  transferred 
to  Company  F,  36th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.  and 
as  above  noted  was  honorably  discharged  in 
1865.  To  his  credit  stands  a long  list  of  the 
most  telling  battles  of  the  war:  Lewishurg, 
Second  Bull  Run,  Fredericksburg,  South 
Mountain,  Antietam,  Tullahoma,  Hoover’s 
Gap,  Chickamauga,  Brown’s  Ferry,  Mission- 
ary Ridge,  Cloyd’s  Mountain,  Lynchburg, 
Kenesaw  Mountain,  Cahletown,  Charlestown, 
Winchester,  Martinshurg,  Halltown,  Berry- 
ville,  Opequan  and  Beverly,  Lieutenant  King 
is  the  popular  commander  of  the  G.  A.  R.  post 
at  Pilcher,  an  office  he  has  filled  since  its  or- 
ganization, with  the  exception  of  two  years. 
The  King  family  was  a remarkably  loyal  one, 
three  brothers  of  our  subject  also  serving  with 
distinction  : IMichael,  a member  of  the  3rd  Reg., 
Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  now  deceased,  who  was  a 
prisoner  for  26  months ; Philip  L. ; and  Charles 


LL,  a member  of  the  25th  Reg.,  Ohio  Vol.  Inf., 
who  died  of  the  wounds  he  received  at  Gettys- 
burg. The  military  spirit  still  lives  in  this 
]Aatriotic  family  and  resulted  in  a grandson  of 
our  subject  taking  part  in  the  Spanish-Amer- 
cian  War  as  a member  of  the  6th  Illinois  Regi- 
ment. This  young  man  lost  his  life  at  Pitts- 
burg, on  September  23,  1902, — he  was  then 
employed  on  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad. 

On  December  23,  1858,  Ambrose  G.  King  was’ 
united  in  marriage  with  Amanda  J.  Hudson,  a 
daughter  of  William  and  Susan  (Knull)  Hud- 
son, who  came  to  Ohio  prior  to  the  birth  of 
Mrs.  King.  A family  of  seven  children  was 
born  to  this  union,  as  follows : William  R., 
residing  near  his  father,  married  first  a Miss 
Tittlow,  who  at  death  left  two  children,  Maud 
and  Lettie, — the  present  wife,  formerly  a Miss 
Phillips,  is  the  mother  of  an  infant;  Martha  J., 
who  is  the  wife  of  Leander  Davis,  resides  in 
Wayne  township,  and  they  have  six  children; 
Charles  S.,  who  married  Lucy  Flocks,  resides 
in  Illinois,  and  they  have  two  children  ; Benetta, 
who  first  married  a Mr.  Davis,  had  two  chil- 
dren, her  second  husband  being  Mr.  McFred- 
erick,  and  their  residence  Jerusalem,  Monroe 
County;  Mary  A.,  who  is  the  wife  of  William 
Barrett,  has  three  children  and  they  live  near 
Glencoe ; Emma,  who  is  a trained  nurse  in 
Philadelphia;  and  Kate  M.,  who  resides  in 
Barnesville.  Mr.  King  and  sons  are  unusually 
fine  specimens  of  physical  manhood,  the  father 
being  six  feet  four  inches  tall  and  weighing 
240  pounds,  his  son  Charles  reaching  six  feet 
six  inches  and  weighing  230  pounds,  while 
William  is  almost  an  equal,  weighing  227 
pounds  and  being  six  feet  three  inches  in 
lieight. 

Farming  on  his  well-cultivated  50  acres  is 
the  main  business  of  this  soldier-citizen,  but  he 
lias  been  many  times  honored  with  township 
offices  in  the  gift  of  the  people  and  the  Re- 
publican party.  As  a ju.stice  of  the  peace  he 
has  given  excellent  satisfaction,  and  now  is  a 
notarv  public  in  Pilcher.  His  fraternal  as- 
sociation with  the  Knights  of  Pythias  at  Jeru- 
salem, in  Monroe  County,  is  of  long  standing. 
Our  subject  is  well  known  through  Wayne 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


815 


township  and  is  a representative  man  and  a 
justly  honored  survivor  of  that  great  struggle 
which  convulsed  the  country  and  absorbed  its 
best  blood,  40  years  ago. 

In  six  trips  across  the  plains,  during  which 
he  visited  the  Black  Hills,  Colorado  and  Cali- 
fornia, Mr.  King  also  was  a participant  in  some 
Indian  fighting. 


THE  CUNNINGHAM  FAMILY.  One  of 
the  pioneers  of  Belmont  County  was  John 
Cunningham,  who  was  born  of  Scotch-Irish 
parentage,  in  March,  1771,  in  Berkeley  County, 
Virginia.  He,  with  his  brother  Hugh,  were 
members  of  the  militia  sent  out  under  General 
Lee  to  c|uell  the  “Whiskey  Insurrection”  in 
Pennsylvania.  Both  of  these  brothers  were 
among  the  first  persons  who  ever  drove  wag- 
ons over  the  Alleghany  Alountains.  Mr.  Cun- 
ningham and  his  wife,  Hannah  (Robinson) 
Cunningham,  came  to  Belmont  County  in 
1805  and  settled  near  Bellaire  on  what  is  nozv 
known  as  the  Rhodes  farm.  He  built  of  logs 
the  present  house  occupying  the  knoll  opposite 
to  the  Klee  farm.  This  house  was  subsequent- 
ly weatherboarded  and  it  is  still  in  a good 
state  of  preservation  after  the  lapse  of  almost 
a century.  Mr.  Cunningham  and  his  wife 
were  ardent  advocates  of  temperance.  Indeed, 
so  strong  were  Mr.  Cunningham’s  temperance 
principles  that  he  has  been  called  the  “father 
of  temperance”  in  the  community.  Mrs.  Cun- 
ningham was  much  interested  in  foreign  mis- 
sion work,  then  in  its  infancy.  Her  prayers 
for  the  cause  were  answered  by  the  calling  of 
two  granddaughters,  Mrs.  Margaret  Capp  and 
Mrs.  C.  W.  Mateer,  and  a great-granddaugh- 
ter, Mrs.  Margaret  Wells,  to  the  mission  work 
in  China. 

Mr.  Cunningham  was  ordained  as  one  of 
the  two  first  elders  of  the  Rock  Hill  Presby- 
terian Church,  and  near  this  church  he  lies  in 
liis  last  sleep.  Airs.  Cunningham  died  in 
1859,  being  the  last  of  the  original  members  of 
Rock  Hill  Church.  Their  family  consisted  of 
six  sons  and  six  daughters,  and  there  were  53 
grandsons  and  37  granddaughters. 


The  sons  were:  Israel,  James,  Hugh,  John, 
Samuel  and  George.  The  daughters  were : 
Abigail,  who  married  John  Alooney;  Hannah, 
who  married  Robert  Brown ; Sarah,  who  mar- 
ried William  Rankin ; Rebecca,  who  married 
John  Laris  ; Julia,  who  married  George  Alilli- 
gan,  and  Agnes,  who  died  in  early  girlhood. 
Of  the  sons,  two  were  life-long  residents  of 
Belmont  Count}n  These  were  George,  who 
married  Alary  Harris,  and  Samuel,  who  mar- 
ried Eliza  Work,  daughter  of  Andrew  and 
Anne  (Anderson)  Work,  of  the  vicinity  of 
St.  Clairsville.  The  living  children  of  George 
Cunningham  are  Airs.  Leroy  Wise  of  Wash- 
ington, Pennsylvania;  Mrs.  Reece  Thomas, 
Airs.  Alva  Wise  and  Aliss  Hannah  Cunning- 
ham of  the  vicinity  of  Bellaire.  Samuel  Cun- 
ningham’s living  children  are  Airs.  Jesse  Bon- 
ar,  of  Aloundsville,  West  Virginia;  iMiss  Al- 
ice Cunningham,  principal  of  Bellaire  High 
School,  and  William  Cunningham  of  Toledo, 
Ohio.  The  descendants  of  the  remaining  sons 
and  of  the  daughters  of  John  and  Hannah 
Cunningham  live  in  Delaware  and  Champaign 
counties,  Ohio,  and  in  Ohio  County,  West 
Virginia. 


H.  J.  ZINK,  a prosperous  merchant  of  Pow- 
hatan, has  been  a resident  of  the  town  for  a 
period  of  27  years. 

Air.  Zink  was  born  in  Alonroe  County,  Ohio, 
and  was  15  years  of  age  when,  in  1875, 
came  to  Powhatan  as  clerk  in  his  brother's 
store.  His  brother,  Edward  Zink,  had  lo- 
cated here  some  10  years  previously,  being  the 
oldest  merchant  in  Powhatan,  and  conducted 
a large  and  prosperous  store.  H.  J.  Zink  was 
clerk  for  his  brother  for  a period  of  15  years, 
then  leased  his  present  building  for  a period  of 
three  years,  placing  in  it  a complete  stock  of 
general  merchandise.  Idis  business  thrived, 
and  at  the  end  of  the  three  years  he  purchased 
the  building,  in  which  he  has  since  been  lo- 
cated. He  carries  a large  stock  of  everything, 
which  goes  to  make  up  a stock,  invoicing  at 
from  $10,000  to  $12,000,  and  each  year  has 
witnessed  a large  increase  over  the  previous 


8i6 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY. 


year  in  the  amount  of  business  transacted.  Mr. 
Zink  is  a thoroughly  up-to-date,  wide-awake 
and  energetic  business  man,  and  his  great  suc- 
cess lias  been  due  to  his  own  efforts  alone.  He 
has  a two-story  building,  the  dimensions  of 
which  are  44  by  65  feet,  and  it  is  divided  into 
four  large  rooms,  fie  has  a force  of  three  as- 
sistants the  year  around.  About  1898  he 
opened  a branch  store  at  Moundsville,  West 
Virginia,  where  he  carries  a stock  valued  at 
from  $7,000  to  $10,000. 

Mr.  Zink  was  joined  in  marriage  with 
Amelia  Ramser,  of  Monroe  County,  Ohio,  and 
they  have  two  children,  Helen  and  brederick. 
He  recently  erected  a very  comfortable  home 
on  Second  street,  in  which  he  lives  with  his 
family.  Our  subject  is  a stanch  Democrat  in 
politics,  and  lias  served  as  treasurer  of  York 
township  for  the  past  10  years  or  more.  Re- 
ligiously he  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the 
IMethodist  Episcopal  Church. 


JOHN  F.  WHEATLEY  has  been  a gen- 
eral merchant  for  the  past  25  years  at  Atlas, 
Belmont  County,  Ohio,  and  is  the  very  pop- 
ular postmaster.  He  is  a native  of  Ohio,  born 
in  1850,  in  Somerset  township,  Belmont  Coun- 
ty- 

Levi  Wheatley,  the  father  of  John  F.,  was 
horn  in  Westmoreland  County,  Pennsylvania, 
and  after  a busy  and  useful  life  of  70  years 
died  in  Belmont  County  September  3,  1875. 
For  many  years  he  taught  school  and  later 
managed  a farm  in  Somerset  township.  In 
his  early  life  he  was  a Whig  in  politics,  and 
later  was  actively  identified  with  the  Republi- 
can party.  Both  he  and  wife  were  consistent 
members  of  the  Methodist  Church.  The  moth- 
er of  our  subject  was  Lydia  Heck,  who  was 
horn  in  Monroe  County,  Ohio,  and  died  in 
1858,  at  the  age  of  35  years.  The  four  chil- 
dren born  to  the  parents  of  John  F.  Wheatley 
were  as  follows:  Mary  S.,  who  married  John 
F.  Wheaton,  of  West  Virginia;  William,  de- 
ceased; John  F.,  of  this  sketch;  and  Frederick 
D.,  deceased  . 

Mr.  Wheatley  obtained  an  excellent  educa- 


tion under  the  supervision  of  his  father,  and 
followed  the  trade  of  shoemaker  for  some 
years.  Later  he  embarked  in  a mercantile 
business  at  Atlas  and  has  also  engaged  in  the 
manufacture  of  cigars.  For  25  years  he  has 
kept  the  leading  general  store  in  the  village, 
and  has  a trade  which  extends  over  a wide 
territory.  Mr.  Wheatley  is  well  known  as  an 
active  member  of  the  Republican  party  and  he 
has  very  capably  served  in  a number  of  the 
township  offices,  has  been  judge  of  election 
and  trustee  and  for  a long  period,  a notary 
public.  He  is  a man  of  social  instincts,  and 
was  for  many  years  a member  of  the  local 
lodge  of  Odd  Fellows  and  a charter  member 
of  the  Knights  of  Pythias  Lodge,  No.  331. 

In  1872  Mr.  Wheatley  married  Margaret 
A.  Finley,  who  was  born  in  Somerset  town- 
ship in  1852,  a daughter  of  Jacob  and  Esther 
Finley,  and  a family  of  five  children  was  born 
to  this  union,  viz, : Charles  D.,  employed  in 

the  steel  works;  Jacob  W.,  a justice  of  the 
peace;  William  C.,  a cigar  manufacturer,  at 
Atlas;  Lucy  A.,  who  married  Phineas 
McKendree,  of  Speidel,  Ohio ; and  George,  de- 
ceased. Mrs.  Wheatley  is  a most  esteemed 
member  of  the  Christian  Church.  In  all  the  re- 
lations of  life,  Mr.  Wheatley  has  shown  him- 
self a man  of  excellent  judgment  and  a high 
standard  of  honor,  and  he  is  very  highly  re- 
garded through  Somerset  township  for  his 
many  sterling  qualities. 


SAMUEL  RAMSAY,  one  of  the  largest 
land  owners  and  substantial  citizens  of  York 
township,  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  was  born 
April  II,  1842,  and  is  a son  of  Abraham  and 
Sarah  (Maloney)  Ramsay. 

Abraham  Ramsay  was  born  in  1807  and 
was  a son  of  Thomas  Ramsay,  a native  of  Ire- 
land, whose  people  were  wealthy  linen  manu- 
facturers there.  Thomas  Ramsay  came  to 
America  about  1795  and  married  a Miss  Fal- 
coner in  Pennsylvania.  Lie  accumulated  con- 
siderable property  in  Washington  County, 
Pennsylvania,  but  through  injudiciously  going 
security  lost  quite  heavily.  He  came  to  Bel- 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


817 


mont  County  about  1812,  locating  in  the  woods 
in  the  southeastern  part  of  the  county,  on 
Moore’s  Run.  He  worked  some  on  the  Na- 
tional Road.  He  and  his  wife  were  parents  of 
10  children,  as  follows:  Abraham,  father  of 

our  subject;  Samuel,  Allen,  David,  Aaron, 
John,  Margaret,  Nancy,  Jennie,  and  Elizabeth. 

Abraham  Ramsay  resided  near  and  at  Ja- 
cobsburg  until  his  death  in  1886,  at  which  time 
he  owned  about  1,000  acres  of  land,  mainly 
in  Smith  township.  He  married  Sarah  Malo- 
ney, who  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  and  mar- 
ried in  Belmont  Count}^  where  she  died  about 
1888.  To  this  union  were  born  the  following 
children  : Thomas,  deceased ; David,  deceased ; 
John,  who  resides  near  our  subject,  but  in 
Washington  township ; Abraham,  who  also 
lives  in  Washington  township;  Samuel;  Nancy 
(Taylor),  of  Smith  township;  Elizabeth 
(Riley),  of  Mead  township;  Aaron,  of  Smith 
township,  and  Allen,  deceased.  Two  children 
died  in  infancy. 

Samuel  Ramsay  resided  in  Washington 
township  until  he  was  10  years  of  age,  remov- 
ing then  with  his  parents  to  Smith  township. 
He  purchased  his  present  home  farm  in  York 
township  about  1878,  and  was  married  in 
Guernsey  County.  He  and  his  wife  began 
housekeeping  on  this  farm  and  except  two  or 
three  years  spent  in  Smith  township  have  since 
made  it  their  home.  The  farm,  which  was 
covered  with  stone,  timber  and  underbrush,  has 
been  greatly  improved  and  is  now  very  val- 
uable farming  land.  Mr.  Ramsay  manages 
the  work  on  the  farm  and  is  an  extensive  sheep 
man,  as  was  his  father,  handling  from  300  to 
500  head  of  sheep.  He  owns  375  acres  in 
York  towship,  besides  two  farms,  containing 
243  acres,  in  Washington  and  Mead  town- 
ships. 

Samuel  Ramsay  was  joined  in  marriage 
with  Susanna  Mendenhall,  a daughter  of 
Thomas  and  Rebecca  Mendenhall,  both  of 
whom  reside  near  Salesville,  Guernsey  County, 
Ohio.  Mrs.  Ramsay  was  born  in  Noble  Coun- 
ty, Ohio,  April  10,  1852,  and  as  a result  of  her 
union  with  our  subject  lias  had  the  following 
children:  Thomas  Abraham,  of  Washington 


township,  who  married  Cora  Kittlewell  and  has 
three  sons ; Samuel  Oliver,  living  in  Mead 
township,  married  a Miss  Eraley;  Annie  A. 
(Trigg),  whose  husband  is  a blacksmith  at 
Jacobsburg;  Delphi  Odessa  (Devaul),  whose 
husband  is  a farmer  and  sawmill  man  of 
Smith  township;  Lela  L.,  v. ho  is  single  and 
lives  at  home ; Carrie  Golda,  who  is  also  sin- 
gle; Edna  Loretta,  who  attends  school  at  Ja- 
cobsburg; Lewis,  who  is  at  home  and  assists 
his  father;  Sarah  Rebecca,  who  is  deceased, 
and  Emma  Ethel  and  Joseph,  who  died  in  in- 
fancy. Politically  Mr.  Ramsay  cast  his  first 
vote  for  Abraham  Lincoln  for  President,  and 
has  voted  the  Republican  ticket  e\  er  since.  In 
religious  attachment,  he  and  lus  family  are 
Methodists  and  attend  churcli  at  Jacobsburg. 


WALKER  EULTON.  The  agricultural 
possibilities  of  Smith  township,  Belmont  Coun- 
ty, are  well  shown  in  some  of  its  model  farms 
and  in  none  more  than  in  the  fine,  well-im- 
proved estate  of  Walker  Eulton,  comprising 
176  acres,  favorably  located  two  miles  south- 
east of  Glencoe.  Mr.  Fulton  is  a Buckeye  by 
birth,  born  in  Richland  township,  Belmont 
County,  a son  of  Charles  and  Jane  (Brown) 
Fulton. 

Charles  Fulton  was  born  in  County  Tyrone, 
Ireland,  came  to  the  United  States  in  1837  and 
died  in  Mead  township,  Belmont  County,  Oc- 
tober 25,  1901,  at  the  age  of  88  years.  By 
trade  he  was  a shoemaker  and  worker  in 
leather  and  prior  to  locating  in  the  United 
States  was  connected  with  the  military  service 
in  Canada  and  employed  in  the  manufacture  of 
leather  stocks  or  collars  used  to  keep  the  Brit- 
ish soldier’s  head  erect.  After  coming  to  Ohio, 
he  engaged  in  farming  in  Mead  township,  took 
part  in  Democratic  politics  and  was  appointed 
justice  of  the  peace.  For  40  years  he  was  an 
elder  in  the  Lhiited  Presbyterian  Church.  His 
wife  was  also  of  Irish  birth  and  ancestry,  born 
in  County  Derry  and  married  there,  and  died 
j in  Ohio  January  27,  1894,  in  the  8ist  year  of 
1 her  age.  The  nine  children  born  to  them  bore 


8i8 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


these  names:  William  and  George,  deceased; 
Walker;  Robert  McKelvey,  of  Richland  town- 
ship ; Isabella,  the  wife  of  George  D.  Creamer 
of  Mead  township;  Mary  E.  and  James  M., 
deceased ; Thomas,  a farmer  at  Delaware ; and 
the  yonngest  child,  who  is  deceased. 

Air.  h'ulton  was  reared  to  work  on  a farm 
and  has  always  devoted  his  attention  to  the  pur- 
suits of  agriculture.  His  line  has  been  general 
farming  and  moderate  stock  raising,  and  he 
has  been  eminently  successful,  ranking  with  the 
most  progressive  and  practical  farmers  of  his 
locality.  In  improvements  and  modern  meth- 
ods, Air.  Fulton  keeps  abreast  of  the  times  and 
assists  materially  in  making  Smith  township  a 
leading  agricultural  one  of  the  county. 

In  1865  Fulton  was  married  to  Ellen 
E.  Trimble,  who  is  a daughter  of  John  and 
Catherine  Trimble  of  Brooke  County,  West 
Virginia,  and  a family  of  eight  children  has 
been  born  to  them,  namely : Margaret  W.,  a 

teacher  in  Barnesville;  Charles  B.,  deceased; 
John  T.,  engaged  in  the  Harrison  County  oil 
fields ; Effie  J. ; Catherine,  a teacher  in  Barnes- 
ville; William  S.,  a physician  in  Wheeling; 
Sarah  A.,  of  Philadelphia;  and  Mary.  Mr. 
Fulton  and  famliy  belong  to  the  United  Pres- 
byterian Church  in  which  he  is  a trustee.  He 
is  one  of  the  substantial  citizens  of  Smith  town- 
ship, and  belongs  to  a family  well  known  and 
thoroughly  esteemed. 


AUGUST  KRAATZ,  now  living  in  retire- 
ment at  No.  816  Broadway,  Martin’s  Ferry,  is 
one  of  the  thrifty  German  citizens  who  have 
helped  to  build  up  the  industries  of  the  city. 
For  over  a cjuarter  of  a century  he  was  en- 
gaged as  a skilled  blacksmith  and  has  amassed 
considerable  wealth.  He  is  now  a large  stock- 
holder in  the  People’s  Bank  and  the  Belmont 
Brewery  and  is  a director  in  the  latter.  He  is 
also  an  inventor  of  considerable  note. 

Air.  Kraatz  was  born  in  Alechlenburg,  Ger- 
many, November  16,  1845,  and  when  quite 
young  lost  his  father.  He  was,  however,  given 
careful  training  by  his  mother,  a most  excel- 


lent woman.  She  is  still  living  in  Germany 
and  is  now  80  years  old. 

In  the  excellent  schools  of  his  native  country 
Mr.  Kraatz  procured  a good,  thorough  educa- 
tion. Having  a decided  liking  for  mechanics, 
at  an  early  age  he  entered  a blacksmith  shop 
and  learned  the  trade,  becoming  in  the  course 
of  time  very  proficient.  Well  ecjuipped  for 
life,  at  the  age  of  21  he  determined  to  come  to 
the  United  States.  Soon  after  landing  he  pro- 
ceeded to  Wheeling,  where  he  remained  for 
eight  years.  He  found  no  difficulty  in  secur- 
ing positions,  and  during  his  stay  in  Wheeling 
followed  his  trade  for  some  of  the  time  at  the 
old  Washington  Mill  and  later  in  connection 
with  the  iron  works.  Coming  to  Martin’s 
Ferry  at  the  end  of  this  period,  he  engaged 
himself  as  a blacksmith  in  the  Aetna  Standard 
Mill,  where  he  remained  until  February,  1902, 
a period  of  26  years.  That  his  work  has  been 
in  every  respect  satisfactory  and  first-class  goes 
without  saying.  During  this  period  he  invented 
the  long  squaring  shear-knives,  an  excellent  ar- 
ticle, which  has  been  on  the  market  for  the 
last  17  years.  It  has  had  a large  sale.  A 
steady,  hard  worker  all  his  life,  Mr.  Kraatz 
has  made  considerable  money,  which  he  has 
invested  to  much  advantage  in  brewery  stock 
and  in  the  People’s  Bank.  Owing  to  his  business 
ability,  he  has  been  made  a director  of  the 
Belmont  Brewery. 

While  residing  in  Wheeling,  in  1869,  Mr. 
Kraatz  married  Eliza  Bieberson,  who  was  born 
in  Hanover,  Germany,  Alarch  16,  1845.  She 
is  one  of  three  children.  Her  brother,  Henry 
Bieberson,  is  now  president  of  the  Belmont 
Brew^ery.  Her  sister,  Wilhelmina,  married 
August  Rolf  and  resides  on  Market  street,  in 
Wheeling.  Mr.  and  Airs.  Kraatz  have  had 
nine  children : Matilda  married  William  H. 

Helfenbine,  and  resides  at  Martin’s  Ferry; 
Emma,  wife  of  Edwin  Oppelt,  of  East  Liver- 
pool, Ohio,  has  a son,  Oscar;  Clara,  who  has 
never  married,  lives  at  home;  Charles,  who 
married  Enola  Rohrich,  is  assistant  engineer  at 
the  Belmont  Brewery  in  Martin’s  Ferry; 
Fredericka  lives  at  home ; Harry  is  in  the  gro- 
cery business  with  his  brother-in-law  in  East 


DAVID  F.  McKELVFIY. 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


82 1 


Liverpool;  George,  who  works  in  the  Aetna 
Standard  Mill ; Eliza,  who  died  February  10, 
1893,  at  the  age  of  10;  Gertrude,  who  died 
December  26,  1901,  at  the  age  of  14  years  and 
three  months. 

Mr.  Kraatz  is  a man  whose  word  carries 
weight  in  his  community.  As  a Republican 
he  exerts  a large  influence  in  local  politics. 
Fraternally  he  belongs  to  the  B.  P.  O.  E.  Both 
he  and  his  wife  are  prominent  members  of  the 
German  Lutheran  Church.  In  1901  IMr. 
Kraatz  made  a trip  to  Germany,  paying  a visit 
to  his  aged  mother,  and  in  October,  1902,  he 
took  an  extended,  trip  throughout  the  South- 
western States,  visiting  Texas  principally,  and 
had  a most  enjoyable  time. 


DAVID  F.  McKELVEY.  The  well- 
cultivated  and  finely  improved  farm  of  David 
F.  McKelvey,  located  in  section  32,  Mead 
township,  not  only  reflects  great  credit  upon 
its  owner,  but  also  demonstrates  the  great 
agricultural  possibilities  of  this  part  of  Bel- 
mont County.  IMr.  McKelvey  is  one  of  the 
prominent  citizens  of  Mead  township,  possess- 
ing honorable  ancestry,  wealth  and  social  po- 
sition, and  is  also  a representative  man  in  polit- 
ical life.  David  F.  McKelvey  was  born  Sep- 
tember 23,  1844,  in  Mead  township,  Belmont 
County,  on  a farm  in  the  vicinity  of  his  present 
property,  the  same  now  being  operated  by  his 
youngest  brother,  Samuel  P.  McKelvey.  His 
parents  were  the  late  Samuel  and  Lucinda 
(Creamer)  McKelvey,  the  latter  of  whom  was 
also  born  in  this  county,  a daughter  of  David 
Creamer,  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  Belmont 
County  and  one  of  the  very  few  permitted  to 
see  both  the  dawn  and  the  close  of  a century. 
His  daughter,  Mrs. 'McKelvey,  died  July  ii, 
1885. 

Samuel  McKelvey  was  born  in  County  Ty- 
rone, Ireland,  and  after  a voyage  of  six  weeks 
on  the  Atlantic  Ocean  reached  Belmont  County 
irt  1840,  where  he  purchased  a farm  in  Mead 
township,  from  Zachariah  Hayes,  its  original 
owner,  and  here  Mr.  McKelvey  died  in  1888, 


when  over  80  years  of  age,  having  survived  all 
his  brothers,  viz. : James,  David,  George,  Jo- 
seph, Thomas  and  Weir.  They  had  a sister, 
Elizabeth,  who  married  a Mr.  McCaffrey.  The 
five  sons  and  four  daughters  of  Samuel  Mc- 
Kelvey* and  wife  were:  David  F.,  of  this 

biograph}4  Robert,  Thomas  B.  and  Joseph  O., 
of  Mead  township;  Emma  and  Narcissa,  living 
on  the  home  farm;  Mary  E.,  the  wife  of  John 
W.  Neff,  and  Nancy  Jane,  the  wife  of  Theo- 
dore Neff,  of  Bellaire;  and  Samuel  P.,  born  in 
1864,  who  is  the  capable  operator  of  the  home- 
farm,  an  estate  comprising  188  acres,  lying  in 
sections  31,  36  and  2-5.  It  has  been  greatly  im- 
proved under  Mr.  McKelvey’s  management. 

Reared  on  the  farm,  David  F.  McKelvey  has 
always  been  deeply  interested  in  agricultural 
pursuits  and  has  spent  the  gi'eater  part  of  his 
life  in  Mead  township.  He  received  a fair  edu- 
cation and  during  his  earlier  years  taught 
the  country  schools,  but  after  marriage  began 
his  business  career  as  a farmer.  For  several 
years  he  farmed  at  Wegee,  but  for  the  past  20 
years  has  iDeen  established  on  his  present  farm, 
a valuable  tract  of  140  acres,  which  he  has  suc- 
cessfully devoted  to  general  farming  and  stock 
raising.  This- land  was  originally  the  property 
of  “Tommy”  Miles,  then  the  Porterfields,  later 
the  klcMasters  and  then  was  purchased  by  Mr. 
McKelvey. 

March  24,  1881,  Mr.  McKelvey  was  married 
to  Ida  J.  Alexander,  who  was  born  in  Pultney 
township,  in  1856,  and  is  a daughter  of  Samuel 
Alexander,  a pioneer.  The  two  daughters  born 
to  ’this  union  are  klary  and  Lucy,  both  of 
whom  belong  to  the  home  circle.  ■ In  politics 
Mr.  McKelvey  has  been  more  than  usually 
prominent  and  was  but  lately  sent  as  a dele- 
gate to  the  Democratic  Congressional  Conven- 
tion held  at  Martin’s  Ferry.  For  the  past  five 
years  he  has  served  as  township  treasurer  and 
is  at  present  one  of  the  school  directors.  Dur- 
ing its  existence,  he  belonged  to  the  Farmers’ 
Alliance.  His  religious  connection  is  with 
the  United  Presbyterian  Church.  As  a com- 
mentary upon  the  great  strides  made  in  the 
county,  Mr.  McKelvey  shows  a well-preserved 
hoghouse  on  his  farm,  the  same  having  served 


822 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


as  his  earliest  school  house.  With  pride  he  can 
also  point  out  the  neat  and  attractive  buildings 
now  serving  as  educational  edifices. 


ARNOLD  WILLIAM  BURKLIART,  a 
well-known  agriculturist  located  in  Washing- 
ton township,  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  was  born 
in  INIonroe  County,  Ohio,  April  i,  1845,  and 
is  a son  of  Andrew  and  Eustua  (Frankhouser) 
Burkhart,  and  grandson  of  Andrew  Burkhart. 

iVndrew  Burkhart,  the  grandfather,  came  to 
this  country  from  Switzerland  in  1820,  and 
entered  land  in  York  township,  Belmont  Coun- 
ty, Ohio,  where  he  followed  the  business  of  a 
horticulturist.  He  built  a log  house  on  his 
claim,  which  stood  until  destroyed  by  fire  in 
1897.  He  and  his  wife  had  six  children,  as 
follows:  John;  Catherine  (Syllis),  who  died 
at  Martin's  Ferry;  Annie  (Muster)  ; Frederick, 
who  was  unmarried  and  died  in  1897  ; Andrew  ; 
and  Mary,  wife  of  Jacob  Kocher  of  York  town- 
ship. 

Andrew  Burkhart,  father  of  our  subject,  was 
born  in  Switzerland,  in  1808,  and  at  12  years 
of  age  came  to  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  with 
his  father.  He  was  married  here  in  1840,  and 
later  with  his  wife  removed  to  Monroe  County, 
Oliio,  where  both  died.  Fie  died  April  25, 
1893,  at  the  age  of  85  years,  and  she  died  in 
klarch,  1894,  aged  74  years.  His  wife  was  a 
daughter  of  Nicholas  Frankhouser,  a pioneer 
of  Belmont  County,  and  also  a native  of  Switz- 
erland. To  this  union  were  horn  the  follow- 
ing children  : Arnold  W. ; Rosanna  ( Sweig- 
ard),  a rvidow  residing  in  Monroe  County; 
Caroline,  who  resides  in  Monroe  County; 
Jacob,  of  Monroe  County;  Lena,  wife  of  Frank 
Cain  of  Parkersburg,  West  Virginia;  Mary, 
wife  of  Clarence  Carpenter  of  Iowa ; Louisa, 
wife  of  Flenry  Kraft  of  Monroe  County;  and 
Samuel,  Lizzie  and  another  daughter  who  died 
of  diphtheria  at  an  early  age. 

y\t  the  age  of  10  years,  Arnold  W.  Burkhart 
accompanied  his  parents  to  Belmont  County, 
where  he  has  since  resided.  During  the  Civil 
\Var  he  served  some  four  months  with  General 
Sheridan,  having  enlisted  in  Company  C,  170th 


Reg.,  Ohio  National  Guard,  and  was  wounded 
at  Snicker’s  Gap,  Virginia,  in  1864.  He  re- 
mained at  home  until  after  his  marriage,  and 
then  resided  on  Carpenter’s  Ridge  where  Sam- 
uel Carpenter  now  resides.  In  May,  1888,  he 
bought  a part  of  the  old  Chandler  tract,  also 
known  as  the  William  Graham  farm,  and  on 
this  he  has  since  resided.  He  has  160  acres 
under  a high  state  of  cultivation  and  devotes 
it  to  general  farming  and  stock  raising.  Hon- 
est and  straightforward  in  all  his  transactions, 
he  has  gained  the  lasting  confidence  and  respect 
of  his  fellow  citizens,  who  are  pleased  to  call 
him  a friend. 

Mr.  Burkhart  was  joined  in  marriage  with 
Mary  M.  Carpenter,  youngest  daughter  of 
Robert  Carpenter,  whose  wife  died  December 
8.  1898,  at  the  age  of  98  years.  They  have 
nine  children,  as  follows:  Sevilla  (Wild),  of 
fiVrk  township;  Lucy  (Vandine),  who  lives  at 
home;  Emma  FI.  (Moore),  of  Bellaire;  Jemi- 
ma ( Flendershot)  ; Margaret  (Vandine), 
who  lives  near  her  parents;  Theodore  F. ; 
Grover;  Ida;  and  Eunice.  None  of  the  family 
has  ever  been  sick  enough  to  require  the  aid  of 
a physician  or  the  use  of  medicine,  which  is 
truly  a remarkable  record.  Although  his  fam- 
ily has  always  been  Democratic,  Mr.  Burkhart 
is  a stalwart  Republican,  and  at  one  time  was 
township  assessor.  He  is  a member  of  Post 
No.  595,  G.  A.  R.,  of  Armstrong’s  Mills. 


B.  F.  DISQUE,  a prominent  citizen  of  Pow- 
hatan, Belmont  County,  Ohio,  where  he  con- 
ducts a large  general  store,  was  born  in  this 
town  in  1852,  and  is  a son  of  Henry  and  Mary 
(Pfeffer)  Disc^ue.  The  father  is  in  his  86th 
year  and  is  one  of  the  oldest  residents  of  the 
village.  With  Mrs.  I.ouis  Boger,  Mrs.  John 
A.  Weyer,  Mrs.  Richard  Dorsey,  and  Mrs. 
James  Workman,  he  shares  the  honor  of  hav- 
ing lived  in  Powhatan  for  more  than  half  a 
century. 

Henry  Disc^ue  was  born  in  Bavaria,  Ger- 
many, and  upon  coming  to  this  country  spent 
nine  years  in  the  State  of  New  York.  He 
then  lived  one  year  in  Monroe  County,  Ohio, 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


823 


spent  the  winter  of  1848  at  Wheeling,  and  in 
1849  moved  to  Powhatan,  where  he  has  since 
resided.  For  a period  of  more  than  60  years 
he  followed  his  trade  as  a shoemaker.  He 
married  Mary  Pfeffer,  who  was  also  born  in 
Bavaria,  Germany,  and  died  at  Powhatan  in 
1891.  Six  children  were  born  to  them,  as  fol- 
lows : Henry,  who  is  in  the  drug  business  at 

Pittsburg;  Fred,  who  is  a member  of  the  firm  of 
J.  J.  Porter  & Company,  of  Pittsburg;  George 
A.,  a jeweler  at  Erie,  Pennsylvania;  Mary 
(Fuchs),  deceased;  B.  F.,  subject  of  this  bi- 
ography, and  Mrs.  Callie  May,  who  resides 
at  New  Matamoras,  Washington  County, 
Ohio.  The  two  eldest  were  born  in  New  York, 
the  third  child  in  IMonroe  County,  Ohio,  and 
the  other  three  at  Powhatan,  where  all  were 
reared. 

B.  F.  Disque  early  in  life  worked  at  the 
trade  of  a slioemaker  for  a few  years,  then  en- 
tered the  mercantile  business  at  Powhatan  as 
a clerk  in  1881.  In  1884  he  formed  a partner- 
shin  with  A\"illiam  Hornbrook,  which  con- 
tinued 12  years,  and  since  that  time  he  has 
conducted  the  store  alone.  During  the  entire 
time  he  has  been  located  in  his  present  build- 
ing, the  dimensions  of  which  are  70  by  21  feet. 
A very  complete  line  of  general  merchandise 
is  carried.  To  the  rear  of  the  building  is  a 
warehouse,  in  which  surplus  stock  is  stored. 
Across  the  street  from  this  building  is  a large 
storeroom,  in  which  a very  complete  line  of 
furniture  is  carried.  The  trade  extends  over  a 
large  area,  surrounding  Powhatan  and  into 
West  Virginia,  and  necessitates  the  employ- 
ment of  two  or  three  clerks  all  the  time. 

Mr.  Disque  was  first  married  to  Maggie 
Bean,  who  died  November  19,  1897,  leaving 
two  children,  Clifford  and  Eva.  lie  formed 
a second  matrimonial  alliance  with  hlary 
Hornbrook,  a daughter  of  J.  P.  Hornbrook, 
who  owns  considerable  real  estate  at  Pow- 
hatan, although  he  is  not  a resident.  Mr. 
Disque  built  a fine  home  on  Front  street,  in 
which  he  lived  with  his  family  until  he  sold  it 
recently  to  Dr.  J.  A.  Berry.  Politically  Mr. 
Disque  has  always  been  a stanch  Democrat, 
and  in  former  years  was  quite  active  in  politi- 


cal affairs.  He  served  three  terms  as  town- 
ship clerk,  two  terms  as  township  treasurer, 
and  officiated  in  other  minor  capacities,  such  as 
director  of  the  School  Board  and  councilman. 
He  is  an  elder  and  member  of  the  board  of 
trustees  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  of  which 
his  father  is  also  a member.  His  fellow  elder 
in  the  church  is  Philip  Frankhouser,  and  in 
addition  to  himself  the  board  of  trustees  in- 
cludes John  Fuchs,  Philip  Frankhouser, 
Charles  Greene  and  Samuel  Fielding.  Our 
subject  is  one  of  the  substantial  men  of  the 
community  and  has  a host  of  friends  wherever 
he  is  known. 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON  HENDER- 
SHOT,  one  of  the  oldest  and  most  prominent 
farmers  of  Washington  township,  Belmont 
County,  was  born  in  this  township  along  Pea 
Vine  Creek,  in  1818. 

He  is  a son  of  Michael  and  Mary  (Space) 
Hendershot,  who  emigrated  from  New  Jersey 
February  15,  181.5,  locating  along  Captina 
Creek.  They  both  died  on  the  home  farm 
when  86  years  of  age.  The  mother  of  our 
subject  was  the  second  wife  of  Michael  Hen- 
dershot, and  to  them  were  born  the  following 
children:  John,  born  in  1807,  wdio  died  in 

1833  : Isaac,  born  in  1809,  who  died  in  Guern- 
sey County,  Ohio,  in  1867;  Henry,  born  Feb- 
ruary 26,  i8ii,  who  died  in  Washington  town- 
ship in  1885 : George  Washington,  subject  of 
this  biography;  Mary  Ann,  born  in  1813,  who 
died  at  the  age  of  2 1 years : Sarah  IMaria,  born 
in  1820,  w'ho  married  Henry  Lomar  Septem- 
ber 9,  1843,  lived  in  Beallsville,  Monroe 
County,  Ohio,  wdrere  she  died ; and  Alichael, 
born  in  1823,  who  died  at  Columbus  and  \va? 
buried  in  York  township.  By  his  first  wife 
hlichael  Hendershot  had  tw’o  children,  Daniel, 
who  died  in  1883,  and  Angeline,  wdfe  of 
Adolph  Harmon,  born  in  1804,  and  died  in 
Nebraska  about  1893. 

George  W.  Hendershot  was  reared  and  has 
always  resided  in  Washington  towmship.  He 
owns  about  one  section  of  land,  wdiich  is  de- 
A'-oted  to  sheep  raising  and  general  farming  un- 


824 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


der  his  supervision.  He  cleared  this  land  at 
an  early  day  and  actively  managed  it  until  a 
few  years  ag'o,  when  it  was  given  into  the  care 
of  his  sons,  each  of  whom  receives  his  share 
of  the  crops. 

September  30,  1843,  Mr.  Hendershot  mar- 
ried Sevilla  Carpenter,  who  was  born  in  Mon- 
roe County,  Ohio,  in  1824,  and  is  a daughter 
of  Robert  Carpenter,  who  moved  to  York 
township,  Belmont  County,  when  she  was  eight 
years  of  age.  Twelve  children  were  born  to 
them:  The  eldest  died  in  infancy;  Penelope, 

wife  of  AVilliam  Pfeffenbach,  resides  at  Bel- 
laire;  k'lichael  Taylor,  who  lives  on  the  home 
farm,  married  Margaret  Linden  and  has  five 
children:  Robert  C.,  also  residing  on  the  home 
Farm,  married  Lovina  Taylor,  deceased,  and 
later  Margaret  Bryson;  Henry  S.,  residing  on 
his  father’s  farm,  married  Elizabeth  Bryson; 
Sevilla  Jane,  rvife  of  John  Graham,  resides  on 
her  father’s  farm  on  Pea  Vine  Creek ; Adary, 
wife  of  Christopher  Schnegg,  lives  in  York 
township;  Alice, who  died  at  Wheeling,  was  the 
wife  of  David  Honey:  Adargaret,  who  mar- 
ried Ross  Carle,  resides  on  Pea  Vine  Creek; 
George  Grant,  who  resides  with  his  father, 
married  Sarah  Diantha  Hess;  Nancy  Ellen, 
married  George  Carle  and  resides  near  Bel- 
laire,  Pultnev  township : and  Anna  I^aura  died 
at  the  age  of  three  years.  Although  Adr.  Hen- 
dershot’s  eyesight  has  failed  rapidly  in  recent 
years,  he  retains  all  his  old-time  sagacity  in 
business  affairs,  and  gives  counsel  to  his  sons, 
dde  is  most  higblv  e.steemed  and  has  friends  of 
long  standing  in  the  county.  He  has  always 
been  a Republican  since  the  organization  of  the 
party.  He  was  reared  a Presbyterian,  but  is 
inclined  to  be  liberal  in  his  rdews. 


HTRAAd  D.  TTAdAdONS*,  superintendent 
and  manager  of  the  Barnesville  Gas  & Electric 
T.ight  Company,  is  an  expert  electrician  and 
r himber.  having  attained  .success  by  adroit  en- 
deavor. close  application  and  bv  vears  of  con- 
.stant  practice  of  his  vocation.  He  was  born 
in  Cadiz,  Harrison  Countv,  Ohio,  and  is  past 
the  meridian  of  life.  He  is  a son  of  Eli  and 


Sarah  (Dickerson)  Timmons,  who  reared  a 
family  of  seven  children. 

Eli  Timmons  was  one  of  the  pioneer  settlers 
of  Harrison  County,  Ohio.  In  early  manhood 
he  learned  the  trade  of  a carriage  maker,  which 
he  followed  with  success  up  to  the  time  of  his 
death  on  the  30th  of  December,  1877.  Eli  Tim- 
mons was  born  March  16,  1819,  and  his  wife 
was  many  years  his  junior,  her  birth  having  oc- 
curred September  25,  1830.  She  is  also  de- 
ceased. 

Hiram  D.  Timmons  accompanied  his  par- 
ents to  Barnesville  when  a mere  boy.  He  be- 
came apprenticed  and  learned  the  plumbing 
and  heating  trade  under  Healy  Brothers.  He 
completed  his  trade  in  1879,  having  mastered 
all  the  details  of  the  business.  Some  time  after- 
ward Mr.  Timmons  accepted  a position  as  trav- 
eling representative  of  Gordan,  Stroebel  & La 
Rue,  a large  Philadelphia  firm.  He  traveled 
throughout  the  South  for  this  establishment 
tor  a period  of  three  years,  and  during  that 
time  he  fitted  many  factories  throughout  with 
machinery,  doing  all  the  hydraulic  work  and 
steam  piping  himself.  In  1889,  he  severed  his 
connection  with  tha  house  and  accepted  his 
present  lucrative  position. 

The  city  of  Barnesville  was  first  relieved 
from  darkness  December  25,  1874,  by  the  in- 
troduction of  gas.  A company  had  been  pre- 
viously organized  on  September  15th,  of  the 
same  year,  and  a plant  was  built  a short  dis- 
tance north  of  the  Hilles  flouring  mill;  this 
])lant  was  erected  by  B.  Van  Steinberger  of 
New  York  City,  who  was  the  chief  instigator, 
at  the  cost  of  $24,000,  and  the  late  Hon.  Sam- 
uel Hilles  was  the  first  superintendent.  The 
city  was  lighted  in  this  manner  until  March  15, 
1890,  when  an  ordinance  was  passed  by  the 
City  Council,  whereby  it  provided  for  the 
lighting  of  the  city  by  electricity.  A franchise 
was  granted  to  the  Port  Wayne  Electric  Light- 
ing Company,  of  Fort  Wayne,  Indiana,  who 
furnished  incandescent  lights  to  the  city  for  a 
period  of  ten  years. 

In  1900,  the  Barnesville  Gas  Company  ob- 
tained the  franchise  to  furnish  lights  to  the 
city  and  an  electric  plant  was  added  at  a cost 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


825 


of  $50,000  and  the  name  of  the  company  was 
changed  to  the  BarnesAdlle  Gas  & Electric 
Light  Company.  The  present  officers  are : J. 
W.  Bradfield,  president;  J.  M.  Lewis,  vice- 
president  ; and  F.  Hunt,  secretary ; with  Hiram 
D.  Timmons,  superintendent  and  manager.  As 
before  mentioned,  the  latter  became  connected 
with  the  company  in  1889  and  has  the  exclu- 
sive control  of  this  large  plant.  He  is  a thor- 
ough electrician  and  employs  four  assistants. 
Under  his  careful  and  capalde  management  the 
plant  has  given  thorough  satisfaction.  His 
kind  and  amiable  disposition,  coupled  with  his 
shrewd  business  methods,  has  made  hosts  of 
friends  for  him  while  working  in  this  capacity. 

In  fraternal  circles  he  is  a member  of  the 
Odd  Fellows,  and  in  politics  he  supports  the 
Republican  party.  His  influence  is  extensive 
and  powerful  and  he  has  done  much  in  securing 
public  improvements  as  well  as  stimulating  pri- 
vate enterprises.  The  success  of  the  plant  with 
which  he  is  connected  is  largely  due  to  his  un- 
remitting efforts  and  the  manner  in  which  he 
has  surmounted  all  obstacles  and  risen  to  his 
present  place  of  authority  and  responsflDility 
from  apprenticesjiip  shows  his  aggressive  and 
energetic  nature. 


HAMILTON  G.  WOODS,*  a shearman  in 
the  Laughlin  Sheet  Mill  at  Martin’s  Ferry, 
Ohio,  is  serving  his  second  term  as  council- 
man from  the  Second  Ward,  is  on  the  finance 
committee,  the  ordinance  committee,  police, 
sewer,  street  and  waterworks  committees,  and 
can  be  depended  upon  to  do  according  to  agree- 
ment. He  was  born  in  Wbeeling,  West  Vir- 
ginia, February  7,  1861,  and  his  parents  were 
John  and  Nancy  (Gosney)  Woods,  natives  of 
Smithfield,  Ohio. 

John  Woods  spent  all  his  active  life  as  a 
boiler  in  the  Top  Mill  in  VTeeling,  West  Vir- 
ginia. He  moved  to  Martin’s  Feriw  in  1886, 
a retired  business  man.  and  there  lived  until 
his  death.  October  18.  1890.  at  the  age  of  66 
years.  Lie  was  married  June  4.  1854,  Nanc}^ 
Gosney  becoming  his  wife.  She  Avas  a daugh- 


ter of  Reuben  and  Loretta  Gosney.  Her 
father  died  at  the  age  of  60  years  during  the 
Civil  AVar,  and  her  mother  died  in  1849.  Mrs. 
W oods  Avas  one  of  a family  of  1 1 children,  of 
Avhom  the  four  surviving  are:  klary  J.,  Avho 

married  William  McKee,  Avho  Avas  killed  at 
the  battle  of  Cedar  Creek,  October  19,  1864; 
Nancy,  our  subject’s  mother;  James,  a resi- 
dent of  Harrisburg,  Pennsylvania ; and  Davis, 
residing  in  Martin’s  Ferry.  The  names  of  the 
deceased  children  are  as  follows : Elizabeth, 

Avhose  death  took  place  Avhen  she  was  just  18 
years  old ; Hamilton,  Avho  died  at  the  advanced 
age  of  70  years;  John  and  John  Reuben,  who 
died  in  bo3drood;  AndreAV,  Avhose  death  oc- 
curred at  the  age  of  55  years,  served  in  the 
Civil  War  as  a priAWe;  Albert,  Avho  died  Avhen 
tAvo  years  old;  and  Thomas,  Avho  is  presumed, 
to  be  living,  but  avIio  Avent  Avest  and  has  not 
been  heard  from  for  12  years. 

Our  subject’s  father  and  mother  had  tAvo 
children,  John  M.,  Avho  Avorks  at  the  mill  in 
Bridgeport,  Ohio;  and  our  subject,  Hamilton 
G.  The  parents  .Avere  members  of  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Church  and  John  Woods  al- 
Avays  took  part  as  an  officer.  He  and  Governor 
Atchison  were  Avell  knoAvn  to  each  other,  Avere 
Avarm  friends,  and  Avorked  together  in  the  tem- 
perance movement  in  West  Virginia. 

Hamilton  G.  Woods  Avas  educated  in  the 
public  schools  of  Wheeling,  after  Avhich  he, 
like  his  father,  Avorked  at  boiling  in  the  Top 
Mill  and  folloAved  that  occupation  until  the 
organization  of  the  Standard  Mill  at  Bridge- 
port, Ohio.  He  helped  to  start  this  mill  and 
Avas  given  a position  as  shearer  in  it,  remain- 
ing Avith  the  company  for  19  }'ears,  until  Oc- 
tober, 1901.  He  left  the  Standard  i\Iill  only 
to  take  his  position  in  the  Laughlin  Mill  as 
shearer. 

December  22,  1880,  Lillie  HoAvell,  a daugh- 
ter of  Isaac  and  Fanny  (Dickerson)  HoAvell, 
noAv  deceased,  became  our  subject’s  Avife.  Her 
lather  Avas  a stationary  engineer  and  died 
Januaiy  25,  1901,  at  the  age  of  76  years.  IMrs. 
HoAvell  died  in  1866,  at  the  earh^  age  of  28 
years,  Avhen  Mrs.  Woods  Avas  quite  young. 


826 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OF  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


They  were  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  and  at  her  death  that  church  lost  one 
of  its  most  enthusiastic  workers,  as  well  as  an 
excellent  singer,  for  Mrs.  Howell  always  sang 
in  the  choir.  She  became  a member  in  early 
girlhood  and  found  many  little  ways  of  mak- 
ing herself  useful  and  serviceable.  Mrs.  Woods 
is  a native  of  Ohio  and  has  been  the  mother 
of  nine  children,  whose  names  are  as  follows: 
I'rank  PL,  who  works  in  the  Laughlin  Sheet 
Mill  and  does  most  efficient  service  for  one  of 
his  years;  Beulah  PL;  Richard  C.  and  Kath- 
leen L.,  twins;  Plulda  B.,  Lillie  H.,  Donald  S., 
Gilbert  PL,  and  Elizabeth  M.,  born  June  5, 
1900,  and  died  September  14th  of  the  same 
year.  The  father  and  mother  of  these  children 
are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  and  rear  their  children  in  that  faith 
also.  Mrs.  Woods  is  president  of  the  mercy 
ami  hel])  department  of  the  church  work  and 
certainly  does  her  part.  In  politics  Mr.  Woods 
is  a Republican  of  strong  convictions,  and  as  a 
member  of  the  Council  has  been  of  great  ser- 
\’ice  to  the  city.  He  is  also  a strong  believer 
in  tbe  temperance  question,- — he  acts,  lives,  and 
believes  in  temperance  at  all  times ; since  he, 
himself,  has  never  drank  an  intoxicant  in  his 
life,  he  has  never  been  able  to  see  the  need  for 
others  to  do  so,  and  has  taken  a firm,  deter- 
mined stand  on  this  question.  He  and  his  fam- 
ily live  in  their  pleasant,  beautiful  home  at  No. 
623  West  Washington  street. 


E.  N.  BOGGS*,  a representative  citizen  of 
Barton,  Ohio,  who  is  extensively  engaged  in 
mining  and  mercantile  business,  rvas  born  in 
Colerain  townsbip  in  1859.  He  is  a son  of 
Erancis  and  Elizabeth  (Berry)  Boggs.  His 
mother  was  a daughter  of  Jacob  Berry,  who 
settled  in  Colerain  township  about  1802,  com- 
ing from  Hagerstown,  Maryland,  with  his  par- 
ents when  about  three  years  of  age. 

David  Boggs,  the  paternal  grandfather  of 
our  subject,  came  from  Maryland  to  Belmont 
County  in  the  early  part  of  the  T9th  century. 
He  settled  upon  a farm  about  six  miles  from 
Bridgeport,  in  Colerain  township,  remaining 


here  the  balance  of  his  life.  He  accumulated  a 
good  property  and  was  a very  prominent  man 
of  his  day.  He  opened  up  the  first  coal  bank 
in  Belmont  County,  it  being  located  on  Elat 
Run.  Pt  was  not  only  the  first  bank  opened, 
but  also  the  first  opened  for  commercial  pur- 
poses and  was  known  as  a “peddler’s  bank.” 
Belmont  County  ranks  fourth  among  the  coun- 
ties of  the  State  in  the  production  of  coal. 
David  Boggs  married  Mary  Waddle,  of  Ohio 
County  (West)  Virginia,  who  was  born  in 
Triadelphia.  The  following  children  were 
born  to  them  : David ; Marjorie, deceased,  who 
married  J.  W.  Collins,  of  Newark,  Ohio;  Wil- 
liam W.,  who  died  in  California;  Erancis;  and 
James,  of  Belmont  County. 

Erancis  Boggs,  father  of  E.  N.  Boggs,  de- 
voted all  of  his  life  to  agricultural  pursuits,  in 
which  he  met  with  more  than  ordinary  success. 
Pn  connection  with  his  farming  interests,  he 
also  operated  a coal  bank,  which  netted  him 
good  profits.  He  was  known  for  his  strict  in- 
tegrity and  square  dealings.  He  voted  the 
Democratic  ticket,  l)ut  never  aspired  to  office. 
However,  upon  several  occasions  he  was  called 
upon  to  fill  township  offices. 

To  him  and  his  wife  the  following  children 
were  born : Ella,  who  married  J.  W.  Bean,  of 
Bridgeport,  Ohio ; Catherine,  who  married  M. 
D.  Goldman,  of  Topeka,  Kansas ; Ona  M., 
who  married  E.  T.  Russell,  an  elder  of  the 
Seventh  Day  Adventists,  with  headquarters  at 
Lincoln,  Nebraska;  E.  W.,  who  is  assisting  his 
1)rother  in  the  mercantile  business:  Jacob  W., 
who  was  killed  in  a railroad  wreck  in  1891 ; 
and  R.  T.,  who  is  a conductor  on  the  Baltimore 
& Ohio  Railroad. 

E.  N.  Boggs  received  a liberal  amount  of 
schooling  in  the  district  schools  of  Colerain 
township,  after  which  he  took  a business  course 
in  Wheeling,  West  Virginia.  Later  he  attend- 
ed the  normal  university  at  Lebanon,  Ohio,  and 
in  1882  he  engaged  in  the  coal  business,  which 
has  claimed  the  major  portion  of  his  attention 
since  that  time.  He  has  been  eminently  suc- 
cessful. He  employs  on  an  average  150  men. 
During  the  summer  months  he  ships  the  prod- 
uct of  his  mine  to  Northern  transportation 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


827 


companies,  and  during  the  winter  the  coal  is 
used  for  fuel  on  trunk  line  railroads.  In  1892 
Mr.  Boggs  opened  a general  store  at  Barton,  in 
which  he  keeps  a full  stock  of  choice  family- 
groceries,  boots,  shoes,  clothing,  patent  medi- 
cines, etc.  His  store  is  a modern  two-story 
structure  and  is  first-class  in  all  its  appoint- 
ments. 

Mr.  Boggs  was  married  in  1892  to  Jemima 
Hall,  daughter  of  Henry  and  Hannah  Hall,  re- 
spected citizens  of  Colerain  township.  The 
family  consists  of  four  children  : Paul ; Mar- 

jorie; Mildred,  and  Elizabeth.  Socially,  Mr. 
Boggs  is  a member  of  Belmont  Lodge,  No.  16, 
F.  & A.  M. ; Hope  Commandery,  No.  26,  K. 
T.,  of  St.  Clairsville,  and  also  is  a member  of 
the  K.  of  P. 


HON.  HARVEY  HANFORD*.  Among 
the  prominent  citizens  of  Belmont  County, 
widely  known  in  agricultural,  political  and  so- 
cial life,  is  Hon.  Harvey  Hanford,  who,  during 
1877,  1878  and  1879,  ably  represented  Belmont 
Count)^  in  the  State  Legislature.  Mr.  Hanford 
is  a man  of  intellectual  strength,  extensive 
travel,  wide  reading,  social  acquaintance  and 
large  means. 

He  was  born  February  16,  1822,  in  Wash- 
ington township,  Belmont  County,  on  a farm 
located  some  two  and  one-half  miles  above  Arm- 
strong's Mills.  He  was  reared  in  'Washington 
township,  but  has  resided  in  WHyne  township 
for  the  past  49  years.  In  early  youth  he  had 
no  better  advantages  than  the  ordinary  farmer 
boy,  his  education  being  entirely  secured  in  the 
public  schools  of  his  day.  When  he  reached 
maturity  he  purchased  a part  of  school  section 
16,  in  Washington  township,  which  he  sold  in 
1849,  removing  then  to  Iowa.  However  he  did 
not  locate  there,  but  soon  after  returned  to 
Belmont  County,  and  about  1855  purchased 
his  present  fine  farm  in  section  4,  AVayne  town- 
ship, making  subsequent  purchases  until  his 
landed  possessions  in  this  county  now  aggre- 
gate 613  acres.  Until  recently,  despite  his 
many  other  interests,  Mr.  Hanford  has  person- 
ally managed  this  large  estate.  Among  other 


possessions  is  a tract  of  40  acres  in  Florida,  se- 
cured during  one  of  his  numerous  visits  in  the 
South. 

Mr.  Hanford  has  long  been  a factor  in  the 
politics  of  Belmont  County.  His  present  polit- 
ical attitude  is  as  an  independent  voter,  al- 
though various  currents  have  led  him  into  sup- 
porting late  Republican  candidates.  In  his 
earlier  years  he  was  a Whig,  admiring  Henry 
Clay  and  his  principles.  His  vote  was  cast  for 
both  Lincoln  and  Grant,  also  for  Horace 
Greeley.  Alwa}^s  independent  in  his  view  of 
matters,  Mr.  Hanford  has  been  especially  free 
from  any  charge  of  “machine-made  politics” 
and  has  voted  as  his  conscience  and  judgment 
decided  as  certain  issues  were  presented  to  the 
people.  No  more  able  man  was  found  by  the 
Democrats  in  1877  to  send  as  a Representative 
to  the  Legislature,  and  he  defended  the  princi- 
ples of  that  party  until  the  election  of  President 
Cleveland.  He  is  not  in  favor  of  free  trade. 
Some  six  or  eight  years  Mr.  Hanford  served 
most  acceptably  as  township  treasurer,  but  is 
now  free  from  official  duties. 

In  1850  ]\Ir.  Hanford  married  Eliza  Jane 
Perkins,  a daughter  of  Elijah  Perkins,  who 
was  brought  from  near  Waynesburg,  Virginia, 
to  Belmont  County  in  infancy  and  after  a long 
life  here  died  in  1895,  when  more  than  100 
years  of  age.  Mrs.  Hanford  was  born  in  1829 
and  her  four  brothers  are:  Elihu,  Jonas.  Reu- 
ben and  William,  the  two  named  last  residing 
near  Bethesda.  The  children  born  to  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Hanford  were:  V.  A.,  who  resides  upon 
a part  of  the  home  farm,  as  does  Charles  ; Vic- 
toria, deceased,  was  the  wife  of  x\.  C.  Mantell 
— her  daughter,  Mrs.  E.  P.  Ward,  also  occu- 
pies a part  of  the  farm  : and  Rev.  IM.  V.  The 
last  named  is  a graduate  of  Bethany  College  at 
Lexington,  and  was  ordained  a minister  in  Bel- 
mont Ridge  Christian  Church,  and  for  the  past 
two  years  has  been  an  instructor  at  the  Chris- 
tian College  at  xLlbany,  IMissouri,  but  has  lately 
located  at  Shadyside  as  bookkeeper  for  T.  A. 
Rodefer.  ]\Ir.  Hanford  has  four  granddaugh- 
ters and  is  rearing  the  youngest.  The  family 
is  one  of  close  attachment  and  for  40  years  has 
been  connected  with  the  Christian  Church. 


828 


CENTENNIAL  HISTORY  OE  BELMONT  COUNTY, 


DR.  WILLIAM  O.  S.  PIPER*  is  honored 
and  esteemed  by  the  citizens  of  Bellaire,  Ohio, 
as  one  of  the  best  physicians  of  the  city,  whose 
future  is  full  of  promise.  Lie  was  born  in  Glen- 
coe, Belmont  County,  in  1872,  and  is  a son  of 
Dr.  William  Piper  and  grandson  of  John 
Piper,  who  came  from  Northumberland  Coun- 
ty, Pennsylvania,  and  followed  farming'  as  a 
business,  his  later  years  'being  spent  on  his 
home  place  in  Mead  township,  to  which  he  re- 
moved a short  time  before  bis  death. 

Dr.  William  Piper,  the  father,  spent  his 
younger  days  upon  his  father’s  farm  and  after 
securing  his  education  taught  school  for  a few 
years  until  he  determined  on  the  medical  pro- 
fession as  his  life  work.  He  attended  lectures 
given  at  Starling  Medical  College  and  became 
a physician  in  1857,  his  first  field  of  practice 
being  at  Jacobsburg,  Ohio,  where  he  had  good 
success.  Lie  practiced  later  at  Newark,  Ohio, 
and  at  Glencoe,  this  county,  and  at  last  settled 
l^ermanently  in  Bellaire  in  1890,  having  his 
office  and  residence  both  at  No.  3263  Guernsey 
street.  He  is  now  one  of  the  oldest  and  best- 
known  citizens  and  practitioners  in  his  native 
county,  and  during  his  45  years  of  work  has 
gained  the  reputation  he  bears  as  an  expert  in 
his  profession,  skilled  and  persevering,  and  as 
a man  of  generous  but  firm  disposition.  He 
has  reached  the  age  of  70  years,  his  birth  hav- 
ing taken  place  in  May,  1832,  near  St.  Clairs- 
ville,  Ohio,  and  although  he  has  always  taken 
an  interest  in  public  affairs  he  has  given  his 
time  exclusively  to  his  profession.  He  was 
trustee  of  the  Children’s  Home  and  surgeon  for 
the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad  for  several 
years.  The  only  sister  of  our  subject  is  the 
wife  of  Rev.  A.  Johnson,  pastor  of  the  First 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  at  Newark,  Ohio. 

Dr.  William  O.  S.  Piper  followed  the  exam- 
ple of  hjs  father  and  also  taught  school  in  his 
early  years,  attending  medical  lectures  at  Bal- 
timore. His  graduation  from  the  University 
of  Baltimore  occurred  in  1893,  and  for  the  past 
ten  years  he  has  been  located  at  Bellaire,  where 
his  office  and  residence  are  with  his  father’s  on 
Guernsey  street.  He  chose  a daughter  of 
Alfred  Pauli  for  his  wife,  and  they  have  one 


child,  William  Charles,  born  in  1901.  They 
are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  giving  of  their  means  toward  its  sup- 
port. 

Fraternally  our  subject  is  a Mason,  being  a 
member  of  the  blue  lodge  and  chapter  of  Bel- 
laire and  also  of  Hope  Commandery,  No.  26, 
K.  T.,  of  St.  Clairsville,  Ohio.  Socially  he  is 
a member  of  the  Belmont  County  Medical  So- 
ciety and  of  the  Ohio  State  Medical  Society, 
and  is  valued  for  his  willing  service  in  both. 
He  now  has  a regular  practice  which  is  daily  in- 
creasing and  by  careful  study  and  untiring  dili-' 
gence  he  keeps  abreast  of  the  times,  and  is  well 
informed  on  all  new  developments  in  the  medi- 
cal world.  He  is  looked  upon  as  a man  of  fine 
attainments  and  natural  ability,  and  is  one  of 
the  best  physicians  in  the  city. 


LOUIS  A.  CLIPP*,  a prosperous  farmer 
and  progressive  citizen  of  Richland  township, 
Belmont  County,  Ohio,  was  born  in  Jefferson 
County,  (West)  Virginia,  in  1847,  is  a son 
of  James  W.  and  Elizabeth  Ann  Clipp. 

James  W.  Clipp,  father  of  our  subject,  was 
engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits  throughout 
his  entire  life,  dying  in  1892,  at  the  age  of  79 
years.  He  was  a Whig  before  the  Civil  War 
and  was  a strong  supporter  of  the  cause  of  the 
Union,  but  since  the  war  was  independent  in 
political  affairs.  His  wife,  Elizabeth  Ann,  was 
born  in  Lancaster  County,  Pennsylvania,  and 
died  in  1896,  at  the  age  of  70  years.  Both  were 
members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 
Five  children  were  born  to  their  union,  as  fol- 
lows ; John  R. ; Charles  W. ; Louis  A. ; Mar- 
garet V.,  wife  of  George  Huffmaster;  and 
Thomas  P. 

Louis  A.  Clipp  was  reared  in  his  native 
county  and  lived  there  until  1875,  when  he  re- 
moved to  Richland  township,  Belmont  County, 
Ohio.  He  later  located  in  Wheeling  township, 
where  he  resided  12  years.  He  again  returned 
to  Richland  township,  where  he  engaged  in 
agricultural  pursuits  and  now  resides  on  his 


AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS. 


829 


farm  of  80  acres  two  miles  north  of  St.  Clairs- 
r'ille.  He  has  always  been  deeply  interested  in 
all  that  pertains  to  the  welfare  and  develop- 
ment of  his  township  and  county,  and  is  presi- 
dent of  the  Cadiz  & St.  Clairsville  Pike  Com- 
pany. He  is  also  agent  for  the  Champion  Ma- 
chine Company  in  his  district. 

In  1876  Mr.  Clipp  was  united  in  marriage 
with  A-Iary  Ann  Jackson,  who  was  born  in 
Wheeling  township  in  1849  and  is  a daughter 
of  William  and  Annie  Jackson.  Six  children 
resulted  from  this  union,  as  follows : Wilbert 

L. ; Annie  Viola,  a stenographer  and  book- 
keeper at  Bellaire;  James  Blaine,  who  is  with 
the  Belmont  Telephone  Company ; Jessie  Edith; 
Philip  R. ; and  Lizzie  Loraine.  Fraternally, 
Mr.  Clipp  is  a Mason,  and  in  politics  is  a Re- 
publican. He  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 


Wilbert  L.  Clipp,  the  eldest  child  of  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Clipp,  was  graduated  from  Delaware  Col- 
lege in  1895.  On  May  22,  1899,  he  entered  the 
service  of  the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad  Com- 
pany, being  given  charge  of  the  car  service  de- 
partment at  Bellaire,  Ohio.  On  October  i, 
1900,  he  was  promoted  to  be  assistant  chief 
clerk  to  Superintendent  of  Terminals  J.  M. 
Barrett  of  the  Baltimore  & Ohio,  with  head- 
cjuarters  at  Wheeling,  West  Virginia,  which 
position  he  held  until  October  14,  1901,  on 
which  date  he  was  transferred  to  Pittsburg, 
Pennsylvania,  as  stenographer  to  Car  Distribu- 
tor F.  B.  Lockhart.  On  March  i,  1902,  he  suc- 
ceeded Mr.  Lockhart  as  car  distributor  with 
headquarters  at  Pittsburg,  having  control  of 
the  entire  Pittsburg  division  of  the  Baltimore 
& Ohio  Railroad,  in  which  position  he  has  con- 
tinued. 


INDEX 


PAGE 


Affleck,  Dr.  J.  G 209 

Aldredge,  Madison 452 

Alexander,  Dr.  Jolm 144 

Alexander,  Hon.  Ross  J 641 

Allen,  David  K, 529 

AUen,  WiLLiam  A 459 

Amrine,  John 639 

Anderson,  James  F 327 

Anderson,  J.  R 500 

Anshutz,  Henry  C 812 

Archer,  Dr.  Jolm 151 

Armstrong,  CraT^'ford  Welsh 789 

Arnold,  Charles 457 

Ashenhurst,  Mrs.  Jlartha 370 

Ashton,  Roger 505 

Ayers,  T.  C 774 

Bailey,  Allen 478 

Bailey,  Bindley  P 586 

Bailey,  Silas 702 

Barlow,  William  H 327 

Barnes,  James 222 

Barnes,  Joseph 419 

Bamesville  City  Hall 224 

BarnesGUe  Public  School 232 

Barton,  W.  S 416 

Bauer,  Clarence  E 507 

Beetham,  Dr.  A.  C 150 

BeUaire  High  School 174 

BeUaire  Steel  Works 168 

Behnont  County  Children’s  Home.  310 
Behnont  Countj'  Court  House.  . 60 

Behnont  County  Infirmary 38 

Behnont  Coimty  Jail  and  Jailer’s 

Residence 276 

Bergundthal,  W.  C 470 

Berry,  Edgar  A 415 

Birdsong,  Dr.  Elijah  Perry 147 

Blackburn,  M.  L 722 

Blackford,  James  Mitchell,  M.  D.  578 

Blmn  Brothers 550 

Boggs,  E.  N 826 

Bone5'steele,  Jacob 535 

Boone,  Dr.  D.  W 152 

Boswell,  Nathan  M 362 

Bowles,  Frank  0 394 

Bovnnan,  R.  L 408 

Boj'd,  WiUiam 396 

Bradfield,  John 323 

Branson,  Thomas  W 752 

Branuni,  FI.  Greeley 459 

Bridgeport  High  School 214 

Bridgeport  Toum  Hall 206 

Bundy,  Dillwyn  C 606 


PAGE 


Burkhart,  Arnold  William 822 

Caldwell,  John 784 

Campbell,  Dr.  John 145 

Carle,  Dr.  William  Ross 151 

Carlile,  John 758 

Carnes,  Miles  T 410 

Carpenter,  Samuel,  Esq 723 

CarroU,  Hon.  C.  W 436 

Carter  Brothers 462 

Cater,  Nathan 404 

Cecil,  Henry  J 542 

Cecil,  Isaac  N 336 

Chapman,  Jolm 76 

Chappell,  William  0 535 

Charlesworth,  Col.  James  F 499 

Clark,  Gen.  George  Rogers 11 

Clark,  Dr.  J.  A 152 

Clemens,  Mrs.  iMary  E 458 

Clemens,  Samuel  A 574 

Chpp,  Louis  A 828 

Close,  Dr.  George  A 149 

Cochran,  Hon.  John  Salisburv. . . 473 

CoUins,  A.  W :...  694 

Colpitts,  George  A 376 

Colpitts,  John 372 

Cooke,  George 617 

Cooper,  Dr.  ,J.  W 151 

Cope,  Dr.  Caleb 147 

Cope,  Dr.  Ellis  C.  . . 781 

Cope,  Dr.  Isaac  G 780 

Coss,  DaGd 622 

Coss,  John 425 

Cowen,  Gen.  Benjamin  Rush.  ...  91 

Cowen,  Hon.  Benjamin  S 102 

Cowen,  Judge  D.  D.  T 105 

Cowen,  W.  W 525 

Crossland,  John  F 740 

Crowl,  James  P 610 

Crozier,  George  663 

Cunard,  John  L 773 

Cunningham  Family,  The 815 

Danford,  Dewitt 475 

Danford,  Hon.  Harvey 827 

Danford,  Hon.  Lorenzo 727 

Darrah,  D.  H 783 

Darrah,  James  H 367 

Darrah,  Joseph  W.,  ]\L  D 339 

Davenport,  Benjamin ’.  . 553 

Davenport,  Hon.  .John 227 

Dawson,  Chalklev 693 

DeLanejq  John  W 773 

Dement,  Harry  E 427 


PAGE 

Disque,  B.  F 822 

Diven,  Dr.  A.  W 152 

Dixon,  James  0 388 

Dobbins,  Charles  P 328 

Dorer,  Carl  L 407 

Doster,  Richard  .\rthington 811 

Doudna,  Josiah  W 361 

Douglass,  Henrj^  W .594 

Drennen,  Dr.  J.  N 1.52 

DuBois,  John 647 

DuBois,  James  F 556 

Du^'all,  William 768 

Dysart,  Sylvanus  C 671 

Eckert,  Gen.  Thomas  Thompson.  93 

Edgar,  Moses  W 363 

Edgerton,  James 700 

Eljq  James  S3’kes,  51.  D 46.5 

Emerson,  Lawson  E 446 

Epworth  Park - 296 

Estep,  Dr.  William 146 

Evans,  Lee 795 

Paris,  Robert W 411 

Ferguson,  James  Patton 806 

Fisher,  Dr.  W.  S 148 

Floto,  George 766 

Fowler,  Charles 580 

Fowler,  John  W 598 

Fowler,  Samuel 600 

Fralejq  Frederick 800 

Fra.sier,  Thomas  T 559 

Fritter,  Thomas  D 648 

Frj'  Brothers  462 

Fuhr,  Harrj’  C 450 

Fulton,  Walker 817 

Garber,  J.  W 378 

Gaston,  Dr.  Ephraim 144 

Gaston,  Hon.  Isaac  H 351 

Gibbons,  Joseph  634 

Giffen,  James  T 392 

Giffen,  Robert  Emmet 386 

Giffen,  WiUiam  A 665 

Giffen,  5V.  AV 763 

Giffin,  Hugh 460 

Giffin,  John 454 

Giffin,  Robert 591 

Gillaspie,  Samuel 776 

Gillespie,  George 808 

Gillespie,  Thomas 385 

Gille.spie,  William  Calvin 3S5 

Gow,  John  R 485 

Grajq  James  C 604 


832 


INDEX. 


PAGE 


Cireon,  George  W 811 

fJrocMi,  J.  A 739 

Greenfield,  J.  A 524 

Grella,  Charles  A 628 

Groves,  Elliolt  W 689 

Hammond,  Charles 100 

Hanes,  .Joseph  T 737 

Hanlon,  William  Waters 329 

Harris,  Thomas  P 400 

Hart  , Miles 772 

Harten.stein,  Herman 803 

tlatoher,  N.  .1 664 

Hays,  .John  D 4.51 

Hays,  .Tnlius  H 496 

Hazen,  Hon.  George  W 632 

Hazen,  .lohn  A 633 

Healejp  Richard  362 

Heatherington  Family,  The 735 

Heatherington,  Jacob 734 

Heatherington,  Joseph  W 426 

Heinlein,  Dr.  A.  J 150 

Helpbringer,  Peter  W 395 

Hendershot,  George  AVashington.  823 

Hender.shot,  J.  Taylor 799 

Henderson,  Alexander  Y 653 

Henderson,  John  Larue 763 

Henderson,  John  M 489 

Henderson,  Matthew  760 

Henderson,  Mrs.  Miranda  P 761 

Henderson,  Robert  L 507 

Hender.son,  Robert  Patterson...  763 

Hen.sley,  J.  M.,  M.  D 694 

Hepler,  Dr.  P.  E 478 

Hewetson,  Dr.  A.  H 143 

Hewet.son,  Dr.  .Jo.scph 440 

Hibbard,  F.  W 597 

Hobson,  Dr.  A.  B 150 

Hobson,  Dr.  .John  A 149 

Hoge,  Dr.  A.  J 148 

Hollingsworth,  Gen.  David  A...  95 

Holling.sworth,  Hon.  Jesse  W. . . . 343 

Howard,  Hon.  Charles  J 485 

Howells,  Dr.  James  0 150 

Howells,  William  Dean 90 

Hutchison,  Elmer  J 439 

Hutchison,  Jolm  S 593 

Israel,  J.  C 805 

Jepson,  George 433 

Johnson,  James 420 

Johnson,  .John  C 791 

Jones,  J.  W 416 

Judkins,  Dr.  Carolus 226 

Judkins,  James  A.,  M.  D 513 

Judkins,  William  L.,  M.  D 352 

Jvennon,  Hon.  .John  AA^ 617 

Jvennon,  Judge  AVilliam,  Sr 102 

Jvern,  George 493 

lying,  Ambrose  G 813 

Jving,  AAb  R 353 

Kirkwood,  Jo.seph 582 

Ivirkwood,  Major  Robert 13 

Jvlotz,  A 449 


PAGE 


ICnox,  James  Thomas 387 

Ivoehnline,  John  J 787 

Ivoehnline,  AA^illiam 560 

Jvorner,  George  A 765 

Ivraatz,  Augu.st 818 

Ivrauter,  E.  G 494 

Lane,  I.saac  R 359 

Laughlin,  Hon.  John  AV 612 

Lee,  Capt.  Albert  AV 681 

Lee,  Ellis  P 483 

Jjewis,  John  Ira 714 

Lewis,  .John  Alilton 348 

Lewis,  Thomas  L 344 

Lichtig,  Le^d  537 

Lipphardt,  AAhlliam 470 

Long,  David  13 651 

Long,  Heyward 60.3 

Lodge,  Thomas  L 391 

Lundy,  Benjamin 87 

Lynch,  Charles  J .548 

Mann,  AVilliam 330 

Alarsh,  Dr.  D.  V 150 

Martin,  Ebenezer 191 

Martin,  Janies  AV 746 

Martin’s  Ferry  High  School 198 

Alartin’s  Ferry  Town  Hall 190 

Mason,  Frank  S 404 

Massie,  Alfred  E 706 

Mead,  Edward  Jj 687 

Mears,  Thomas  J 511 

Mechem,  AVinfield  S 724 

Medill,  G.  W 554 

Meek,  James  H.,  M.  D 395 

Mellott,  A.  O 506 

Melton,  Frank  M 605 

Alerritt,  Hugh  M 468 

Merritt,  William  A 550 

Metzger,  John 550 

Milligan,  AVilliam  L 549 

Mintier,  John .384 

Mitchell,  Alfred  H 335 

Mitchell,  Mrs.  J Ivirkwood 584 

Mitchell,  Matthew  Clark 657 

Mitchell,  A^incent 583 

Moberly,  Elisha  A... 748 

Moffat,  Rev.  Dr.  James 96 

Moffat,  Dr.  John  AV 152 

Montgomeiy,  Robert  C 729 

Moore,  Francis 364 

Moore,  M.  E 720 

Moore,  Thomas  G 378 

Morgan,  Eli  S 640 

Morrison,  Paul,  M.  D 629 

Alorrow,  Thomas  R 564 

Muhleman,  Robert  W.,  M.  D.  . . . .523 

Mulhearn,  Re^v  Charles  A 628 

Mumnia,  Benjamin  F 618 

Muth,  George  H 609 

McAlister,  Dr.  J.  C 151 

McAlister,  Joseph 797 

McBride,  Amos 338 

McBride,  Benjamin  S 526 

McCarty,  J.  F 599 

AlcCartney,  William  H 645 


PAGE 

McClellan,  Dr.  J.  S 150 

McCombs,  E.  E 481 

McConahey,  Dr.  .James  M 147 

McConnaughy,  Capt.  Burget....  571 

McCune,  AVilliam 424 

McDermott,  Matthew 354 

McDonald,  J.  Harry 621 

McDonald,  Robert 501 

McFarland,  A.  J.,  M.  D 423 

McFarland,  John  Jv 446 

McGill,  James  F 513 

McGraw,  John  H 482 

McGregor,  Samuel  H 432 

McJvelvey,  Hon.  A.  T 324 

Mclvelvey,  David  F 821 

McJvelvey,  George  C 432 

Mclvelvey,  Joseph  C 722 

McJvelvey,  Robert 699 

Mc  Jvelvey,  Thomas  J 672 

McMaster,  Alexander  W 754 

McMaster,  Dr.  J.  N 675 

McMaster,  Samuel 684 

McMaster,  Thomas  J 690 

McMaster,  Dr.  William 149 

McAIillen,  James  Battelle,  AI.D.  . 396 
McNichols,  William 732 

Neff,  Alexander 419 

Neff,  Andrew  James 577 

Neff,  John  A.,  Sr 402 

Neff,  John  AV 795 

Neff,  Peter 779 

Neff,  Theodore 495 

Negus,  Oliver  S 695 

Neininger,  Fred 482 

Nelson,  Mordecai 468 

Nelson,  R.  Smiley 502 

Newland,  Isaac 568 

Nichol,  AVilliam 371 

Nichol,  AV.  A 431 

Norris,  Otho  P 328 

Old  Court  House 104 

Old  Tavern  at  Great  AVestern.  . . 72 

Ong,  Albert  R.,  A.M.,  M.D 151 

Orr,  .Joseph  A 700 

Parker,  Oliver  C 752 

Parkinson,  JacolD 696 

Patterson,  Mrs.  Harriet  B 369 

Patton,  AVilliam  Luther 63.5 

Peregoy,  Fred  Cannon,  M.  D.  . . . 530 

Perkins,  Moses 757 

JYrkins,  Samuel  AV 804 

Petty,  Edward  T 372 

Phillip, s,  D.  T.,  M.  D 660 

Phillips,  George  Jv 764 

Pickens,  Hugh  M 476 

Pier, sol,  Dr.  Joseph 152 

Piper,  J.  AV.,  M.D 745 

Piper,  Samuel  B 547 

Piper,  Dr.  William  O.  S 828 

Pittman,  Isaac  H 775 

JMllock,  Calvin 615 

Pollock,  Robert  J 380 

Porterfield,  J.  Oliver 792 


INDEX. 


833 


PAGE 


Porterfield,  William  D 393 

Potts,  Charles  E 654 

Pugh,  Morgan 751 

Rainey,  W.  J 203 

Raley,  James 782 

Ramsay,  Samuel 816 

Ranisejr,  George  Lawrence,  M.  D . 767 

Ramsey,  John  A 756 

Ramsey,  William 688 

Reece,  George  W 669 

Reed,  John  K 367 

Richards,  J.  Mehin 743 

Richmond,  William  F 360 

Rider,  Jacob 355 

Rietz,  Jacob 450 

Riley,  Jolm  W 394 

Roberts,  J.  C 634 

Robinson,  George  0 547 

Robinson,  John  R 412 

Robitzer,  Charles  M 377 

Rodemg,  Charles  W 514 

Rogers,  Dr.  WiUiam  N 716 

Rosengrant,  Thomas  S.,  M.  D.  . . . 376 

Rothennund,  Henry  M 727 

Rowles,  Tyson  C 720 

Rumbach,  Conrad 354 

Ruggles,  Senator  Benjamin 101 

St.  Clair,  Gen.  Arthur 49 

St.  Clairs'vdUe  Public  School 248  • 

Sampson,  John  H 409 

Scatterday,  Eldridge  D 707 

Scheelile,  Louis  Lincoln 511 

Schick,  John 627 

Schnegg,  Jacob 708 

Schooley,  Dr.  Lindley 147 

Scofield,  Jonathan  T 541 

Seabright,  William  H 337 

Shannon,  Gov.  Wilson 101 

Sharp,  William  A 567 

Sheets,  M 715 

Shepherd,  Richard 719 

Sheppard,  Dr.  D.  0 151 

Shotwell,  Joseph  K 402 

Shreve,  Thomas  Wistar 517 

Shry,  John  F 781 

Siddall,  William 486 


PAGE 


Simpson,  Edward  M 670 

Simpson,  W.  G 701 

Skinner,  Frank  R 401 

Skinner,  John  T 409 

Sloan,  William 536 

Smith,  Carlos  A 484 

Smith,  George  E 705 

Smith,  Lieut.  John  F 587 

Smith,  T.  Bradley 467 

Smith,  Hon.  William  F 624 

Spence,  George  L 623 

Springer,  J.  E 538 

Stanton,  William 747 

Starbuck,  John 434 

Steele,  Dr.  B.  L 146 

Steele,  Ellis  B 611 

Steer,  Elisha  B 411 

Stewart,  A.  T 616 

Stonebraker,  M.  C 766 

Strahl,  Cyrus  H 428 

Strong,  Thomas  L 331 

Suedmeyer,  Rev.  Louis  W 391 

TaUman,  RaAmiond  A 435 

Taylor,  James 658 

TerriU,  John  W 346 

Thoburn,  Isabella 88 

Thoburn,  Bishop  James  IM 97 

Thompson,  Dr.  William  Estep.  . . 149 

Thorburn,  David 630 

Timberlake,  John  E 731 

Timmons,  Hiram  D 824 

Todd,  Dr.  J.  M 209 

Vickers,  John  W 340 

Walker,  Dr.  Dale  L 541 

Walker,  David 544 

Walker,  Dr.  Josephus 147 

Ward,  D.  A 616 

Warren,  William  Harrison 674 

Wassman,  Fred,  Jr 453 

Wat.son,  John 646 

Watt,  James  H 383 

Watt,  Joseph 352 

Watt,  John  W 353 

Watt,  R.  Ross 524 

Watt,  Stewart 375 


PAGE 


Weeks,  James  M 508 

Weems,  Hon.  CapeU  L 563 

Wehiie,  Rev.  Joseph  M 399 

Weigand,  Rev.  Father  Joseph  A.  . 579 

Wellons,  Granville  S.,  M.  D 531 

Wellons,  James  W.,  M.  D 532 

Wells,  Thompson  M.,  M.  D 621 

Welsh,  Hon.  Isaac 305 

Welsh,  Leroy 305 

West,  Dr.  Henrv 145 

West,  Dr.  Homer 149 

West,  Dr.  J.  Park 151 

West,  Dr.  Samuel  L 453 

We.st,  Dr.  Simon  B 146 

Wetzel,  Lewis 29 

Wheatley,  John  F 816 

White,  Hon.  James  A 591 

White,  William  H 711 

Whitsitt,  Dr.  C.  C 713 

Wilcox,  A.  W 758 

Wilkes,  Eugene  JI 555 

Wilkins,  John  M 678 

Wilkinson,  John  W 666 

Williams,  Dr.  Brady  0 152 

Williams,  Dr.  Ephraim 147 

Williams,  Thomas  L 543 

Wilson,  Joseph  G.,  M.  D 347 

Wilson,  John  R 754 

Wilson,  James  S 403 

Wilson,  L.  F 379 

Wimmer,  Sebastian 452 

Windom,  Senator  William 89 

Wise,  Alva  A 427 

Wise,  James  W 573 

Woodbridge,  Dr.  Dudley 149 

Woods,  Hamilton  G 825 

Woods,  Janies 466 

Woods,  William  A 486 

Woods,  William  Weslej^ 490 

Workman,  John 768 

Workman,  Dr.  J.  C 151 

Wortliington,  Hon.  Paul  B 332 

Wright,  Charles  B 659 

Yoimg,  John 771 

Zaire,  Elizabeth 21 

Zink,  H.  J 815 

Zurchar,  Albert 808 


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